I hope everyone has a fantastic Loy Krathong this year! What are you plans? Where are you headed?

Same to you, Michael (i.e, Happy Loy Krathong). Staying here in Chiangmai (other than Sukothai, only place to be for Loy Krathong!). Attended the opening ceremonies last night at the Three Kings monument, will attend the opening events and parade tomorrow night at Taepae Gate, and will hit the big night parade on Thursday night. After that, I'll take a nap.

 

For those that don't know, "Loy" (ลอย) means to float in air or water and Krathong (really "gra-tong" (กระทง)) is a small container made from banana leaves or, even more specifically, a small boat floated on Loy Krathong. The lanterns floated into the air are called "khom loy" (โคมลอย) which literally means "floating lantern."

 

The Loy Krathong festival celebrated throughout all of Thailand coincides with the traditional Lanna festival known as "Yee Ping" (ยี่เป็ง which means nothing more than the the second month - and the festival/celebration is held during the full moon of the second month of the traditional Lanna calendar). That is likely why Loy Krathong is such a big deal up here.

A few photos from my night. I hope you enjoy. I'll try to add more in a day or two but I have to learn how to edit a video! (not easy to teach an old dog new tricks)