For those who enjoy cultural activities that tell the history of the places, the Yi Peng Lantern Festival is an experience like no other. It is nothing less than one of the most emblematic celebrations in Thailand, particularly in the city of Chiang Mai, in the north of the Asian country. Every year, the festival attracts thousands and thousands of tourists who come from all over the world to experience something unforgettable. Below, we are going to tell you what you need to know about this event and why you should not miss enjoying the Yi Peng Lantern Festival once in a lifetime.
History of the Yi Peng Lantern Festival
Undoubtedly, the date of the festival is the best time to visit Thailand and enjoy the cultural events of Chiang Mai. The Yi Peng Lantern Festival has a history that dates back to the ancient Lanna Kingdom, an ancient civilization located in the north of the country. In a short time and over the centuries, it became one of the most important Thai traditions.
Throughout the event, what the participants do is raise paper lanterns to the sky, which are called khom loi. They are made of thin tissue paper with a cross-shaped base that holds a wax heat source. Before lighting the lamp, the wax must be broken to maintain the flame. The gesture of releasing these lanterns symbolizes the rejection of the misfortunes of the past year, while expressing a strong desire for prosperity and joy for the coming year. It is one of the Buddhist festivals, because Buddhists believe that making a wish by releasing a flashlight helps to make it come true.
In Chiang Mai, the highlight is the emphasis on light to honor Buddha. Throughout the city and in the Buddhist temples, the streets are lit up with small clay pots, which reaches the Ping River, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
For accommodation in Chiang Mai, we recommend Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa, located on one of the city’s most stunning streets. Housed in a traditional-style building, it offers luxury accommodation, fine cuisine, and exquisite service.
Why shouldn’t you miss the Yi Peng Lantern Festival?
We have previously talked about the main meanings and origins of the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. Now, we want to refer to why it is a must-do activity. The truth is that, when looking for what to do in terms of tourism in Thailand, getting to know and delve deeply into the local culture is something that many people look for. Thus, the floating lantern festival is a key point in Thai culture and is essential for those who may be interested in learning about Thai spirituality and the surrounding history.
In any case, it must be taken into account, when planning the trip, that it is not only about going to see the two days of development of the rituals of light. When traveling to this region, it is also possible to walk through the city of Chiang Mai itself and its surroundings, an area that is recognized worldwide for its rich history, its marked natural beauty, and the different aspects along the route that can tell us about spirituality, which is so important in the area.
For lovers of walks as well as for those who love history or those who want to know the best of Thailand’s cultural heritage, the month of November, coinciding with the dates of the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, is one of the best times of the year to face this type of trip.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in this city in Thailand, you can consider the Puripunn Baby Grand Boutique Hotel, located right in the city center. It is a contemporary Lanna-style building, inspired by traditional houses.
What will the Yi Peng Lantern Festival be like this year?
To conclude, we are going to tell you the details of this year’s holiday, so that you can proceed to plan your trip.
This year 2024, the Yi Peng Lantern Festival will take place on November 15 and 16. On both nights, the same activities will be carried out, which consist of Loy Kratong and the release of the lanterns. What is recommended is to obtain transport tickets to arrive in advance, in order to organize the experience and ensure participation in the most appropriate way. In addition, today there are many companies that organize different activities aimed at enjoying this activity accompanied by others that allow you to learn about Thai culture and traditions.
People can enter the city on these dates to watch the launch of the Yi Peng festival lights. However, if you want to be part of the launch, you need a ticket. In addition, if you have the night of the 16th free, it is an excellent alternative to walk around the city to see the parade. As part of the launch, visitors are usually asked to wear formal wear with long pants and T-shirts that cover the shoulders, as this is a demonstration of respect as part of this holiday.
Finally, it is important to note that children can also be part of the event and must sit with their parents, so it is a perfect activity to enjoy both alone and with family or friends. Don’t miss the Yi Peng Lantern Festival!
To enjoy this festival, we highly recommend the 137 Pillars House, located in the historic center. It is housed in a beautiful teakwood building, originally built in 1880, carefully restored and modernized.
