Monks let off a lantern at Same Loy Krathong Festival, Chiang Mai 31 Aug 2016

Posted on 31 Aug 2016
The monks hold light floating balloon made of paper annually at Makha Bucha. Same Loy Krathong festival in Chiang mai. On February 22, 2016 in Udon Thani, Thailand.
 The monks hold light floating balloon made of paper annually at Makha Bucha. Same Loy Krathong festival in Chiang mai. On February 22, 2016 in Udon Thani, Thailand.
The monks hold light floating balloon made of paper annually at Makha Bucha. Same Loy Krathong festival in Chiang mai. On February 22, 2016 in Udon Thani, Thailand.

About this photo

Loy Krathong is celebrated in November across Thailand. Also known as the Festival of Lights, images and scenes are now iconic with hundreds of paper lanterns being launched into the night sky. The reason for this? People believe letting go of the lantern will send away their bad luck and misfortunes from the previous year too. The colourful festival is held on the full moon of the twelfth month in the Thai Lunar Calendar, with particularly beautiful celebrations being held in Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai lasting several days.

In 2016, the full moon will fall on 15 November, but in many places (including Chiang Mai) the main celebration will be last from 14-16 November. 

Want to join this year's festivities? Submit a trip request online now and Insight Guides will take you there

About photographer

PhilipYb Studio/Shutterstock