Loi Krathong (also known as Yi Peng) takes place over the three days of the twelfth lunar month - usually in November and is the most colourful festival of the year. Traditionally, the festival was thought both to honour ancestors and to end the rains.

For the three nights of the festival, people release small floats into the river - thought to honour the Goddess of the River (Mae Khong Kha) for the use of her water and to remove bad luck. The small floats contain candles, money, gifts and incense and form a very pretty sight as they drift down the River Ping. Small hot air balloons add to the occasion. There are fireworks and a nightly parade for the duration of the festival.


The day prior to the full moon, houses are decorated with palm fronds, coloured paper and lanterns. At dusk, small lanterns are placed along the walls and fireworks are let off. The lantern parade makes its way along Thapae Road to the City Hall.

On the day of the full moon, offerings are made at temples and small hot air balloons released (there is a competition in front of the City Hall). Boat races are held on the River Ping. On this night, the finals of the Nang Noppamas beauty pageant are held at Thapae Gate. This lady was a daughter of a Brahmin priest at the court of King Sukothai who was impressed by her release of lotus flowers into the river in his honour.

The festival comes to an end on the third night with the grand krathong parade along Ratchdamnoen Road to the City Hall. The highlight is Miss Noppama. At the end of the procession, several floats are dispatched down the River Ping to the Nawarat Bridge.