Chiang Mai Loi Krathong and Yi Peng festival photo special

Decorative Krathong in Chiang Mai

For one week around the full moon of the 12th lunar month, visitors to the Northern Thailand city of Chiang Mai could be forgiven for thinking they had been transported into a war zone instead of the heart of the ancient Lanna (one million rice fields) kingdom.

Day and night the percussion of constantly exploding fireworks echo overhead as Chiang Mai celebrates the largest annual festival held in Thailand – Loi Krathong (floating raft) – and the traditional Chiang Mai Yi Peng (Festival of Lights).

Thousands of Khome Loi are launched from Mae Jo University

Nowhere else in Thailand are these two coinciding festivals celebrated, and nowhere else are festivals celebrated with such enthusiasm as in Thailand’s North.

The festivities begin with a traditional Buddhist ceremony at Mae Jo University which is the prelude to the mass release of thousands of Khome Loi (sky lanterns).

Fireworks. floating Khome Loi and the burnt remains of Khome Loi that plummet to Earth, often in a fiery mass, are a common site and sound for visitors to Thailand’s second largest city.

The festivities conclude with a parade of giant Krathongs through the heart of Chiang Mai, while overhead Khome Loi battle for airspace.

This pictorial feature attempts to capture the enthusiasm, culture and traditions of Chiang Mai residents and visitors celebrating the Loi Krathong and Yi Peng festival in November 2008. Click on any of the images to see larger versions.

Preparing to launch a Khome Loi at the start of the Yi Peng festival at Mae Jo University in Chiang Mai

A parade of giant Krathongs heralds the end to the Chiang Mai Yi Peng and Loi Krathong festivals

The ritual opening of the Yi Peng festival at Mae Jo University in Chiang Mai	One of many street vendors at the Mae Jo University opening of the Yi Peng festival	Thousands of Khome Loi are launched at once at Mae Jo University in Chiang Mai	Launching Khome Loi at Mae Jo University in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai "sky lanterns" at Mae Jo University	Up, up and away, another Khome Loi takes to the sky	Khome Loi fill the sky above Chiang Mai	Khome Loi can drift for tens of kilometers before falling back to Earth
Two Chiang Mai university students with their fully erect Khome Loi	Another Khome Loi being launched	Traditional dress at the Loi Krathong celebrations in Chiang Mai	Street food at the Loi Krathong Festival Chiang Mai
The Yi Peng/Loi Krathong festival is Chiang Mai's largest annual festival	Cabaret on the banks of the Ping River by Chiang Mai ladyboys	The giant Krathong parade through the streets of Chiang Mai is a major tourism attraction	Traditional dress highlight the cultural heritage of the Loi Krathong festival in Chiang Mai
Preparing a Krathong for launching in Chiang Mai	The giant Krathong parade in Chiang Mai signals the end of the festival	The giant Krathong parade in Chiang Mai features Lanna tradition	The giant Krathong parade in Chiang Mai is a colourful cultural event

More on the Chiang Mai Loi Krathong and Yi Peng Festivals can be found here: Loi Krathong Festival and Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival – floating festivals of light

Video of the 2008 Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival can be found here: Newsblog video gallery

ENDS:
© John Le Fevre, 2008

Thailand; Thailand tourism; Thailand travel; Loi Krathong Festival; Yi Peng Festival; Festival of Lights; Thailand Festivals; Buddhism festivals; sky lanterns; Chiang Mai