[2025 Mae On Attraction] Travel Guide for Chiangmai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival (Updated Jul)

Around November each year, Chiang Mai, Thailand, hosts a magical festival known as the "Yi Peng Festival." Among the various versions of the festival, I attended the most famous, grand, and breathtaking one—the CAD Lantern Festival. Honestly, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The sight of thousands of lanterns being released simultaneously is so stunning that words fail to describe it—it’s like a painting come to life. However, behind the romance lies some chaos and challenges. In this guide, I’ll share my personal experience and some tips to help you navigate the festival more smoothly in the future! 1. Thousands of participants, an awe-inspiring spectacle! ❤️ The CAD Lantern Festival is a ticketed event. You’ll take a shuttle from Chiang Mai city center to the venue, and the entire event is quite well-organized. The crowd is massive, with tourists and foreigners everywhere—it truly feels like the whole city has gathered here! Once inside, you’ll see the grassy field filled with people dressed in white or traditional attire, setting up tripods and lanterns. The atmosphere is joyful and harmonious. 2. Shuttle arrangements are chaotic, no queue system 😵💫 Honestly, the only downside was the chaotic shuttle arrangements. While there are designated pickup points, don’t expect orderly queues like at an airport. It’s a free-for-all when the shuttle arrives—you’ll need quick reflexes to secure a spot! We waited in line but got cut off by others. Luckily, we managed to get on eventually, but the process was quite frustrating. 🔸Tips: Arrive early for the shuttle! We got there around 6 PM, but if you can arrive by 3:30 PM, it’ll be less rushed and more comfortable. 3. Early entry is advantageous—time to eat and prepare Once inside the venue, you’ll find long tables for photo ops, traditional stalls, and free food offerings like Thai desserts, fried snacks, vegetarian dishes, and drinks. Arriving early allows you to pick a good spot, enjoy the food, take photos, and set up your tripod without feeling rushed. 🎥 A tripod is essential! To capture beautiful videos or time-lapse shots of the lantern release, set up your position early to avoid last-minute scrambling. 4. Lantern release officially starts around 8 PM Around 8 PM, the organizers will announce the start of the event, leading everyone in meditation, blessings, and a countdown. The scene is solemn yet heartwarming. Then, everyone lifts their lanterns, waiting for the perfect moment to release them. 5. Lantern release tips: teamwork, stability, and patience Releasing a lantern isn’t as simple as just letting go—it requires technique. 🟡 First, teamwork is key: One person holds the top of the lantern while the other lights the wax ring at the bottom. 🟡 After lighting, don’t rush to release! Wait at least 2–3 minutes until the lantern gains enough buoyancy to lift itself. 🟡 Most importantly: Ensure the lantern ascends vertically for safety. If released too soon, it may tilt or fall, posing a hazard. Staff members patrol the area to address any issues or accidents promptly. 👍 6. Fireworks are visible from select spots After the first round of lantern releases, fireworks begin. However, not all areas offer a clear view. We were lucky to be seated facing the fireworks, capturing stunning photos of lanterns and fireworks together. ❤️ 7. The simultaneous release of thousands of lanterns is deeply moving The most breathtaking moment is when thousands of people release their lanterns together, counting down "3, 2, 1." As the lanterns ascend into the night sky, the white dots gradually form a galaxy-like scene. The entire venue falls silent, with only whispers of "Wow…" and "So beautiful…" echoing. You’ll feel a sense of shared hope, warmth, peace, and love. For some reason, watching the lanterns rise brought tears to my eyes—it was truly emotional. 8. Post-event traffic congestion is inevitable After the event, thousands of people leave simultaneously, causing significant traffic jams. Waiting for a shuttle can take over an hour, and the queue system remains unclear. 🔴 Important reminder: Use the restroom before leaving! With the crowd and traffic, there’s no chance to stop for a bathroom break. ✅ Summary of tips: 1. Depart early for the shuttle (recommended by 3:30 PM) 2. Bring a tripod and set up your photo spot in advance 3. Prepare your phone/camera/spare batteries 4. Be patient when releasing the lantern—wait for it to lift on its own 5. Use the restroom before leaving the venue In conclusion, Chiang Mai’s CAD Lantern Festival is magical, emotional, and worth experiencing! It’s not just an event but a ritual, an emotional release, and a unique experience. You’ll feel hope, warmth, peace, and love. If you ask me whether it’s worth traveling to Chiang Mai for this, my answer is: absolutely! Just be prepared and manage your expectations (don’t expect everything to be perfectly organized), and you’ll truly enjoy the journey and every moment. This year, bring along someone you want to share your wishes with and release a lantern together 🎈✨

