Searching for Authenticity at the Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand

For years I have longed to attend the Thai festival of Yi Peng, but my travel itinerary never cooperated. Finally, this past December the stars aligned and I found myself in Chiang Mai, the epicenter of this celebration best known for launching paper lanterns into the night sky for good luck. Eagerly, I pieced together information about the schedule of events from various expat websites, but the more I learned, the more concerned I became. The premiere event, a simultaneous release of thousands of lanterns, would take place after dark at Maejo University, located several miles north of the city. Friends described it as “pure craziness” and advised me to arrive several hours before dusk if I hoped to secure a good spot. They described shoulder-to-shoulder revelers, all jockeying for position on an unlit, uneven patch of land.

Crowds are not my favorite thing to begin with, but the idea of being trapped in a sea of bodies, unable to clearly see my surroundings, and risking being trampled, sent me into a cold sweat. As much as I wanted to witness this sea of glowing lanterns floating like bio-luminescent creatures on gentle ocean swells, I knew I had to find a different way to enjoy the festival.

Decorations at Thapae Gate in Chiang Mai during the Yi Peng Festival
Decorations at Thapae Gate in Chiang Mai during the Yi Peng Festival

Fortunately, there was no shortage of Yi Peng activities elsewhere in Chiang Mai. Each of the main gates of the old walled city was decorated with giant illuminated cartoon characters, dragons, and castles. In the city center I strolled through a tunnel of pastel lanterns leading to a giant blooming lotus framed by a wall of red, white, and blue lanterns.

Yi Peng decorations at Thapae Gate in Chiang Mai
Illuminated displays at Thapae Gate
Lanterns and giant paper lotus blossoms decorate the sidewalks of the Old Town in Chiang Mai during Yi Peng
Lanterns and giant paper lotus blossoms decorate the sidewalks of the Old Town in Chiang Mai during Yi Peng

The big weekend finally arrived and I headed back to Old Town to attend a ceremony at Jedlin temple, where monks in saffron and orange robes sat cross-legged on bright red carpet, chanting ancient Buddhist teachings in a mesmerizing monotone. Filled with serenity, I floated out the front gate, bound for the Yi Peng Parade at Thapae Gate, until I looked up at Wat Muentoom across the street and noticed activity around its giant white chedi. Curious, I wandered into the yard and found a group of young monks placing candles around its base in celebration of Yi Peng, also known as the Festival of Light.

Monks at Wat Muentoom decorate the chedi with candles that will be lit after dark in celebration of Yi Peng
Monks at Wat Muentoom decorate the chedi with candles that will be lit after dark in celebration of Yi Peng

They smiled and pointed to buildings at the rear of the site, which I had never before noticed. To my surprise, a patch of scruffy landscaping opened onto a large courtyard where other monks were arranging small votive candles on the terracotta paving stones. Spotting a stranger, the oldest among them approached me and, pressing palms together in front of his chest, bowed slightly.

“Sawadee kap,” he said, welcoming me.

Pushing his thick black glasses back onto the bridge of his nose, he continued in perfect English, “Will you join us for our celebration this evening?” I replied that I would be honored.

Viharn (prayer hall) at Wat Muentoom is brightly lit for Yi Peng evening ceremony
Viharn (prayer hall) at Wat Muentoom is brightly lit for Yi Peng evening ceremony

Soon, residents from the neighborhood began trickling in, full of smiles and wai’s for me as we gathered inside the prayer hall. An elderly gentleman asked where I was from, then motioned for me to take a seat in the front of the hall as he addressed the intimate group. I heard the telltale word “America” and saw the nods of welcome before he turned and handed me a candle, indicating with sign language that I should light it and place it upon the altar. Following a few more rituals, he grinned and dismissed me with a wave of his hand. At the door I froze in wonderment. The votive candles, now lit, formed a perfect star burst that radiated in all directions from the center of the courtyard. In the blue-black sky, hundreds of lanterns bobbed and floated up toward an immense full moon. Like orange ghosts in the semi-darkness, monks tended the flames, preserving the fairyland for as long as possible.

