- Overview
- Captured moments
- Day by day
- What's included
- Travel notes
- Not included
- Your questions answered
Each November, Chiang Mai comes alive as Loy Krathong and Yi Peng transform the city into a celebration of light. Thousands of lanterns rise into the night sky while candlelit krathongs drift along the Ping River, creating one of Thailand's most extraordinary cultural celebrations. Rooted in traditions of gratitude, renewal and letting go, these festivals offer a rare opportunity to experience Chiang Mai at its most magical.
Our journey begins in Bangkok, where grand temples, vibrant markets, hidden neighbourhoods and legendary street food provide an introduction to Thailand. From there, we travel north to Chiang Mai for the heart of the journey, immersing ourselves in the traditions and celebrations of Loy Krathong before experiencing Yi Peng with Elite tickets and our own sky lanterns, as thousands of lights rise together above the city.
Beyond the festivals, we spend time with elephants in a natural forest setting, explore Chiang Mai's historic streets and discover the food, traditions and landscapes of Northern Thailand.
Our final days turn south to Krabi and Koh Yao Noi, where dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters and quiet island communities offer a complete change of pace. From a hands on Thai cooking experience in Railay to private island exploration and a night kayaking through caves in search of bioluminescent waters, the journey ends with Thailand at its most dramatic and unexpected.
Together, these experiences create a journey through Thailand's celebrations, flavours, traditions and extraordinary landscapes, at a time of year when the country truly comes alive.
Limited to just 12 travellers, allowing for a relaxed, personal experience.
Designed around Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, this itinerary explores Thailand through its vibrant cities, rich traditions and tropical coastline. From the energy of Bangkok and the lantern filled skies of Chiang Mai to the relaxed beaches of Hua Hin, each destination reveals a different side of the country.
Festival celebrations are balanced with opportunities to experience Thailand's food, markets, countryside, elephant conservation and coastal landscapes, creating an itinerary that blends cultural traditions with time to slow down.
Every departure is planned around the lunar calendar, allowing us to experience both Loy Krathong and Yi Peng at the height of the celebrations. As with all festivals shaped by living traditions, timings and the order of activities may occasionally change to reflect local customs and ensure every experience takes place at the best possible time.
Itinerary
Day 01 | Bangkok
Date : 20/11/2026
First Impressions | Bangkok After Dark
Experiences
Street food tour • Tuk tuk experience through Bangkok by night
Bangkok's legendary street food scene comes alive in the city's Chinatown, where sizzling woks, aromatic spices and neon-lit streets create an unforgettable introduction to Thailand. We'll explore the neighbourhood on foot, stopping at family-run stalls and local favourites to taste dishes that have been perfected over generations, from spicy basil chicken and shrimp dumplings to duck noodle soup and pandan custard.
As evening falls, we'll continue by tuk tuk, weaving through Bangkok's illuminated streets and lively neighbourhoods. The journey takes us through some of the city's most atmospheric landmarks after dark, from beautifully lit temples and the Grand Palace to the bustling flower market, offering a completely different perspective on places we'll encounter again in daylight. With the city rushing past around us, it's a wonderfully fun way to experience Bangkok at night before enjoying the first of many shared dinners together.
Travel
Airport transfer
Meals
Bangkok streetfood tastings • Group welcome dinner
Accommodation
Night 1 of 3 at a five star hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, with riverside seating, panoramic views across Bangkok and easy access to the city's attractions by the hotel's complimentary shuttle boat.
Day 02 | Bangkok
Date : 21/11/2026
Golden Grandeur | Temples, River and Rituals
Experiences
Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha • Wat Pho • Flower Market • Wat Arun
Bangkok's royal and spiritual heart takes center stage today as we explore some of the city's most important landmarks.
We begin at the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha, where ornate temples, golden details and centuries of royal history come together within the former royal complex. From here, we continue to Wat Pho, home to the famous Reclining Buddha and one of Bangkok's most important temple complexes.
