The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) had announced the official events schedule for 2019 Chiang Mai’s Loy Krathong and Yee Peng Lantern Festivals.
Chiang Mai will be celebrating Loy Krathong and Yee Peng Lantern Festivals from 9 ~ 12 November 2019. While Loy Krathong is celebrated all over Thailand, Yee Peng is unique to Northern Thailand.
Thousands of visitors will be flocking to Chiang Mai to be part of these colourful festivals. There will be the official ceremonies and celebrations, along with many other private events giving everyone in Chiang Mai the opportunity to see and experience it all.
The following information lists the official programmes and ceremonies scheduled around Chiang Mai in celebration of the 2019 Loy Krathong and Yee Peng Festivals. Note that there are many of the side events not mentioned.
During the Loy Krathong and Yee Peng Festivals, you’ll see locals’ homes and public places decked out in colourful hanging lanterns and flag decorations.
Events Schedule for 2019 Loy Krathong & Yee Peng Festivals in Chiang Mai, Thailand:
November 9, at 6:00pm:
The opening ceremony of The Lighting Candle Tray, with traditional Lanna dance performances at The Three Kings Monument. Hundreds of dancers of all ages will be performing the Lanna Traditional Dance.
November 9~10, 7:00pm to 11:00pm:
Lighting candle trays around city moat at all city fortresses.
November 9~12, 7:00pm to 11:00pm:
Lighting candle trays to worship the Lord Buddha, at The Three Kings Monument. Also displayed here booth demonstrating Lanna handicraft.
Thousands of candle trays will be lit up in celebration at the Three Kings Monument square.
November 10, at 6:00pm:
The opening ceremony of Chiang Mai Yee Peng Festival 2019 at Tha Pae Gate.
November 10, at 7:00pm to 10:00pm:
Yee Peng Lantern Procession Contest, along Tha Pae Gate to Panthip Plaza.
November 10, 7:00pm to 10:00pm:
Mister and Miss Yee Peng Lantern Contest, at Anusarn Market.
November 10~11, all day:
Yee Peng lanterns display, at Wat Si Don Chai.
November 11, 8:00am to 10:00pm:
The great chanting and maze display, at Wat Si Don Chai.
In Chiang Mai, Yee Peng is mostly about the lanterns hence the name Lantern Festivals, also known as The Festival of Lights.
November 10, at 7:00pm:
Yee Peng Kids Contest, at Chiang Mai Municipality Office.
November 10~11, at 7:00pm to 11:00pm:
Mister and Miss Yee Peng Contest, at Tha Pae Gate.
November 11, 8:00am to 10:30am:
Worshipping ritual to the shrines of Household Spirits, White Pagoda and Ping River, at Chiang Mai Municipality Office, Sri Khong Temple Pier.
November 11, 9:00am to 3:00pm:
The Krathong making contest, at Chiang Mai Municipality Office.
November 11, 7:00pm to 10:00pm:
Floating the candlelit Krathong down the Ping River, along the Ping River in front of the Chiang Mai Municipality Office.
While Loy Krathong is celebrated all over Thailand, the Yee Peng Lantern Festival is unique to Northern Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai.
November 11~12, at 7:00pm to 11:00pm:
Traditional Lanna Dance and Cultural Performance, at Chiang Mai Municipality Office.
November 12, at 7:00pm to 11:00pm:
Grand Krathong Parade contest that parades across the city, starting from Tha Pae Gate to the Chiang Mai Municipality Office.
November 11~12, 10:00am to 11:00pm:
Respective ritual ceremonies for Phra Skrimangkalajarn, at Chiang Mai Buddhist Society Center.
November 10~12, 9:00am to 10:00pm:
The Great Tang Tham Luang Sermon, candle tray decoration and other ceremonies, at Wat Lok Moli.
November 10~12, 6:00pm to midnight:
Stage musical performance, at The First Church of Chiang Mai, Nawarat Bridge.
The Grand Krathong Parade contest that parades across the city, starting from Tha Pae Gate to the Chiang Mai Municipality Office.
Monks at Wat Phan Tao light up thousands of candle’s pond and glow sky lanterns. The ceremony is unique and can only be seen in this temple.
The public is allowed to release sky lanterns only on the 11th and 12th of November, from 7:00pm to 1:00am. Some areas are prohibited.
There are several private events for mass sky lanterns release happening on the 11th and 12th of November around Chiang Mai.