mcbg1

I was planning on going to Chiang Mai from November 7th to 11th since Loy Krathong is on November 10th this year but I just read that the release of the lanterns will actually happen a week before. Is that true? If it is, would it be worth it to go to Chiang Mai anyway? That was my main reason to go. I want to see the Golden Triangle but I'm not sure I would miss seeing CM otherwise... I'm not too interested in seeing fake hill tribes or going to elephant/tiger 'sanctuaries'...

Any advice would be much appreciated

Thanks!

MichaelBKK

Yi Peng is the day before, not the week before. In any event, there are always lots of lanterns released all during Loy Krathong. The two celebrations have become so associated with each other that even most Thais think they're the same occasion.

The main issue you're likely to have in Chiang Mai for Loy Krathong is rain. It's something of a tradition that it always rains there on the day, even though it's the dry season.

Rrose

I think that you're thinking of the mass release of thousands of 'khom loy'/lanterns at a temple near Maejo, north of town. It usually occurs several days or weeks before the actual three-day festival, which this year will probably be the 9-11th of November. Michael is right, tho that there are lots of lanterns released in town during the festival. People sometimes just stop in the street and send them off! A great place to see both the lanterns and the 'kratongs' on the river is one of the few temples on the river- Wat Chai Monkol, south of the Chedi Hotel. You can buy a lantern and have the assistance of a monk with a candle and the knowhow to release one safely. Kratongs are for sale all along the street near the temple and you can launch yours here from a special platform. There are parades every night and the whole town comes out- it's great fun.

Smeagol

I have been to CM during LK and it is truly magical. We had fab weather when we went and also did a cookery school ( www.Chiangmaithaicookeryschool.com) which was initially the reason we went to CM but LK was an added bonus and we will definitely return. Book your accommodation early as it gets booked up.

Smeagol

Correction that should be www.Thaicookeryschool.com

Ajarnhilary

It is a great shame you will miss the Loi Krathong festival, it is one of the most romantic and pretty ones in the suburbs, and lots of the villages hold little festivals with beauty contests and traditional Thai music. But down by the Ping river in the city you would hate it because the locals are setting off fireworks all around you and is very noisy and crowded.

Why not visit the elegant Lanna Khum Khantoke dinner show near Carrefours - you have to sit on mats with triangular cushions (shoes removed and feet not pointing offensively at anyone) and eat a traditional Lanna Meal but you get a lovely show and they release lanterns and fireworks at the end so you can get the flavour of Loi Krathong.