The Flower Market offers a completely different glimpse of the city, with colourful stalls filled with flowers, garlands and offerings destined for homes and temples across Bangkok.
Crossing the Chao Phraya River, we finish at Wat Arun, whose distinctive towers rise above the waterfront. With time to explore the surrounding area afterwards, there's an opportunity to enjoy Bangkok at your own pace before another evening in the city.
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Accommodation
Night 2 of 3 at a five star hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, with riverside seating, panoramic views across Bangkok and easy access to the city's attractions by the hotel's complimentary shuttle boat.
Day 03 | Bangkok
Date : 22/11/2026
Beyond the Capital | Markets, Dragons and Hidden Thailand
Experiences
Nakhon Pathom • Mae Klong Railway Market • Wat Samphran
We leave Bangkok behind today to explore some of the more unexpected places surrounding the capital.
Our first stop is Nakhon Pathom, home to the enormous Phra Pathom Chedi, one of Thailand's most important Buddhist monuments. From here, we continue to Mae Klong Railway Market, where vendors set up their stalls directly along the railway tracks. When the train approaches, the market moves with it, creating one of Thailand's most memorable everyday spectacles.
Our final stop is Wat Samphran, an extraordinary temple dominated by a giant dragon that winds around its distinctive pink tower. Away from Bangkok's busy streets, it's an unusual and atmospheric end to the day before we return to the capital.
Travel
Return 1 hour private transfer to Mae Klong Railway Market
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Accommodation
Night 3 of 3 at a five star hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, with riverside seating, panoramic views across Bangkok and easy access to the city's attractions by the hotel's complimentary shuttle boat.
Day 04 | Chiang Mai
Date : 23/11/2026
Northern Welcome | Where Lantern Traditions Begin
Experiences
Guided Old City walking tour • Doi Suthep at golden hour
Leaving Bangkok behind, we fly north to Chiang Mai, where forested mountains, ancient temples and a slower rhythm shape the character of northern Thailand.
After arriving, we'll explore the Old City on foot, moving through quiet lanes, historic temple grounds and streets where everyday life continues alongside centuries-old traditions. Our guide will introduce the customs and stories that make Chiang Mai distinct, while the city gradually begins to feel familiar.
As the afternoon light softens, we'll head into the hills to Doi Suthep. Rather than simply visiting the temple, we'll experience the mountain at golden hour, when the surrounding landscape begins to glow and the city stretches out below. We'll also explore a quieter temple away from the main crowds, offering a more intimate glimpse of northern Thailand's spiritual traditions.
As evening falls, we'll return to Chiang Mai for dinner on a rooftop overlooking the city, with temple spires and mountain silhouettes providing a memorable first evening in the north.
Travel
1½ hour domestic flight to Chiang Mai
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Rooftop dinner
Accommodation
Night 1 of 4 at a four star boutique hotel in the heart of Chiang Mai's historic Old City, within easy walking distance of temples, cafés, restaurants and the city's evening markets.
Day 05 | Chiang Mai
Date : 24/11/2026
Fire and Water | The First Night of Celebration
Experiences
Ethical elephant sanctuary • Bamboo rafting • Loy Krathong celebrations • Floating krathong ceremony
Beyond Chiang Mai, we'll spend the day in the countryside, where forested hills, rivers and traditional ways of life provide a very different perspective on northern Thailand.
We'll begin at an ethical elephant sanctuary, learning about the elephants in a setting where their welfare comes first. Time with the animals offers an opportunity to watch their natural behaviour and understand more about the work involved in caring for them.
From here, we'll continue by bamboo raft, drifting along the river through the surrounding countryside. The pace is deliberately unhurried, with the landscape and the sounds of the forest providing a quiet contrast to the energy of Chiang Mai.
Back in the city, the atmosphere changes as Loy Krathong celebrations begin. As darkness falls, we'll join the festivities beside the Ping River, where families gather, lanterns glow and beautifully crafted krathongs are prepared for the evening ceremony. We'll release our own krathongs onto the water, watching the flickering lights drift downstream as the celebrations continue around us.
