Moonlight Sky Lantern Festival – Chiang Mai’s most scenic lantern celebration

An intimate lantern festival celebration under the moonlight

The Moonlight Sky Lantern Festival is one of the most intimate and picturesque Yi Peng & Loy Krathong celebrations in northern Thailand. Held on November 5 & 6, 2025, this lakeside festival takes place at the serene I Love Banthi venue in Lamphun, 30 km from Chiang Mai. Surrounded by rice fields and quiet hills, the setting creates the perfect stage for an unforgettable full-moon night.

Unlike the larger, more crowded lantern events, Moonlight limits attendance to just 1,500 guests per night, offering a peaceful and highly curated cultural experience. Guests can stroll through a traditional Tai Lue craft village, enjoy a northern Thai buffet, receive blessings from monks, and participate in a synchronized sky lantern release by the lake. The evening concludes with cultural shows and fireworks under the stars, blending tradition and beauty in one magical night.

How is the Moonlight Sky Lantern Festival different from the others?

Fireworks and floating lanterns illuminate the night sky at Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival 2025 in Thailand.
Releasing a sky lantern at Chiang Mai Sky Lanterns Festival, Thailand, with a crowd in the background.
Woman releasing a decorated krathong into the river during Loy Krathong Festival 2025 in Chiang Mai.
Woman holding a decorated krathong at Chiang Mai Sky Lanterns Festival, Thailand.
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Lakeside venue

Set in a serene Tai Lue village at I Love Banthi, the festival unfolds by a lake under the moonlight, making it the most scenic ticketed lantern festivals.

Small crowds

With the seating capacity capped between 1,200 to 1,500 guests per night, the Moonlight festival is the perfect option for those who wish to experience the festival without too many crowds.

All-inclusive experience

Buffet dinner, non-alcoholic drinks, two sky lanterns, one floating krathong, cultural performances, craft activities, firework displays, and accident insurance are all bundled in, making sure you enjoy a hassle-free experience.

Eco and community focus

The rituals you will witness at the event are rooted in local culture, and lanterns and krathongs are biodegradable. You will also get hands-on experience in making handicrafts with specialized workshops.

What is included in a Moonlight Sky Lantern festival ticket?

Entry to the event and Standard or Platinum seats (based on the option you selected.

Dubai Mall shoppers exploring luxury stores and vibrant displays.

Buffet dinner with northern Thailand cuisine

Dhow cruise on Dubai Marina with soft drink cans on table.

Free soft drinks and snacks

Tourists releasing lanterns at Yipeng Lantern Festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Two sky lanterns and one floating krathong per person

Yipeng Lantern Festival performance with illuminated lanterns in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Cultural performances, craft workshops, blessings & fireworks

Passengers boarding van

Transfers in either a van (Platinum ticket) or Red Cab (Standard ticket)

How to get to the Moonlight Sky Lantern Festival?

Getting there using gps on a car.

Shuttle service (included in ticket)

Pick-ups and drop-offs from a common point. You will be picked up in a van or a Red Cab based on your ticket type.

SeaWorld Orlando entrance with a woman driving a car in the foreground.

Self-driving

Guests can drive from Chiang Mai to I Love Banthi, which is 30 kms apart and takes approximately 40 mins.

Private luxury taxi service for airport transfer in a modern vehicle.

Private/Grab Taxi

Taxis are available from Chiang Mai’s city centre and the ride will take approximately 30-40 mins. The price ranges from THB 400 to 800, depending on time and traffic.

Tuk tuk ride through Bangkok's vibrant streets at night with people exploring Chinatown.

Public transport

Take a bus from Chiang Mai to the Lamphun bus station and get a tuk-tuk from there to the venue.

Moonlight Sky Lantern Festival in pictures

Fireworks and floating lanterns illuminate the night sky at Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival 2025, Thailand.

Lanterns over the lake

Watch sky lanterns rise in harmony, reflected on the still surface of the Banthi lake – mirror of wishes drifting into the night.

Monk releasing lantern at Yipeng Lantern Festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Drummer performing at Yipeng Lantern Festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand, with illuminated lanterns in the background.
Locals and visitors in traditional attire celebrating Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival 2025, Chiang Mai.
Traditional Thai dancers performing at Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival 2025, Chiang Mai.

Frequently asked questions about the Moonlight sky lantern festival

What’s included in the Moonlight Sky Lantern Festival ticket?

Each ticket covers round‑trip transport, ceremony entrance, dinner, 2 sky lanterns, 1 floating krathong, access to handicraft‑village activities, water/soft drinks, music & dance performances, a fireworks show, accident insurance, and full program access.

How much do the tickets cost?

There are two tiers – Standard: THB 4,000 (includes shared red‑cab transport) and Premium: THB 6,000 (includes van transport, premium seating).

Is the festival child‑friendly?

Yes, children aged 7 and under attend free (one child per ticketed adult). Free‑admitted children get transport, meal access, and activity participation but no lanterns or assigned seats—they sit on laps.

Is there disability access?

There is no specific mention of accessible paths or facilities found for the Moonlight Sky Lantern Festival. Owing to its mountainous terrain, the event might not be accessible to disabled people.

What facilities are available?

On‑site, you'll find mobile toilets, support staff, accident insurance assistance, food stalls, water stations, stage entertainment, fireworks, and ample seating zones.

When and where does it take place?

In 2025, dates for the festival are November 5 & 6 at I Love Banthi, Ban Thi, Lamphun Province (~30 km southeast of Chiang Mai)

What’s the schedule?

The festival runs from 2 pm to 10 on both days. The pick-up timing will be shared once you have booked your tickets.

What’s the dress code?

Though not stated explicitly, respectful and comfortable attire is advised as it aligns with Lanna customs and public celebrations

Is the festival suitable for families?

Absolutely! There are kid‑friendly activities, inclusive meals, and family seating zones which make it ideal for families.

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