Maejo University is a university campus in Chiang Mai, the northern Thai city in Chiang Mai Province. Its grounds are used for a large, organized lantern release during the Yi Peng festival, when thousands of participants gather to send lanterns into the night sky.
What the visit is like
Because the campus hosts the event in an organized way, a visit here tends to feel more structured than the scattered releases seen elsewhere in the city. The gathering brings together a very large crowd, so it suits visitors who enjoy being part of a big communal occasion.
Planning a trip
- Timing: The lantern release is tied to the Yi Peng festival, so check the festival dates before you travel.
- Crowds: Expect many participants, and allow extra time to arrive and move around the grounds.
- Around the area: Chiang Mai offers temples, markets and food stalls, which make a good complement to an evening on campus.
If you are drawn to Thailand's festival traditions and want to watch or join a large lantern release, Maejo University is a clear choice in Chiang Mai.
