The Magical Lanna Lantern Festival
Witness the breathtaking magic of thousands of sky lanterns drifting into the starry night. Immerse yourself in traditional Lanna customs, candle-lit krathongs, and local food at the lantern festival in Chiang Mai.
Loy Krathong and Yi Peng are Chiang Mai's most majestic light festivals, scheduled on November 24-25, 2026. Stemming from ancient Lanna traditions, these festivals celebrate light, wash away bad fortune, and pay respects to the water goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha, and the sacred Ket Kaew Chulamani pagoda in heaven.
During this magical period, the city transforms into a glowing wonderland where local temples light up clay lamps, floating baskets illuminate the Ping River, and thousands of paper lanterns carry wishes into the sky.
Book Your TicketsReleasing 'Khom Loy' (floating lanterns) symbolizes letting go of illness, grief, and bad luck from the past year.
Placing hand-crafted banana leaf baskets decorated with candles and flowers onto the water to ask for forgiveness.
Lighting 'Phatit' (clay oil lamps) around temples and homes to signify the triumph of light over darkness.
Water Tribute
Receive your complimentary banana-leaf Krathong, decorated with incense and fresh local flowers. Take it with you to float at a nearby waterway, or bring it home to light under the moonlight as a beautiful keepsake.
Sky Ritual
Experience the ultimate highlight. Join thousands of guests in a synchronized release of large, eco-friendly sky lanterns (Khom Loy), creating a mesmerizing constellation of wishes.
Culinary Journey
Explore a traditional Kad Mua (local market) with unlimited food stalls. Taste authentic Northern Thai food like Khao Soi, Sai Oua, and sweet mango sticky rice, freshly cooked on-site.
Culture & Art
Watch the spectacular Fong Leb (fingernail dance), fire performances, Lanna sword dancing, and live acoustic folk music, telling the ancient stories of Northern Thailand.
Two curated admission packages tailored for those who prefer all-inclusive city shuttle or self-travel to the hot spring venue.
The complete festival experience with round-trip shuttle from Chiang Mai City (NorthInnTown Hotel), full Lanna dinner, lanterns, krathong, and all cultural shows.
For guests who prefer to drive, rent a motorbike/car, or take a taxi to Doi Saket Hot Spring by themselves (Shuttle transfer and full dinner not included).
We provide round-trip shuttle service directly from NorthInnTown Hotel to the festival venue. Driving time is approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. All guests must check-in at the hotel counter before boarding.
Assembly & Roll Call: Meet up at North Inn Town hotel. Assembly time starts from 14:30. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in with the coordinator, locate your assigned vehicle, and load any personal belongings. Scenic Drive to Doi Saket: Once everyone is on board, the van departs from the city center at 15:00 and arrives at the venue around 15:45.
Warm Welcome: Arrive at the venue around 15:45, where you will be greeted by hosting staff and guided to the main registration area. Refreshments & Souvenirs: Enjoy a chilled, refreshing herbal welcome drink and receive your exclusive souvenir canvas tote bag.
Natural Foot Soak: Activity starts from 16:00. Unwind by dipping your feet into the soothing, naturally warm waters of the local hot spring pools to relieve travel fatigue. Stroll the Kad Mua Market: Walk through a vibrant, traditional Northern Thai-style market, browse authentic handmade souvenirs, and enjoy delicious traditional Lanna snacks.
The gate will be opened with cultural performances starting from 18:00. As the sun sets, gather at the main performance area for graceful Fingernail Dance (Fon Leb), Candle Dance (Fon Thien) glowing under twilight, and live Northern folk orchestra ensemble (Seung, Pin Pia, Salo).
Join the Fun: The atmosphere shifts to a lively, upbeat celebration. The professional dancers will invite everyone to step onto the floor and participate in the Ramwong, a classic Thai circle dance. Easy-to-Follow Steps: Don't worry about knowing the movesโthe steps are simple, repetitive, and incredibly easy to pick up. It's a wonderful opportunity to dance alongside locals and create joyful memories together.
The Ultimate Highlight: Prepare for the most magical and spiritually moving part of the entire journey. Every guest will be provided with a traditional sky lantern. A Shared Moment: After brief safety instructions, everyone will light and release their lanterns simultaneously. Watch as hundreds of glowing lights float gracefully together into the dark night sky, symbolizing the letting go of misfortune and sending good wishes into the future.
