In 2018, I planned my trip around the world so that I could be in Chiang Mai for the Lantern Festival. Before going to Chiang Mai, I stayed in Sukhothai for two full days, in a guesthouse located a few minutes away from the Historical Park. On the first evening, when I arrived from Ayutthaya, I walked by the park and met a couple of French people I had met in Ayutthaya two days before. They told me that, that year, Sukhothai had decided to start celebrating Loy Krathong and Yi Peng early, and that the park was open for free at night.
First, I’d like to explain what are these two celebrations.
Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong (also spelt Loi Krathong) is a festival celebrated on a full moon of the twelfth month in the Thai lunar calendar. That means that the date changes every year (so check it before going), but it’s usually in November. Loy Krathong could be translated as “to float a basket“.
The krathongs are “baskets” of flowers or other decorations. You can make your own or buy one (there are so many sellers!). Then, you release it in the water to make a wish or just honor the Goddess of Water. The festival lasts a few days, and there are several shows (I saw a light and sound show about the legend of Loy Krathong, some martial art and fire-spitter shows, and stunning fireworks above the water).
Yi Peng
Yi Peng (also spelt Yee Peng) is another festival that happens around the same time as Loy Krathong, in November. There are several activities, such as the election of Mister and Miss Yi Peng, a colourful parade, live music and handicraft sessions.
An Extraordinary Experience
I did not really celebrate Yi Peng in Sukhothai, they were not selling lanterns (maybe it was too early). However, I did release two krathongs on the water (that I bought there), and enjoyed the music, the food and the fireworks in the park. Everything was so beautiful and colourful! I celebrated it in Chiang Mai as well, in the next days (with my own krathong), but nothing beats the magic of Sukhothai. I think it’s the best place to feel the energy, the joy and the peace of the festival.
To see more photos of Thailand, you can visit the gallery Thailand.
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[…] what made me dream of Thailand was the Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai. I already told you about celebrating Loy Krathong and Yi Peng in Sukhothai. Let’s now talk about Chiang […]
[…] might have read my article about that magical time in Thailand celebrating the lanterns festival. In Sukhothai, I had the chance to witness extraordinary fireworks above the lake and with floating lanterns. My […]