Festival of Lights and Lanterns in Chiang Mai Thailand

Loy Krathong, or the Lantern Festival, is one of the most celebrated and glamorous cultural events in Thailand and one that has long attracted the greatest number of travelers: to say that it is not to be missed would be an understatement. The event takes place in November and the date varies from year to year according to the traditional lunar calendar used in feudal Siam. In 2010, the date was 21 November; this year the event will fall on 10 November, though if you are looking forward to a holiday during this time you will want to be there a few days before as well: 8 November 2011 would be an ideal starting date. Should you be planning a Thailand visit next year, the date will fall on 28 November 2012. Loy Krathong is a period that is so incredibly busy, in fact, that if you want to include it on your holiday agenda it may be prudent to book as early as six months or even one whole year ahead. Accommodation will be at a premium, as are flight tickets, as these events draw tourists from all over the world, including visitors from Thailand's neighbors. Along with the end of December and early February, this is a time where large cities in Thailand are absolutely jam-packed.

The main event, to which the phrase "loy krathong" refers to, occurs on a night with a full moon. A krathong is a miniature raft constructed of a sectioned trunk cut from a banana tree as a base (although today's commercial krathongs are also made from bread flour and Styrofoam; the former is considered more environment friendly and has become more popular in recent years). Banana or pandanus leaves, folded in elaborate patterns, are then added to the base. The final touches include flowers woven into garlands, and this is usually the part where the craftsman or craftswoman can best show her skill. Flowers commonly used are orchids, chrysanthemums, jasmines, and daisies. Candles and incense are then added. The tradition of releasing these rafts involves the belief that doing so allows one to wash away regrets and mistakes, which are then carried down the river and out to the sea, so that one can start the new year with a clean slate. As such, it is an act of purification and spiritual cleansing. Cutting your hair or clipping your fingernails, and then adding them to your krathong, may also be done to symbolize this, although the practice is no longer popular in modern times.

Larger krathongs are used during the grand procession: these are life-sized krathongs built to accommodate young men and women as part of beauty pageants and talent shows. Such krathongs are much more elaborate than the ones commonly floated downriver and are often not floated at all, although some are. They are made of many types of material, with emphasis on design and catching viewers' attention. It is competitive in nature and makes for a memorable spectacle as such processions go through the streets of a major Thai city.

The Loy Krathong festival also coincides with what is known as "Yi Peng," a uniquely northern Thai tradition of releasing sky lanterns. Propelled by hot air, these balloons are generally made of very thin fabric or paper. The purpose of releasing them is not dissimilar to the tradition behind floating krathong: to wash away bad luck and mistakes, and bring good fortune in the coming year. During this time, visitors to northern Thailand provinces can expect to see a sky full of lanterns and fireworks, an exceptional sight rarely seen anywhere else. Tourists can also participate in this tradition, as there are no religious restrictions around it.

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Visiting Chiang Mai, Thailand? Find more information about the city in our tours and sightseeing guide and our Chiang Mai accommodation choices.

Chiang Mai Hotels: Royal Treatment at the Empress

Chiang Mai is the jewel of northern Thailand, a popular destination today for travelers looking for class, elegance and comfort as well as affordable prices. Regardless of your reasons for traveling or the time of the year, choosing the right accommodation is the paramount factor in ensuring that your vacation in Chiang Mai is a wonderful, memorable experience. Find an optimal balance in price, style, and comfort at the Empress Hotels Group, a family of three- to four-stars hotels, each of which is located at a premium spot in the city.

Foremost among the three hotels of the group is the Empress Chiang Mai, a 17-storey glass tower located at the heart of the city's business district, offering specialty fine dining from the best Chinese and Thai chefs. Only five minutes away from the iconic Night Market/Night Bazaar and fifteen minutes from the Walking Markets, this hotel maximizes convenience, pleasure, and comfort: 375 rooms and suites equipped with the finest amenities are built for the needs of the solo traveler, couples, and families as well as business travelers. It is also unique in that it was the first hotel in Chiang Mai to build a dedicated convention facility with state-of-the-art equipment and enough space to host all events from small meetings to reception parties for over a thousand guests.

The hotel is well-known for its unmatched service, responsive and empathic staff, as well as an extraordinary breakfast spread. It boasts three specialty restaurants: the Chao Nang Coffee Shop, which serves Thai and western food; the La Brasserie, a grillhouse, and the Panda Palace, a Chinese dining house that serves authentic Chinese dishes ranging from Dim Sum to characteristic Cantonese cuisine; Peking Duck and shark fin soup are house specialties. The Chinese Consulate in Chiang Mai often dines at the Panda Palace, attesting to the peerless quality and authenticity of the restaurant's cuisine.

Though the hotel is rated at four stars, it operates at a five-star standard. Renovations are done on a yearly basis to keep the premises fresh and the standards of quality consistently high. Accept nothing less: choose the Empress Chiang Mai for royal treatment.