On the evening of the full moon of the 12th month (November) of the Thai lunar calendar, the city of Chiang Mai celebrates The Thailand Lantern Festivals of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng.  It is an experience that should be on everyone’s Bucket List.  Hopefully the Bucket List Guide to the Thailand Lantern Festival will inspire you to attend this amazing festival of lights.

The Bucket List Guide to the Thailand Lantern Festivals of

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng

When is the Thailand Lantern Festival?

The city of Chiang Mai celebrates both Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals simultaneously over several days during the week of the full moon in November.  Actual dates in November fluctuate each year depending on the cycle of the moon.  The festivities are said to be over the course of a week but essentially the entire festival takes place over three days.  Dates for the next few years are as follows:

• Loy Krathong date in 2022 will be November 9, 2022
• Loy Krathong date in 2023 will be November 28, 2023
• Loy Krathong date in 2024 will be November 16, 2024
• Loy Krathong date in 2025 will be November 6, 2025
• Loy Krathong date in 2026 will be November 25, 2026

Want to see 1000's of Sky Lanterns soar into the atmosphere while more Floating Lanterns glide down a river? Then you need to attend the #ThailandLanternFestival! See why this amazing event NEEDS to be on your Bucket List! #YiPeng
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Enjoying the Celebration

When in Chiang Mai, we recommend you find a list of events for Loy Krathong/Yi Peng as they seem to shuffle around each year.  This will help guide you during the Thailand Lantern Festival so that you each day. That way you can participate in all of the Bucket List Adventure Activities and Experiences! But for the most part, you will fill your days with Food, Bazaars, Parades, Pageants, and of course lights!

Hot Tip: The Historic Center of Chiang Mai is a very safe place to walk around. But as in any place you travel, please use common sense and stay to main areas while exploring. Also, sometimes major festival like the Thailand Lantern Festivals of Yi Peng & Loy Krathong can be a wee bit overwhelming. We would love for you to use the Bucket List Guide to the Lantern Festival but another great option to consider is taking a private guided 1 day city tour with Viator. They can help orient you with the best sights and temples to see from the comfort of a local Tuk Tuk! Then afterwards, Viator provides you with the opportunity to release both of your floating lantern or sky lantern with other locals also celebrating Yi Peng and Loy Krathong! If an organized 1 day intro tour is what you are looking for then click here to check out the Thailand Lantern Festival 1 Day Tour by Viator!

The Lights of the Thailand Lantern Festival

During the 3 days of the festival, the city of Chiang Mai is covered in lights. Interestingly, the city still uses candles to light the majority of the lanterns used in the celebration.  To begin the festival, university students will light candles along the rivers surrounding the old town. The entire Ping River area and bridges around the old city light up with hundreds and hundreds of small candles.

Much of the surrounding old wall in the original city is dilapidated, however the university students use these ruins to set up dedication sites, where visitors can leave a candle as a devotion to someone not able to be there or whatever they wish.

Since they are free, ask some of the students for a candle. But please be respectful of others who may be praying as they leave their devotional.

The Yi Peng Pageants and Loy Krathong Activities

During the 3 days of celebration there are many activities to enjoy.  They have Handmade Krathong Contests, Yi Peng Kids contests, Boat Races, and small Hot Air Balloon Contests. The majority of these events can be seen near the Office of Chiang Mai Municipality.

The Thapae Gate, and entrance to the old city, is also a hot spot for many activities.  Here you can witness the Miss Yi Peng Pageants.  Though not unlike typical beauty pageants, what is interesting is the traditional costumes, head pieces, and dance routines.

The Lantern Festival Parade

The Loy Krathong parade is a beautiful spectacle for all ages.  Starting around sunset, many groups line up in traditional costumes with bands of flutes and drums blasting away fun and entertaining music.  You will see gorgeous floats are made to look like Krathongs floating on the Ping river. It was amazing to see the unbelievable details and thousands of lights on each float.

The parade starts at the Thapae Gate and rolls through a street route to the Office of Chiang Mai Municipality.

The Thailand Lantern Festival is definitely a Bucket List Experience! Discover what it means & how easy it is to join in this amazing adventure! #thailandlanternfestival #LoyKrathong #YiPeng #YeePeng #Lanternfestival
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Guide to Loy Krathong Floating Lantern Festival Launch

On one of the days there will be an official start of Loy Krathong.  Throughout the day there will be plenty of activities going on.  However, an official launch starts at Nawarat bridge & Office of Chiang Mai Municipality at about sunset along the Ping River.

You can easily find people selling Krathongs or “decorative floats” around the city through the day for around $5 USD.  Each one is made uniquely of a banana tree base and covered with banana leaves, decorations, incense sticks, and a candle.  Once you find one that you like, make your way down along the banks of the Ping River.  Be careful as it can be slippery on the mud and rocks along the Ping.

