Yi Peng Festival: Lantern Festival

Yi Peng is an annual celebration in Northern Thailand held in the second lunar month of the year as part of the festival of lights. Yi Peng is celebrated throughout Thailand, but Chiang Mai celebrates the greatest Yi Peng Festival, with spectacular displays topped off with cultural events and fireworks you won't want to miss.

Locals' houses and public spaces are decorated with colorful hanging lanterns and flag decorations during Yi Peng. A parade, live music and dance displays, handicraft activities, and the release of lanterns into the night sky are among the festivities.

For the villagers, releasing lanterns represents more than simply a gorgeous display of floating lights. It is widely held that releasing lanterns represents letting go of previous misfortunes and making a fresh start.

Find a rooftop bar or other vantage point to observe the sky lanterns, or join the crowds on the ground expressing wishes as they release their own lanterns.

Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Time: Full moon of the twelfth lunar month (typically Mid-November)