Yi Peng Festival

November 2023 – Chiang Mai, Thailand – The “Yi Peng” festival, which takes place each year on the full moon in November is one of Chiang Mai’s most colorful and lively celebrations. The word “Yi Peng” is the northern Thai term referring to the full moon of the 12th lunar month in the Buddhist calendar. Known as Loy Krathong throughout the rest of the Kingdom, the highlight of the festival is the floating of the krathong when people of all ages make their way to rivers and canals near their homes to make krathong offerings to the water goddess, Mae Kong Kha, in a gesture of homage and thanks. Traditionally Thai people lived along waterways and relied on a regular supply of water to sustain their rice crops. This special ceremony takes place just after the rice is harvested as the cool weather sets in and is one of the most memorable and charming of all Thai rituals. The kratong is an offering made from banana stem and decorated with leaves, flowers, incense, candles and auspicious items such as coins. As people light the incense and candles they make a wish and release their kratong down the river in the belief bad luck from the year before will be carried away with it.  The magic of Yi Peng celebrations will surely make an impression in the minds of visitors

lucky enough to experience it firsthand for a long to come.

In Chaing Mai, festive activities take place from the 26th – 28th  November 2023. A highlight of this special period happens a day before the full moon at Wat Phan Tao in the evening when the monks of the temple decorate the garden with many candles and hold a meditation in the prayer hall before releasing lanterns into the night sky. On the first day of the festival, visit the opening ceremony held at 18:00 hrs. at Thapae Gate and explore the Yi Peng parade festivities on offer around Chiang Mai. The festival continues on the next day with several events around Chiang Mai old town including boat races, krathong making & parades. On the last day, enjoy the parade festivities and float your krathong at the Ping River for good luck.

Tamarind Village is conveniently located at the center of all of these activities and is the perfect place to base yourself if you would like to

take full advantage of them.