Plan your visit to Lantern Festival Chiang Mai 2025

Chiang Mai sky lantern festival dates & timings

Thai dancers in traditional attire performing at Chiang Mai Sky Lanterns Festival.

The Chiang Mai sky lantern festival will take place on November 5 & 6, 2025.

Ambassador in traditional Thai attire presents jasmine garland to visitor at Sky Lanterns Festival, Thailand.

The celebrations begin in the afternoon, usually at around 2 pm. The lantern release happens at night, usually between 7 pm and 9 pm.

Woman holding a decorated krathong at Chiang Mai Sky Lanterns Festival, Thailand.

The krathong (a small floating basket, usually made from banana leaves and flowers) floating ceremony happens on rivers usually after sunset. The most popular site for this ceremony is the Ping River.

Young boy in traditional attire on a decorated horse at Chiang Mai Sky Lanterns Festival parade.

Tip: It is ideal to spend at least 2 days in Chiang Mai for the festival. Aim to be in Chiang Mai 1 day before to soak up the build-up to this exciting festival.

Getting to the Chiang Mai sky lantern festival

Ticketed events for the sky lantern festival happen across Chiang Mai. Some tickets include round-trip transfers from your hotel or common meeting points. Otherwise, here is a list of ways to get to the festival venue:

CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival

Venue: CAD Field, Doi Saket

Distance: Approx. 25 to 30 km from the Old City
Travel time: 40 to 50 mins (depends on traffic)

Best route

By car/taxi: Take Route 118 heading north and turn onto Route 3005 towards Doi Saket. Follow signs for “CAD Khom Loy Sky Lantern Festival”.
Grab/private taxi: Booking a private taxi can be pricey, especially during the festival days, but it is the easiest way to get to the venue.

Chiang Mai Heritage Sky Lantern Festival

Venue: Rock n’ River, Doi Saket

Distance: 32 to 35 km from the city center

Travel time: 50 to 60 mins

Best route

By car: Similar route as CAD Field – Route 118 and turn near Mae Takhrai National Park area.
Grab/private taxi: Taking a private taxi from Old City in Chiang Mai is hassle-free despite being expensive.

Moonlight Sky Lantern Festival

Venue: I Love Ban Thi, Lamphun
Distance: 30 to 35 km from Old City
Travel time: 45 to 60 mins
Best route:

By car: Head south on Route 11 toward Lamphun. Exit at Ban Thi and follow local signs.
Train or bus to Lamphun + Grab: You can take a local train or a Yellow Songthaew to Lamphun and take a Grab taxi from there (15 min ride to Ban Thi).

Heaven Lantern Festival

Venue: The Heaven Lantern - Suan Sawan (The Garden)

Distance: 75km from Chiang Mai

Travel time: 105 to 120 mins
Best route:

By car: Take Route 107 or Route 11 heading north/northeast out of Chiang Mai toward Mae Taeng. After 40 km, follow local signs directing you to Suan Sawan Garden in Mae Taeng.
Grab/private taxi: Taking a private taxi from Chiang Mai is hassle-free but can be expensive.

Know before you go

Temporary mobile toilets
First aid booths
Water stations
Food stalls
Lost & found areas
ATMs
Information desks with English-speaking staff
Tourist police booths

Larger festivals, like CAD Khomloy and Heritage Sky Lantern Festival, have wheelchair-accessible zones. CAD Khomloy also has ramps and flat terrain to help with mobility.
However, smaller and non-ticketed ones might not have the same amenities.
Similarly, larger events have disability-friendly restrooms and on-site staff support, which may not be available in smaller events.

Luxury: Four Seasons Chiang Mai, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, U Nimman Chiang Mai
Mid-range: Holiday Inn Chiang Mai, The Rim, Buri Sriping Riverside Resort & Spa
Budget-friendly: Green Tiger House, B2 Resort Boutique & Budget Hotel, B2 Riverside Colonial Hotel

Here are a few restaurant recommendations if you want to explore local cuisine:

Khamao-Khaofung Restaurant (Doi Saket): Enjoy a magical dining experience in a lush, rainforest-like setting with waterfalls, serving refined Thai cuisine.
Baan Na Coffee and Restaurant (Doi Saket): A stylish glasshouse bistro set among rice paddies, serving Thai-Western fusion dishes and fresh smoothies.
Paak Dang Riverside Dining (Wat Ket): A romantic riverside restaurant offering modern Thai cuisine with local ingredients and scenic views along the Ping River.
Pakorn’s Kitchen (Old City): A hidden gem in the Old City known for its home-style Northern Thai dishes, friendly service, and affordable prices.****
Khao So Khun Yai (Old City): A legendary local eatery famed for its rich, authentic khao soi curry noodles served in a humble roadside setting.****

Elephants crossing a stream at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Chiang Mai.

