Loi Krathong (Yi Peng Festival) 2010

Date: 17 - 21 November 2010
Venue: Ratchadamnoen Rd., Thapae Gate, Mae Ping Riverside, Nawarat Bridge, Municipal Area
The tradition of Loi Krathong or Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai dates back more than 700 years. During the night of the full moon, people will light candles and incense and celebrate Loi Krathong by releasing their floating offering on the Ping river. If you happen to be in Chiang Mai during November 2010, don't miss out on the opportunity to partake in of Thailand's oldest and best-preserved traditions...

As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month lights up the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands of ornately-decorated krathong or traditional banana leaf floats are set adrift in rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called "Loi Krathong" — the 'festival of lights". An amazing procession of hanging lanterns, light and sound presentation in Ping River, krathong design contest, Miss Yi Peng beauty contest, krathong parade contest, local cultural performances, local handicrafts market in Lanna style and much more...

In Chiang Mai that were once part of the ancient Lanna Thai kingdom, the Yi Peng Northern Lantern Festival is still being celebrated. Tubular lanterns, resembling hot air balloons, are lit and released into the night sky as an offering the Lord Buddha. As hundreds of illuminated lanterns drift into infinity, this conjures the same sense of wistful closure as the krathong float downstream.

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