Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of the most interesting  cities to celebrate Loi Krathong in Thailand. With a parade and ceremonies in the temples including the magnifiscent candle ceremony at Wat Pan Tao, krathong relaease on the moat around the old city or the Ping River  or lantern release into the sky …

After the fabulous Yi Peng Festival, the day of Loi Krathong  came. So it is Sunday 4.30 pm, the Sunday Walking Street begins to be busy and is a much more crowded than usual. At Wat Pan Tao which probably hosts the most beautiful ceremony held in Chiang Mai for Loi Krathong, photographers are already positioning themselves to reserve their place. Even if , it only begins at 19 hours . Around the whismall temple pond on which many candles were installed , lanterns and candles. Shortly before 7 pm. The monks cometo light all the candles before evacuating the area round the pond by pushing , not without difficulty, dozens of photographers a few meters away Then they take place under the tree where a sitting golden Buddha stands to pray. The scene was so beautiful! The ceremony is so photogenic that it becomes more a curiosity for than a ceremony for believers.

I also made a little video of the ceremony for those interested …

Then, around the Tha Pae Gate  some streets were closed to traffic. While on a bridge people relaese lanterns into the sky, a small parade was about to depart . Gradually the crowd put its krathongs , small flower rafts with incense sticks and candles after a prayer on the water. Because that’s the true tradition of Loi Krathong . Others do the same ritual on the banks of the Ping River in particular near the Wororat Market or on the pond in Nong Buak Hat Park. Add some firecrackers, flares, fireworks, live music and dances at the Tapae Gate and you have all the ingredients for a Loi Krathong festival in Chiang Mai between contemplation and celebration party.