- Overview
- Captured moments
- Day by day
- What's included
- Travel notes
- Not included
- Your questions answered
Thailand glows each November during the twin festivals of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, when floating lanterns drift across rivers and thousands of lights rise into the night sky in a celebration of gratitude, reflection, and renewal.
Experience Highlights
- Explore Bangkok through a Michelin Guide food experience by tuk tuk
- Release floating lanterns during the Loy Krathong Festival
- Launch sky lanterns during the Yi Peng lantern release ceremony
- Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary in Northern Thailand
- Discover Hua Hin through vineyard tastings, coastal landscapes, and a sunset sailing dinner cruise
Beginning in Bangkok, we explore grand temples, vibrant markets, hidden neighbourhoods, and some of the city's most memorable food experiences before travelling north to Chiang Mai, where the lantern festival celebrations unfold.
Alongside the festivals themselves, we spend time with elephants in a natural forest setting, wander the historic streets of Chiang Mai, and experience the traditions, stories, and rhythms that shape Northern Thailand.
As the journey continues, the days ahead in Hua Hin invite a different kind of discovery. Beyond the lanterns and temples, we encounter vineyard landscapes, coastal traditions, and hidden natural wonders that reveal a side of Thailand few international visitors expect.
Blending celebration, culture, food, nature, and moments of stillness, this journey offers a deeper experience of Thailand during one of its most beautiful times of year.
Limited to just 12 travellers to keep the experience intimate.
This journey follows the lantern lit celebrations of Northern Thailand, moving from the energy of Bangkok to the cultural heart of Chiang Mai before slowing into the coastal landscapes of Hua Hin.
As the days unfold, we step into traditions that build gradually toward the full moon, where light, ritual, and community come together in celebration. Alongside the festivals, we experience local food, markets, countryside landscapes, elephant conservation, and some of Thailand's most memorable cultural experiences.
After the intensity and wonder of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, the focus shifts toward a quieter side of Thailand. Vineyard lunches, quiet beaches, dramatic coastal scenery, and time to simply slow down create space to absorb the experiences of the journey before returning home.
Our itinerary is designed around the lunar calendar and festival timing, allowing us to experience these celebrations at their most meaningful. As with all events shaped by tradition, timings may vary slightly to honour local customs and preserve the authenticity of each moment.
Itinerary
Day 01 | Bangkok
Date : 20/11/2026
First Impressions | Bangkok After Dark
Highlights
Michelin food experience by tuk tuk · Evening city exploration · Welcome dinner
Bangkok reveals itself slowly as afternoon gives way to evening. The city's skyline begins to glow, street kitchens awaken, and the scent of charcoal, fresh herbs and spices drifts through the warm air. It is a city that rarely slows down, where every neighbourhood offers its own rhythm, character and story.
After time to settle into the hotel, we gather for our Signature Welcome and our first introduction to Thailand. Travelling by tuk tuk, we weave through lively streets and hidden neighbourhoods, experiencing Bangkok the way locals move through it each day. Along the way, our local guide shares the traditions, customs and everyday moments that define life in the capital.
Rather than following the well worn tourist trail, the evening unfolds through a carefully selected Michelin recognised food experience. Between family run eateries, bustling street kitchens and long established local favourites, each stop introduces another layer of Bangkok's remarkable culinary culture. Every dish reflects a different neighbourhood, tradition and story, revealing why the city has become one of the world's great food destinations.
By the time we return to the hotel, Bangkok no longer feels overwhelming, but wonderfully alive. Shared tables, new flavours and easy conversation provide a fitting beginning to our journey through Thailand.
Inclusions
Airport transfer · Michelin food experience by tuk tuk · Welcome dinner · Accommodation in Bangkok
Day 02 | Bangkok
Date : 21/11/2026
Golden Grandeur | Temples, River and Rituals
Highlights
Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha · Wat Pho · Lunch · Flower Market · Wat Arun
Morning light reflects from gilded rooftops as Bangkok's royal and spiritual heart begins another day. Bells echo through temple courtyards, incense drifts gently into the air and monks quietly move between centuries of tradition that continue to shape the city today.
