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Thailand glows each November during the twin festivals of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, when lanterns rise into the night sky and candlelit offerings drift along rivers in a shared gesture of hope and renewal. This is a time of gratitude, reflection, and quiet beauty.
Experience Highlights
- Release floating krathongs during the Loy Krathong ceremony
- Launch lanterns into the sky during the Yi Peng festival
- Receive a traditional blessing from a Buddhist monk
- Craft your own lantern with local artisans
- Explore Chiang Mai’s temples, markets, and riverside celebrations
Our journey places us in the heart of Chiang Mai, where these ancient traditions are most beautifully honoured. Here we take part alongside local communities, crafting lanterns, offering prayers, and releasing wishes into the night sky.
Beyond the festivals, we step into the quieter rhythms of northern Thailand. Markets hum with daily life, temples offer moments of stillness, and time slows as we gather around open-fire cooking in the countryside.
The journey continues in Bangkok, where river life, street food, and historic temples reveal a different energy, layered, vibrant, and alive.
Whether you are drawn by the ritual, the light-filled skies, or the deeper meaning behind the celebrations, this journey invites you to pause, reflect, and take part in a moment of collective hope.
Limited to just 12 travellers to keep the experience intimate.
This journey follows the lantern-lit celebrations of northern Thailand, moving between the energy of Bangkok and the cultural heart of Chiang Mai. As the days unfold, we step into traditions that build gradually toward the full moon, where light, ritual, and community come together in celebration.
From temple visits and artisan workshops to evenings shaped by ceremony and gathering, the experience balances cultural depth with moments of calm. The rhythm shifts naturally from the movement of the city to the slower pace of the north, creating space to fully absorb the significance of the festival.
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.
Itineraries
Day 01 | Bangkok
Date : 20/11/2026
First Impressions | Flavours of the City
Highlights
Welcome lunch tasting · Guided neighbourhood walk · Evening tuk tuk experience · Welcome dinner
Bangkok greets us with a rush of colour, sound, and scent. Golden temples rise between glass towers while the fragrance of lemongrass and charcoal drifts through the air. After arriving at our peaceful boutique hotel, there is time to settle in before we head out for our first introduction to the city through its most defining element: food.
We begin at lunchtime with a short walk through a nearby neighbourhood, where food stalls spill onto pavements and every corner offers something different. Moving between a handful of local vendors, we sample small, flavour-packed dishes as we go. The plates are simple, the flavours bold, and the streets do most of the talking as we begin to find our rhythm in Bangkok.
The afternoon is then left free to rest, recharge, or explore at your own pace. You may wish to enjoy the hotel’s facilities, take a short walk nearby, or simply pause before the evening begins.
As the city transitions into night, we step back out together to experience the city from a different perspective. Our adventure is by tuk tuk, a dynamic and immersive way to experience Bangkok after dark. We move through the illuminated streets, where neon lights, evening markets, and the steady flow of traffic bring the city to life. Passing temples lit softly against the night sky Bangkok shifts into full motion.
The evening concludes with a shared welcome dinner at a carefully selected local restaurant, where dishes are enjoyed together and the journey begins.
Inclusions
Lunch tastings · Guided walk · Tuk tuk experience · Welcome dinner · Accommodation in Bangkok
Day 02 | Bangkok
Date : 21/11/2026
Golden Grandeur | Temples, Rituals, and River Light
Highlights
Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha · Wat Pho · Lunch · Flower market visit · Wat Arun
This morning, we step into the royal and spiritual heart of old Siam.
At the Grand Palace, intricate mosaics and golden spires reflect centuries of history and tradition reveals a world of intricate mosaics, towering spires, and sacred courtyards history still lingers. Within its grounds, the Emerald Buddha sits as one of Thailand’s most revered figures, a symbol of protection and continuity.
Nearby, the immense Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho stretches in quiet grandeur, and the atmosphere shifts to something more contemplative.
After lunch, we move through the city to the flower market, where stalls overflow with orchids, marigolds, and lotus buds prepared for offerings and daily rituals. It is a vibrant and sensory glimpse into everyday life in Bangkok.
Crossing the river, we arrive at Wat Arun as the light begins to soften. Its delicate porcelain details catch the late afternoon glow, offering a final perspective on the city’s spiritual landscape as the river moves slowly below the temple steps as boats glide past and the city unfolds along its banks.
The evening is free to explore the neighbourhood streets, riverfront cafés, or night markets that bring the city to life after dark.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Guided temple visits · Lunch · Flower market visit · Accommodation in Bangkok
Day 03 | Chiang Mai
Date : 22/11/2026
Northern Welcome | Lantern Lore Begins
Highlights
Domestic flight to Chiang Mai · Guided walking tour of the Old City · Rooftop welcome dinner with sunset views
High in the mountains of northern Thailand lies Chiang Mai, once the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. A short flight carries us north from Bangkok into a landscape of forested hills and quiet valleys where life moves at a gentler pace.
