Between screenings or shows
A two- to four-hour gap: something close by.
- Half-dayDoi Suthep temple
- EatKhao soi stalls
Yi Peng and Loy Krathong 2026 in Chiang Mai: weekend guide and things to do
23 to 25 November 2026 · ProvisionalChiang Mai, Thailand
Yi Peng and Loy Krathong leaves gaps between screenings, shows and events, and companions without a pass have whole days in Chiang Mai. This guide fills them.
Know before you go
- Dates follow the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. Big lantern releases need tickets; check local rules.
Airport to Ping River and the old city
Chiang Mai airport (CNX) is 15 minutes from the old city by Grab.
Walk the old city and the river banks.
Public transport directions to Ping River and the old city
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Old City | Guesthouses inside the moat. |
| Mid-range | Nimman | Cafés and shops. |
| Splurge | Riverside and the hills | Resorts. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Stamps Backpackers
- Mid-range: Akyra Manor Chiang Mai
- Splurge: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual festival stay schedule for 23 to 25 November 2026. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
A free day
For companions without a pass, or attendees taking a day off.
- Full dayElephant sanctuary visit
Evenings
After the last show of the day.
- After darkNimman bars.
- EatSunday Walking Street
Rainy day
Indoor backups.
- Rain or heat backupLanna Folklife Museum.
- FreeOld City temples.
Family-friendly picks
- Night Safari.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Nimman bars.
4 tours worth booking for Yi Peng and Loy Krathong
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Elephant sanctuary visit | Full day | Families |
| Doi Suthep temple | Half day | Families |
| Thai cooking class on a farm | Half day | Food lovers |
| Chiang Rai White Temple day trip | Full day | Everyone |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Lanna Folklife Museum.
Getting around on event days
- Red songthaews and Grab.
Day trips from Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai: 3 hours
- Doi Inthanon: 2 hours
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Yi Peng and Loy Krathong.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Yi Peng and Loy Krathong 2026?
The next edition is 23 to 25 November 2026, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Ping River and the old city?
Chiang Mai airport (CNX) is 15 minutes from the old city by Grab. Walk the old city and the river banks.
Where should I stay for Yi Peng and Loy Krathong?
For most visitors the best base is Nimman: Cafés and shops.
What can we do between sessions at Yi Peng and Loy Krathong?
Good short outings in Chiang Mai include Doi Suthep temple, Thai cooking class on a farm. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Yi Peng and Loy Krathong?
Family-friendly picks: Elephant sanctuary visit, Doi Suthep temple. Night Safari.
How far is Ping River and the old city from Chiang Mai centre?
About 1 km in a straight line. Walk the old city and the river banks.
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