Mae Jo's Yi Peng or Chiang Mae's Loy Krathong?
Jun 11th, 2012, 05:23 PM
#1
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Mae Jo's Yi Peng or Chiang Mae's Loy Krathong?
This is my first time posting, but I've learned so much from reading the posts. I am currently planning a trip to Japan and Thailand for November/December. I have heard that Loy Krathong is wonderful experience in Chiang Mae. But I have also heard that the lantern release in Mae Jo is magical.
I don't believe the actual date of the lantern release will be released for quite awhile, and I don't want to postpone booking my flights that long. I'm also not planning on spending more than 4-5 days in Chiang Mae, so am unlikely to be able to attend both. Does anyone feel that one is a much better experience than the other? If you prefer the lantern release, does anyone have any guesses on when that will be this year (Nov. 17th or Nov. 24th or ....)
Thank you for your help!
I don't believe the actual date of the lantern release will be released for quite awhile, and I don't want to postpone booking my flights that long. I'm also not planning on spending more than 4-5 days in Chiang Mae, so am unlikely to be able to attend both. Does anyone feel that one is a much better experience than the other? If you prefer the lantern release, does anyone have any guesses on when that will be this year (Nov. 17th or Nov. 24th or ....)
Thank you for your help!
Jun 12th, 2012, 01:04 AM
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Yi Peng is celebrated the days before Loy Kratong, and in both places. You'll see lots of lanterns in the night sky around Chiang Mai all during the days before and after Loy Kratong. Mae Jo is just a 30 minute drive from Chiang Mai, so I would just base myself in Chiang Mai and plan on driving to Mae Jo to see the lanterns on the night. Make your plans early, as Chiang Mai is a popular destination for Loy Kratong. If you have 4 - 5 days, arrive a few days before Loy Kratong and you'll be there for Yi Peng.
Jun 12th, 2012, 05:05 AM
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Thank you! It sounds like LK is probably the best way to go. Currently our itenerary looks like the following:
Tokyo: Nov. 18-22 (my husbands request, so I can't eliminate it)
Bangkok: Nov. 23-27 (Should I instead head to CM on the 27th and cut Bangkok a day short?)
Chiang Mai: Nov. 28 - Dec. 1
Phi Phi: Dec. 2-6
Phuket: Later Dec.7 in order to fly out early Dec. 8
Are there any changes I should make? I know there are many different cities, but I'm hoping 4-5 nights in each location might get me a pass
Are there any hotels in particular I should look at for Chiang Mai that are close to the Loy Kratong festivities and will minimize the need for much transportation?
Tokyo: Nov. 18-22 (my husbands request, so I can't eliminate it)
Bangkok: Nov. 23-27 (Should I instead head to CM on the 27th and cut Bangkok a day short?)
Chiang Mai: Nov. 28 - Dec. 1
Phi Phi: Dec. 2-6
Phuket: Later Dec.7 in order to fly out early Dec. 8
Are there any changes I should make? I know there are many different cities, but I'm hoping 4-5 nights in each location might get me a pass
Are there any hotels in particular I should look at for Chiang Mai that are close to the Loy Kratong festivities and will minimize the need for much transportation?
Jun 12th, 2012, 07:22 PM
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The one problem I see is that you're arriving in Chiang Mai on the DAY of Loy Krathong. It would be much better if you were there at least two days before. I would cut the Bangkok days down and perhaps add them on to the end, if you're flying out of Bangkok (or skip Tokyo 
). You're not going to see much of Loy Krathong if you arrive in Chiang Mai on the day of it.
). You're not going to see much of Loy Krathong if you arrive in Chiang Mai on the day of it.