Our day begins at the magnificent Grand Palace, where intricate mosaics, soaring golden spires and beautifully crafted courtyards reveal the artistic and cultural heritage of the former Kingdom of Siam. Within its grounds stands the Emerald Buddha, one of Thailand's most revered and enduring national symbols.
Just beyond the palace, the atmosphere shifts at Wat Pho. Home to the impressive Reclining Buddha, the temple offers a quieter perspective, where graceful architecture and peaceful courtyards invite a slower pace before we continue through the city to Bangkok's famous flower market. Here, stalls overflow with orchids, marigolds and lotus flowers destined for homes, temples and daily offerings across the capital.
Crossing the Chao Phraya River, we arrive at Wat Arun as the afternoon light softens across its porcelain covered towers. From the riverbank, boats drift quietly past while the temple catches the changing colours of the sky, providing a beautiful conclusion to our exploration of Bangkok's sacred landmarks.
With the evening left at leisure, there is time to discover nearby cafés, riverside restaurants or vibrant night markets, experiencing another side of Bangkok after dark.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha · Wat Pho · Lunch · Flower Market · Wat Arun · Accommodation in Bangkok
Day 03 | Bangkok
Date : 22/11/2026
Beyond the Capital | Markets, Dragons and Hidden Thailand
Highlights
Nakhon Pathom · Mae Klong Railway Market · Lunch · Wat Samphran
Leaving Bangkok behind, today's journey explores a quieter side of Thailand, where remarkable landmarks and everyday life exist well beyond the capital's familiar skyline. It is a day that reveals unexpected places, local traditions and destinations that many visitors never discover.
Our first stop is Nakhon Pathom, home to one of Thailand's most significant Buddhist monuments. Rising above the surrounding city, the immense golden stupa has drawn pilgrims for generations and remains an important center of spiritual life. Time spent here offers a peaceful contrast to Bangkok, revealing another rhythm of Thailand's cultural landscape.
From here, we continue to the extraordinary Mae Klong Railway Market, where market stalls occupy the active railway tracks themselves. Vendors calmly continue trading until moments before the train arrives, when awnings are folded away with remarkable speed before daily life resumes almost immediately. It is one of Thailand's most distinctive local traditions, balancing practicality with remarkable precision.
Our final visit takes us to the extraordinary Wat Samphran, a temple unlike any other. Wrapped by a giant dragon climbing its cylindrical tower, the temple remains one of Thailand's lesser known architectural curiosities. The climb reveals intricate details, quiet shrines and sweeping countryside views that few international visitors experience.
Returning to Bangkok, the contrasts of the day become clear. Ancient monuments, bustling railway markets and hidden temples have offered a glimpse of a Thailand that lies comfortably beyond the familiar postcard images, setting the stage for the journey north tomorrow.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Nakhon Pathom · Mae Klong Railway Market · Lunch · Wat Samphran · Dinner · Accommodation in Bangkok
Day 04 | Chiang Mai
Date : 23/11/2026
Northern Welcome | Where Lantern Traditions Begin
Highlights
Flight to Chiang Mai · Guided walking tour of the Old City · Rooftop welcome dinner at sunset
Leaving Bangkok behind, we journey north to a landscape where forested mountains, ancient temples and slower rhythms define everyday life. Chiang Mai offers a different perspective on Thailand, one where centuries old traditions remain woven into daily life and the anticipation of the coming festivals quietly begins to build.
After a short flight, we settle into the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom before setting out to explore the city's historic heart. Walking through the Old City, we pass weathered temple walls, shaded courtyards and narrow streets where local cafés, artisan workshops and traditional wooden houses sit comfortably beside places of worship that have served the community for generations.