Monks tend to candles placed in a starburst pattern in the courtyard of Wat Muentoom during Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai
Monks tend to candles placed in a starburst pattern in the courtyard of Wat Muentoom during Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai

At the edge of the courtyard, one family formed a circle around its delicate rice paper lantern. Hands reached out to support the bottom frame as the fuel rings were ignited. Crouching low to the ground they trapped the bottom of the cylinder, allowing the flames to superheat the air inside. Ever so slowly the lantern was raised – to waist level, shoulder level, above their heads – revealing anxious faces bathed in golden light. Fingers pulled away, one by one, as the lantern teetered between plunging or soaring. When it finally sailed upward joy and relief were written on their collective faces; the family’s prayers would successfully be carried up to the heavens and they could be assured of good luck in the coming year.

At the final moment of release - will it soar or will it plunge back to the earth
At the final moment of release – will it soar or will it plunge back to the earth
Monks at Wat Muentoom in Chiang Mai get into the spirit of Yi Peng by launching a lantern of their own
Monks at Wat Muentoom in Chiang Mai get into the spirit of Yi Peng by launching a lantern of their own

As the votive candles began to flicker and die, I said my goodbyes and continued to Thapae Gate where the Yi Peng Parade was well underway. All along the route, revelers were attempting to launch lanterns into a sky bursting with fireworks. Some immediately fell into moats that surround the ancient city walls, crumpling into a soggy mess. Others became entangled in trees and burned to a crisp in seconds. Those that broke free dotted the sky like glitter from a fading sparkler.

Thais take a break from work to launch a rice paper lantern during the Yi Peng Festival
Thais take a break from work to launch a rice paper lantern during the Yi Peng Festival
Whole families join in the fun of launching a lantern for luck in the coming year
Whole families join in the fun of launching a lantern for luck in the coming year
Tourists join in the fun of Yi Peng by lighting and sending aloft a lantern
Tourists join in the fun of Yi Peng by lighting and sending aloft a lantern
The grounds of Wat Umokot are filled with festival-goers sending paper lanterns into the night sky
The grounds of Wat Umokot are filled with festival-goers sending paper lanterns into the night sky
Paper lanterns fill the skies over Wat Umokot during the Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai
Paper lanterns fill the skies over Wat Umokot during the Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai

With the last strains of brass bands fading away, I made my way down to the Ping River, where Thais had gathered to release containers known as Loi Krathong. These lotus-shaped floats are crafted of elaborately folded banana leaves, flowers, incense, one or more candles, and a small coin is often added to appease the river spirits. On the full moon, Thais make a wish as they release their Loi Krathong on some body of water. In other parts of Thailand this Loi Krathong festival is celebrated separately, however in Chiang Mai it has merged with Yi Peng and acts as a fitting close to the week-long events.

Elaborately crafted Loi Krathong, literally "floating crowns," are floated on the river to carry away bad luck during the festival of the same name, which is celebrated concurrently with Yi Peng in Chiang Mai
Elaborately crafted Loi Krathong, literally “floating crowns,” are floated on the river to carry away bad luck during the festival of the same name, which is celebrated concurrently with Yi Peng in Chiang Mai

Relying on small punctuations of candlelight to find my way in the ebony darkness, I dodged slippery mud and cautiously descended crumbling concrete steps to the water’s edge, where groups of young people were launching their Loi Krathongs. Imagining that they were all lovers, wishing for a happy life, I was concerned that I might be intruding, but I need not have worried. They delightedly posed for my photos, then reached over and carefully set their vessels upon the surface of the river, watching until they disappeared into the night.

Crowds gather to set their Loi Krathongs afloat on the Ping River
Crowds gather to set their Loi Krathongs afloat on the Ping River
Three Thai girls at the riverside prepare to launch their Loi Krathong
Three Thai girls at the riverside prepare to launch their Loi Krathong

I may not have made it to Maejo to witness the mass release of lanterns for Yi Peng, but I didn’t miss a thing. Being embraced by locals and learning about their culture is infinitely better than attending an event that has become more spectacle than substance.

