Loy Krathong is a festival celebrated throughout Thailand with the festivities in Chiang Mai being especially well known. "Loy" means to float and a "Krathong" is a small boat made from the wood and leaves of banana trees. During the festival, thousands of handmade boats are released into the city's moat. Thai people believe the floating boat, decorated with flowers, will take away sins and bad luck and carry their wishes.
The Yee Peng also happen in Chiang Mai, but only in Chiang Mai and coincide with Loy Krathong. The festival is the reason why so many tourists flock the city for 3 or 4 days. The event, made famous for its thousands of light lanterns, has become a must-do for tourists and backpackers.
We were in the city to celebrate both and today was the opening ceremony.