Last Updated on June 15, 2025
There are so many exciting things in Thailand, but one of the most exciting things to me are the festivals and parades. I went to a festival recently called Yee Peng and Loy Krathong that was near Chiang Mai. About 10,00 people were at the festival and it was so crowded, but beautiful and I would definitely do it again.
For about two hours people just talked on the speakers and gave us instructions about how to light the lanterns and when we could release them. They were speaking in Thai and in English, so half of the time I just really couldn’t understand them, but it was still okay because I could hear everything I needed to hear. They also played loud music that sounded happy, but again, I wouldn’t know because I don’t speak Thai.
Then, we mediated for an hour, which was really annoying…but calming at the same time because their voices were so deep and slow…I liked the meditation and chanting by the end, but was glad it was over because that meant we were almost ready to release the lanterns!
A bunch of monks and people with candles walked around for about 30 minutes, I thought it was cool to watch them walk around, but I think it would have been cooler if they used scented candles, because really they were just plain.
When they gave us the signal to light the lanterns I was really happy because we got to start preparing to send up the lanterns. I was so nervous to light the lanterns I was shaking, I don’t really know why I was nervous…
Finally our lanterns were lit and the people on the loud-speaker gave us the “signal” to all let our lanterns up at the same time. Since the lanterns are so high up in the air you may think that they are really small, but they are actually like three feet tall and really fat.
It was so pretty and full of heart that I almost cried. One day I hope to see something as amazing and pretty as that again.
Wow. These pictures just don’t stop being amazing. I can’t wait to see that myself!
It’s worth seeing, that’s for sure…
And now that I saw it last year, we get to see it again soon. Since we live in Chiang Mai now 🙂
Awesome! Looks like a blast – so very pretty!!! And don’t worry, I have no doubt that you will see many, many more beautiful things in your lifetime! xoxo
I think I probably will too.
Xoxo
I’m so glad you’re enjoying yourself. You are just at the beginning of all the “pretty and full of heart” things you are going to see!
those lanterns are beautiful anna, how lucky you are to have that experience!
I am very lucky! I want to see it again!
Ana, I just read through your archives and getting your perspective on this stuff is really fun. I was in Chiang Mai for 5 weeks last year and you’re making me wish I took more photos. Beautiful city!
I’ve told her a million times, but tell Shannon she’s the coolest Aunt ever. 🙂
It’s alright that you didn’t take a million photos because it’s better to see it than to be focused on taking a picture of it.
The pictures are so pretty- I’ll bet it was even prettier being there in person, watching all those lights against the dark sky!
It was so gorgeous I can’t even explain it.
Anna I have just been reading your Aunty’s and your logs on Thailand as I am going there in November ( this will be my 3rd trip) this time we are heading to Chang Mai and yes I will be there for the lantern festival I hope I am as lucky as you and get to join in with the locals and release a lantern I have enjoyed reading your blogs so far and can not wait to contine. Thank you for all the tips