It's a beautiful way to experience one of Thailand's most cherished festivals, surrounded by the people who make it such a special part of life in Chiang Mai.
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Street food dinner
Accommodation
Night 2 of 4 at a four star boutique hotel in the heart of Chiang Mai's historic Old City, within easy walking distance of temples, cafés, restaurants and the city's evening markets.
Day 06 | Chiang Mai
Date : 25/11/2026
Lanterns in the Sky | Yi Peng Under the Full Moon
Experiences
Free morning to explore Chiang Mai • CAD Cultural Village • Elite Yi Peng lantern ceremony
After the excitement of Loy Krathong, the morning is deliberately yours. Take a slow breakfast, explore more of Chiang Mai's Old City, browse its independent shops and cafés, or simply enjoy some time at the hotel before the afternoon's celebrations begin.
At midday, we make our way to the CAD Cultural Village, where the traditions of northern Thailand come together through Lanna crafts, cultural performances and festival preparations. There is time to explore the village and experience the atmosphere before settling in for a traditional Lanna dinner.
Then comes the moment we have been waiting for. With Elite tickets, we have the best available seating for the Yi Peng ceremony, placing us in the heart of the celebration as the evening unfolds. Monks lead the religious ceremony and chanting, candles are lit and traditional performances build the anticipation as thousands gather beneath the night sky.
With our own sky lanterns ready to release, we join the celebration as thousands of glowing lanterns rise together, their warm light drifting upwards above the crowd. From our elevated seats, we can take in the full spectacle as the sky fills with light, followed by fireworks that bring the evening to its extraordinary climax.
This is the defining night of our time in Chiang Mai, an experience of tradition, ceremony and one of Thailand's most unforgettable celebrations.
Travel
Return 1 hour shared transfer to CAD Cultural Village
Meals
Breakfast • Festival dinner
Accommodation
Night 3 of 4 at a four star boutique hotel in the heart of Chiang Mai's historic Old City, within easy walking distance of temples, cafés, restaurants and the city's evening markets.
Day 07 | Chiang Mai
Date : 26/11/2026
A Moment to Breathe | Wellness, Adventure and Chiang Mai Nights
Experiences
Zip line adventure • Traditional Thai massage • Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
The day begins with an exhilarating journey into the forest, where a jungle zip line adventure carries us above the treetops of northern Thailand. Flying between platforms and through the forest canopy, we experience the landscape from an entirely different perspective, combining adventure with a sense of place that feels distinctly northern Thai.
Returning to Chiang Mai, the pace changes completely. A traditional Thai massage offers time to relax and recover after the morning's adventure, with stretching, gentle pressure and movement providing a welcome contrast to the excitement of the forest.
As evening falls, we head into the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, where food stalls, local crafts and lively streets bring the city to life after dark. There is time to browse, sample local flavours and enjoy the atmosphere at our own pace, ending the day with one of Chiang Mai's most characteristic evening experiences.
Travel
Return 1 hour private transfer Jungle Flight Chiang Mai
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Accommodation
Night 4 of 4 at a four star boutique hotel in the heart of Chiang Mai's historic Old City, within easy walking distance of temples, cafés, restaurants and the city's evening markets.
Day 08 | Koh Yao Noi
Date : 27/11/2026
South to the Andaman Sea | Limestone Cliffs, Thai Flavours and Island Sunsets
Experiences
Railay Thai cooking class • Krabi exploration • Sundowners
We begin our journey south with a flight to Krabi, where limestone cliffs, turquoise water and tropical islands replace the mountains of northern Thailand.
At Railay, we'll step into the kitchen for a hands on Thai cooking class with a professional chef. Working with fresh local ingredients, we'll learn the techniques behind some of Thailand's most recognisable dishes, from preparing aromatic pastes and balancing spice and acidity to cooking and sharing the finished dishes together. Along the way, our chef will share the stories and traditions behind Thai cuisine, turning lunch into an experience as much as a meal.
