Main activities 13-15 Nov 2016 and The lanterns will be allowed to be released at night of 14 , 15 Nov 2016
This Thai Festival is held all over the country, but there are particularly beautiful celebrations held in Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai,
where the celebrations take place over several days. Celebrations are now held throughout Thailand including Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya, as well as parts of Myanmar (Shan State) and Laos.
Lanna Lantern Lighting 7pm – Pan Tao Temple
- In 2016, the full moon falls on Tuesday, 15 November 2016, but in many places (including Chiang Mai) the main celebration will be from Monday, 14 November to Wednesday, 16 November, 2016
Yi Peng Festival “Loi Krathong” 2016
Event Schedule – Chiang Mai, Thailand
Saturday, November 12th
Opening Ceremony for Traditional Worshiping Ritual in Chiang Mai
6pm – Three Kings Monument Plaza
Saturday, November 12th thru Tuesday, November 15th
Traditional Candle Lighting for Worshiping
7pm to 11pm – All City Gates (Chang Phueak Gate, Chiang Mai Gate, Tha Phae Gate, Suan Dok Gate) and around town.
Saturday, November 12th thru Friday, November 18th
Lantern Decoration and Lighting
7pm to 12am – Three Kings Monument Plaza, Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai Municipal Building
Floating Krathong Release for Everyone (Release your Krathong)
7pm to 12am – Ping River, City Moat, Canals
Sunday, November 13th
Opening Ceremony “2016 Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival”
6:30pm to 7pm – Tha Phae Gate
25th Night Barzzar Lantern Procession Contest
7pm to 10pm – Tha Phae Gate to Pan Tip Plaza
Yi Peng Kids Contest
7pm to 10pm – Chiang Mai Municipal Building
“History of Yi Peng in Chiang Mai” Traditional Performance
8pm to 10pm – Floating Stage on Ping River across from Chiang Mai Municipal Building
Sunday, November 13th and Monday, Novemeber 14th
Traditional Lanna Performance – Musical Concert and more
6pm to 8pm – Floating Stage on Ping River across from Chiang Mai Municipal Building
Miss Yi Peng Beauty Contest
6pm to 12midnight – Tha Phae Gate
Anti-Alcohol Campaign – Music Stage
6pm to 12midnight – The First Church of Chiang Mai and Nawarat Bridge
Great Sermon “Tang Tham Luang,” Maze Decoration and Candle-tray Decoration for Pagodas worshiping.
9am to 10pm – Loke Molee Temple
Saint Sirimangala Worshiping Ritual
10am to 11pm – Chiang Mai Buddhist Society @ Wat Phra Doi Suthep
Sunday, November 13th thru Tuesday, November 15th
Pratu Pa (welcome gate for whom returning from forest) Decoration Contest
All Day – Temples and Municipal Communities
Monday, November 14th (Full Moon)
Worshiping Ritual to House of Spirits, White Pagoda and Ping River
8:09am to 10:30am – Chiang Mai Municipal Building and Srikhong Temple’s pier
Lantern Contest and Fancy Lantern Release
9am to 12pm – Chiang Mai Municipal Building
Handmade Krathong Contest
9am to 12pm – Chiang Mai Municipal Building
Krathong Sai – The Ritual of Placing Krathon’s into Rivers, Streams and Canals
7pm to 10pm – Official Spot in front of Chiang Mai Municipal Building at the Ping River
“KHON” Traditional Performance
8pm to 10pm – Floating Stage on Ping River across from Chiang Mai Municipal Building
Lanna Lantern Lighting
7pm – Pan Tao Temple
Tuesday, November 15th
The Grand Krathong Procession Contest (for The Royal Trophy)
7pm to 11pm – Tha Phae Gate to Chiang Mai Municipal Building
Fireworks Display in Honor of H.M. the King
8pm – Chiang Mai Municipal Building
Overview
The dates change from year to year because the event is scheduled based on the 12th full moon of the Thai lunar calendar.
For this year it mean Loi Krathong will be held from November 13-15, the 14th being the night of the full moon, it being biggest night of the three day affair. Expect to see parades, beauty contests and maybe a riverboat race(s), plus various events all over town.
Many events will not be formally announced or if they have, they may only been advertised in Thai, making it kind of a festival Easter Egg hunt for many. So, it just might be worth your time to take a walk around the old city square and see what materializes. Also, you might want to make your very own Krathong (banana leaf, flowers, candle and sparkler).
Inquire at your Guesthouse or Hotel, there are lots of classes and it could make it a more meaningful experience. Otherwise just buy one or do both, either way, no problem! Light the candle and get that sparkler going, say a prayer (Buddhist or whatever your faith) and let it float down the river. This is truly one of the main events in a country filled with amazing festivals. So don’t miss this one!
Chiang Mai Yee Peng Festival 2016
At Night of 14 , 15 Nov 2016
