Lantern Festivals in Asia: When and Where to See Them

Light on water — one of Asia’s most beautiful traditions

Lantern festivals occur across multiple Asian countries and traditions, from Vietnam’s full moon celebrations in Hoi An to Taiwan’s massive Yi Peng sky lantern festival to Thailand’s Loy Krathong. Each has different origins and a different character — here’s what you need to know about each.

Hoi An, Vietnam: monthly full moon festival

The 14th night of each lunar month, electric lights are turned off in Hoi An’s Ancient Town and silk lanterns illuminate the streets. Floating lotus lanterns on the Thu Bon River. Happens every month, so no special planning required — just check the lunar calendar for your travel dates. One of Southeast Asia’s most atmospheric regular events.

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Yi Peng sky lanterns

The Yi Peng festival — sky lanterns released simultaneously by thousands of people — happens in November around the full moon. The image of thousands of paper lanterns rising into the night sky is one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic photographs. Mass release events are held at several locations around Chiang Mai; tickets sell out far in advance. The official government event is free to watch; organized mass-release events charge 500–2,000 baht.

Loy Krathong (Thailand-wide)

The same November full moon occasion as Yi Peng, Loy Krathong involves releasing banana leaf floats with candles on rivers and waterways throughout Thailand. Chiang Mai combines both Yi Peng (sky) and Loy Krathong (water) for a genuinely extraordinary evening. Everywhere else in Thailand does Loy Krathong without the sky lanterns.

Taiwan’s Lantern Festival

The 15th day of the Lunar New Year — Pingxi district launches thousands of sky lanterns simultaneously as part of the official festival. One of Taiwan’s most popular annual events. Dates shift with the lunar calendar, typically February or early March.