Loy Krathong & Yi Peng Lantern Festivals: Thailand’s Most Magical Nights of Light

The Festivals of Light – Thailand’s Twin Celebrations

Few festivals in the world rival the beauty and symbolism of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng. Held together in November 2025 (Nov 5–6), these twin celebrations of light transform Thailand’s rivers, temples, and skies into a dazzling sea of candles and lanterns.

1. Loy Krathong: Families and couples release decorated krathongs (lotus-shaped floats with candles and incense) into rivers and lakes, asking for forgiveness from the water goddess and symbolically letting go of bad luck.
2. Yi Peng (Yee Peng): Unique to Chiang Mai and northern Thailand, thousands of glowing paper lanterns (khom loi) are released into the sky, carrying wishes for prosperity, happiness, and renewal.

With Explera DMC Thailand, travelers experience these events not just as spectators but as participants — learning the rituals, joining local communities, and enjoying exclusive festival access and private tours.

History and Meaning of Loy Krathong

1. Origins: Thought to date back to the Sukhothai Kingdom (13th–14th century), when residents floated offerings to honor Mae Khongkha, the Goddess of Water.
2. Symbolism: The candle represents enlightenment, incense symbolizes prayers, and floating the krathong symbolizes letting go of anger, misfortune, or negativity.
3. Modern Touches: Today, eco-friendly krathongs made from banana leaves, bread, or even coconut shells replace styrofoam to protect waterways.

History and Meaning of Yi Peng

1. Origins: Rooted in northern Lanna culture, Yi Peng was originally a festival marking the end of monsoon season and the start of the cool season — a time of renewal and merit-making.
2. Symbolism: The release of lanterns represents letting go of worries and sending wishes for the future. Families often release lanterns together as a symbol of unity and prosperity.
3. Unique Rituals: Yi Peng also involves decorating homes and temples with lanterns, parades, and Buddhist ceremonies.

Best Places to Experience Loy Krathong

1. Bangkok – Candle-Lit River Cruises

Bangkok comes alive along the Chao Phraya River, where floating krathongs drift alongside illuminated temples like Wat Arun and luxury hotels.

1. Top Experiences: Join a private river cruise with dinner and live entertainment. Participate in krathong-making workshops before the evening festival.
2. Join a private river cruise with dinner and live entertainment.
3. Participate in krathong-making workshops before the evening festival.
4. Explera Tie-in: Explera DMC Thailand organizes river-view hotel stays, private boats, and guided festival tours.

2. Sukhothai – The Historical Heart of Loy Krathong

Considered the birthplace of Loy Krathong, Sukhothai hosts the most atmospheric celebrations.

1. Highlights: Processions with dancers in traditional dress. Light & sound shows at the UNESCO World Heritage Historical Park. Fireworks displays reflecting in the ancient lotus ponds.
2. Processions with dancers in traditional dress.
3. Light & sound shows at the UNESCO World Heritage Historical Park.
4. Fireworks displays reflecting in the ancient lotus ponds.
5. Explera Tie-in: Explera arranges guided Sukhothai tours that combine cultural heritage with the festival, ideal for groups and incentive travelers.

3. Ayutthaya – Loy Krathong Among Ruins

The ancient capital of Ayutthaya celebrates with krathongs floating past temple ruins and riverside shrines, creating a romantic and historic setting.

1. Highlights: Candle-lit temples, local parades, traditional boat processions.
2. Explera Tie-in: Explera DMC Thailand combines Ayutthaya temple tours with Loy Krathong celebrations for cultural enthusiasts.

Best Places to Experience Yi Peng

1. Chiang Mai Old City & Moat

The heart of the Yi Peng Festival is in Chiang Mai, where streets, temples, and the moat glow with lanterns.

1. Highlights: Lantern displays, parades, and temple ceremonies.
2. Explera Tie-in: Explera curates walking tours with local guides, combining temple visits by day with lantern releases by night.

2. Wat Phan Tao

One of Chiang Mai’s most photogenic festival spots, this wooden temple hosts monk-led lantern ceremonies where hundreds of floating lanterns reflect on temple ponds.

1. Highlights: Meditative and spiritual atmosphere.
2. Explera Tie-in: Private seating for VIP cultural groups arranged by Explera DMC Thailand.

3. Mae Jo University (Muang Khum) Mass Release

Perhaps the most iconic Yi Peng experience, this is the site of the famous synchronized lantern release, with thousands of glowing lanterns filling the sky.

1. Highlights: A once-in-a-lifetime sight, often requiring ticket reservations.
2. Explera Tie-in: Explera provides priority booking, transfers, and local guides to ensure smooth festival participation.

Key Dates in 2025

1. Loy Krathong: November 5–6, 2025 (nationwide).
2. Yi Peng: November 5–6, 2025 (Chiang Mai and northern provinces).

Travel Tips for Festival-Goers

1. Book Early: Chiang Mai and Sukhothai hotels sell out months in advance.
2. Reserve Tickets: For the Muang Khum lantern release.
3. Dress Modestly: Temples are sacred spaces.
4. Stay Safe: Use eco-friendly lanterns and krathongs; avoid overcrowded riverbanks.
5. Combine Experiences: With Explera DMC Thailand, you can celebrate Loy Krathong in Bangkok or Sukhothai before traveling north for Yi Peng in Chiang Mai.

How Explera DMC Enhances the Festival Experience

As the top Thailand DMC, Explera goes beyond sightseeing to create immersive cultural festival packages:

1. Private River Cruises on the Chao Phraya during Loy Krathong.
2. Festival Transfers & Guides to navigate crowded Chiang Mai streets.
3. Krathong & Lantern Workshops for hands-on experiences.
4. VIP Access & Reserved Seating at major lantern releases.
5. Custom Festival Itineraries blending temples, markets, and cultural shows.

For multi-country programs, Explera DMC Asia connects Thailand’s festivals with Cambodia’s Water Festival and Laos’ That Luang Festival, creating regional cultural journeys.

Why These Festivals Are Unmissable

The beauty of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng lies not only in their visuals but also in their spiritual meaning:

1. Loy Krathong: Releasing the past, thanking the water, seeking renewal.
2. Yi Peng: Wishing for future prosperity, hope, and light.

Together, they represent Thailand’s harmony between tradition, spirituality, and celebration.

Plan Your Festival Journey with Explera DMC

Imagine floating a candle-lit krathong down the Chao Phraya River, then standing under a sky of thousands of glowing lanterns in Chiang Mai. These are the moments that make Thailand unforgettable.

With Explera DMC Thailand, you can enjoy seamless logistics, expert guides, and personalized experiences. For regional cultural extensions, Explera DMC Asia connects Thailand with neighboring festivals and traditions.