Yi Peng Festival 2025 in Chiang Mai: A Magical Experience For Muslim Travellers

Every November, the skies over Chiang Mai come alive with a glow unlike any other. The Yi Peng Festival, returning this 5 – 6 Nov 2025, is one of Thailand’s most visually captivating and spiritually rich events. For Muslim travellers, it offers a beautiful opportunity to witness local traditions while enjoying a travel experience that’s both inspiring and faith-conscious. Set against the cultural backdrop of Northern Thailand, this festival is more than just a visual spectacle — it's a celebration of hope, renewal, and community.

Also read: Top 6 Common Scams in Bangkok That Muslim Travellers Need to Avoid

What is Yi Peng?

Yi Peng (also spelt Yee Peng) is a traditional Lanna festival unique to Northern Thailand. It is often held in conjunction with Loy Krathong, the more widely celebrated Thai festival involving floating baskets on rivers. While Loy Krathong is about water, Yi Peng is about the sky. Participants release glowing lanterns known as khom loi into the night, symbolising the release of misfortunes and the welcoming of good luck. The act is deeply symbolic and often emotional, representing a fresh start and a chance to reflect on personal intentions and gratitude.

What to expect at Yi Peng Festival 2025?

During the Yi Peng Festival, Chiang Mai transforms into a glowing city of lights. Visitors can expect to see thousands of lanterns floating gracefully into the sky, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that feels both festive and serene. The streets and temples are beautifully adorned with colourful lanterns and traditional Lanna-style decorations, enhancing the festive spirit throughout the city. Cultural performances, traditional music and dance, and lively parades bring the city to life. At the temples, merit-making ceremonies take place, where locals offer prayers and food, something visitors are welcome to respectfully observe or even participate in.

Muslim-friendly tips for Yi Peng Festival

Chiang Mai is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Muslim travellers, and the city offers a growing number of amenities to ensure a comfortable and halal-friendly visit. For those attending Yi Peng, finding halal food won’t be an issue. The Chang Khlan area near the Night Bazaar is home to several halal eateries, including Yaring Cuisine, which specialises in Southern Thai Muslim dishes, and Shere Shiraz, a well-known Indian-Pakistani restaurant. Travellers can also try Khao Soi Islam, famous for its halal version of the iconic Northern Thai noodle dish, khao soi. With a variety of halal dining options, Muslim visitors can savour local flavours without compromising on dietary requirements.

For prayer needs, Chiang Mai offers several mosques, with Masjid Hidayatul Islam (Chang Khlan Mosque) being the most centrally located and accessible for travellers. It’s situated close to many of the Yi Peng festivities and is ideal for those staying near the city centre. Other mosques, such as those in San Sai and Nong Hoi, are also available for those exploring beyond downtown Chiang Mai. Many hotels in Chiang Mai are accustomed to hosting Muslim guests and are happy to provide prayer mats, qibla directions, or advice on locating nearby mosques.

When attending the festival, Muslim travellers are encouraged to dress modestly — not only as a reflection of personal values but also out of respect for the local culture and religious settings. Lightweight, loose-fitting long sleeves and trousers or skirts are ideal, especially when visiting temples or participating in cultural ceremonies. A scarf may also come in handy for women entering the temple grounds.

Where to experience Yi Peng?

The main lantern release events take place at several well-known spots in Chiang Mai. The most popular public locations include Tha Phae Gate, Nawarat Bridge, and along the Ping River, where crowds gather to release lanterns in a communal setting. For a more curated experience, ticketed events are held at venues such as the Lanna Dhutanka temple grounds, often organised by local universities or cultural groups. These ticketed gatherings typically include a full cultural program with traditional music, dance, food, and a guided lantern release. It’s a good idea to book tickets in advance, as these events tend to sell out quickly.

Also read: Jurassic World Thailand: Muslim Guide to The Largest Dinosaur Attraction Opens in 2025!

Why Yi Peng belongs on every Muslim traveller’s bucket list?

For Muslim travellers, Yi Peng is more than just a beautiful photo opportunity. It’s a moment of reflection, intention, and connection. The act of releasing a lantern into the night sky — letting go of the past and praying for better days ahead — is an experience that resonates deeply with the themes of faith, gratitude, and renewal. Whether one is attending with family, friends, or as a solo explorer, Yi Peng offers a rare and meaningful way to engage with Thai culture in a way that feels respectful and spiritually enriching.

As the lanterns rise over Chiang Mai this 5–6 November 2025, Muslim travellers can look forward to not just a visual feast but a heartfelt experience that blends tradition, beauty, and spiritual reflection. From halal food and accessible mosques to the warm hospitality of the locals, everything is in place for an unforgettable visit. So pack your bags, bring your intentions, and prepare for a journey that will light up your heart, quite literally, under the starry Northern Thai sky.

Image credit: ASEAN Skyline | Official Facebook