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary: An ethical, hands-on elephant sanctuary where visitors can feed, bathe, and learn about rescued elephants in a natural, cruelty-free environment. Book tickets.
Wat Phra Singh: A revered 14th-century temple in the Old City, famous for its intricate Lanna architecture, golden chedis, and daily monk rituals.
Doi Suthep Temple (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep): Chiang Mai’s most iconic hilltop temple, offering sacred relics and sweeping views of the city from 1,073 meters above sea level.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: A bustling evening market packed with handicrafts, street food, and bargain souvenirs – perfect for a post-festival shopping stroll.

No drone sign at a tourist attraction in a scenic area.

Release lanterns only in designated areas to prevent fire risks and avoid disrupting nearby airports.
Stick to official launch windows, typically between 7 pm and 9 pm. Releasing lanterns outside these hours is not allowed.
Avoid flying drones unless you have prior approval; they’re banned at most festival venues.
Dress respectfully, especially if attending events near temples. It is recommended to cover your shoulders and knees.
Refrain from drinking alcohol before handling lanterns, as some locations enforce strict sobriety policies for safety reasons.Handle fallen lanterns with care, as locals believe they carry personal prayers and wishes.
Dispose of failed or damaged lanterns by using the marked bins around the site.

Visitor tips

Book your stay well in advance: Accommodations in and around Chiang Mai fill up fast during the festival, so secure your spot a few months early.
Dress for comfort and respect: Evenings can get a bit chilly, so pack a light jacket. Since the festival holds spiritual significance, modest clothing is recommended.
Master the lantern release: For a smooth lift-off, hold the lantern open for 30 to 60 seconds until it fills with hot air, then release gently at a slight upward angle (about 45°).
Bring small bills: Street food stalls and souvenir vendors may not accept cards, so carry enough cash in small denominations for convenience.
Hydrate and stay alert: Keep a refillable water bottle on hand and be mindful of your belongings, as crowds can be hotspots for pickpockets.
Respect local customs: Never point your feet at monks, statues, or lanterns as it is considered deeply disrespectful in Thai culture.
Arrive early to claim a good spot: Festival areas, especially public release zones, fill up quickly. Aim to arrive by 4-5 pm for the best views and a stress-free setup.
Skip the flip-flops: You’ll be on your feet a lot, possibly on uneven ground. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Avoid DIY lantern releases: Stick to organized venues where lantern launches are regulated for safety and environmental impact.

Frequently asked questions about attending the Chiang Mai Sky Lantern festival

When is the Chiang Mai sky lantern festival taking place?

The festival is taking place on November 5 & 6, 2025.

What time does the festival begin?

Most ticketed events start around 2 p.m. with a range of activities like workshops, parades, and traditional performances, and wrap up by 9 p.m.

What are the most famous festival events?

The most popular ticketed events are the CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival, Chiang Mai Heritage Lantern Festival, Moonlight Sky Lantern Festival, and Heaven Lantern Festival. Other events are near Mae Jo University and the Ping River banks.

What time is the lantern release each night?

Lantern releasing usually begins at dusk, so expect the first launches around 7:30 pm, with the main mass release shortly after.

How many days should I spend in Chiang Mai?

Ideal stay: 3-4 days. That gives you time for the festival nights, plus daytime explorations and nearby excursions.

What else can I do in Chiang Mai during my stay?

Explore temples, indulge in spas in Chiang Mai, and taste local flavors with khao soi, street food, cafés, and night markets like Chiang Mai nightlife at the Night Bazaar.

Where should I stay?

For festival convenience and access to Chiang Mai nightlife, stay in or near the Old City and Nimmanhaemin Road. These areas host top-rated properties and boutique Chiang Mai's best hotels.

How do I get around between festival nights and daytime activities?

Use tuk‑tuks or Grab taxis for trips under 5 km. You can also rent a motorbike or scooter (300–400 THB/day) or bicycle for daytime freedom.

Is the festival family-friendly?

Absolutely! All ages can enjoy craft workshops, cultural performances, and fireworks. Kids often light mini lanterns safely under supervision.

How early should I book my festival tickets?

Yes, ticketed events sell out fast. Book 2–3 months ahead to guarantee your spot.

What should I bring along?

Bring your phone or camera for night shots, mosquito repellent, a battery pack, a light jacket (if it's early or late), and some Thai baht for snacks and transport.

Can I participate in lantern releases?

Yes, ticketed experiences let you light your sky lantern. There are also lantern‑making stalls where you can join group releases.

What’s the weather like in November？

November in Chiang Mai is pleasantly cool and dry—a perfect time to be outdoors with minimal rain.