Umping lantern festival vs Yi peng what’s the difference

Imagine a November evening in Northern Thailand. As darkness falls, the night sky begins to glow with thousands of floating lanterns, each one carrying a wish, a prayer, or a hope for the future. At the same time, the rivers below come alive with flickering candlelight, as small, decorated rafts drift gently downstream. It is one of the most breathtaking spectacles on Earth—but here’s the question that confuses even seasoned travelers: Are you watching Yi Peng or Loy Krathong?

The answer is both. And neither. And it’s more complicated—and more fascinating—than you might think.

For years, travelers have used the names interchangeably, posting photos of sky lanterns with captions about “Loy Krathong” and wondering why they can’t release lanterns in certain cities. The confusion is understandable. These two festivals occur at the same time, in the same place, and both involve lights, water, and spiritual devotion. But they are distinct traditions with different origins, meanings, and practices.

This guide will finally set the record straight. By the end, you’ll not only know the difference between Yi Peng and Loy Krathong—you’ll understand why their magical convergence makes November the most enchanting time to visit Thailand.

The Short Answer: Two Festivals, One Night

Let’s start with the simplest explanation:

Loy Krathong is a nationwide Thai festival where people float small, decorated baskets (krathongs) on rivers and waterways to pay respect to the goddess of water and apologize for polluting the rivers .

Yi Peng is a Northern Thai (Lanna) festival where people release sky lanterns (khom loi) into the air to send wishes to heaven and let go of misfortune .

In Northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai, these two festivals overlap on the same full moon night, creating a double spectacle of lights above and below . But they are not the same thing, and understanding their differences will transform your appreciation of both.

The Etymology: What the Names Tell Us

The names themselves reveal the first clue to their differences.

Loy Krathong (ลอยกระทง) is straightforward: Loy means “to float,” and Krathong refers to the small, lotus-shaped rafts made from banana leaves and other natural materials . The name literally describes the primary action of the festival—floating a decorated basket on water.

Yi Peng (ยี่เป็ง) tells us about timing, not activity. In the Lanna language (the dialect of Northern Thailand), Yi means “two,” and Peng means “full moon day” . Together, they refer to the full moon of the second month according to the Lanna lunar calendar, which typically falls in November .

This distinction is important: Loy Krathong describes what you do; Yi Peng describes when you do it.

Historical Origins: Two Kingdoms, Two Traditions

The Sukhothai Legend of Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong’s origins trace back to the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai in the 13th century. According to popular legend, a beautiful consort of King Ramkhamhaeng named Nang Noppamas created an elaborate krathong—a float shaped like a lotus flower—and released it on the river to honor the king . The king was so captivated that he declared it an annual tradition.

Historically, the festival has deeper roots in Brahmanic and animist traditions. It was originally a ceremony to honor Phra Mae Khongkha, the goddess of water, giving thanks for her life-sustaining blessings and apologizing for polluting the rivers throughout the year . This act of floating away sins and negativity remains central to the festival’s meaning today.

The Lanna Origins of Yi Peng

Yi Peng’s story is older and more mystical. The festival originated in the Lanna Kingdom (c. 13th–18th centuries), with roots possibly extending to the pre-Buddhist Haripuñjaya Kingdom . Its origins are sometimes associated with ancient animist and Brahmanic traditions of India, though today it is primarily observed as a Buddhist custom .

One beautiful legend tells of a flock of birds that paid homage to the Buddha by circling him while carrying lit torches in their beaks and claws. Moved by their devotion, the Buddha proclaimed that their virtuous act would earn them rebirth endowed with beauty and good fortune . This is why, in Northern Thailand, offering light to the Buddha during Yi Peng is regarded as a meritorious act believed to bring purity and popularity in future lives.

Another tradition connects Yi Peng to the legendary Phra That Kaew Chulamanee, a stupa in heaven believed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha’s hair. The Lanna people release lanterns to send their prayers up to this celestial shrine .

Core Differences: Direction and Meaning

The most poetic way to understand the difference is through direction:

Loy Krathong is about the water that sustains life—thanking it, apologizing to it, and floating away our sins upon it. Yi Peng is about the heavens above—sending our wishes upward, connecting with the divine, and watching our troubles dissolve into the night sky.

One festival grounds us in the flow of rivers; the other lifts our eyes to the stars.

The Lanterns Themselves: More Than Just Floating Lights

Loy Krathong: The Art of the Krathong

A traditional krathong is a small raft, typically made from a slice of banana tree trunk, decorated with intricately folded banana leaves (often shaped like lotus petals), flowers, incense sticks, and a candle . Some people add a coin, a lock of hair, or a fingernail clipping to symbolize letting go of part of themselves .

Modern variations include krathongs made of bread (which fish can eat, reducing environmental impact) or even biodegradable materials. The traditional banana-leaf construction, however, remains the most beautiful and authentic.

Yi Peng: The Many Faces of Lanterns

Yi Peng features an entire family of lanterns, each with its own name and purpose :

• Khom Loi (โคมลอย) : The iconic floating sky lanterns made of rice paper stretched over a bamboo frame. A candle or fuel cell at the base heats the air inside, causing the lantern to rise . These are the stars of the festival.
• Khom Khwaen (โคมแขวน) : Hanging lanterns used to decorate houses, temples, and streets. They come in various shapes—stars, diamonds, intricate geometric patterns—and create the festive atmosphere throughout Chiang Mai .
• Khom Thue (โคมถือ) : Portable lanterns carried during parades, often shaped like rabbit ears or lotus petals .
• Khom Phat (โคมผัด) : Revolving lanterns with two concentric cylinders that rotate when heated by a candle inside, creating moving images .
• Phang Pratheep (ผางประทีป) : Small clay votive lamps lit and placed around temples and houses. Lighting these is an act of showing gratitude to all benefactors .

