Thailand · 2 - 12 November 2025
2025 Thailand Lantern Festival Tour: Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Witness Thailand’s legendary Yi Peng & Loy Krathong lantern festivals - where thousands of lanterns illuminate waters and skies!
SOLD OUT
Overview
**Ready to Check Thailand’s Legendary Lantern Festivals Off Your Bucket List?** Experience the magic of Thailand like never before on an unforgettable 11-day journey from November 2 to 12, 2025. Just in time for the enchanting Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Lantern Festivals, this adventure invites you to witness thousands of glowing lanterns rise into the night sky and float along candlelit rivers. It is more than a trip. It is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of light, culture, and connection. This dream journey takes you from the excitement of Bangkok to the charm of Chiang Mai and includes a hands-on visit to an ethical elephant care sanctuary, a mouthwatering foodie tour through Bangkok’s bustling streets, and a visit to the world-famous Maeklong Railway Market. With luxury accommodations, expert guides, daily breakfast, and curated cultural experiences, this once-in-a-lifetime trip starts at just $3,150 per person (double occupancy). Space is limited, so book now and let Thailand light up your bucket list!
Highlights
Yi Peng Lantern Festival
Our Main Event is in Chiang Mai, with VIP-section seating and food selections.
5-Star Luxury Hotels
Pamper yourself at some of Thailand's best luxury resort hotels. You deserve it!
Elephant Sanctuary
Come out to the Northern Thai countryside to make a few new enormous friends!
Bangkok Street Food
It's no secret that Bangkok boasts the world's best street food, with an incredible variety and quality.
The Reclining Buddha
Discover Bangkok's Wat Pho, where you'll encounter Thailand's most iconic tourist attraction.
A Market that Floats?
Discover an unforgettable shopping experience at Bangkok's Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
Hosts
Mike Henderson
Hello, fellow travelers! My name is Mike Henderson, and I am the founder and CEO of B.A.G. Travel. I have been a group travel consultant for over 20 years and have visited more than 35 countries. I am passionate about providing exciting travel experiences that can change people's lives. With my background in urban planning, I love to help my clients immerse themselves in the culture of the places they visit.
B.A.G. Travel has been featured in several popular publications, such as: AFAR, Travel Weekly, Vacationer Magazine, and New World Report. We take pride in being a global "adventure designer" and helping our clients create unforgettable memories!
Oak Mahavan
Hello everyone! My name is Oak Mahavan, and I am a Travel Consultant and Influencer. I love sharing stories and learning from others. My family originally hails from Chiangmai, Thailand, where my grandmother was one of the pioneers of the Northern Thailand Tourism Agency in the 1970s. As a young boy, my grandmother's influence sparked my curiosity, and she took me on the Concord Jet, Northern Thai wedding tours, and elephant camps. Our family helped shape the Northern Thai traveling industry by introducing elephant camps, Khan Toke dinners (the Northern Thai version of a Luau cultural dinner show), and academic bird-watching tours.
I have traveled to 40+ countries and backpacked in Asia for over three months. I am passionate about learning about myself through traveling and sharing my experiences with others. With my background in the Thai hospitality industry, experiential marketing, and customer-centric management, I aim to create unforgettable experiences that last a lifetime!
Schedule
Join us for 11 days and 10 nights in the "Land of Smiles" during one of their most festive times of the year!
Previous
Next
Chiang Mai
DAY 1 - Sunday, 11/2/25
"Sawasdee!" Welcome to Thailand.
🔸Arrival in Chiang Mai - The "Rose of the North": "Meet & Greet" transfer from the airport to our luxury, 5-star hotel.
🔹Hotel Check In: Arrive at Buri Sriping Riverside Resort & Spa (5-star)
Optional Event: Sunday Night Market Street
A lively citywide market with local vendors, handcrafted goods, street food, temple-style courts, and cultural performances. An iconic tradition for over a decade. Wear comfy shoes, bring cash, and enjoy shopping and snacking.
Included
Meet & Greet Airport Transfer
Not Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Chiang Mai
DAY 2 - Monday, 11/3/25
An Evening of Lanna Culture
🔹Khantoke Cultural Center Dinner Show: Experience an unforgettable dinner show celebrating the captivating and vibrant Lanna culture of northern Thailand! - Includes Hotel Breakfast and Dinner. Dinner show and transportation from/to the hotel.
Included
Breakfast
Dinner
Dinner Show Transportation from/to hotel
Chiang Mai
DAY 3 - Tuesday, 11/4/25
Temples and City Lights!
🔹Scenic Chiang Mai Tram Tour: Scenic Tram Tour in Chiang Mai historic square. Pass through key city gates and admire the beauty of temples such as Wat Lok Molee, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phan Tao. This tour provides the best samples of the original Chiang Mai within the city square (moat). A Thai lunch set will be provided.
Optional Event 🏳️🌈: At night, stop by Chiangmai’s exclusive LGBTQ+ Cabaret Drag show: 6ixcret - full of ecstatic lights, sounds, and entertainment. This is a must-see, cannot be missed! Note: a minimum of two drink purchases is required (not included in price).
