
01/10/2025
Chiang Mai Rebrands “Yi Peng” into an International Festival
Launching Yi Peng Lanna Light Festival 2025 – “Lanna, Worship, and Lights”
Chiang Mai Province, in collaboration with the Lanna Vissit Trade Association and related agencies, is preparing to host the Yi Peng Lanna Light Festival 2025 – Lanna, Worship, and Lights under the project Chiang Mai Two Moon 2025. The aim is to rebrand Yi Peng to distinguish it from other provinces’ Loy Krathong festivals, highlighting the beauty of lights, krathong floating, and sky lanterns as the main attractions for tourists, while also developing it into a form of soft power on the international stage.
October 1, 2025, 5:00 p.m. — at RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort Chiang Mai, Mr. Weerapong Ritrod, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, held a press conference together with key partners, including the Lanna Vissit Trade Association, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Chiang Mai Office), Chulalongkorn University Social Lab, and the Rak Chiang Mai City Community Network. They confirmed readiness to host the event, which promises to deliver a new experience for visitors while enhancing Chiang Mai’s image as a city of creative culture.
Mr. Weerapong stated that this year Chiang Mai will establish more systematic areas for the release of lanterns, in order to preserve tradition while simultaneously promoting tourism and the local economy. This aligns with “12 Months, 12 Festivals”policy, making Chiang Mai a year-round destination. He also urged residents to be good hosts in welcoming visitors.
Highlight activities in 2025 include:
• Yi Peng Market & Networking (from October 1, 2025): A platform connecting over 60 pairs of local businesses.
• Yi Peng Journey Package & Passport (October–November 2025): Special promotions from hotels, restaurants, spas, and handicrafts, plus a travel stamp collection activity.
• Yi Peng Cultural Night Walk (November 3–5, 2025): City decorations under the theme “Lanna, Worship, and Lights” along with the activity “Tam Phang Patiid – Lighting the Sky, Protecting the City.”
• Grand Yi Peng Parade: November 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., in the heart of Chiang Mai City.
This festival aims to elevate Chiang Mai Yi Peng into a world-class event, creating a unique identity distinct from other provinces while showcasing the soft power of Lanna to tourists worldwide.