Within the old city walls, shaded lanes wind between centuries old temples and traditional teak houses. Saffron robed monks pass beneath fluttering prayer flags while cafés open onto leafy courtyards. Wandering through these streets offers the first glimpse into the culture and traditions that shape northern Thailand.
As evening approaches, we gather on a rooftop terrace overlooking the city’s temple spires and distant hills. The sky softens into shades of gold while lanterns begin appearing in nearby streets.
Over dinner, a local cultural guide introduces the story of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng. These twin festivals of water and sky are rooted in gratitude, reflection, and release. In the days ahead we will witness these luminous traditions unfold.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Domestic flight to Chiang Mai · Guided walking tour of the Old City · Rooftop dinner · Accommodation in Chiang Mai
Day 04 | Chiang Mai
Date : 23/11/2026
Sacred Traditions | Blessings and Lantern Craft
Highlights
Morning visit to a peaceful local temple for a monk blessing · Hands-on lantern-making workshop with local artisans
Morning light filters through the trees as we make our way to one of Chiang Mai’s serene temples. The city is quieter here. Incense drifts through open courtyards while monks move softly between prayer halls.
Inside the temple we take part in a traditional blessing ceremony. Chanting fills the air as sacred threads are tied gently around our wrists, a symbol of protection and good fortune. It is a moment of stillness that offers a deeper glimpse into Thailand’s spiritual traditions.
Later we step into the creative heart of the Yi Peng festival. Local artisans welcome us into their workshop to learn the delicate craft of lantern making. Paper frames take shape in our hands as we hear how these lanterns carry hopes and intentions into the night sky.
By evening the city begins to glow with anticipation. Lanterns appear in shop windows and temple courtyards as Chiang Mai quietly prepares for the celebrations ahead.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Temple visit · Lantern making workshop · Dinner · Accommodation in Chiang Mai
Day 05 | Chiang Mai
Date : 24/11/2026
Fire and Water | Loy Krathong Celebrations
Highlights
Hands-on Thai cooking class · Loy Krathong floating lantern ceremony
This morning begins in a traditional Thai kitchen, where fresh herbs, spices, and local ingredients come together to shape the flavours of northern Thai cuisine.
Guided by our hosts, we prepare a selection of dishes, learning the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spice that defines this regional cooking. It is a relaxed and social experience, shared around the table.
As evening approaches, the focus shifts to the river. Locals gather with small floating lanterns made from banana leaves and flowers, each carrying a quiet wish.
We join this gentle ritual, releasing our own lanterns onto the water as they drift into the current. It is a simple and atmospheric beginning to the celebrations ahead.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Cooking class with lunch · Light dinner · Accommodation in Chiang Mai
Day 06 | Chiang Mai
Date : 25/11/2026
Lanterns in the Sky | Yi Peng Under the Full Moon
Highlights
Visit to Wat Doi Suthep overlooking Chiang Mai · Yi Peng lantern release ceremony
High above the Chiang Mai valley stands Wat Doi Suthep, the most revered temple in northern Thailand. This morning, we travel into the mountains to visit this sacred hilltop sanctuary, where the golden stupa rises above the forest canopy and prayer flags move gently in the breeze.
Climbing the temple steps, we join pilgrims circling the shrine in quiet reflection as temple bells echo across the courtyard. From the terraces, the Chiang Mai valley stretches far below, framed by distant hills and morning mist.
The afternoon is left open to pause before the evening ahead.
As night falls, we arrive at the lantern ceremony, the defining moment of the journey.
Fires are lit. Lanterns are prepared. Monks share the meaning behind the tradition, one of release, gratitude, and renewal.
Then, all at once, the sky begins to fill.
Thousands of lanterns rise together, lifting slowly into the darkness. The scale is immediate and overwhelming, a field of light expanding above you, silent, weightless, and impossible to ignore.
There is no single focal point. Wherever you look, the sky is alive with movement.
It is a moment that stops conversation, stops time, and holds everyone in it.
Dinner follows, shared beneath a sky still carrying the glow of the evening.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Guided visit to Wat Doi Suthep · Lunch · Festival lantern release ceremony · Dinner · Accommodation in Chiang Mai
Day 07 | Chiang Mai
Date : 26/11/2026
A Slower Rhythm | Ease, Space, and Stillness
Highlights
Traditional Thai massage · Riverside or garden café experience · Time at leisure
After the energy of the previous evening, today unfolds at a gentler pace.
We begin with a traditional Thai massage, offering a moment to slow down and reset, an experience rooted in centuries of healing practice.
