trip overview

Discover Thailand’s cultural treasures from tropical islands to ancient temples, culminating in the magical spectacle of thousands of glowing lanterns floating into the starlit sky at the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival 2025.

What Makes This Journey Special

This Thailand small group tour takes you from Phuket’s stunning coastline to witness the magical Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai. Thousands of glowing sky lanterns rise into the night sky, creating one of the world’s most spectacular celebrations.

Beyond the unforgettable lantern release Chiang Mai experience, you’ll discover authentic Thai culture through meaningful elephant sanctuary encounters, ancient temple visits, and the beautiful Loy Krathong Chiang Mai water ceremonies.

With just 8-10 travellers, this boutique journey creates genuine connections with Thailand’s spiritual traditions and incredible landscapes. The sky lantern celebration is the highlight, but every moment of this cultural adventure will stay with you forever.

It’s stylish. It’s meaningful. It’s unforgettable.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7

Thailand Lantern Festival Tour

Day 1

Welcome to Thailand's Island Paradise

Your Thai adventure begins the moment you touch down at Phuket International Airport, where your private driver warmly welcomes you for the journey to your boutique resort. Your luxurious pool-access suite becomes your tropical sanctuary where you can dive into the crystal-clear pool, savour a refreshing cocktail, or simply breathe in Phuket’s vibrant island energy.

As the sun begins to set, join your fellow travellers and Click and Trip Host for an unforgettable welcome dinner at the renowned 3 Monkeys Restaurant. Perched high above the jungle canopy, this magical venue offers panoramic views, twinkling fairy lights, and the enticing aromas of authentic Thai spices sizzling in open kitchens. The perfect introduction to Thailand’s incredible culinary journey ahead.

Dinner Included

Luxury Longtail Boat for our Thailand Lantern Festival Tour

Day 2

Jewels of the Andaman Sea

Start your morning with the gentle sounds of waves and tropical birds before boarding your private longtail boat for a full day exploring the famous Phi Phi Islands. Your traditional boat comes equipped with comfortable seating, shaded areas, and perfectly positioned spots for those Instagram-worthy shots as you journey across the brilliant blue Andaman Sea.

Navigate between towering limestone cliffs that rise dramatically from the water, discovering hidden beaches accessible only by boat. Stop for snorkelling in crystal-clear waters where vibrant tropical fish dart between coral formations, then cool off in stunning lagoons with that famous emerald glow.

Visit the iconic Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach, and Monkey Beach where cheeky macaques might photobomb your shots or steal your snacks if you’re not careful.

Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch on a secluded beach with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and cold drinks while gentle waves provide the perfect soundtrack. The afternoon brings more swimming and exploring before heading back to Phuket under the glow of the setting sun, tired but exhilarated from a perfect day on Thailand’s most beautiful islands.

Breakfast and Lunch Included

Phuket Old Town for our Thailand Lantern Festival Tour

Day 3

Culture & Colour in Phuket's Historic Heart

Today, slow the pace and discover a different side of Phuket.

After breakfast, step back in time as you wander the vibrant, mural-covered streets of Phuket Old Town — a charming tapestry of pastel-painted mansions, ancient Chinese shrines, and quirky local cafes.

This remarkable quarter showcases Thailand’s multicultural heritage, where Hokkien merchants, Portuguese traders, and Malay settlers left their mark on the architecture you see today. Let your senses guide the way, from the enticing aroma of sizzling street food to colourful storefronts brimming with local artwork and handcrafted treasures.

A hosted lunch introduces you to authentic southern Thai flavours — fragrant coconut curries and aromatic spices that reflect the region’s trade connections, quite different from the northern cuisine you’ll discover in Chiang Mai.

The afternoon is yours to embrace at leisure — uncover hidden boutiques, relax back at your resort, or sip iced Thai coffee in tucked-away courtyards. This immersion in Phuket’s trading heritage beautifully prepares you for northern Thailand’s Buddhist traditions and ancient Lanna customs.

