1 · The short answer

Loy Krathong is celebrated across Thailand on the full moon of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar, usually in November. In Chiang Mai it coincides with Yi Peng, the northern Lanna festival of lights, when lanterns are hung in temples and streets and sky lanterns are released. The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Chiang Mai's municipality announce each year's exact dates and programme in the weeks before.

The city fills to capacity for the few nights of the festival. Hotels, flights and the riverbanks are crowded, and mobile data slows where everyone gathers. Book early, keep tickets offline and have your own data so you are not tied to hotel Wi-Fi.

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2 · What happens

On Loy Krathong night people float krathongs, small rafts traditionally made of banana leaf with flowers, incense and a candle, on rivers and ponds to honour the water and let go of misfortune. In Chiang Mai the Ping River near Nawarat Bridge is the centre. Yi Peng adds paper lanterns hung across temples and lanes, a lantern parade, and ceremonies at temples such as Wat Phan Tao and Wat Chedi Luang.

The mass sky lantern releases you see in photographs are organised ticketed events held outside the city. Lantern releases are controlled in Chiang Mai because of fire risk and air traffic, and the rules can change from year to year; follow local announcements and release lanterns only where it is allowed.

3 · Crowds and mobile signal

Tha Phae Gate, Nawarat Bridge and the riverbanks become very dense on the main nights. Tens of thousands of phones on the same cells mean messages arrive late and video uploads stall. Agree a meeting point with your group before you go, keep your hotel address as a screenshot, and post your lantern videos once you are back.

4 · Getting there and getting around

  • ✓Flights: Chiang Mai airport is close to the old city. In past festivals, airlines have rescheduled some flights around lantern release times; check with your airline for the festival nights.
  • ✓Train and bus: The overnight sleeper train from Bangkok is a popular way north; book well ahead for the festival week.
  • ✓In town: Grab and Bolt work in Chiang Mai, along with red songthaew shared trucks. Roads around the old city close or jam in the evenings; walking is often faster.

5 · Apps and payments

  • ✓Grab and Bolt: Book from a side street rather than the river, where drivers cannot reach you.
  • ✓Event tickets: Ticketed lantern events usually send e-tickets and pickup details by email or messaging apps. Save them offline.
  • ✓Payments: Night markets and street food are cash. Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants.

6 · Which plan covers the trip

The Ringo Light plan for Thailand covers Chiang Mai, Bangkok and the rest of the country on one eSIM with unlimited data at full speed. If you are heading on to Laos or Vietnam after the festival, the Global plan covers the whole route.

7 · Around Chiang Mai during the festival

Daytime trips that fit around the festival nights.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
Chiang MaiWat Phra That Doi SuthepThe mountain temple above the city, with views over Chiang Mai. A morning visit avoids the heat and the festival crowds.✓Grab can take you up; songthaews leave from near Chiang Mai University.Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote, CC BY 4.0
Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai
Chiang RaiWat Rong KhunThe White Temple, a few hours north, is a popular day trip if you are staying longer around the festival.✓Leave early; it is a long round trip by road.Photo: Chainwit, CC BY 4.0
Bangkok, Central Thailand
Central ThailandBangkokLoy Krathong is celebrated on the Chao Phraya River too, if your trip starts or ends in the capital.✓Riverside restaurants book out for Loy Krathong night.Photo: Ninara from Helsinki, Finland (edit: TSP), CC BY 4.0

8 · Frequently asked questions

When is Yi Peng?+
Yi Peng and Loy Krathong fall on the full moon of the twelfth Thai lunar month, usually in November. The Tourism Authority of Thailand announces each year's dates and programme.
Can I release a sky lantern in Chiang Mai?+
Only where it is allowed. Releases are controlled because of fire risk and flights; ticketed events outside the city are the organised option.
Will my phone work at Tha Phae Gate on festival night?+
It will connect, but data is slow in the densest crowds. Save maps and tickets offline.
Do flights change during Yi Peng?+
In past years some Chiang Mai flights were rescheduled around lantern release times. Check with your airline.
How do I install Ringo Light?+
It arrives by email and installs in one scan. No app is needed.

9 · Sources

  • Tourism Authority of Thailand: www.tourismthailand.org/
  • TAT Newsroom: www.tatnews.org/, Festival announcements and programmes
  • Ringo Light: prices from the catalogue our checkout charges, on the day you read this.

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