When at the river, light the candle, take a moment to reflect.  The modern history of Loy Krathong is  that the lights that are floated down the rivers are meant to symbolize the drifting away of bad luck and misfortune.  However, for many Thai people it is also an opportunity to honor the goddess of water.  So please remember to be respectful of the many others that will line the banks of the river with you.

Guide to the Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival Releases

You have a couple of options when dealing with the Yi Peng Sky Lantern Release.  First, you can participate in the tourist only lantern release held at Mae Jo University in Chiang Mai that requires you to book tickets from $100 USD per person. It is by far the biggest release around with often 500+ people participating.

Another option is to participate in the melee of people releasing from around the Nawarat bridge.  You can find vendors selling the paper hot air balloons around the city for about $5-$10 USD.  They are essentially paper cylinders held together with light metal wiring.  At the bottom there will be a metal ring of cotton that is soaked in kerosene.  At 9pm you are allowed to open up and then light your sky lanterns.  It tends to take about two people to manage the balloon.  When you feel that your balloon is filled with enough hot air, let it go. You are supposed to make a wish for the new year while asking for forgiveness for the faults of the last year.

Warnings: It is illegal to fly lanterns before the city has stopped air traffic for the night.  Also, please note that these balloons are highly flammable! Therefore it is recommended to be far away from tree lines, electrical areas, or other flammable sources.

The Unbelievable Food The Lantern Festival

Thai food is arguably some of the best food in the world and Chiang Mai is no exception!  Whether its during the festival or not you will always find a great assortment of street food available for cheap.

What is unique is that these Thai chefs bring out their own little tables and set them up next to their booths so that you can join them for dinner.  Just walk up to the booth, tell them what you want, sit down, and wait to be fed!

Around the main entrance to the city (during the festival) you will find countless booths selling skewers of meat, dumplings, mixed stir fry noodles and yes even sushi.  You will also find a a small assortment of desserts like ice cream, sweet sticky rice, fried bananas, and small sweet cakes

If at all possible we highly recommend you find and try Traditional Khao Soi. When you order it, you will get egg noodle spicy curry broth mixed with chicken. Then, add crunchy pickled veggies, sliced shallots and a lime for an amazing meal.  One of the interesting things is to watch them make and cut the rice noodles from scratch.

HOT TIP: During Loy Krathong or the Sky Lantern Festival of Yi Peng there is a ton of amazing street food. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a unique bucket list experience taking a cooking class! There are a ton of fun and unique classes all around Chiang Mai that you can join. So whether you want to learn how to make normal Thai favorites, from pad Thai to tom yum soup, or try some of the regional specialties, such as the khao soi soup, you will be in food heaven. For a great list of some 20+ cooking classes in Chiang Mai CLICK HERE! But don’t wait because during the festival they will book fast!

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

There are plenty of places to stay in Chiang Mai during the Lantern Festival that will fit any traveler’s style and budget. Whether looking for an active hostel, a family owned guest house, or a quiet luxury hotel, you won’t be disappointed in your options.

• Budget: SOHOstel is located in the old city of Chiang Mai and is convenient Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center. With nearly 45 rooms, SOHOStel offers many choices and amenities for any budget traveler!
• Mid-Priced: If you are looking for convenience to the festivities along with a good price than check out Baan Klang Vieng. Also located in Old City, this small boutique guest house with it’s 16 rooms offers a more personal feel along with a plethora of amenities.
• Luxury: If you are looking pamper yourself, then look no further than 137 Pillars House. This luxury hotel is located in Heart of Chiang Mai, making it easy for you to walk to all the festival events. However, if you need a break from the crowds, 137 Pillars House has a beautiful pool, Spa Services, and 2 magnificent restaurants.

Book Your Stay for the Thailand Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai Today

Other Things to do in The City of Chiang Mai

In 2014, TripAdvisor listed Chiang Mai as number 24 of 25 Best Destinations in the World.  Though founded in1296, this “New City” was developed due to its location near the Ping river and many trade routes.

The old city is beautiful and easy to navigate.  With the many temples and museums there is plenty there to keep someone occupied.  Plus, a neat tidbit you will witness is that the original city was built within a wall surrounded by a small river or moat.

