Loy Krathong

8-Day Unique Loy Krathong & Yi Peng Festival Tour 2026

 
 
  • 8 DAYS
  • First-Timers PERFECT FOR
  • US$2,817 p/p
    PRICE FROM
 

Experience the Local Culture and Spectacular Moments of Thailand's Lantern Festivals

Highlights Travel is the official partner of the Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival. Based in Asia, we have helped over 10,000 worldwide clients plan trips to attend the Thailand Lantern Festival.

This tour will enable you to experience the celebration of Thailand's two mesmerizing Lantern Festivals — Loy Krathong in Sukhothai and Yi Peng in Chiang Mai.

In 2026, the Loy Kratong Festival and the Yi Peng Festival will be celebrated from November 24th to 25th.

The Gold Tickets and hotel bookings are filling up quickly. Secure your seats on the tour right now!

Yeliz Wang, Southeast Asia Specialist
Yeliz Wang, Southeast Asia Specialist

"Most people just do Chiang Mai, but we combine it with Sukhothai for a deeper cultural dive. You start with the historic quiet—just candles, ancient temple water reflections, and fewer crowds. Then you dive right into the crazy sky explosion at CAD. "

Journey Highlights

Views from a Gold Ticket
Secure a Gold Ticket with best views for the most unforgettable sky lantern release experience.
Releasing a sky lantern in Chiang Mai
Dress in traditional Thai attire and release a sky lantern with your heartfelt wishes.
Loy Krathong Releasing in Sukhothai
Experience the most authentic Thai celebrations with locals in the city where Loy Krathong began.
Biking in Sukhothai Historical Park
Take a leisurely ride around the ancient ruins of Sukhothai Historical Park.
the evening light and sound show in Sukhothai
Appreciate the extra-special evening light and sound show in Sukhothai
Elephant Jungle Santuary
Interact with elephants at their best conservation camp.
The golden temple on Doi Suthep
Pilgrimage to the most sacred temple of Northern Thailand on Doi Suthep mountain.
the Thai style statue
Soak up the exotic charm of Thailand's capital city — Bangkok.
 
 
 
 

Traveler Moments

Bangkok food experience
Elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai
Thailand Long-tail Boat experience
Bangkok, Thailand

The Itinerary in Detail

Loy Krathong & Yi Peng Festival Tour Map
Day 1

Bangkok Arrival

 

Welcome to Thailand — the land of smiles, the land of joy! Airport to hotel transport would be according to your own arrangements.

    Day 2

    Explore the City's Top Attraction

     

    Your day will commence with a visit to the magnificent Wat Pho, which houses the sacred Reclining Buddha. A holy ceremony is held there every day, and locals visit to offer worship.

    Then, hop on a tuk-tuk and head to the imposing Grand Palace. Take a break and have lunch at a local restaurant before taking a water taxi to visit the legendary Wat Arun, this is one of the best-known landmarks of Bangkok.

    Take a long-tailed boat ride along the old klongs (canals) of Thonburi to get a flavour of local life. Conclude your day with a visit to the bustling Chinatown area.

      essence of Bangkok tour
      Day 3

      Fly to Sukhothai

       

      Today, you can get up late and relax in the morning.

      In the afternoon, you will be taken to the airport, fly for an hour to Sukhothai, where the famous Thai Loy Krathong ('Float a Lantern') Festival originated. Upon your arrival, your private guide and driver will take you directly to your hotel.

      In the evening, your guide will accompany you to the Loy Krathong Festival venue to experience festival celebrations with local people: see different exhibitions, walk around open souvenir and food stalls, watch traditional Thai shows...

      The loy kratong festival in sukhohtai
      Day 4

      A Fabulous Day in Sukhothai with a Loy Krathong Festival Celebration

       

      Explore the ancient ruins of the Sukhothai Kingdom by bike. You will visit the four representative sights in Sukhothai Historical Park and Ramkhamhaeng National Museum.

      Make a Thai Krathong (Floating Lantern):

      —As Thailand's most famous lantern festival began in Sukhothai, there is no better way to experience this important part of local culture and tradition than to learn how to make a lantern yourself.

