The Loy Krathong and Yee Peng Festivals Might Be the Most Beautiful Events in Thailand!
Check out the Loy Krathong and Yee Peng, a "Festival of Lights" in Thailand, where you'll find yourself experiencing the enchanting lantern scene in Disney's 'Tangled' in real life!
Image credit: @benowmehere
Come November in Thailand, you will be treated to a mesmerising and romantic view of waterways and skies all lit up with floating krathongs (floating baskets) and lanterns! We all have the Loy Krathong and Yee Peng festivals to thank for that!
When is Loy Krathong and Yee Peng?
Loy Krathong and Yee Peng will be happening from 26-28 November 2023.
What is the difference between the Loy Krathong and Yee Peng Festivals?
While they are two different festivals, they’re usually celebrated at the same time. The Yee Peng Lantern Festival is a Thai celebration held on the evening of the twelfth month's full moon in the traditional lunar calendar. People release Khom Loys (hot air lanterns) at the event.
The Yee Peng festival overlaps Loy Krathong, also celebrated on the full moon. Families and friends gather to release and float 'krathongs' down lakes and rivers. The krathongs are often made of banana leaves, flowers and with candles or incense.
Yee Peng and Loy Krathong is a magical time when you can see the dazzling display of lights in the sky and on the water!
Loy Krathong
Also known as Thailand’s light festival, Loy Krathong (or Loi Krathong) is a three-day festival that takes place on the evening of the full moon in the 12th month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In Chiang Mai, it’s also celebrated concurrently with Yi Peng or Yee Peng Festival.
During Loy Krathong, locals will gather around lakes, rivers and canals to release beautiful lotus-shaped rafts that are decorated with candles, incense and flowers. The word krathong refers to the decorated raft while the word loy means to float. While there are different tales about the origins of Loy Krathong, many celebrate this ritual now to pay their respects to the Goddess of Water and to ask for forgiveness for causing pollution.
Krathongs were traditionally made with organic materials like banana leaves, banana tree bark, spider lily plants and bread but you can find different variations now using styrofoam, glossy paper, and plastic. Avoid adding to the pollution by getting the ones made using natural materials!
Yee Peng Festival
During Yee Peng, locals will release paper lanterns into the sky to welcome a brighter future. Many will recognise it as the Tangled-like lantern festival!
The sky lanterns, also known as khom loi, are made using thin rice paper, bamboo and fuel cells. Many make a wish before releasing their lanterns and it’s been said that if it stays lit until it’s out of sight, your wishes will come true!
Where to Celebrate Loy Krathong and Yee Peng
While you can find Loy Krathong celebrated throughout all of Thailand wherever there’s water, there are a few cities which do it on a larger scale namely Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Sukhothai.
Yee Peng, on the other hand, is celebrated in North Thailand primarily in Chiang Mai.
Horizon Village & Resort's Loy Kratong Festival
Want to participate in this magical festival and witness this spectacular sight for yourself? Enjoy an unforgettable celebration at Horizon Village & Resort's Loy Kratong Festival, nestled in the breathtaking beauty of Chiang Mai. This enchanting two-day event, held from 27-28 November 2023 will immerse 1,000 guests each day in the ethereal charm of Loy Kratong, one of Thailand's most revered traditions.
You will get to participate in the lantern release, which symbolises letting go of misfortunes and making well wishes for the future as well as enjoy cultural performances and savour a special Loy Krathong fest featuring traditional Thai cuisine!
Yeepeng Lanna Festival Chiang Mai
The enchanting Yeepeng Lanna Festival in Chiang Mai is another place where you can soak in the festivities! You can not only enjoy the spectacle of the floating lanterns but also try your hand at DIY crafts, indulge in traditional cuisine and be captivated by mesmerising performances including a Tai Lue Candles dance, Victory Drum and Sword Fire Dance, as well as Indra God's blessing dance.
This event is happening on 27 and 28 November 2023, at the Gassan Panorama Golf Club in Lamphun. Transport is provided to and from Gassan Panorama Golf Club to Lotus Pang Suan Kaew Hotel.
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