Key facts
| Question | Answer (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Full moon | Tuesday 24 November 2026 |
| Paid releases (CAD) | evenings of 24 and 25 November, per the organiser's ticket office |
| Official TAT / city calendar | not verified: reconfirm |
| Sky lanterns in the city | banned; only authorised sites outside the city |
| CAD ticket price | 4,900 to 15,900 baht depending on category; reconfirm |
| Book | tickets and hotel two to three months ahead |
Calendar: what is certain and what is not
- Certain: the full moon on 24 November 2026, and the two evenings on sale from the CAD organiser (24 and 25 November).
- Unconfirmed: the dates of the ceremonies in the city, of the decorations and of the parade. A 24 to 26 November programme circulates, with no official source we could consult.
- Be careful: the exact night of a release depends on the event you choose. Read the date on your ticket, not on a blog.
The official programme is published close to the festival on the tourist board site (tourismthailand.org): check it about two months before departure.
Tickets: how it works
- Choose the venue before the date: the large organised release (CAD, Mae On) or a smaller event. The comparison is in our selection of evenings.
- Read what is included: transfer from the city, dinner, number of lanterns, krathong. An entry-only ticket means arranging your own transport on very busy evening roads.
- Check the organiser and the cancellation policy, which is often strict.
- Book early: the best categories go two to three months ahead, according to several guides.
The prices quoted come from the organiser's ticket office and travel guides; they change from year to year. A festival ticket is offered by our partner: Chiang Mai, Yi Peng lantern festival ticket. Check the date, inclusions and price on the listing before booking.
A two-night plan
- Night 1 (24 November): paid release outside the city, with return transfer. Plan the whole evening.
- Night 2 (25 November): free celebration in the city: moat, Tha Phae Gate, Three Kings Monument, Ping River, krathongs on the water and lamps.
- Only one night: take the paid release if lanterns are your goal, the city celebration if you want the atmosphere on no budget.
Lantern rules
Sky lanterns are banned in the city of Chiang Mai and near the airport (aviation safety and fire risk). Release only at an authorised site, at the time given by staff, and keep children away from the flame. Do not release a lantern bought from a street seller in the city: you risk a fine.
Tips on the ground
- Where to stay: sleep in the Old City or by the river to walk to the free ceremonies.
- Traffic: closed roads and jams; leave early for the release site and allow a margin for the return.
- Flight and train: book as soon as possible; according to some guides, the airport sometimes adjusts schedules on festival nights. Details: train, bus or plane.
- Dress: shoulders and knees covered in temples, flat shoes, a light layer for the evening.
- Photos: a phone is enough; no flash during ceremonies.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dates of Yi Peng 2026?
Full moon on Tuesday 24 November 2026; the CAD organiser sells the evenings of 24 and 25 November. The official calendar could not be verified: reconfirm on tourismthailand.org.
How much does a lantern release ticket cost?
From 4,900 to 15,900 baht depending on the category of the CAD event, per the ticket office in October 2026; reconfirm.
When should I book?
Two to three months ahead, for tickets and hotel alike.
Can I release a lantern for free?
No sky lanterns in the city. Krathongs on the water and the street atmosphere are free, though.
How many nights should I plan?
Two: one for the paid release, one for the city celebration.
The Bangkok Authority editorial team