The Temples (the Wats) of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has over 300 Buddhist temples (“wat” in Thai).  Each are open to the public and nearly all are free to enter and explore.  You will find most of the temples within the original walled city and each offer their own unique personalities worth exploring.  Here is a guide to some that we recommend that you check out during the Thailand Lantern Festival:

• Wat Muen Toom: Wat Muen Toom was built by the soldier “Toom” around 2012 B.C., or 1478 C.E.  We learned that before being enthroned, every king of Lanna Kingdom would white & visit Wat Muen Toom. They would then have a three day-retreat in order to practice meditation and participate in the Long Live Ceremony.
• Wat Pan Tao: Wat Pan Tao is one of the only wooden wats built from teakwood in Chiang Mai.  Its name, meaning “temple of a thousand kilns,” probably derives its name from the ovens used to cast Buddha images for another temple.  During the festivals they hold a beautiful night time celebration of light.
• Wat Chiang Man: Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai.  The temple houses two important and venerated Buddha figures, one in marble and another in crystal.
• Wat Bupbharan: Wat Bupbharan is home to the largest Teak Buddha in the world
• Wat Chedi Luang: Wat Chedi Luang houses the biggest and most famous pagoda in Chiang Mai.
• Wat SriSupan: Built in 1502, Wat SriSupan is Chiang Mai’s silver temple.  The attention that was given to the detail within the silver work is amazing.
• Wat Phra Doi Suthep: Wat Phra Doi Suthep which is about 40 minutes outside of town up in the mountains overlooking the city. Famous for its 344 + steps leading to the temple, you will walk guarded by two dragons that line the stairs all the way up.

(Click on the Pictures Below to see the Wats) 

Other Tours Available in Chiang Mai or Nearby

Celebrate the Festival of Lights at the Thailand Lantern Festival

As you can see with this guide, The Thailand Lantern Festival needs to be on everyone’s Bucket List.  Whether you just want the chance to witness thousands of beautiful lanterns in the sky and floating lanterns down the Ping River or you want to participate because you need to find a way to start off the new year with a clean slate, it is definitely worth it.

The post The Bucket List Guide to the Thailand Lantern Festival appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

People are often asking me how I learn about these crazy adventures, experiences, or places to travel that are on my Bucket List.  Well, the internet of course! I not only scour the internet but I subscribe to numerous travel and adventure blogs out there to learn about the world.  That is how I found out about The Travel Whispers Blogger Challenge!

The Travel Whispers Blogger Challenge is the brain child of  travel blogger, Stephanie Fox.  Aimed at rounding up 2016 and looking towards 2017, she created 10 out of the ordinary travel questions that would not only share your personal insights on traveling but also introduce other travel bloggers to your readers.  At the bottom of this post, I will list several travel bloggers who are participating as well.  So after reading, please check them out too.  You might find some exciting new bloggers to follow and some great travel ideas for the future!  Also, you can find them across Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag #TravelWhispers.

When The Travel Whispers Blogger Challenge was passed on to me by Sara & Nacho of I Do What I Want To, I was a  bit nervous to say the least since The Bucket List Project is still a newbie in the blogging world.  However, I found the questions a great way to learn & share not only about myself but my hopes for The Bucket List Project.

Reading The Bucket List Project's answers to the Travel Whispers Blogger Challenge #TravelWhispers
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So with bated breath, here are The Bucket List Project’s answers to The Travel Whispers Blogger Challenge:

1. If you had to move to a country that you’ve NEVER been to, and live there for ten years, where would you go?

I think I would want to go to Cuba since it is where my mother and family are from originally.  To live in such an exotic environment that offers an unbelievable culture all while seeing where my family grew up, would be amazing.  Plus, being ideally located in the Gulf of Mexico, it would allow me the ability to travel home to see my family in the US, while also, being able to explore other parts of Central and South America.

2. If you had to live in a hotel for the rest of your life, which hotel would you choose and why?

Not gonna lie, I would take a hostel, airbnb, a guest house, or even a tent over most hotels any day. To me, most hotels are just places to store my stuff while I am out and about exploring. However, if I had to be sentenced to a hotel I think I would either want to live in the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans or the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego.

3. If you could only eat the cuisine of one nationality forever more, which would you choose?

This question is tough.  If I could only eat the cuisine of one nationality forever, I would have to either say food from Spain or Thailand (minus the Scorpion on a Stick…been there done that).

When it comes to Spain, I think they offer some of the greatest variety as Barcelona has unbelievable seafood with a Mediterranean flair while up North the pork is phenomenal.  With Thailand, I think it offers a great infusion of Asian styles while also finding some modern flavors from around the world in their more metropolitan cities like Bangkok.

4. Who has given you ‘holiday envy’ this year, and how?

Oddly enough there is a couple who I met in Chiang Mai, Thailand during a holiday festival in 2015, called Yi Peng/Loy Krathong. Hands down Chelsea and Mark give me ‘holiday envy’ for all the holidays and festivals they attend.  Though they currently living in Dubai, they travel all over the place.  In 2016, amid all their awesome travels, I most envied their adventure at Oktoberfest in Munich, which now is on my 2017 Bucket List!

