One of the most keenly anticipated festivals in Thailand, Loy Krathong is also one of the most romantic and beguiling. It provides Thai people with the opportunity to float away bad luck by making a wish as they launch small floats (krathongs) on to the water in a tradition that pays homage to the water goddess, Mae Kongkha. In northern Thailand, modern-day Loy Krathong also incorporates the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. In towns and cities in the north of Thailand such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Lampang, candles and tea-lights are placed outside homes and businesses to mark the night of the full-moon. Sky lanterns known as khom loy are also released as another way to float away bad luck. I snapped all of the photos below during this year’s Loy Krathong and Yi Peng celebrations in Chiang Mai.
Krathongs for sale
Lantern display opposite the Three Kings Monument
Children enjoy the lights and krathongs at Wat Pan Tao
The full moon shines brightly over Wat Chedi Luang
Novice monks take part in a Buddhist service at Wat Pan Tao before launching khom loy sky lanterns
Traditional Lanna-style northern Thai dress