Our local guide introduces the customs, beliefs and traditions that make northern Thailand distinct from the rest of the country. Along the way, we begin to understand the stories behind Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, discovering how gratitude, renewal and the release of the past have shaped these celebrations for centuries.
As sunset colours the surrounding mountains, we gather on a rooftop overlooking the city's temple spires. Local cuisine, easy conversation and sweeping views provide the perfect welcome to northern Thailand as the first lanterns begin appearing across the city below.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Flight to Chiang Mai · Guided walking tour of the Old City · Rooftop welcome dinner · Accommodation in Chiang Mai
Day 05 | Chiang Mai
Date : 24/11/2026
Fire and Water | The First Night of Celebration
Highlights
Ethical elephant sanctuary · Lunch · Loy Krathong celebrations · Floating krathong ceremony · Street food dinner
Morning arrives quietly beyond the city, where forested hills, flowing rivers and open countryside reveal another side of northern Thailand. Before the festival begins, today's experiences celebrate the landscapes and traditions that have long shaped life in the region.
We spend the morning at an ethical elephant sanctuary, where conservation, education and animal welfare take priority over entertainment. Watching elephants move naturally through their environment offers an opportunity to learn about their behaviour, history and the ongoing work being done to protect them for future generations.
Returning to Chiang Mai after lunch, the atmosphere begins to change. Throughout the city, families gather to prepare beautifully crafted krathongs from banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense. Markets become increasingly lively as musicians perform, food stalls open and the first signs of celebration appear along the riverbanks.
As darkness falls, we join local residents beside the Ping River for the Loy Krathong Festival. Guided by local tradition, we release our own floating krathongs onto the water, watching hundreds of flickering lights drift gently downstream beneath the evening sky. Afterwards, there is time to wander through the celebrations, sample regional street food and enjoy one of Thailand's most cherished cultural festivals as it unfolds around us.
The evening offers a beautiful introduction to the festival season, setting the stage for tomorrow's unforgettable Yi Peng celebration.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Ethical elephant sanctuary · Lunch · Loy Krathong Festival · Floating krathong ceremony · Street food dinner · Accommodation in Chiang Mai
Day 06 | Chiang Mai
Date : 25/11/2026
Lanterns in the Sky | Yi Peng Under the Full Moon
Highlights
Wat Doi Suthep · Lunch · Yi Peng lantern ceremony · Festival dinner
High above Chiang Mai, morning mist lingers across the surrounding mountains as temple bells echo softly through the forest. Before the evening's celebrations begin, today's journey takes us to one of northern Thailand's most important sacred places, offering a fitting introduction to the traditions that lie at the heart of Yi Peng.
Our morning visit brings us to Wat Doi Suthep, where the golden chedi rises above the valley below. Climbing the temple steps, we pass prayer flags, quiet shrines and pilgrims making their way around the sacred stupa. From the terraces, sweeping views stretch across Chiang Mai, revealing the landscape that has shaped the Lanna Kingdom for centuries.
The afternoon is intentionally left unhurried, allowing time to rest before the defining experience of the journey. As evening approaches, we make our way to the Yi Peng lantern ceremony, where monks share the meaning and traditions behind the festival before thousands gather in quiet anticipation.
Then, with a shared countdown, countless lanterns rise together into the night sky. Their gentle glow drifts silently above the crowd, transforming the darkness into a sea of moving light. There is no single viewpoint or perfect photograph. Wherever you look, the sky becomes part of the celebration, creating one of Thailand's most extraordinary spectacles.
Dinner follows beneath skies still illuminated by distant lanterns, bringing together the stories, traditions and shared moments that have made this remarkable evening so unforgettable.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Wat Doi Suthep · Lunch · Yi Peng lantern ceremony · Dinner · Accommodation in Chiang Mai
Day 07 | Chiang Mai
Date : 26/11/2026
A Slower Rhythm | Space Between the Moments
Highlights
Traditional Thai massage · Riverside café lunch · Afternoon at leisure
After two unforgettable evenings immersed in the celebrations of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, today offers something equally valuable: space. Chiang Mai slows once again, inviting us to step away from the festival crowds and experience the city's quieter rhythm.
