Traveler Magazine Andrew Harper Traveler Summer 2019 | Page 50

48
LOI KRATHONG
AND YI PENG
Coincidentally, one of Asia’s most romantic
festivals is actually two events regarded as
one. Loi Krathong and Yi Peng take place in
Northern Thailand on the full moon of the
12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, usually
occurring sometime in mid-to-late November.
Deeply rooted in Buddhist symbolism, both of
these festivals are uniquely astonishing.
During Loi Krathong, tiny floating krathong
(rafts) handcrafted from pieces of bread
or elaborately folded banana leaves are
topped with exotic flowers, incense and tiny
candles before being released into nearby
channels and waterways, symbolizing
sending negativity to float away down the
river. Between the fragrant flowers and tiny
clouds of incense hanging in the air to the
reflection of the candles flickering on the
water, the enchanting ambiance attracts
hoards of couples arriving to release their one
ceremonial krathong together.
The main event of Yi Peng is the kind of
surreal spectacle that romantic sagas were
made for. Witness over 4,000 paper lanterns
drift into the full moon sky over Chiang Mai—
spellbound faces aglow as the blazing torches
rise in tandem—in a symbolic request for
blessings over the coming year. The beacons
can be spotted across the city with especially
magical views from Three Kings Monument,
Tha Pae Gate, the Old Town moat and the
Ping River. During the festivals, the whole
city participates in the festivities. Stroll along
romantic candlelit city lanes, spot colorful
lanterns swaying for tree branches and explore
ancient temples scattered with flowers.
PHOTO
F L O AT I N G L A N T E R N S I N Y E E P E N G
F E ST I VA L , C H I A N G M A I , T H A I L A N D
SUMMER | 2019
C O N TACT YO U R T R AV E L A DV I S O R TO DAY