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Thailand is stepping into its incredible festival season with Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festivals illuminating the country with lanterns and floating lights. Let’s dive in and see how our suggestion of “Thailand Tour 5 Days” can make the most of your Thailand itinerary during this magical time of year.
Loy Krathong is a traditional Thai festival celebrated annually across the country and in neighboring regions with strong Southwestern Tai cultural influences.
As for Loy Krathong, the name means “to float a ritual vessel or lamp,” referring to the act of releasing krathongs, which are carefully decorated floating baskets, onto rivers. Thais traditionally offer these to Khongkha, the Goddess of Water, as a way of giving thanks and asking for forgiveness.
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The festival’s roots can be traced back to ancient Indian traditions
Running alongside Loy Krathong is Yi Peng, the Lanna (Northern Thai) festival that celebrates the full moon of the second month in the Lanna lunar calendar, which corresponds to the twelfth month of the Thai lunar year. Yi means “two” and Peng means “full moon day.”
In 2025, both festivals fall on Wednesday, November 5. In today’s Thai practice, locals and visitors gather to release krathongs into the water and lanterns into the sky, creating a breathtaking display of light that fills rivers and skies across Thailand.
Your first stop is the bustling capital city, Bangkok. Start your visit by exploring the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha, and don’t miss Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), one of the city’s most iconic riverside landmarks.
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Your Thailand Tour 5 Days will start in Bangkok
In the evening, enjoy a Chao Phraya River cruise, dine at sunset, and soak in the festive atmosphere as the city gets ready for the celebrations.
For your day 2, it’s time to spend your mornings exploring the Maeklong Railway Market. Unlike some over-commercialized markets, this unique place still feels authentic and full of local character, although it is naturally crowded and touristy due to its fame.
The highlight here is watching how the vendors quickly fold up their umbrellas and move their goods just before the train passes. And the train moves very slowly, so it’s safe even for children, and you can stand only a few inches away from it.
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No Thailand Tour 5 Days is complete without a stop in Maeklong Railway Market
In the afternoon, spend some time to go shopping or unwinding at Siam Paragon. The food court and Gourmet Market (in the basement) here offer great options of Thai, Asian, and Western cuisine as well as desserts, drinks, and take-away options.
After your Bangkok visit, it’s time to head north to Chiang Mai. You can take a quick one-hour flight or travel overnight on a sleeper train. If you take the sleeper train, remember to bring a sleep mask, as the aisle lights usually stay on all night.
Now comes the highlight of your trip: the Loy Krathong & Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai. In the morning, just take it easy first with a stroll around the Old City. The path will take you along the City Walls, passing ancient gates and narrow lanes filled with art shops and cozy guesthouses.
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The highlight of your Thailand Tour 5 Days is the Loy Krathong & Yi Peng Festival
When the sun begins to set, make your way to the main festival venue. This is where you’ll witness the Instagrammable and otherworldly sight of thousands of glowing lanterns rising into the sky while krathongs drift gently down the river.
Before the ceremony begins, you can even take part in craft workshops, enjoy traditional Lanna meals, and witness the local religious rituals, all within the venue.
And finally, around 8 p.m., comes the moment of truth. The lantern release begins and is followed by a brilliant fireworks show that lights up the night sky.
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After a day of celebrations, treat yourself to a traditional Lanna massage at a local spa. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a night of festivities, especially when followed by a relaxing café visit. The lingering festive atmosphere is definitely something not to be underestimated!
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Add a massage stop to your Thailand Tour 5 Days
And don’t forget to visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, one of the city’s largest and liveliest markets. The stalls here sell everything from street food and crafts to antiques, clothing, and artwork, so you’re almost guaranteed to find something to your liking.
The best thing about markets is that they’re a paradise for food lovers. Just dive in and get intimate with all the pad thai, mango sticky rice, and crispy spring rolls!
After days filled with lights and crowds, you can take some time to connect with nature. What better way to have some fresh air in Chiang Mai than by visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary in the countryside, where you can meet these gentle giants up close? These sanctuaries prioritize animal welfare, so your visit helps support their ongoing conservation work.
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There are many ethical elephant sanctuary options for your Thailand Tour 5 Days
This peaceful experience is a beautiful way to conclude your journey through northern Thailand. It’s the perfect ending to a Thailand Tour 5 Days trip filled with culture, color, and wonder.
So, what do you think? Does this Thailand Tour 5 Days itinerary sound like the perfect way to experience Thailand’s festival season? If it sparks your interest, feel free to get in touch with Asia King Travel for a custom itinerary, or explore our curated Thailand tours for more travel inspiration!
Want to enjoy Thailand’s best highlights in just five days? Our Thailand Tour 5 Days itinerary covers all the must-see spots!