The morning begins with a traditional Thai massage, an ancient practice that has been passed down for generations. Combining stretching, gentle pressure and movement, the treatment reflects Thailand's holistic approach to wellbeing and provides a welcome opportunity to relax after the excitement of the previous days.
Later, we settle into one of Chiang Mai's peaceful cafés overlooking the river or tucked beneath tropical gardens. Over a leisurely lunch, conversation lingers naturally while the city moves at an unhurried pace around us. It is a chance to reflect on the experiences already shared and appreciate another side of northern Thailand beyond its famous festivals.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you choose. Browse independent boutiques, revisit a favourite temple, relax by the hotel pool or simply enjoy the slower rhythm that makes Chiang Mai so easy to embrace.
Tomorrow the journey takes an unexpected turn, leaving northern Thailand behind as we discover a side of the country that many international visitors never experience.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Traditional Thai massage · Café lunch · Accommodation in Chiang Mai
Day 08 | Hua Hin
Date : 27/11/2026
An Unexpected Thailand | Coast, Creativity and Calm
Highlights
Flight to Hua Hin · Beachfront leisure · Cicada Market · Dinner
This morning we leave the mountains of northern Thailand behind and travel south to the Gulf of Thailand. Our destination surprises many first time visitors. Rather than another busy resort, Hua Hin offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere where elegant cafés, boutique hotels, creative markets and long stretches of beach create a very different side of Thailand.
After our short flight, there is time to settle into our beachfront accommodation and enjoy an unhurried afternoon. Walk along the shoreline, relax beside the pool or simply enjoy the slower pace before the evening unfolds.
As daylight begins to fade, we visit Cicada Market, one of Hua Hin's most creative gathering places. Unlike traditional night markets, the focus here is on local artists, handcrafted products, live music and carefully prepared food served beneath open air pavilions. The atmosphere is lively without feeling hurried, creating an evening that feels distinctly local.
Tonight quietly introduces a destination that many travellers overlook. It is a reminder that some of Thailand's most rewarding places are often those found beyond the country's most familiar names.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Flight to Hua Hin · Beachfront leisure · Cicada Market · Dinner · Accommodation in Hua Hin
Day 09 | Hua Hin
Date : 28/11/2026
Thailand's Wine Country | Vines by the Sea
Highlights
Monsoon Valley Vineyard · Wine tasting · Vineyard lunch
Rolling vineyards framed by distant mountains are probably not the landscapes most people expect to find in Thailand. Yet just beyond Hua Hin, careful cultivation, innovative winemaking and a unique coastal climate have quietly established one of the country's most remarkable wine regions.
This morning we travel to Monsoon Valley Vineyard, where we discover how local winemakers have adapted European traditions to Thailand's tropical conditions. During a guided tasting, we explore a selection of wines that reflect the region's distinctive climate, learning how elevation, seasonal growing cycles and modern techniques have shaped an industry unlike any other in Asia.
Lunch is enjoyed overlooking the vines, where the peaceful setting invites conversation and a slower pace. Surrounded by vineyard rows and distant hills, it is easy to forget that the sea lies only a short drive away, adding another unexpected layer to Thailand's remarkable diversity.
The afternoon remains unhurried, allowing time to linger over a final glass of wine, stroll through the estate or return to Hua Hin to enjoy the coastline at your own pace. It is a day that quietly challenges expectations and reveals another side of the country few visitors ever encounter.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Monsoon Valley Vineyard · Wine tasting · Lunch · Accommodation in Hua Hin
Day 10 | Hua Hin
Date : 29/11/2026
Hidden Wonders | Cave Light and Coastal Farewell
Highlights
Phraya Nakhon Cave · Sam Roi Yot National Park · Farewell sunset sailing dinner cruise
Our final full day begins along one of Thailand's most beautiful stretches of coastline, where limestone mountains rise from the sea and quiet beaches lead into the landscapes of Sam Roi Yot National Park. It is a fitting setting for the closing chapter of our journey.