Breakfast and Lunch Included

Elephant Sanctuary for our Thailand Lantern Festival Tour

Day 4

From Island Life to Northern Traditions

This morning, trade turquoise seas for misty mountains as you board a short domestic flight to Chiang Mai, the heart of northern Thailand and home to the famous Chiang Mai Lantern Festival.

Arrive in Chiang Mai and immediately feel the difference — cooler mountain air, lush green landscapes, and a more tranquil pace that’s worlds away from Phuket’s tropical energy.

A private transfer takes you deep into the countryside, where the intimate 3Pok Elephant Sanctuary welcomes you with open arms. Your private bungalow, nestled among towering trees, offers the perfect sanctuary for the next two nights.

As the afternoon cools and jungle sounds come alive, hop aboard a traditional bamboo raft and drift lazily down the Mae Wang River, feeling the gentle current beneath you as your guide steers you through winding bends. Tonight, fall asleep to the peaceful symphony of nature and the occasional rumble of elephants in the distance.

Breakfast and Lunch Included

Versailles de Flore, Chiang Mai

Day 5

Spiritual Chiang Mai and Ethical Wildlife Encounters

Today offers one of the most moving experiences of the journey. Start by enjoying breakfast surrounded by the gentle presence of the sanctuary’s rescued elephants — feel their rough skin as you feed them, walk beside their massive yet graceful forms through the forest, and experience pure joy as you help bathe them in the cool, rushing waters of the river. Every moment here feels heartwarming, humbling, and unforgettable.

Later, step into a completely different world at Versailles de Flore, Chiang Mai’s most aesthetic cafe, where the scent of French pastries mingles with tropical flowers as high tea is served under sparkling chandeliers and whimsical floral arches.

In the afternoon, explore Chiang Mai’s sacred side with a guided visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the city’s most revered temple perched high above the valley with golden spires gleaming in the sunlight, and Wat Chiang Man, where ancient elephant guardians carved in weathered stone watch over centuries of prayers.

Those who wish can enhance the day with a traditional Thai costume rental for truly magical photos among the temples. This perfect blend of wildlife conservation, cultural beauty, and spiritual discovery prepares your heart for tomorrow’s lantern ceremony.

Breakfast and Light Lunch Included

Day 6

Relaxed Morning, Magical Evening

Spend the morning exactly as you wish — whether that’s sleeping in as tropical birds chirp outside your window, enjoying a leisurely breakfast with the aroma of fresh Thai coffee filling the air, browsing the bustling local markets alive with vibrant colours and friendly chatter, or treating yourself to a Thai massage in one of Chiang Mai’s hidden spas where healing hands work away the journey’s tiredness.

This afternoon, the excitement builds as you prepare for one of Thailand’s most breathtaking spectacles: the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. Arriving at the exclusive festival grounds, you’ll have time to soak in traditional arts and crafts, taste local treats that burst with authentic flavours, and join the villagers as they prepare for the night’s ceremony.

As dusk falls and temple bells chime in the distance, enjoy a full Thai Lanna buffet dinner before the main event. Tonight, witness the breathtaking Yi Peng Lantern Festival as thousands of lanterns float into the sky — an unforgettable highlight of the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival 2025.

As your own lantern drifts heavenward, surrounded by golden lights and distant fireworks, it’s impossible not to feel moved by the magic of the moment. This unforgettable lantern release Chiang Mai experience, combined with the beautiful Loy Krathong Chiang Mai celebrations, creates a truly magical sky lantern celebration.

Breakfast and Dinner Included

Day 7

Farewell to an Extraordinary Journey

Enjoy one final slow breakfast in the tropical gardens, where the morning light filters through palm fronds and the gentle rustle of leaves provides a peaceful soundtrack to your last moments in northern Thailand. Breathe in the sweet fragrance of frangipani one last time before it’s time to say farewell.

Your private transfer will take you to Chiang Mai Airport through now-familiar streets, marking the end of a journey filled with new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and memories that will stay with you long after you return home.