With the afternoon ahead, we'll have time to experience a little of Krabi before travelling by speedboat across the Andaman Sea to Koh Yao Noi. As the dramatic limestone islands rise from the water around us, the journey itself becomes our introduction to this quieter corner of southern Thailand.
We'll arrive on Koh Yao Noi in time for sundowners, settling into the island's slower rhythm as the light fades across the surrounding islands.
Behind the design
Many travellers head to Phuket or Krabi, and with good reason. These popular destinations offer some of Thailand's most spectacular coastal scenery. We've chosen Koh Yao Noi, halfway between Phuket and Krabi, because it allows us to experience the same dramatic landscape, including the limestone islands and hidden lagoons of Phang Nga Bay, while staying somewhere quieter and more connected to local life. From its fishing villages, rice fields and rubber plantations, we can experience the landscape at a slower pace and away from the busiest tourist routes.
Travel
2 hour flight to Krabi • Private speedboat to Koh Yao Noi
Meals
Breakfast • Thai cooking class lunch • Dinner
Accommodation
Night 1 of 3 at a five star boutique retreat on Koh Yao Noi, surrounded by tropical gardens and overlooking the dramatic limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay.
Day 09 | Koh Yao Noi
Date : 28/11/2026
Phang Nga Bay | Limestone Islands and Life on the Water
Experiences
Private longtail boat island hopping • Hidden beaches and lagoons • Island lunch
Today is about experiencing the extraordinary landscape surrounding Koh Yao Noi from the water. We'll set out by private longtail boat, weaving between the limestone karsts and islands of Phang Nga Bay, with time to stop at quieter beaches, swim in clear turquoise water and explore the hidden corners of this remarkable coastline.
Away from the larger excursion boats and busiest tourist routes, the private boat gives us the freedom to linger where the scenery is at its most beautiful. We'll enjoy a relaxed lunch on one of the islands before continuing through the bay, with the towering limestone cliffs providing a dramatic backdrop throughout the day.
By late afternoon, we'll return to Koh Yao Noi with time to relax at the hotel and enjoy the island at our own pace.
Meals
Breakfast • Island lunch • Dinner
Accommodation
Night 2 of 3 at a five star boutique retreat on Koh Yao Noi, surrounded by tropical gardens and overlooking the dramatic limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay.
Day 10 | Koh Yao Noi
Date : 29/11/2026
The Magic After Dark | Island Life and Bioluminescent Waters
Experiences
Koh Yao Noi exploration • Local villages and fishing communities • Bioluminescent sea kayaking through caves
Today we discover Koh Yao Noi itself, leaving the dramatic scenery of Phang Nga Bay behind for a closer look at island life. We'll travel through quiet villages, rice fields and rubber plantations, meeting a side of southern Thailand shaped by fishing, farming and traditions that have remained closely connected to the land and sea.
The afternoon is deliberately unhurried. Back at the hotel, there is time to swim, relax or simply enjoy the views across the bay before our final evening together.
After dark, we'll head onto the water for a private kayaking experience through the caves and hidden lagoons around Koh Yao Noi. Away from the lights of the island, the darkness creates the perfect setting to look for bioluminescent plankton glowing beneath the water as we paddle through the limestone landscape. As with any natural phenomenon, sightings depend on conditions, but being out on the water in this extraordinary setting makes for a memorable final adventure.
We'll return to Koh Yao Noi for our farewell dinner, raising a glass to the experiences we've shared across Thailand.
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Farewell dinner
Accommodation
Night 3 of 3 at a five star boutique retreat on Koh Yao Noi, surrounded by tropical gardens and overlooking the dramatic limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay.
Day 11 | Bangkok
Date : 30/11/2026
Sawasdee | Farewell Thailand
Our journey comes to a close this morning as we enjoy one final breakfast together beside the Andaman Sea.