This morning we visit the remarkable Phraya Nakhon Cave, reached by a scenic walk through coastal forest before the landscape suddenly opens into one of Thailand's most extraordinary natural wonders. Sunlight streams through the vast opening above, illuminating the elegant royal pavilion that sits at the heart of the cave. The combination of nature, history and light creates a place unlike anywhere else in the country.
Returning to Hua Hin, the afternoon is left free to relax before our farewell celebration. There is time for one last walk along the beach, a quiet coffee overlooking the ocean or simply an opportunity to pause before the journey comes to its close.
As the sun begins to set, we board our farewell sailing dinner cruise. Golden light reflects across the Gulf of Thailand as the coastline slowly drifts past and we gather for one final evening together. Good food, shared stories and easy conversation provide a memorable conclusion to ten remarkable days, celebrating not only the places we have visited but also the experiences we have shared along the way.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Phraya Nakhon Cave · Farewell sunset sailing dinner cruise · Accommodation in Hua Hin
Day 11 | Bangkok
Date : 30/11/2026
Sawasdee | Until We Meet Again
Highlights
Farewell breakfast
This morning, we enjoy a final breakfast before leaving Hua Hin and beginning our journey back to Bangkok.
A domestic flight returns us to the capital, allowing for a smooth and comfortable end to the tour. Throughout the journey, support is provided to assist with connections, onward travel arrangements, and any final logistics.
As we travel, there is time to reflect on the experiences shared over the past eleven days. From the energy of Bangkok and the lantern filled nights of Chiang Mai to the vineyards, coastline, and slower rhythm of Hua Hin, the journey draws to a close carrying memories that will remain long after returning home.
For those departing today, our team remains available to assist until onward travel arrangements are underway.
Thank you for being part of this unforgettable adventure.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Domestic flight to Bangkok with support
Bangkok experiences
- Guided neighbourhood food experience by tuk tuk
- Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha
- Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
- Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
- Flower Market visit
- Nakhon Pathom excursion
- Mae Klong Railway Market
- Wat Samphran
Signature Chiang Mai experiences
- Guided walking tour of Chiang Mai Old City
- Ethical elephant sanctuary experience
- Loy Krathong floating lantern ceremony
- Yi Peng sky lantern release ceremony
- Doi Suthep overlooking Chiang Mai
- Traditional Thai massage experience
Hua Hin Experiences
- Beachfront relaxation in Hua Hin
- Cicada Market evening
- Monsoon Valley Vineyard experience with tastings and lunch
- Phraya Nakhon Cave excursion
- Farewell sunset sailing dinner cruise
Food and dining
- Daily breakfasts throughout the journey
- A considered selection of lunches across local restaurants, markets, and countryside settings, offering a more informal, place-led experience
- Evenings centered around shared dinners, from vibrant street food settings in Bangkok to more atmospheric, lantern-lit experiences in Chiang Mai
- Food experiences that reflect the depth and regional character of Thai cuisine, from open-fire cooking to hands-on culinary traditions
Accommodation
- A carefully selected mix of boutique hotels in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Hua Hin
- Chosen for their atmosphere, comfort, and sense of place within each city
- Locations that allow easy access to key experiences while offering a calm space to rest between days
- Each bedroom is private and includes its own en-suite bathroom
Transport and logistics
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
- Domestic flights within Thailand included
- All transport between destinations, experiences, and excursions is included
- All entrance fees and logistical arrangements handled throughout
Guidance and support
- Fully guided throughout by a dedicated tour leader and knowledgeable local hosts
- Cultural context and thoughtful guidance that deepen each experience
- Seamless coordination throughout, allowing you to stay present in the journey
Included Throughout
- All gratuities for guides, drivers, hotels, restaurants, and included experiences
- No compulsory tipping or hidden local payments during the journey
- Carefully curated experiences with no optional up-selling
Our accommodation
- Our accommodation has been carefully selected to reflect the changing rhythm of the journey. From the energy of Bangkok and the cultural atmosphere of Chiang Mai to the coastal calm of Hua Hin, each stay has been chosen for comfort, character, and location.