33 thoughts on “Searching for Authenticity at the Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand”

  1. My wife and with two dogs lived in a condo on the river in Chiang Mai for 3 years.
    Our spot was the centeral location for the cities celebration. It was ear plugs and sleeping pills for the entire week. It was our favorite holiday. So much to do and see.
    I woke at three a.m. On one night and out thr window of our 13 floor apartment I was filled with joy at the beauty of it all. These moment have been rare in the late years of my life.

    Reply
    • Hi Lawrence: I can see the scene in my mind’s eye. What a great location to live in Chiang Mai. I’ll be there again for a bit this winter. Would love to have a coffee with you.

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    • Hi Samantha: The Buddhist monasteries sponsor the events and the monks are in charge of the monasteries, so they’re responsible for organizing the festivities, etc.

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  2. Hi Barbara,
    Can you please tell me on what day of the Loy Krathong/Yi Peng festival you shot the photographs at the Wat Muentoom. This year the festival is from 5th till 7th November, the 6th being the full-moon night.
    Regards
    Ashit

    Reply
    • Hi Ashit: I’m afraid I don’t know which day it will be held this year, though I suspect it will be on the evening of the full moon. You might just wander in and ask; I’m sure they’d welcome you to the celebration, and the head monk speaks English.

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  3. You are so unbelievably inspiring! I love your blog and I can’t believe I am just finding it! This is one of my dreams! Is the festival just a one day thing? If so what day is it! Thank you!

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    • Thank you Caitlin! The Yi Peng Festival goes for at least a week, with parades and/or special events every day and night. The dates vary because they are scheduled according to the lunar calendar, and the full moon dates are different every year, but it always falls sometime during the beginning of December.

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  4. I am impressed to see your blog about Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Very nice blog and
    beautiful pic of this festival. It is showing cultural values of the Thailand.

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    • Thanks Hannah – I do feel I had a much more local experience than others who focused on the major lantern launch.

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  5. I recommend as well to visit and see the Festival of Lights is celebrated all around Thailand with Loi Krathongs (lotus-shaped receptacles) released on water to bring luck and fulfill wishes. In Chiang Mai, the observation of the festival of lights, called Yi Peng, is uniquely different. Instead of water vessel, Chiang Mai people release thousand of lighted lanterns in the sky while making a wish. The sky transforms itself in a wonderful and surreal sea of little lanterns floating away. The spectacle is mesmerizing.I recommend it to everyone who want to spend the vacations there.Best regards, travel safe!

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  6. Awesome images, especially the one where the monk set up the tealight candle lights in that sun design … stunning! Now I would really like to be in Thailand during the Yi Peng event more than ever. Love your natural encounter in the temple!
    Thanks to provide this amazing content and so beautiful pictures. I really experienced to study this article.

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  7. It is wonderful to discover cultures and traditions from all over the world. This looks like special festivals – and I am happy you shared them on your blog!

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  8. This is amazing.. I hope to one day attend the event and I’m glad I came across this article because I probably would have tried to see the big release. Your experience seems far better than being squished.

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    • Hi Taylor – you made me laugh with your “squished” comment. That was certainly part of my hesitation and you couldn’t have picked a better word to describe it.

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  9. Thailand and Kiama Australia were my favorite destinations. Yi Peng Festival is really one of the best event in Thailand that everyone must watch. I assure you, you will have a great fun and excitement here.

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  10. Now I would love to be in Thailand during the Yi Peng festival more than ever. Love your spontaneous experience in the temple! Great post!

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    • Oh, Corinne, if you get the chance, go. It’s a fabulous experience. Maybe next year I’ll even get up the moxy to attend the mass lantern release.

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    • Hi SandinmysuitcaseHi Sand in my Suitcase: Wish I’d known you were in Chiang Mai at the same time as me; I would have loved to meet you!

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  11. Wow! You’re photos of Yi Peng are amazing! My family was very fortunate to be in Thailand for the festival two years ago, completely by accident (we went over Thanksgiving vacation). It was one of the best cultural experiences I’ve had while traveling! We loved the celebration in Sukhothai. Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai were fun as well. Thanks for sharing your experience (and wonderful photos!), and I’m glad you were finally able to make the festival!

    Reply

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