5. If you had to look at the same sunrise or the same sunset every day, where in the world would you never get bored of seeing? Please don’t say sitting outside Cafe Mambo in Ibiza.

I don’t think anything has ever beaten the sunset I saw in Oporto, Portugal.  For the rest of my life, I could easily sit amid the tourists, with a cigar and a glass of port wine, just watching the sun set along the Douro River .

6. If you were taking a ‘staycation’ in your hometown, where would it be and what would you recommend others do?

I am from New Orleans, Louisiana where there is a ton to see, experience, and most importantly EAT! First, if possible, stay at the Hotel Monteleone.  Its one of the older hotels in the French Quarter blocks away from all the fun and action.  However, the most important thing to do is to go down to the famous Carousel Bar and ride the Carousel while having a Sazerac, a Vieux Carre, or any cocktail bartender Marvin Allen recommends.

During the day, you need to explore the art galleries on Royal Street, see St. Louis Cathedral, wander around Jackson square, find treasures in the French Market, and stroll the Moon Walk along the mighty Mississippi River.

At night, you need to stroll Bourbon Street (even us locals do it from time to time), walk through Pat O’Briens courtyard, listen to old school jazz at Preservation Hall, or head over to Frenchman Street to hear some modern Jazz and New Orleans Funk Music. Drink Sazeracs, Pimm’s Cups, Daquiris, Hurricanes, any beer from Abita Brewery or explore any of the pre-prohibition cocktails served throughout the city.

To eat, it really doesn’t matter cause it’s all great! Head over to Café du Monde for beignets if you want a light breakfast.  Though you may want Stanley’s for a hearty breakfast by the cathedral.  For lunch grab yourself a poboy or even better, head over to Central Grocery for a muffuletta sandwich, a bottle of Barqs Rootbeer, and a bag of Zaps Crawtators and head up to the river to eat and watch the river boats!  As for dinner Antoine’s is by far the #1 fine dining restaurant in all of New Orleans in my opinion.

7. Describe your perfect travel day of the year?

My summer was packed with unbelievable days on the Camino and in Portugal afterwards.  But if I had to choose a perfect day, it would be with Darcee in Nassau, Bahamas this past March. We had taken a boat out to the coral reefs for snorkeling and then to scratch off Bucket List #202) Ride in a S.U.B. (Scenic Underwater Bubble).  It was amazing.

8. What have you ticked off your bucket list in 2016?

2016 was a very exciting year for The Bucket List Project as we added many items to the 2016 Completed Items list!  However, I would say the highlight was my pilgrimage along the entire Camino de Santiago.  Not only was it amazing to explore all of Northern Spain, but along my “Walk,” I learned a lot about myself and met some amazing friends. You can read Excerpts from My Personal Diary Along the Camino here.

9. What is top of your travel bucket list for 2017?

I tend to be ambitious and perhaps a bit over zealous when it comes to planning out my Bucket List travel plans every year. 2017 is no different.  When I wrote my 2017 Bucket List Hopes and Goals I realized that I had listed 7 countries outside the US & at least 3 different states from Louisiana.  But I guess that is because I am one of those Shoot for Stars kind of guys. With that said I would have to say which of the 10 destinations is top on my list this year it would be a tie between Alberta, Canada and Morocco.

Alberta escaped me last year, but this year it’s a must for me, if not for Banff National Park alone. We have all seen the remarkable photos of Lake Louise in Banff and that marvelous mountain skyline. Well, I want to see that in person.  Plus Canada is celebrating its 150th anniversary of their National Parks. So all entry is free for the entire year of 2017!

As for Morocco, exploring the Blue City of Chefchaouen, checking out the markets of Casablanca, and taking a camel safari into the desert are all hot on my list!

10. Share your favorite Instagram photo of 2016?

So The Bucket List Project only started on Instagram in September of 2016.  But slowly I have been posting up some of my favorite Bucket List Project pictures from the past.  In November 2015, I was fortunate enough to go to Thailand’s Lantern Festivals of Yi Peng & Loy Krathong.  It was probably one of the best experiences of my life.  While we were all lighting and setting sail to our balloons, I was able to catch this mother and daughter sending off their hopes and dreams into the sky!

Now since this is a Whispers challenge, I would first like to thank by Sara & Nacho of IDoWhatIWantTo who inspired me to participate.  You can read their responses by CLICKING HERE!

You can find more travel whispers at the links below:

Stephanie Fox

Josie Wanders

Young and Undecided

My Own True North

If you are a travel blogger and want to take part in the fun, then join the facebook group here.

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Bucket List Board!

The post The Travel Whispers Blogger Challenge appeared first on The Bucket List Project.