From here, we continue to a relaxed café setting, either by the river or within a garden space, where there is time to linger over lunch and enjoy the quieter side of Chiang Mai.
The remainder of the day is left open to enjoy at your own pace, whether exploring further or simply taking in the slower rhythm of the city.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Thai massage experience · Café lunch · Accommodation in Chiang Mai
Day 08 | Chiang Mai
Date : 27/11/2026
Into the Forest | Elephants, Landscape, and Quiet Connection
Highlights
Ethical elephant sanctuary experience · Time observing elephants in their natural environment · Forest setting · Waterfall visit
Today, we leave the city behind and travel into the surrounding countryside, where forested hills and rivers shape a quieter rhythm of life.
We spend time at an ethical elephant sanctuary, where the focus is on observation and care rather than interaction. Here, elephants move freely through their natural environment as we learn about their behaviour, history, and the work being done to protect them.
It is a more considered experience, offering a deeper connection to both the animals and the landscape they inhabit.
At midday, we enjoy a simple, locally prepared lunch, allowing time to pause and take in the surroundings.
Later, we continue to a nearby waterfall, where there is time to walk through the forest, cool off, or simply sit and take in the atmosphere before returning to Chiang Mai.
We arrive back in the late afternoon, with the evening at leisure.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Elephant sanctuary experience · Lunch · Accommodation in Chiang Mai
Day 09 | Chiang Mai
Date : 28/11/2026
Craft and Tradition | Hands, Skill, and Heritage
Highlights
Artisan workshop experience · Traditional craft techniques · Time at leisure
This morning, we step into the world of traditional craftsmanship, where skills are passed down through generations and each piece reflects a connection to place and culture.
During a hands-on workshop, we learn the techniques behind one of Northern Thailand’s most recognisable crafts, gaining insight into the materials, methods, and stories that shape the work.
It is a relaxed and engaging experience, offering a different perspective on the region beyond its temples and landscapes.
The afternoon is left open to enjoy Chiang Mai at your own pace, whether revisiting favourite spots or simply taking in the atmosphere of the city.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Artisan workshop · Accommodation in Chiang Mai
Day 10 | Bangkok
Date : 29/11/2026
River of Kings | Waterways and a Farewell in Light
Highlights
Domestic flight to Bangkok · Canal longtail boat experience · Riverside exploration · Farewell dinner
This morning, we leave Chiang Mai and return to Bangkok, where the rhythm of the capital unfolds once again.
By afternoon, we step away from the busy streets and take to the water, travelling by longtail boat through the city’s hidden canals. Wooden homes line the waterways, small temples sit quietly along the banks, and daily life moves at an unhurried pace.
As the light softens, we make our way toward the river, pausing to take in the changing atmosphere as day shifts into evening.
Tonight, we gather for a final dinner together in a beautiful riverside setting, with views across the water as the city begins to glow. It is a moment to celebrate the journey and the experiences shared along the way.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Domestic flight to Bangkok · Canal longtail experience · Farewell dinner · Accommodation in Bangkok
Day 11 | Bangkok
Date : 30/11/2026
Sawasdee | Until We Meet Again
Highlights
Farewell breakfast and optional shared transfer
Our final morning arrives gently. Over breakfast we share last conversations and reflect on the moments that shaped this journey through Thailand.
From temple bells in Chiang Mai to lanterns rising into the night sky, the memories of these days linger quietly. The friendships formed along the way often remain just as vivid as the places themselves.
Shared transfers are arranged depending on your departure time. As each traveller begins their journey home, the warmth of Thailand and the glow of its festivals travel onward with us.
Thank you for being part of this unforgettable adventure.
Inclusions
Breakfast · Airport transfer
Bangkok Experiences
- Guided neighbourhood walk with local food tastings
- Evening tuk tuk experience
- Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha · Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) · Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
- Flower Market excursion
- Hidden canal longtail boat ride & riverside village exploration
Signature Chiang Mai Experiences
- Guided walking tour of the Old City
- Lantern-making workshop with local artisans
- Float hand-crafted krathongs in a riverside Loy Krathong ceremony
- Participate in ancient water blessings and candle-lit offerings
- Doi Suthep temple overlooking the Chiang Mai valley
- Evening participation in the Yi Peng sky lantern release
- Ethical elephant sanctuary experience in a natural forest setting
- Hands-on artisan workshop in traditional Northern Thai craft
- Traditional Thai massage experience for rest and reset
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 and Chiang Mai
- 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
- All rooms are private and include en-suite bathrooms
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
Our Accommodation
- Our accommodation in Bangkok and Chiang Mai has been carefully selected to reflect the contrast between the movement of the city and the calmer rhythm of northern Thailand during festival season
- 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
- 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
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
- 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
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 & 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.