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Not Included
Dinner
Chiang Mai
DAY 4 - Wednesday, 11/5/25
Light Up the Sky at Yi Peng!
🔹THE MAIN EVENT: This evening, we’ll head out of the city to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking Yi Peng Lantern Festival, one of the world’s most magical bucket list experiences. Enjoy excellent seating, vibrant cultural exhibits, and a Northern Thai street food market with dinner included. The highlight of the night will be your chance to float your very own Yi Peng sky lantern, an unforgettable moment to light up the sky, so get ready!
Included
Breakfast
Dinner
Not Included
Lunch
Chiang Mai
DAY 5 - Thursday, 11/6/25
Chill in Chiang Mai
🔹FREE DAY: Explore Chiang Mai at your own pace.
Optional Event: Join us at night near Tha Phae Gate to witness the dazzling magic of the Loy Krathong Yai (Yai - means big) Parade and festivities near the Ping River. Note, there will be opportunities to purchase your krathong (floating light vessel on a flower) and fireworks. Once purchased, you can make a wish and float the lit krathong in the river. There will be street food, vendors, and local Loy Kratong activities. RT hotel transportation included.
Included
Breakfast
Not Included
Lunch
Dinner
Chiang Mai
DAY 6 - Friday, 11/7/25
"Elephant Day"🐘❤️
🔹Full-Day Elephant Care Experience: In the morning, we will experience a specialized and educational trip with elephants at an accredited, eco-responsible elephant sanctuary/care center. Be sure to bring a towel and extra clothes...you will get hosed! A traditional Thai picnic lunch is included.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Not Included
Dinner
Bangkok ➪ Chiang Mai
DAY 7 - Saturday, 11/8/25
Bangkok - The "City of Angels"
(Krung Thep Maha Nakhon)
🔹🛫Depart Chiang Mai: Hotel check-out, group airport transfer, and group flight to Bangkok (economy airfare included)
🔹🛬Arrival in Bangkok: Meet & Greet airport transfer and hotel check-in at Millennium Hilton Bangkok (5-star)
🔹Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour! - Explore the culinary wonders of the world’s street food capital, where family recipes have been perfected for generations. This world-famous street food scene promises bold flavors and authentic tastes at every stop, so be sure to come hungry for this unforgettable dinner event!
Included
Breakfast
Dinner (foodie tour)
Economy Airfare from Chiang Mai (CNX) to Bangkok (DMK)
Not Included
Lunch
Chiang Mai
DAY 8 - Sunday, 11/9/25
Grand Day Tour
🔹Grand Palace: Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha and origin of Thai massage and medicine school). Thai lunch set included.
🔹Explore Siam Square: Experience Bangkok’s metropolitan luxury shopping district and arts/cultural center.
🔹Dinner River Cruise: Enjoy Bangkok’s luxury dinner river cruise after sundown, viewing wonderful temples, famous river hotels, and symbolic bridges of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, considered the Venice of the East.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Bangkok
DAY 9 - Monday, 11/10/25
FREE DAY in Bangkok
Explore THE world's most visited city at your leisure.
Optional Activity: Enjoy the ORIGINAL Thai Massage at Wat Pho (60 minutes) after the Grand Palace Tour - based on time slot availability.
Included
Breakfast
Bangkok
DAY 10 - Tuesday, 11/11/25
A Day of Unusual Markets
🔹Maeklong Railway Market: get "run-over" with excitement at one of Thailand's most unusual markets - in the middle of a train rail route! Don't forget to tuck your caboose in as the train passes by!🚆🤭
🔹Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Float while you shop! Visit the largest and most famous floating market in Thailand! Lunch provided.
🔹Dragon Temple Visit: Witness “Wat Sam Phran,” a 17-story-tall pink cylindrical building with a gigantic red-and-green dragon sculpture curling around the entire height.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Bangkok
DAY 11 - Wednesday, 11/12/25
"La Gorn (Goodbye)," Thailand!
(...and "Hello, Cambodia?")
🔹Departure: Check out from Millennium Hilton Bangkok. Airport transfers and airfare are not included.
🔹Optional Extension for Purchase: Visit Angkor Wat, a UNESCO gem and the world’s largest and most awe-inspiring temple complex, from November 12 to 15, during an optional extension in Siem Reap, Cambodia!
Included
Breakfast
Not Included
Lunch
Dinner
Airport Transfers
Airfare
What's included
What's Included
All transfers and transportation if traveling with the group are private, deluxe, air-conditioned coaches and English-speaking guide.
Hotel Porterage
Local taxes on accommodation and sightseeing tours, based on current rates
Arrival Meet and Greet Guide
Meals as listed on the itinerary
Guided Tours and Admissions per the itinerary
Convenient Travel Itinerary via the TripIt App
Luxury hotel accomodations
What's Not Included
Gratuities to Restaurant Staff and Hotel Porters
Visas and Transfers + their handling fees
Meals that are not listed in the itinerary
Tip and Gratuity Increase in local tax rates
Early room check-in; late room check-out
Hotel/Report Incidental and Damages Charges
Personal items
Tips for the Tour Guides and Drivers – suggested amount is $6.00 (USD) a day for each guide and $3.00 (USD) a day for each driver.
