{"id":35111,"date":"2019-09-06T15:31:10","date_gmt":"2019-09-06T10:01:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.thomascook.in\/?p=35111"},"modified":"2026-03-18T12:43:05","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T07:13:05","slug":"light-and-luck-the-yi-peng-festival-of-chiang-mai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thomascook.in\/blog\/international-holidays\/light-and-luck-the-yi-peng-festival-of-chiang-mai\/","title":{"rendered":"Light and Luck \u2013 The Yee Peng Festival of Chiang Mai"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Picture this, you\u2019re looking at the November night sky in Thailand. Then, all of a sudden, a small flame illuminates the dark. A lantern rises, glowing in the inky black sky. It\u2019s joined by one, then another and then thousands of lanterns that quickly follow. Suddenly the entire night is aflame with the light of a thousand small suns. As you watch, the lanterns drift, swirl and slowly dance in the cool breeze.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It’s breathtaking, it\u2019s spiritual, it’s heavenly \u2013 it is the Yi Peng festival held in Chiang Mai, Thailand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Are you intrigued? Want to know more? Well, we\u2019ve put together a guide to one of Thailand\u2019s most beautiful festivals. Read on to discover more about this gorgeous festival of lights.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Moonlight, Lantern Light, Inner Light : Yee Peng Festival<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Image Source : chiangmaitraveller.com<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In Northern Thailand, formerly known as the Lanna Kingdom, thousands of lanterns are released to celebrate the Yi Peng festival. \u201cYi\u201d means two, while \u201cPeng\u201d means a full moon day. Yi Peng is usually celebrated on the full moon day of the second month, according to the Lanna Lunar Calendar. Although the dates may vary, the festival is generally celebrated in November.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Yi Peng celebrates the light, but behind the dazzle and illumination, is a deeper more spiritual purpose. This festival is a religious occasion that celebrates Buddha. When locals and devotees release the lanterns, they let go of all ills and misfortunes of the previous year. Buddhists also cherish the moment the lantern is released, as that is the moment to make a wish. It is believed that the wish, made at this time, will come true. With this small act, devotees rid themselves of the turmoil of the year, wiping the slate clean. They pray for merit, for luck and for a prosperous year to come.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Also Read : <\/strong>Songkran Festival In Thailand Is Too Good To Miss<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Sky and Water \u2013 Yee Peng and Loi Krathong<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Image Source : asiadmc.com<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Many people often mix the two, however, there are key differences. Loi Krathong is celebrated by the entire country. Worshippers offer thanks to the Water Gods during this festival for bringing the rain to Thailand. Locals slip Krathongs \u2013 floating, lotus shaped floats with candles, incense and coins \u2013 into water bodies, creating lakes, rivers and water bodies filled with light and flame. Just like Yi Peng, locals believe that this act banishes bad luck.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

While both seasons celebrate the turn of the season, Loi Krathong is dedicated to the end of the rainy season, while Yi Peng anticipates the coming of winter. Yi Peng was celebrated, originally, as a standalone festival, although over time it is celebrated in tandem with Loi Krathong.
Since Chiang Mai was the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, the grandest Yi Peng celebrations are held there.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Land under the Lights<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Image Source : asiagofun.com<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When you can tear your eyes away from the sky, look down at the land under the lights. You\u2019ll see homes and buildings around you decorated with bold, bright colours. Lanterns \u2013 known as khom fai – can be found on land too, anchored outside doors. They are carried at the end of sticks (khom kwaen). Lanterns (khom pariwat) are also found hanging from temples, revolving because of the heat inside them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Temples and homes are also festooned with flowers and silky coconut leaves. The festival also includes traditional Thai dance shows, parades, live music shows, handicraft sessions and more. Vendors set up small stalls filled with delicious food. You\u2019ll also find fireworks, firecrackers and small knickknacks to buy during the festival.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Yi Peng festival is three days of love and light.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Launch Spots \u2013 Where can you go<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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The biggest event of Yi Peng used to be held at the Maejo University. However, due to complaints from aircraft carriers (lanterns being a hazard to passing aircrafts) and damage to the surrounding events, this grand event was cancelled. We mention this only because certain sources continue to cite Maejo university as the biggest lantern launch of the festival.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You can take part in the Yi Peng Lanna International event, which sees thousands of participants. The event allows you to buy, for 5,500 Baht, transfer to and from the city, 1 lantern and dinner for the evening. Another event you can participate in is Yi Peng Doi Saket. The standard package includes a lantern, a krathong, a small souvenir and transport to and from the city.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you don\u2019t want to pay to participate in the Yi Peng Festival, there are free events in Chiang Mai to celebrate the festival. Most of these include the firework shows, parades and the floating of khom lois from the Nawarat Bridge of the Mae Ping River. Unlike the paid events, where the lanterns are launched simultaneously, locals launch the lanterns one set at a time from the bridge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Suggested Read : <\/strong>9 Must-visit Places in Thailand<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Letting the Lantern Go \u2013 Tips<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Image Source : elegantsparklers.com<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you would like to send your own wish out, you should make sure you get a lantern to launch into the sky. However, you\u2019re dealing with fire and flammable paper in a crowded area, so, it becomes important to follow the safety tips to conduct this beautiful ceremony successfully.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n