#November Good Places 2024 It's really beautiful to put sky lanterns in Thailand, tens of thousands of people put them together at the same time is really spectacular and special, a must-go in this life! In practice, there is no Sky Lantern Festival in Thai tradition, only Loy Krathong. The so-called Sky Lantern Festival is the last ceremony of the local prayer ceremony. In recent years, Chiang Mai operators have held sky lantern festivals everywhere during the Loy Krathong Festival because it is very boosting to the tourism industry. Chiangmai CAD Khomly Sky Latern Festival is done quite well, tickets are expensive but a ticket is hard to get. It will be held on November 15, 2024 according to the Thai Buddhist calendar. Once a year, the fantastic scene of the stars on the water and the sky lanterns of thousands of people is staged at the same time. It is romantic and shocking, like wandering in the bright stars like dreams. In addition to releasing water lanterns during the Water Lantern Festival, there is also the habit of releasing sky lanterns. In Chiang Mai, releasing sky lanterns can bring good luck and pray for peace and success. What is even more shocking is that when thousands of people set off sky lanterns, the conference also set off fireworks. The dotted sky lanterns and bright fireworks intertwined into colorful pictures. But there are really a lot of people and the venue is prone to fire alarms, but the staff is also well prepared to put out the fire, so it is safe.

It really makes you cry, it's so beautiful. You must bring your loved one here once! Remember to book your tickets early! It is also recommended to arrive at the meeting point earlier that day Because there are so many people🤣 I chose the Premium ticket for the CAD venue that time Includes pick-up and drop-off, two sky lanterns, water lanterns and a buffet area The food in the buffet area is also very good, with a very Thai flavor Personally, I think there is not much difference between the regular ticket and the Premium ticket Just that the queue for departure is smaller, the type of car is different And the seats are a little further back💗So it depends on your needs #Thailand Loy Krathong Festival #Chiang Mai #Chiang Mai Loy Krathong Festival #Thailand Travel #Chiang Mai Tourism

I went to the Khom Loi Festival in Thailand, which is said to be a "breathtaking sight you must see before you die"! It was really good 🥺 There are several venues, but I went to CAD! If you want to eat traditional food and watch dance, this venue is recommended. Local high school and university students were helping out 🏫 You can raise up to two lanterns, which is quite difficult. They count down, but I think less than half of the people were able to raise them in time with that! I was one of those who didn't make it in time lol Also, I went alone, but the lanterns are too big to do alone! The announcement also said that at least two people should do it 📢 Find a nearby attendant or one person to do it with you! But when you raise the lanterns, it's really beautiful ✨ Countless lights float in the night sky It's billions of times more beautiful with the naked eye than in photos I cried for the first time in my life when I saw the view 😭😭 It will be held on November 5th and 6th in 2025! I want you to see this view at least once ⚠️You can't experience raising a lantern at this festival unless you buy a ticket. And the tickets sell out quickly🎫 I booked at the end of May, but most sites were sold out! (Even though it's a November festival!) Make your reservation early

A night filled with lanterns in the sky, hundreds of thousands of them, beautiful and spectacular on the night when the sky is the most beautiful. Your love will be even more beautiful. #ReleaseYipengLanternsChiangMaiCAD #Lanternfestivalchiangmai #VisitChiangMai

Experiencing the Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai is nothing short of enchanting. As thousands of lanterns ascend into the night sky, the city is bathed in a warm, golden glow. The collective hope and joy of everyone gathered make it a deeply moving moment. This isn’t just a festival—it’s a celebration of dreams, unity, and light. Tips for the Best Experience: • Arrive early to secure a good spot for viewing and lantern release. • Participate respectfully by following local customs and traditions. • Capture the magic with a wide-angle lens to include the stunning sky full of lanterns. #ChiangMai #LanternFestival #TravelMoments #UnforgettableExperiences

