Yi Peng

Loi Krathong coincides with the Lanna (northern Thai) festival known as Yi Peng. Yi means “two” and peng means a “full moon day”. Yi Peng refers to the full moon day in the second month according to the Lanna lunar calendar. Swarms of sky lanterns (Thai: khom loi), literally ‘floating lanterns’, are launched into the air. Khom loi are made from a thin fabric, such as rice paper, stretched over a bamboo or wire frame, to which a candle or fuel cell is attached. When the fuel cell is lit, the resulting hot air is trapped inside the lantern and creates enough lift for the khom loi to float into the sky.

The most elaborate Yi Peng celebrations are held here in Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of the former Lanna kingdom. Both Loi Krathong and Yi Peng are celebrated at the same time resulting in beautiful lights floating on the flowing waters and in the night skies of Chiang Mai. Thank you JT, Vic & Max and Kersten for these very special “fleeting beauty” moments!

Floating lanterns in the distance, Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan, Chiang Mai