Miscellaneous fees, i.e., individual transfers; passports, extra hotel charges (mini bar, spa, gym, etc.); airline seat selection, laundry, meals not listed in the itinerary, beverages at meals, and baggage fees
Travel Protection - strongly recommended for any trip. You may request a quote upon check-out.
International Airfare (offered as an option for purchase)
Gallery
Trip Tips
Check your Passport! 👀 🛂
Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the departure date.
Purchase Travel Protection
Travel Protection is strongly recommended for ANY trip. Add "Travel Protection Quote" to your checkout cart and receive a confirmation email with link to our comprehensive plans by our partner: IMG. https://www.bagtravel.net/travel-insurance
Review Our Full Terms & Conditions
https://www.bagtravel.net/terms-and-conditions/ for our full list of exclusions + code of conduct.
Add Ons
Travel Protection Free Quote - Special Rate!
Receive an exclusive rate quote from our Partner: IMG - A global leader in travel protection plans.
Free
Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market
A lively citywide market with local vendors, handcrafted goods, street food, temple-style courts, and cultural performances. An iconic tradition for over a decade. Wear comfy shoes, bring cash, and enjoy shopping and snacking. ...
Read More
FROM$25.00/pp
The ORIGINAL Thai Massage: Wat Pho - Per Person
Enjoy an authentic "Thai massage" where it all began: Wat Pho (60 minutes) - after the Grand Palace Tour on 11/9/25.
FROM$100.00/pp
6ixcret Drag Show in Chiang Mai 🏳️🌈
Let's stop by Chiangmai’s exclusive LGBTQ+ Cabaret Drag show full of ecstatic lights, sounds, and entertainment. This is a must-see, cannot be missed! ...
Read More
FROM$25.00/pp
You'll Be Staying Here
Hotel Loy Chiang Mai (or similar)
Luxury hotel just minutes from Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Tha Phae Gate.
Millennium Hilton Bangkok (or similar)
A luxurious 5-star resort on Bangkok's iconic Chao Phraya River, steps from the massive ICON SIAM shopping complex, with a rooftop restaurant and bar offering the most breathtaking views in the city!
Related Blog Posts
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Thailand is a land of vibrant culture and progressive thinking, and to truly immerse yourself in it, there are four festivals you can't afford to miss. Be sure to mark these on your itinerary for an unforgettable experience!
Thailand Travel for First-Timers
Planning your first trip to Thailand? Discover essential travel tips, local customs, must-see attractions, and expert advice for a smooth adventure.
Thailand for Foodies: Where to Eat in the Land of Smiles
Calling all foodies! Discover where to eat in Thailand, from street food gems to local favorites across the Land of Smiles.
FAQs
Do you provide International Flights to Thailand and the pre-trip option locations?
Select "Flight Quote" and add to your cart before check-out. Flight quotes for all attendees will be submitted by June 1, 2024.
Do you offer Payment Plans?
We offer a monthly, interest-free plan and a "Travel-Now-Pay-Later" payment plan. Both require initial deposit(s).
"Travel Now, Pay Later" is offered by our partner: Uplift (subject to credit approval).
Do you offer Travel Insurance?
We offer a special rate through our partners to provide you some of the most comprehensive travel protection options available.
What if I prefer my own Travel Insurance?
B.A.G. Travel and our partners offers some of the most comprehensive Travel Protection products and best rates in the business...
However - if you decline our Travel Protection offer, you MUST complete and submit the "Travel Insurance Waiver Form" at least 30 days before departure. You can find our Travel Insurance Waiver Form HERE.
What are your Cancellation Terms?
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions. Your purchase of any portion of this trip constitutes your full acknowledgement and agreement to these terms.
Purchase Travel Protection: Life happens! In case you need to cancel, have the peace of mind that comes with being covered by Travel Protection. You can request a quote from B.A.G. Travel upon initial cart checkout or up to 30 days before departure.
Cancellation: Please be aware that our travel bookings are non-refundable, and canceled bookings will incur charges. These charges can be up to 100% of the cost of the booking, regardless of whether travel has commenced. Where we incur any liability for a cancellation fee or charge for any booking which you cancel, you agree to indemnify us for the amount of that fee or charge. All cancellations must be in writing to B.A.G. Travel, LLC via requests@bagtravel.net, prior to departure date.
Is the Lantern Festival mobility accessible?
The rural site will include grass, gravel, and uneven terrain, but Festival staff will be stationed at key points to assist guests as needed. Accessible restroom facilities will also be available on-site.
Are the tour vans accessible?
The tour van will be a 9-seater Toyota Commuter (or similar), with space for 2 folded wheelchairs.
Are all of the tours accessible for those with mobility issues?
No. The tours that are not recommended are: Maeklong Railway and Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets, Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour, and the Loy Krathong Parade. Alternative activities for those time slots will be presented if interested.