This diversity of lanterns makes Yi Peng a visually rich experience far beyond just the mass lantern release.

Where to Experience Each Festival

Loy Krathong: Everywhere in Thailand

Because Loy Krathong is celebrated nationwide, you can experience it throughout the country. Some of the best locations include :

• Bangkok: Take a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, watch shows at Asiatique Riverside, or visit temples like Wat Arun for riverside ceremonies.
• Sukhothai: The historical park hosts a spectacular light and sound show portraying the legendary origins of the festival, with the ancient ruins as a backdrop.
• Phuket: Float krathongs at Patong Beach, Karon Lake, or Nai Harn Lake for a beachside twist on the tradition.
• Tak: Watch a stunning procession of thousands of krathongs made from coconut shells floating downstream on the Ping River.

Yi Peng: Northern Thailand, Especially Chiang Mai

Yi Peng is primarily celebrated in the North. Chiang Mai is the undisputed heart of the festival, but you’ll also find celebrations in Lamphun, Lampang, and Chiang Rai .

In Chiang Mai, you have several options :

• Ticketed Mass Lantern Releases: The most famous experience is attending an organized event where thousands of lanterns are released simultaneously. The CAD Cultural Center Lanna hosts the city’s biggest event, with cultural performances, food stalls, and a synchronized lantern release . In 2025, these events took place on November 5-6 .
• Tha Phae Gate and Old City: While sky lantern releases are now restricted in the city center for safety reasons, the Old City is still magical. Temples like Wat Phan Tao and Wat Chedi Luang are adorned with thousands of hanging lanterns and small clay lamps, and you can participate in candle-lighting ceremonies .
• Mae Jo University Area: Behind Mae Jo University (north of the city), you can find large-scale lantern release events, though these are now ticketed .
• Along the Ping River: Float your krathong from riverside restaurants or join in the local celebrations along the banks .

The Spiritual Practices: Beyond the Visual Spectacle

Both festivals involve profound spiritual practices that visitors can respectfully observe or join.

For Loy Krathong :

• Making Krathongs: Many hotels and guesthouses offer krathong-making sessions where you learn to fold banana leaves into lotus shapes.
• Floating Your Krathong: Light the candle and incense, hold the krathong to your forehead, make a wish, and gently release it on the water.
• Letting Go: Some Thais add a lock of hair or fingernail clippings to symbolize releasing negative feelings.

For Yi Peng :

• Releasing Lanterns: Write your wish on the lantern (or simply hold it in your heart), light the fuel cell, wait for the hot air to fill the lantern, and release it skyward.
• Temple Visits: Join locals at temples for candle-lighting ceremonies, prayers, and meditation.
• Tang Tham Luang: In some communities, monks recite the Vessantara Jataka (the story of the Buddha’s previous life) over several days—a deeply meaningful tradition for devout Buddhists .

Environmental Considerations: Celebrating Responsibly

The beauty of these festivals comes with environmental challenges. Sky lanterns can become litter or fire hazards, and krathongs made with styrofoam or non-biodegradable materials pollute waterways .

The good news? Awareness is growing. Today, most participants choose krathongs made of natural materials that biodegrade without harm . Many organized Yi Peng events now use eco-friendly lanterns and carefully manage the aftermath. If you participate, choose biodegradable options and follow all safety guidelines.

A Personal Reflection: Which Festival Should You Choose?

You don’t have to choose. In Chiang Mai, you get both.

But if you’re deciding where to travel:

• Choose Chiang Mai during Yi Peng/Loy Krathong if you want the complete, magical experience—lanterns filling the sky, krathongs floating on the river, and streets glowing with lights and decorations. It’s crowded, it’s chaotic, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.
• Choose Loy Krathong elsewhere in Thailand if you prefer a quieter, more local experience. In smaller towns, you’ll see how Thai families celebrate together, with less tourism and more authentic community feeling.
• Choose a ticketed Yi Peng event if your dream is releasing a lantern into a sky filled with thousands of others. These events are organized, safe, and incredibly photogenic.
• Choose free celebrations in Chiang Mai’s Old City if you want to soak in the atmosphere without spending much money, enjoying the decorations, parades, and riverside festivities.

Final Thoughts: The Magic of Convergence

What makes November in Thailand so special is that you don’t have to pick one festival over the other. Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, distinct in origin and meaning, have become beautiful companions—one lifting our hopes skyward, the other releasing our sorrows downstream.

When you stand on the banks of the Ping River in Chiang Mai, watching lanterns drift upward while krathongs float past, you’re witnessing something rare: two ancient traditions, from two different kingdoms, converging into a single moment of shared humanity. The lights above and below remind us that we are connected to both heaven and earth—and that sometimes, letting go is the most beautiful thing we can do.

Have you experienced Yi Peng or Loy Krathong? Share your stories in the comments below—and if you’re planning a trip, start booking now. Accommodation sells out months in advance!