Capture the Magic: Head over to the beautifully illuminated photo backdrops and specialized festival sets. Keepsake Memories: Take individual, couple, or group photos to perfectly capture the essence of the festival. Staff members will be on hand to help snap pictures on your devices so everyone can be in the shot.
Orderly Boarding: Gather back at the designated transit area where coordinators will organize the lines to ensure everyone gets back to their vehicles smoothly. Heading Home: The transport leaves Doi Saket, giving you a quiet, comfortable ride back to the city center to conclude your unforgettable cultural day.
For guests joining with the General Package (Self-Travel), please travel directly to Doi Saket Hot Spring. Check-in counter opens at 15:45. Plenty of free parking is available.
From Chiang Mai Old City / Nimman: Head east along Highway 118 (Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai Road) for approx. 25 km, then turn right onto Route 1007 toward Doi Saket Hot Spring. Total driving time is approx. 40-50 minutes. You can also book Grab or a private Songthaew/Taxi.
Arrive at Doi Saket Hot Spring at 15:45, check-in at the General Ticket Counter with your QR code, receive your welcome herbal drink, traditional snack voucher, lanterns, and krathong.
Natural Foot Soak activity starts from 16:00. Relax your feet in natural mineral hot spring pools, browse local artisan stalls, and enjoy village snacks and photography.
The gate will be opened with cultural performances starting from 18:00. Watch traditional Fingernail Dance (Fon Leb), Candle Dance (Fon Thien), sword dances, and live acoustic folk music.
Join dancers in the lively Thai circle dance.
Release your 2 sky lanterns simultaneously with thousands of guests into the night sky.
Float your handcrafted krathong onto the waterway, capture memorable photos at lit-up festival sets.
Witness the massive release of thousands of sky lanterns
Yee Peng Lifestyle Land festival venue & grand event lawn
Traditional Lanna lantern entrance gateway illuminated at sunset
Handcrafted traditional Krathong making workshop with locals
Floating candle-lit Krathongs carrying wishes on the water
Traditional Northern Thai Lanna fingernail dance performance
Unforgettable moments releasing sky lanterns with friends & loved ones
Convenient VIP shuttle van service & festival parking grounds
Spectacular fireworks illumination celebrating the festival
Authentic Northern Thai delicacies & traditional Khanom Jeen noodles
Glowing sky lanterns floating like stars across the night sky
Colorful traditional hanging Lanna lanterns illuminating the sacred temple grounds
CNXLanternFest isnโt organised by a commercial tour agency from the city. It was created by a small local team born and raised in Doi Saketโpeople who still call this valley home.
We started this gathering to share the Doi Saket we grew up with: a quiet sanctuary of emerald rice fields, misty hills, and natural warm springs just 40 minutes outside the cityโa hidden gem that most travellers drive right past.
Four reasons our quiet valley makes for an authentic, unhurried Loy Krathong experience
Sunset Atmosphere
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In the late afternoon, the light turns warm and golden across the mountains surrounding the valley. Itโs the hour we love mostโand the peaceful backdrop for the start of your evening.
Pristine Night Skies
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Far from the glare of the city, the night sky here is deep, quiet, and clear. When your lantern rises, it floats against a canopy of real stars rather than a bright urban skyline.
Natural Mineral Springs
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November evenings in the northern hills are cool and refreshing. Soaking your feet in natural mineral hot spring water as the sun dips below the horizon is a simple, grounding experience you wonโt find in town.
Spacious Gathering
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We strictly limit attendance to [Number] guests per night. Youโll have plenty of open space to breathe, take in the atmosphere, and release your lantern at your own paceโwithout ever pushing through a crowd.
CNXLanternFest doesnโt take place in a private resort or a commercial stadium. We gather at Doi Saket Hot Spring, a beloved local landmark hosted in direct partnership with the community hot spring operators.
Every detail of your evening is shaped by our neighbours:
The food youโll enjoy is prepared fresh by local Doi Saket Aunties and village vendors, never mass-produced by outside caterers.
The dancers and musicians performing Fon Leb and traditional Lanna melodies come directly from our nearby villages and local schools.
Every krathong is freshly folded by local hands right here in the community on the afternoon of the festival.