The lantern festivals in Thailand, known as the Thai Festivals of Lights, are vibrant and enchanting celebrations that create beautiful displays of lights. These festivals include the Yi Peng Lantern Festival and the Loy Krathong Festival, both of which take place on the same day. Let’s explore these festivals and some quick facts about them.
Quick Facts about Thailand Lantern Festivals
During the lantern festivals in Thailand, you will witness two iconic scenes: swarms of sky lanterns flying into the night’s sky, which is part of the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, and thousands of lotus-shaped baskets with candles and flowers floating on the rivers at night, a significant aspect of the Loy Krathong Festival.
The two Thai lantern festivals usually occur on the full moon day in November. In 2023, Loy Krathong will take place on November 28th and Yi Peng will take place on November 27th-28th.
While Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated nationwide, Yi Peng is predominantly observed in northern Thailand, particularly in the city of Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai is the only place where you can experience both of Thailand’s lantern festivals on the same day.
Yi Peng: Sky Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai
Yi Peng, also known as the Thailand Sky Lantern Festival, is an annual festival celebrated in Northern Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai. The festival takes place on the full moon day of the second month in the Lanna lunar calendar, usually falling in November.
According to legend, Yi Peng originated in India with the story of a candle-carrying bird that visited Gautama Buddha. The highlight of this festival is the release of numerous sky lanterns, also called khom loi in Thai, meaning floating lanterns. Releasing lanterns is believed to dispel negative energy and bring good luck and fortune for the upcoming year.
Chiang Mai CAD (Contemporary Art Development) is one of the most famous events during Yi Peng, where thousands of sky lanterns are simultaneously released. To secure your spot at this iconic festival, Asia Highlights Travel offers exclusive premium tickets. With premium tickets, you can get close to the stage and the chanting monks, enjoy priority shuttle transport in a business van, and indulge in a buffet dinner in a special food zone.
Official Ticket for Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival 2023
If you wish to be part of the Chiang Mai CAD Yi Peng Festival 2023, official tickets are available through Asia Highlights Travel. As their trusted partner since 2019, they have helped over 10,000 clients from all over the world attend this spectacular event. These limited exclusive tickets allow you to participate in the festival’s magical experience.
Booking your ticket in advance ensures that you don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. The premium tickets are highly recommended as they offer an enhanced experience, providing you with the best views and additional perks.
Loy Krathong Festival: Lights Festival and Water Lantern Festival
The Loy Krathong Festival is another enchanting lantern festival celebrated throughout Thailand. It takes place on the same day as Yi Peng, adding to the magic of the night. This festival focuses on floating lotus-shaped baskets, called “krathongs,” adorned with candles, incense, and flowers.
During Loy Krathong, people gather near bodies of water, such as rivers, canals, and lakes, to release these decorative baskets onto the water. This act symbolizes letting go of negativity and respectfully paying homage to the Goddess of Water. It is believed that by setting these krathongs adrift, one can cleanse their soul and make wishes for the future.
Where to Celebrate Loy Krathong Lantern Festival
While Loy Krathong is celebrated nationwide, some locations in Thailand provide an extraordinary experience to celebrate this festival:
- Chiang Mai: In addition to the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Chiang Mai also hosts mesmerizing Loy Krathong celebrations. The city becomes adorned with beautiful lanterns and offers various activities, including parades, cultural performances, and fireworks.
- Bangkok: As the capital city, Bangkok celebrates Loy Krathong on a grand scale. You can witness the Chao Phraya River filled with floating krathongs, and many riverside hotels and restaurants offer special Loy Krathong packages.
- Sukhothai: The ancient capital of Thailand, Sukhothai, holds a historical significance during Loy Krathong. Here, you can experience traditional ceremonies and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sukhothai Historical Park.
- Ayutthaya: Another historic city, Ayutthaya, provides a unique setting for Loy Krathong. With its ancient temples and ruins, the festival takes on a mystical ambiance.
Make sure to check the local calendars and schedules to plan your visit accordingly and witness the joyous atmosphere of Loy Krathong.
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In conclusion, the Thailand Lantern Festivals, Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, offer captivating experiences that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the country. Whether you choose to release sky lanterns during Yi Peng or float krathongs during Loy Krathong, these festivals will leave you with unforgettable memories of lights, water, and wishes. Sure, I will keep writing until you have any further questions or requests. Feel free to let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with!
