Last weekend I was fortunate enough to witness Yee Peng and Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai, Thailand. For those who arent familiar with Yee Peng it is a festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia but mainly Northern Thailand. The festival celebrates the end of the rain season by releasing Khom Loys (paper lanterns) into the night sky to say goodbye to any bad luck from the past year and create wishes for the new year. I made it to Mae Jo for the mass release and can easily say it was the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. Picture thousands and thousands of lanterns floating gracefully up into the night sky in such a spiritual setting, simply incredible!!! Loy Krathong is similar except Loy literally means to float, while kratong refers to the lotus-shaped receptacle which can float on the water. Thai people usually add money and incense on the Krathongs before sending them on their way down the river. I didnt manage to photograph much of Loy Krathongs being released into the water, but did make it to the parade through the old city and riverside on the last night which made for some great travel shots. Overall Thailand has been so amazing, it is going to be a sad goodbye when we leave for Vietnam this time next week. Weve just enjoyed the past 2 days doing nothing at all, just relaxing in our bamboo hut in Pai. It has been a nice change of pace from the city of Chiang Mai. Tomorrow are heading to Mae Hong Son for the next 5 days to explore many caves and forests. I havent felt like editing any of my images from the festivities so I will be posting more when I am back home in mid December. Until then enjoy my absence :)
Posted on: Thu, 21 Nov 2013 16:20:53 +0000
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