A 40th-birthday journey · Draft, nothing booked
Thirteen nights, three stops, one full-moon birthday. Bangkok to Chiang Mai to Yao Noi — with the huge CAD Khomloy lantern release on Saturday, November 13, 2027.
Leg 01 Nov 6–9
Four nights on the Chao Phraya. The 32-metre standing Buddha, the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, a Yaowarat food walk — and a Muay Thai fight night.
Leg 02 Nov 10–14
Five nights in the old north, timed to the full moon. Temples on birthday eve, a lantern release on the birthday itself, and krathong on the Ping River the night after.
Saturday · November 13, 2027 · Full moon · Day 8
The whole trip bends toward this night. A slow morning, an unhurried afternoon, then the enormous CAD Khomloy lantern release in Mae On.
Yi Peng 2027
Projected Nov 13–14
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Birthday night · Decided
CAD Khomloy is the centerpiece: the largest synchronized lantern release, staged at the CAD Cultural Center Lanna in Mae On.
The iconic wall of lanterns: a synchronized, ticketed production at the CAD Cultural Center Lanna in Mae On, about 30 km east of Chiang Mai.
Leg 03 Nov 15–18
Four nights of nothing in particular. A speedboat across Phang Nga Bay, private pool villas, an optional longtail morning, and a sunset dinner to close the trip.
Before we go
Some things we'll do together — the rest is up to you. Don't feel obligated to see everything, or to follow the same itinerary.
Most days carry one or two anchors — never more.
November is festival season — Yi Peng, Loy Krathong, high season — and award seats go fast.
If you're flying on points, book as early as your program allows. Philip's plan is Qatar Qsuites.
CAD tickets usually go on sale six to nine months ahead, and popular tiers can sell out two to three months before the festival. They are non-refundable. Buy only from the official CAD website or an authorized agent.
For November 2027, watch around February–May 2027 and buy when tickets drop.
Philip is considering starting the trip a few days early and flying through Singapore.
TBD — nothing decided yet.