- In Bangkok, accommodation places us within easy reach of vibrant neighbourhoods, temples, markets, and riverside areas while still offering comfort and retreat between experiences
- In Chiang Mai, we stay in a peaceful and thoughtfully designed setting beyond the busiest festival zones, allowing space to rest while remaining closely connected to the celebrations
- In Hua Hin, our beachfront location offers direct access to the sea, creating a relaxed setting for reflection, connection, and the final chapter of the journey
- Across both locations, properties have been selected not for excess, but for atmosphere, comfort, warmth, and a strong sense of place throughout the journey
- Shared courtyards, gardens, and slower communal spaces reflect the softer pace and reflective atmosphere that surrounds the lantern festivals
- All rooms are private and include en suite bathrooms
Arrival and departure days
- Airport transfers are included for all guests arriving on Day 1 and departing on the final day of the journey
- Arrival day is intentionally designed with flexibility in mind, allowing time to settle into the hotel, explore the surrounding neighbourhood, or simply pause before the journey begins
- Our first shared experience takes place in the late afternoon on Day 1, allowing guests arriving earlier in the day time to comfortably transfer from the airport and settle in before meeting the group
- Hotel check in is typically available from 3:00pm onwards. Guests arriving earlier may store luggage with the hotel prior to check in
- Your tour host will be waiting to welcome you at the hotel on arrival day, offering assistance with check in and luggage storage where needed, along with recommendations for exploring the surrounding neighbourhood before the journey begins
- On departure day, no activities are planned beyond breakfast, allowing flexibility for onward travel arrangements
- We recommend booking onward departure flights from Bangkok from 3:00pm onwards on the final day. Your included domestic flight from Hua Hin is expected to arrive around midday, providing a comfortable connection window before international departures
Festival timing
- Loy Krathong and Yi Peng are celebrated across Thailand during the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, usually falling in November
- In Chiang Mai, the celebrations unfold over several days as lantern displays, temple ceremonies, river offerings, music, and community gatherings gradually build throughout the city
- Loy Krathong centres around the floating of krathongs, small decorated offerings released onto rivers and waterways as symbolic acts of release, reflection, and renewal
- Yi Peng is known for its lantern ceremonies, where thousands of illuminated lanterns rise into the night sky in one of Thailand’s most visually striking cultural celebrations
- Our journey is intentionally timed to experience both the quieter traditions leading into the festivals and the main celebration nights when lantern releases and ceremonies take place
- Festival schedules and official lantern release timings may vary slightly each year according to lunar calendars, local planning, and weather conditions
What to expect
- Festival days can feel lively and energetic, particularly during evening ceremonies, lantern releases, and riverside celebrations
- Much of the atmosphere surrounding the festivals is community based, unfolding naturally through temples, neighbourhoods, local gatherings, and family traditions
- Many experiences throughout the journey center around ritual, reflection, craftsmanship, food, and spiritual symbolism rather than only spectacle
- Lantern ceremonies are carefully managed within designated areas for safety, environmental protection, and local regulation
- Even during the busiest celebrations, moments of stillness, candlelight, prayer, and quiet reflection remain central to the atmosphere of the festivals
Why this region
- Northern Thailand, and Chiang Mai in particular, is widely regarded as the cultural heart of the Yi Peng lantern festival
- The city’s historic temples, riverside settings, mountain backdrop, and strong Lanna cultural traditions create a uniquely atmospheric setting for the celebrations
- Experiencing the festivals in Chiang Mai allows travellers to engage not only with the visual spectacle of lantern releases, but also with the rituals, symbolism, and spiritual traditions connected to the festivals
- Bangkok offers a contrasting beginning to the journey, introducing Thailand through food, movement, local daily life, and the energy of the capital before transitioning north into the slower rhythm of Chiang Mai
- Hua Hin provides a quieter and more reflective finale, balancing the energy of the festivals with vineyard landscapes, coastal scenery, and time to slow down before returning home.