Over the past eleven days, we've experienced Thailand through the energy of Bangkok, the ancient temples and vibrant festivals of Chiang Mai, and the dramatic landscapes and quieter rhythms of the Andaman coast. From street food and sacred traditions to lantern filled nights, limestone islands and glowing waters, each destination has offered a different side of Thailand and a new experience to share.
We return to Bangkok for our onward international departures. As we part ways, we hope the memories we've shared continue to inspire new adventures for years to come.
Travel
Private speedboat to Krabi • 1½ hour domestic flight to Bangkok
Meals
Breakfast
Bangkok experiences
- Bangkok street food experience through Chinatown and Hua Lumphong
- Bangkok by tuk tuk after dark
- Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha
- Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha
- Pak Khlong Talat flower market
- Wat Arun
- Nakhon Pathom and the Great Stupa
- Mae Klong Railway Market
- Wat Samphran
Chiang Mai experiences
- Guided Chiang Mai Old City walking tour
- Wat Doi Suthep golden hour and hidden temple experience
- Ethical elephant sanctuary experience
- Bamboo rafting
- Loy Krathong celebrations beside the Ping River
- Traditional floating krathong ceremony
- Yi Peng Elite Lantern Ceremony with your own sky lantern
- Traditional Lanna festival activities and monk-led ceremony
- Mass sky lantern release and festival fireworks
- Jungle Flight Chiang Mai zip line experience
- Traditional Thai massage
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Krabi and Koh Yao Noi experiences
-
- Krabi exploration
- Hands-on Thai cooking class at Railay Thai Cooking School
- Private speedboat journey to Koh Yao Noi
- Sundowners overlooking the Andaman Sea
- Private longtail boat island hopping
- Island lunch surrounded by the limestone landscapes of Phang Nga Bay
- Koh Yao Noi village, rice field and rubber plantation exploration
- Local fishing community experience
- Bioluminescent cave kayaking in Phang Nga Bay
Food and dining
- 10 included breakfasts
- 8 included lunches
- 10 included dinners
- While many are shared experiences, selected evenings offer the flexibility to enjoy dinner independently if you prefer to discover somewhere of your own
- Shared experiences include:
- Group welcome dinner
- Rooftop dinner in Chiang Mai
- Festival dinner at the Yi Peng lantern ceremony
- Farewell dinner beside the Andaman Sea
- A selection of restaurants, markets, and countryside settings, offering a more informal, place-led experience
- Food experiences that reflect the depth and regional character of Thai cuisine, from open-fire cooking to hands-on culinary traditions
Accommodation
- 3 nights in Bangkok
- 4 nights in Chiang Mai
- 3 nights in Koh Yao Noi
- Accommodation is minimum 4-star standard, with exceptional unrated properties chosen when they offer a more memorable experience
- All rooms are private and include en-suite bathrooms
Transport and logistics
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
- All domestic flights within Thailand included:
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai to Krabi
- Krabi to Bangkok
- Private transport between destinations, experiences and excursions included
- All entrance fees and logistical arrangements handled throughout
Guidance and support
- Fully guided throughout by a dedicated tour leader and knowledgeable local hosts
- Local insight and thoughtful guidance throughout the journey
- Seamless coordination throughout, allowing you to remain present in the experience
The Three Tenths promise
- Maximum 12 guests • Every journey is limited to twelve guests, or fewer
- Inclusive pricing • All gratuities for guides, transport and activities are included throughout
- No ""optional"" up-selling • Every experience is included because we believe it belongs in the journey
- Thoughtfully paced • Structure when it matters. Freedom when it doesn't
- Hand selected stays • Every stay is personally visited before it's included because where you stay shapes how you experience a destination
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 around midday 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 3pm 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 4pm onwards on the final day, allowing comfortable connection times following your included domestic flight from Krabi
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 centers 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
- Koh Yao Noi provides a quieter and more reflective finale, balancing the energy of the festivals with dramatic karst limestone 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
- International airfare to and from Thailand: Single-city international airfare required
- Arrive: Bangkok (BKK)
- Depart: Bangkok (BKK)
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.