【Absolutely Spectacular】The 2015 Chiang Mai Lantern Festival – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

By: E Cat

Remember the wildly popular Disney cartoon *Tangled* from a few years ago? In the story, the king would release sky lanterns in front of the castle every year to honor his missing daughter. Little did we know, this romantic scene was actually inspired byThailand’s traditional festival — the Loy Krathong Festival.

Chiang Maihosts lantern and floating lantern prayer events during the festive season, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle that’s truly unforgettable. The image shows the grandeur of the mass sky lantern release.

The pitch-black river slowly fills with countless glowing lights, as floating lanterns are densely stacked, resembling a shimmering “river of stars”!

When it comes toThailand’s largest and most festive Loy Krathong celebration, nothing compares toChiang Mai. During the event, you can participate in the mass sky lantern release at Mae Jo Monastery,Chiang Mai’s ancient city also holds a three-day festival featuring stunning fireworks displays, flower parades, traditional performances, and the opportunity to release floating lanterns along the moat and Ping River — an unforgettable sight.

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Legend has it that when King Ramkhamhaeng of the first Thai kingdom of Sukhothai governed the land of Siam, he believed the annual bountiful harvests were gifts from the water goddess Mae Kongka. To express his gratitude, he initiated grand celebrations, choosing the 12th full moon of the Thai lunar calendar — around early November in the Gregorian calendar — to float lanterns along the rivers as offerings to the water deity. This tradition eventually evolved into the “Loy Krathong Festival.”ThailandDuring the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng of the Sukhothai Dynasty, the first kingdom of Thailand, when he ruled over Siam, it was believed that the annual bountiful harvests were due to the blessings of the water goddess Mae Kongka. To express their gratitude, they chose to celebrate during the 12th full moon of the Thai lunar calendar—around early November in the Gregorian calendar—by floating lanterns on the river as an offering to the water goddess. This tradition eventually evolved into the festival known as “Loy Krathong.”

Thai people believe that releasing floating lanterns and sky lanterns can help appease water spirits, ward off misfortune, and bring blessings.People believe that by releasing floating lanterns (krathongs) and sky lanterns (khom loi), they can help guide wandering spirits, ward off misfortune, and bring blessings.

Unlike the floating lantern festivals held in Japan and Korea,Chiang Mai’s Loy Krathong Festival does not require participants to use uniform lanterns. All floating lanterns are handmade by locals, each uniquely and exquisitely crafted. The designs vary widely — aside from the traditional banana stalk bases adorned with banana leaves, there are also eco-friendly lanterns made from ice cream cones (which can even double as fish food), all priced at just a few dozen Hong Kong dollars. A stroll through the ancient city will surely yield some lovely finds.

Beyond the rivers and lakes filled with floating lanterns, the ancient city itself is equally captivating. Near the landmark Tha Phae Gate, a grand lantern exhibition is held. Since all the lanterns on display are personally designed and created by local villagers, they are infused with rich Thai cultural charm. Additionally, the city hosts lively flower parades and beauty pageants, where contestants ride on floats from Tha Phae Gate to the moat, interacting closely with the public. The parade route also passes several temples, where crowds gather to pray and release sky lanterns. Watching the orange-red lanterns slowly ascend into the night sky, dotting the darkness like ink brush strokes, is a breathtaking sight.

2015 Chiang MaiLoy Krathong Festival

Loy Krathong Festival at Tha Phae Gate
Dates: November 24 – 26, 2015 (Open to public)

Yi Peng Lanna International Lantern Festival

Date: November 25, 2015
Tickets: US $300 (VIP), US $150 (Premium), US $100 (Standard)
Official Website:www.cmstay.com/yee-peng-2015/

Acknowledgements:ThailandTourism Authority (HK), AirAsia

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