      — Try your hand at crafting a krathong (floating lantern) during our specially arranged lantern-making experience. Once it is dark, head to the Yom River to release your lantern and make a wish as it floats away.

      Enjoy the Loy Krathong Light and Sound Show

      — The light and sound show is an important part of the Loy Krathong festival in Sukhothai. The show incorporates Thai history, folk dancing, lasers, and fireworks and is performed at 7:30 PM in Sukhothai Historical Park.

      Sukhothai Historical Park
      Day 5

      Sukhothai to Chiang Mai via Lampang

       

      Visit One of the Oldest Temples in Thailand

      — After breakfast, leave Sukhothai and head to Chiang Mai. On the way, you will stop in Lampang to visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Built in the 13th century, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is one of the most revered temples in Thailand and is one of the best examples of Lanna architecture.

      Upon your arrival in Chiang Mai, enjoy some free time to relax or explore in the afternoon.

      The horse ride in Lampang
      Day 6

      Lanna Costume Fitting and Yi Peng Festival Celebration

       

      Before heading to the Yi Peng Festival, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Thai culture by dressing in traditional Thai clothing. A professional makeup artist will help you create a beautiful Thai look that complements your traditional attire.

      In the late afternoon, you will be taken to the Yi Peng Festival Celebration and Sky Lantern Release venue.

      Highlights Travel Exclusive Premium Experience

      — Round-trip private transfers between your hotel and the event venue, maximizing your time during the busiest time of the lantern festival — Buffet dinner at the 'special food zone' (enjoy Thai cuisine, soft drinks, juice, and water) — 2 sky lanterns for each traveler

      Have a thrilling sky lantern release
      Day 7

      A Close Encounter with the Gentle Giants

       

      Situated in a pristine and picturesque valley, about 1½ hours' drive from Chiang Mai city, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is a paradise for homeless elephants. It provides a safe, loving, and secure environment for all the elephants that go there. Take a half-day Memorable Caring Experience there. You'll learn a lot about elephants and interact with them — you can feed them, walk with them, hug them, bathe them, and play mud with them.

      After the program, have lunch at the park. Your private guide and driver will transfer you back to your hotel at around 2 p.m.

      Interact with Elephants
      Day 8

      Departure from Chiang Mai

       

      Depart Chiang Mai. Getting to the airport will be by your own arrangement.

      Expand All

      Hand-Picked Hotels

      Where you stay shapes your journey. We handpick hotels for their unique character, from city boutiques to beachfront escapes.

       
      Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok
      Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
      Phra Singh Village
      Phra Singh Village
      Sawasdee Sukhothai Resort
      Sawasdee Sukhothai Resort
       
       
       
       

      What's Included

      No surprises, no hidden fees. Our pricing is transparent and tailored to your final plan. Here's a clear look at what's typically included.

      Price Guide

      Price Guide

      4-Star Journey
      • Comfort & Character
      • From US$2,817 per person

      Your Inclusions

      Your Inclusions

      • Modern, spacious A/C vehicle & driver
        Modern, spacious A/C vehicle & driver
      • Dedicated English-speaking local guide
        Dedicated English-speaking local guide
      • All entrance fees & listed activities
        All entrance fees & listed activities
      • All nights in handpicked hotels
        All nights in handpicked hotels
      • Domestic flights between cities
        Domestic flights between cities
      • Daily breakfast & specified meals
        Daily breakfast & specified meals
      • 24/7 on-trip support
        24/7 on-trip support
      • ALL local taxes and fees (no hidden costs)
        ALL local taxes and fees (no hidden costs)

      Good to Know

      Good to Know

      Pricing

      • Based on two people, low season travel.
      • Your final price is customized to your group, dates, and choices.
      • Mixing hotels? Absolute. We'll design a trip to fit your budget.

      Exclusions

      • International flight (we can help book)
      • Most lunches & dinners (for flexibility)
      • Visas & travel insurances
      • Tips & personal spending

      Booking

      • Discounts available for children under 8.
      • We accept USD, GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR, and more.

      Tour code

      • ah-58

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