- Travelling during this period offers insight into one of Thailand’s most meaningful and visually memorable cultural celebrations
Seasonal weather
- November marks the beginning of Thailand’s cool season, making it one of the most comfortable times of year to visit northern Thailand
- Daytime temperatures generally range between 24°C to 30°C / 75°F to 86°F, with cooler evenings particularly noticeable in Chiang Mai
- Rainfall is usually minimal during this period, and skies are often clearer following the end of the monsoon season
- Outdoor evening events, temple visits, walking tours, and lantern ceremonies are generally comfortable during November conditions
- The combination of warm days, cooler evenings, candlelight, lanterns, and open air celebrations contributes strongly to the atmosphere of the festival season
Visa requirements
- Visa and entry requirements vary depending on your nationality, passport, and country of residence
- Guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all passport, visa, transit, vaccination, and entry requirements for Thailand
- We recommend checking official government travel advice and visa information well in advance of departure, as requirements can occasionally change without notice
- Thailand may require visa applications, online pre registration, proof of onward travel, accommodation details, or minimum passport validity periods
- Your passport should generally have at least 6 months validity remaining from your date of arrival, have sufficient pages for entry and exit stamps, and generally be in good condition (unless otherwise stated by local authorities)
- Once your booking is confirmed, additional guidance and supporting travel information will be provided where relevant
- Official visa information for Thailand can be found here
Practical notes
- Festival season is one of the busiest times of year in Chiang Mai, particularly around major lantern release evenings and temple celebrations
- This journey includes moderate walking through temple grounds, historic neighbourhoods, riverside areas, and festival gathering spaces
- Comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, and a light layer for cooler evenings are recommended throughout the journey
- Some roads and public areas may experience closures, increased traffic, or larger crowds during festival periods
- Lantern release events often follow strict local regulations regarding timing, location, and environmental management
- Our itinerary has been designed to balance immersive festival experiences with quieter cultural moments, reflection, and comfortable pacing throughout the journey
Flights and arrival
- International airfare to and from Thailand
Travel requirements
- Travel insurance (required for participation)
- Relevant visas where applicable (see Travel notes section)
Personal expenses and free time options
- Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
- Personal purchases and incidental expenses
- Optional activities during periods of free time
The Yi Peng lantern releases and Loy Krathong celebrations are scheduled annually and form the heart of the festival period in Chiang Mai.
However, exact timings and release schedules can occasionally shift slightly due to local planning, weather conditions, or lunar calendar adjustments.
Our journey is timed specifically around the main celebration period to experience both the cultural traditions and the major festival evenings at their most atmospheric.
Although the festivals take place together in Chiang Mai, they are traditionally separate celebrations.
Loy Krathong centers around floating decorated krathongs on rivers and waterways as a symbolic act of release, gratitude, and reflection, while Yi Peng is known for its lantern releases into the night sky.
Together, the festivals create one of Thailand’s most visually striking and culturally meaningful celebration periods.
Thailand’s temples and ceremonial spaces are active places of worship, and respectful clothing is recommended throughout the journey.
Lightweight clothing suitable for warm daytime temperatures is ideal, though shoulders and knees should remain covered during temple visits and cultural ceremonies.
Comfortable walking shoes and a light layer for cooler evenings in Chiang Mai are also recommended.
This journey is designed to move at a relaxed and balanced pace rather than feel physically demanding.
Days may include walking through temple grounds, markets, historic streets, and outdoor festival areas, particularly during evening celebrations when the city becomes busier.
There is also time throughout the itinerary to slow down, rest, and experience the festivals without feeling rushed.