Experience the Enchanting Loi Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai

You’ve seen the photos: hundreds of floating fire lanterns lighting up the sky as small banana leaf boats with flowers, incense, and candles drift down the rivers. This is Loi Krathong. If Songkran is Thailand’s wildest holiday, Loi Krathong is undoubtedly its most beautiful. Discover where to celebrate Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai and immerse yourself in its charming ambiance.

Origins of Loi Krathong

The ancient festival’s origin story varies. It is widely believed that Loi Krathong was adapted from the Hindu festival, Deepavali, which celebrates the spiritual triumph of good over evil. Today, Loi Krathong signifies different things for different individuals. Some honor the Goddess of Water following a fruitful harvest season, while others pay their respects to the Buddha and use this time to release past problems, welcoming new opportunities for the upcoming year. Chiang Mai has fully embraced Loi Krathong, hosting large-scale events and welcoming tourists over several days, making it one of the best destinations in Thailand to partake in the festivities.

Loi Krathong occurs on the day of the November full moon; this year, the festival is celebrated from November 11 to November 13. In the ‘Rose of the North’, where Loi Krathong merges beautifully with the traditional Lanna (northern Thai) Yee Peng festival, you will find various activities to enjoy.

Wander from Pratu Tha Pae to the River

While celebrations take place throughout the city, the highest concentration of festivities can be found from Pratu Tha Pae (the east gate of the old city) along Tha Pae Road to Narawat Bridge and the Mae Ping River. As the sun sets, Tha Pae transforms into a vibrant parade scene, with people making their way to the river to release their khom loy (lanterns) and float their krathong (decorative flower floats).

Light Oil Lamps at Wat Phan Tao

While most attendees flock to the river, a quaint wooden temple at the heart of the old city quietly draws its own crowd. This location is possibly one of the most atmospheric settings for Loi Krathong festivities. Monks at Wat Phan Tao adorn the temple grounds with vibrant northern Thai-style lanterns and set up numerous oil lamps, creating a mesmerizing scene that photos simply cannot fully capture.

Reserve Your Spot Early at a Riverside Restaurant

It’s important to note that Chiang Mai tends to be overcrowded during Loi Krathong. Therefore, any activities requiring reservations, such as a cooking class or massage, should be arranged well in advance. This is especially true for accommodation and riverside dining. To secure a table at a picturesque riverside restaurant, like Service 1921, Riverside Restaurant & Bar, or River Market, to enjoy watching the krathong drift by during dinner, it’s best to plan ahead!

Marvel at the Mass Release in Mae Jo

No matter your location in Chiang Mai, you are sure to witness people lighting and launching khom loy, as well as decorating their homes and temples with paper lanterns and flickering candles. In recent years, a grand lantern release at a meditation center in a suburb called Mae Jo has gained immense popularity, with thousands of khom loy released simultaneously. Due to its fame, the event is no longer free, and tickets are now limited, with prices starting at approximately $100. Standard tickets for this year’s event are still available, although VIP tickets are sold out. If you wish to witness the incredible spectacle of thousands of lanterns taking off at once, securing your own transportation to the vicinity of the event will allow you to enjoy the view from a distance.

Stay Updated on Local Events and Activities

Interestingly, finding clear information about special events and activities, such as parades, beauty contests, dance performances, or krathong-making workshops, can be quite challenging until just before the holiday. To keep informed, check local event calendars and articles from trusted sources, like Chiang Mai CityLife or the Tourism Authority of Thailand, leading up to the Loi Krathong celebrations.

Find a Rooftop Retreat

Experiencing Loi Krathong for the first time is nothing short of magical; however, for those wishing to avoid the crowds, seeking out a rooftop venue can be a perfect escape. From a high vantage point, you can witness glowing paper lanterns gracefully rising into the night sky, especially when facing towards the river. Several Chiang Mai hotels, such as akyra Manor Chiang Mai, feature rooftop bars accessible to the public, as well as other rooftop venues at locations like Maya Lifestyle Shopping Mall.

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