{"id":2957,"date":"2025-11-02T12:58:55","date_gmt":"2025-11-02T10:58:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thailandee.com\/blog\/en\/?p=2957"},"modified":"2026-06-17T05:23:53","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T03:23:53","slug":"chiang-mai-loy-krathong-and-yi-peng-festival-2025-detailled-program-and-best-spots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thailandee.com\/blog\/en\/index.php\/2957-chiang-mai-loy-krathong-and-yi-peng-festival-2025-detailled-program-and-best-spots","title":{"rendered":"Chiang Mai Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festival 2025 \u2013 Detailled Program and Best Spots"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every year, Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand, hosts grand celebrations for Loy Krathong<\/strong> and the Yi Peng Festival<\/strong>, the northern-specific festival best known for the release of floating lanterns into the sky.<\/p>\n

For the 2025 edition<\/strong>, most festivities will take place from November 4 to 6<\/strong>, with the main day on November 5<\/strong>. There will be numerous locations and activities (see the official city program below). As usual, information arrives gradually and somewhat last-minute, so I\u2019ll keep updating this article regularly.<\/p>\n

Please note that all events related to Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festival will go ahead despite the national mourning period<\/strong> declared in Thailand.<\/p>\n

The Best Places to Celebrate Loy Krathong in the City<\/h3>\n

The beautiful Wat Phan Tao ceremony<\/strong> by the pond\u2014once one of the most photographed scenes of Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai\u2014has not been held for four years now (even though many people still use old pictures of it).
But a new trendy spot<\/strong> has emerged for Loy Krathong: the Mae Kha Canal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Festival of Lights along Mae Kha Canal<\/h3>\n

\"loy<\/p>\n

This small stretch of canal has been redeveloped and has become a kind of hip area in Chiang Mai. It will be one of the main city spots<\/strong> to celebrate Loy Krathong, with lovely light decorations and small piers to place your krathong<\/strong> (a floating raft with candles) on the water.<\/p>\n

Of course, the real magic happens after dark<\/strong>. It\u2019s not necessarily the best place for the main night itself (November 5), but it\u2019s great for a walk the night before, after, or as a quick stop on the big night.
Location: Google Maps link<\/a><\/p>\n

Tha Phae Gate<\/h3>\n

This iconic city gate will, as always, be a central gathering point<\/strong> for Loy Krathong celebrations, with a stage for live performances. The moat surrounding the old city<\/strong> is a convenient place to float your krathongs, and the city walls will be decorated with candles<\/strong> (see official program below).<\/p>\n

The street in front of the gate will again feature beautiful light displays.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"loy<\/p>\n

The Three Kings Monument<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s usually a light installation<\/strong> here every Loy Krathong, and often workshops for making krathongs<\/strong> as well.<\/p>\n

Saphan Lek and Nawarat Bridges<\/h3>\n

While these used to be popular spots for releasing lanterns, it\u2019s now forbidden to launch sky lanterns<\/strong> within Chiang Mai city due to air traffic safety. In the past, these bridges were closed to traffic during the festival, but last year, they remained open to cars this year \u2014 so I guess this will be the same these year.<\/p>\n

In Front of the Chiang Mai Municipal Office<\/h3>\n

This is one of the official krathong floating areas<\/strong> organized by the city, along with another near the White Chedi. One year, they even offered free krathong-making workshops<\/strong> there.<\/p>\n

Temple Ceremonies in Town<\/h2>\n

A Temple by the Ping River<\/h3>\n

More than the city moat, the Ping River<\/strong> is where most locals like to release their krathongs. A great spot to experience both the spiritual and traditional<\/strong> sides of the festival is Wat Chai Mongkhon<\/strong>, located across from the Alliance Fran\u00e7aise.<\/p>\n

Monks hold sermons and chanting sessions<\/strong> from morning until late at night.
Location: Google Maps link<\/a><\/p>\n

Other Notable Temples<\/h3>\n