Loy Krathong festival is held all over the country but the Lantern Festival only happens in the northern Thailand. I'm lucky enough this year to be here in Chiang Mai, one of the cities that has the most epic Loy Krathong festival or lantern festival around (seriously!).
I have seen a few places during this festival but it's never as good as in Chiang Mai. There are tons of events going on and a lot of them aren't just held a few days but can be up to a week or so. I have attended a few events both in the city and a little outside.
Loy Krathong events where people float baskets of flowers into the water. Be it, canals, river and so on. Putting all the negativities and bad stuff into that basket and let it all go.
I have been to one at a community center with a few restaurants, cafes and shops along both sides of the canal. Sounds cool already but even cooler with all the festival colorful decorations. Another cool thing is that there's a big stage with miss and mister noppamas (especially for Loy Krathong festival) contest with music and stuff going on.
Now, let's get into this one I'd like to talk about especially in this post.
A friend of mine suggest we get a bit out of town to Doi Saket (40 mins from Chiang Mai city). Hell of a ride but so worth it in my opinion. It's almost the middle of no where an suddenly you see a temple with load tons of lanterns flying in the sky.
We did both the lanterns and the krathongs (baskets of flowers). Every one of us did our own lanterns then again a few with other people. Letting all the negativity go with the lanterns and the baskets. Even if you don't believe it this stuff (I don't really believe in it) but it's still fun just doing it as well as it's hella pretty, let me insist that one more time.
The place is so pretty just to go see and experience the vibes. Though, there's a plus to it which I really didn't expect. A huge temple fest with a decent size playground and a lot of street food stalls. Endless!!
If you ever make it to Thailand during the fest, i would 100% recommend Chiang Mai and esperically Doi Saket. It's so pretty and fun here. You won't be disappointed!