The Sky Lantern Festival has been on my wish list for many years 📝 Finally, it came true~ You must come to the Chiang Mai Sky Lantern Festival 💡 Experience the moment when thousands of lanterns light up the sky like a galaxy Experience the moment when thousands of people release lanterns together When the chanting begins and the lanterns are released The lanterns rising into the sky look like a galaxy Accompanied by fireworks overhead 🎆 This moment is indescribable It was truly amazing 💛 I went to the CAD venue This is the largest venue with the most people This is the only venue with fireworks 🧨 If you want to see fireworks, you must book this venue You can go to the venue early to rest You can also enjoy free local snacks, drinks, and performances at the venue 🥊 The buffet starts at 5:30 pm 🍴 Although the taste is average 🤣 If you want to see the reflection, you have to go to the Maejo University venue 👀 This venue is more traditional If you have the budget, I suggest booking both venues 💰 And be sure to book in advance ⚠️ I also suggest going to these two paid venues Don't go to any free venues Free and other venues are not good ❌

Thailand is a mesmerizing destination, known for its vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and stunning landscapes. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket, Thailand offers a diverse range of experiences. The food is a highlight, with dishes like pad thai, tom yum soup, and green curry showcasing the perfect blend of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. Thai landscapes are equally impressive, with lush jungles, majestic mountains, and idyllic islands like Koh Samui. The warm-hearted people, known for their hospitality, add to the country’s charm. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, relaxing on pristine beaches, or enjoying a traditional Thai meal, Thailand promises an unforgettable cultural and sensory journey.

😍 Thousands of lights, finally one belongs to me ❤️ This was my first real trip to Thailand, and the reason I chose Chiang Mai, which is not the most popular destination, was for this “Ten Thousand People Sky Lantern Festival”. I happened to see a post about the Sky Lantern Festival on Instagram, and decided to take a trip to see a rare sight in my life. We participate in the CAD Sky Lantern Festival, the biggest difference compared to traditional local sky lantern events is that it has a fee 💰 Tickets from $ 800-$ 1500 + HKD range, divided into Premium, VIP, Standard three types of tickets, the difference lies in catering, shuttle transportation, seating arrangement. We finally chose VIP tickets, which cost 5999 baht equivalent to HK$1354. On the day of the event, we met at the city's MAYA Mall. Special reminder, Standard tickets sit in a double car, VIP / Premium to take a business car, to sit for an hour to the suburbs so if the budget permits really do not buy Standard ... will butt bloom 🤣 Go to the venue before queuing up to exchange tickets, one person a sign written your seat and ticket category, do not lose this sign, this sign is the ticket to enter the venue. Then you can have free time, there are many specialty stalls inside the venue selling handicrafts, making coffee, Thai massage, etc. The conference also offers meals and snacks to choose from. There have also been various shows alongside, and fireworks will be set off just before the light show is close to the start. At about 19:30, the assembly began to instruct everyone to take their seats, and the arrangement here was good and did not create confusion. The first stage is a traditional music performance and dance performance, followed by a high-ranking monk singing scriptures to pray for everyone, starting with the high-ranking monk singing scriptures representing the ceremony. The host of the conference will count down for everyone to release the sky lanterns together, because only if everyone puts out the lanterns at the same time can there be this shocking scene. This is the first time I have put out sky lanterns, and it is also the first time I have seen the screen of 10,000 people. The fireworks set off at the convention, the sky lanterns set off by tourists, and the convergence of the scene I am convinced will be unforgettable for a lifetime. Each lamp represents a person’s wishes and expectations, a very powerful will to make people from all over the world gather in this one place to do the same thing. Looking at the stars in the sky, the lights of thousands of families, surrounded by their favorite people, the emotion of that moment is not much money can buy. Originally afraid to come to the trap or the goods are wrong, the final harvest is beyond this ticket many, many times the emotion. If you only visit Chiang Mai once in your life, you must do it during Loy Krathong. #Chiang Mai #SkyLantern #Thailand