In Chiang Mai yesterday there were two festivals occurring: Loi Krathong and Yee Peng.

For Loi Krathong, people make these incredibly elaborate krathong, which are origami candle holders made out of banana leaves and decorated with flowers. They are released onto the water which becomes a glittery waterway. It’s a way to pay respect to the river which gives much to the people. It occurs during a full moon period after the monsoon season, typically in November.

Yee Peng, the festival of light is a different festival. With this one, people release lanterns into the sky. The light represents new beginnings and the idea is that when you release the lantern, it takes away all of the bad luck and woes of the past year.

Both festivals occur over 3 nights and tonight is the last night. Every night the river has been totally busy with Thais and tourists releasing their Krathong and lanterns. It is so beautiful. I have attached a link of the release of lanterns. The video is of the huge site in Chiang Mai where 10000 lanterns are released. I was not in this park, but on the river where it was busy, but not like in the video.

At my guest house they gave all of us a lantern for release. It should be more of the same tonight.

Signing off on another beautiful day in Chiang Mai. Xoxo