Breakfast Included

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Trip Highlights

Included in This Hosted Journey

  • 6 nights premium accommodation (4–5 star boutique and eco stays)
  • All activities listed in the itinerary
  • Entry ticket to Yi Peng Lantern Festival (Standard)
  • Domestic flight from Phuket to Chiang Mai
  • Private English-speaking guides throughout
  • All in-destination transfers
  • Meals: 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
  • 24/7 support and an on-the-ground Click and Trip Host
  • No hidden fees – what you see is what you get

HOTELS

The Nature Phuket

Deluxe Pool Access

3Pok Elephant Sanctuary

Homestay Room

Sunny V

Deluxe Room

Before You Pack: Travel Tips & Essentials

  • Thailand is warm year-round: expect 25–32°C in November — perfect for this Thailand small group tour.
  • A 20% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking for the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival 2025.
  • Optional activities (like Thai costume rental, floating breakfast) are available at extra cost — we'll provide pricing after booking.
  • The Yi Peng Lantern Festival ticket and domestic flight are non-refundable once confirmed.
  • Final payment is due 60 days before departure for your lantern release Chiang Mai experience.
  • Travel insurance is required
  • Tipping is customary in Thailand: budget around A$5–10/day for guides and drivers during this sky lantern celebration.

What Our Travellers Say

Your Questions Answered

Book early as this tour coincides with the annual Yi Peng Lantern Festival, making it extremely popular with very limited availability during this magical time.

We maintain intimate groups of just 8-10 travellers maximum, ensuring a boutique Thailand small group tour experience where you can truly connect with fellow adventurers.

Absolutely! Solo adventurers find kindred spirits easily, while couples love the romantic atmosphere. Solo travellers can share rooms or upgrade to private accommodation.

Yes, solo travellers are very welcome! You can choose to share a room with another guest (matched by gender) or book a private room for a small supplement.

The tour is designed for modern adventurers aged 25–45, although we welcome anyone over 16 who appreciates meaningful cultural experiences and boutique travel.

Yes, we thoughtfully balance curated experiences with free time for personal exploration, reflection, and those spontaneous moments that make travel magical.

This is deeply cultural-focused, emphasising meaningful experiences, spiritual encounters, and authentic traditions rather than nightlife or party activities.

Most travellers from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the US don’t require a visa for short stays. Check with your local embassy for current requirements.

Booking is beautifully simple. Just hit the white “Book Now” button at the top of the page or below these FAQs and follow the prompts. A pop-up will appear inviting you to choose your room type — twin share, private solo, or a double for two. Once selected, secure your spot with a $599 deposit per person (or $699 for a private room), then choose whether to pay the rest in instalments (due 1st August and 16th September 2025) or settle it all upfront. From there, enter your details, add extras like pre- or post-tour stays or optional activities, pick your payment method (card or direct debit), and voilà — your place is confirmed with an instant welcome email. The magic starts now.

In 2025, the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival will take place on the 5th and 6th of November, aligning with the full moon of the twelfth lunar month — a time when the skies come alive with glowing lanterns and the spirit of renewal. It’s one of the most enchanting times to visit northern Thailand, and our journey is designed to immerse you in the heart of it all.

The main Yi Peng celebrations happen in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand’s cultural capital and the spiritual heart of the Lanna Kingdom.

While some public areas host free events, our tour includes exclusive access to premium viewing locations and organised lantern release experiences.

The festival celebrations typically span several days, with the main lantern release ceremony occurring on one special evening during our tour.

Comfortable, modest clothing is recommended. Many guests enjoy wearing traditional Thai costumes, which can be rented as an optional activity.

Lanterns carry wishes, prayers, and hopes for good fortune. Releasing them symbolises letting go of worries and welcoming positive energy for the year ahead.

The Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai is Thailand’s most famous and spiritually significant sky lantern celebration, drawing visitors from around the world.

Start Your Thailand Adventure Today!

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