Yi Peng Lantern Festival (Chiang Mai) 2021
About Yi Peng
The Yi Peng festival is a Siamese lantern festival where you watch thousands of lanterns take off into the night sky! Many Thais use the Yi Peng (Loi Krathong) festival to celebrate the God of water and let go of any frustrations or anger
With the brightest point of the moon, the scene is set to view a fantastic spectacle that you will remember forever! Make sure you get a quality camera for those incredible snaps.
If you can picture yourself sitting at a rooftop bar eating excellent Thai cuisine, drinking Singha beer, then you know you’ve made a superb choice
Lanterns can be bought from most shops and markets around the city for just a few bucks
Please be advised to wear clothing that is well covered for spiritual reasons for the 3-day celebration
Krathong Floating Container
Since 1947, Thais’s have been floating Krathongs on rivers during the full moon festival
The idea is to for the Krathong to hold Thai foods, deserts, Insense and gifts such as money to the river sprits
Krathongs are made up of biodegradable materials such as bamboo and banana leaves, which is essential for the environment and cuts down sea pollution
Competitions do take place for the bigger Krathongs. Also, during the evening, other comps like beauty contests and firecrackers are known
You can purchase Krathongs at local shops and markets
Dates For YI Peng
Every Lunar year (Full moon) Normally around the end of November (There is no set date)
The last festival took place on the 31st of October 2020
Usually, the event is announced around September, and tickets sell fast!
Yi Peng Package Tours
There are tour operators who offer packages of $200.00 a pop! But please be advised these are not for everyone and do receive mixed opinions. Transport issues leading the way for most complaints
The top tier packages include food & drink
I will say the crowds will be hefty, and space will be limited at times, so be cautious
Tourists tend to mingle and find their own way and go with what feels right
Destinations For Great Views
| Name | Location | Entrance fee? |
| Mae Jo University | Nong Han, San Sai District, 50290 | Yes, for seating. Children under 12 no fee |
| Nawarat Bridge | Charoen Muang Road, Tambon Chang Moi 5000 | No |
| Iron Bridge | Loi Kroh Rd, Tambon Chang Moi 50100 | No |
Places To Eat & Drink
| Name | Cusine | Location | Vegan Option? |
| Rock Me Burgers | American | 17-19, Loikroh Street | No |
| Tara Bar | Thai/Western/Japanese | 140/1 Lamphun | No |
| KOBQ Korean BBQ | Korean | Nimmanhemin Rd N Park Project, Room 202, | Yes |
Accommodation
| Name | Location | Contact |
| Kate and Hasu Boutique | 15/2 soi 3 Kotchasarn Rd | Chang Klan | Phone- +66 53 271 355 |
| Anantara Chiang Mai | 123 Charoen Prathet Road Changklan | Phone +66 23 659 110 Email- |
| Sakorn Residence Hotel | 2 / 2 Na Wat Kate Rd. Soi 1, T. Wat Kate | Phone- +66 53 260 989 Email- |
Parade And Night Market
On the second night, you will see more of an artistic side to Ye Peng with local Thai’s getting involved
The night market will be selling gifts, food, and clothing until around 10:30 and then wind down
Safety Measures
Extra police and unpaid workers are brought into action for an extra hand, which is needed considering how congested things can get.
Please be aware that thousands of people will be on the streets, so getting around and fingering out where things are can get difficult
Also, lanterns can be dangerous for a number of reasons. What goes up must come down, and sometimes the lanterns are still on fire. Hot wax and debris are not uncommon to find on the streets at night.
Senior officials work with Chiang Mai international airport to reschedule flights as lanterns are a potential risk to air traffic.
Nearly 100 aircraft are rescheduled every year
Any questions? I’d be glad to hear from you!
Ian
