Loy Krathong and Yee Peng are the magical events that takes place overnight with the full moon of the 12th month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar. Usually this falls from mid-October to mid-November and lasts for a few days. This year both Festivals fall on Saturday 31 October 2020.
While most of people put their floating krathongs in the water, in the northern region, the flying lanterns are released. You can see the Loy Krathong festival all over Thailand, but in Chiang Mai two festivals of Loy Krathong and Yee Peng are mixed. You can admire the sky being filled with white lanterns, which become more specular in the dark night. Flying lanterns are known as Khom Loi and are usually made of fine rice paper.
Normally Yee Peng is celebrated on the same dates as Loy Kratong. The Yee Peng and Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai last 3 days. You can find the schedule for Loy Krathong and Yee Peng Festivals in Chiang Mai belows,
1. Worshipping Ceremony of the Shrine of Household Spirit, White Pagoda, and apology to Ping River
Time: 08.09 - 10.30
Date: October 31, 2020
Venue: Office of Chiang Mai Municipality Srikhong Pier
2. Opening Ceremony of 2020 Chiang Mai Yeepeng Festival
Time: 18.00
Date: October 31, 2020
Venue: Thapac Gate Plaza
3. "Light up the Terra Cotta Candle Trays for the longevity of the Chiang Mai City"
Activity: Light up the terra cotta candle trays around the city mont
Time: 19.00
Date: October 31, 2020
Venue: Around the inside area of the city moat
Activity: Lanna Lantern Ground, Local Wisdom Exhibition
Time: 19.00 - 23.00
Date: October 31 - November 1, 2020
Venue: In front of the Lanna Folklife Museum
4. Yeepeng Kids Contest
Activity: Qualifying round
Time: 08.00 - 17.00
Date: October 24, 2020
Venue: Sri Donchai Municipal School
Activity: Judging round
Time: 19.00
Date: October 31, 2020
Venue: Office of Chiang Mai Municipality
5. Mister and Miss Yeepeng Contest
Time: 19.00 - 23.00
Date: October 31 - November 1, 2020
Venue: Thapae Gate Plaza
6. Lanna Lanterns City Decoration
Time: 19.00 - 23.00
Date: October 31 - November 1, 2020
Venue: Around the moat
7. Ceremony for the Continually Floating of Candle Trays
Time: 19.00 - 22.00
Date: October 31, 2020
Venue: Ping River in front of the Office of Chiang Mai Municipality
8. Grand Krathong Contest (for H.M. the 19.00 - King's Trophy)
Time: 19.00 - 21.00
Date: October 31 - November 1, 2020
Venue: Around the moat, city gates, and Three Kings Monument Plaza
Activity: Royal Invitation Ceremony for H.M. the King's Trophy
Time: 18.00
Date: October 31 - November 1, 2020
Venue: Three Kings Monument Plaza
Remarks
Wearing local costume would be highly appreciated.
Please wear the facial mask and comply with the disease prevention measures throughout the activities.
The schedule is subjected to change.*
Tips
If you visit Chiang Mai during festival, be prepared for large crowds and high prices due to the massive influx of tourists.
Loy Krathong Festival is one of the major holidays attracting a lot of tourists, so you should book hotel in advance to stay around the festival area. Book Your Hotel Now!