Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) Tourist Guide


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Yipeng: The Town's Joyful Festival

Text: Pon
Photos: SP

Welcome to the month of this beautiful festival brought in by the end of the rainy season, a time when we can feel a cold breeze, a signal that we should get ready for one of the most famous festivals in Chiang Mai: Loy Kratong (or Yipeng in the Northern dialect). Yipeng is the highlight of all tour programs every November.

The origins of Loy Kratong are somewhat obscure. Some historians say it can be traced back to the late fifteenth century when Sukhothai was the capital of Thailand, while others believe that Loy Kratong started when Ayudhaya was the capital. Whenever it started, villagers’ main purpose today is to pay respects to the Buddha and to the river goddesses and of course to enjoy themselves during the festival.

Our November issue wants to keep you firmly in the city during this time as there are several attractions going on for three days. According to last month’s Chiang Mai Municipality's seminar which I attended, the concept of 2008's Yipeng is to conserve the tradition and to consider the environment, economy and safety whilst still making the festival as enjoyable as ever. The municipality has already launched the Yipeng 2008 program and this year the festival is not just about the river, Kratongs, and lanterns. Several activities have been added to all three days of the festival such as beauty contests, music performances, lantern and Kratong competitions and a lot more not to be missed. If you need more information about the events, please call the Municipality office at 053-259093. Enjoy your trip to Chiang Mai City.

Loi Krathong Schedule 2008 Chiang Mai Yipeng Program Activities 2008
6-13:	Events	Location
All day	Yipeng Photo Contest 2008	CM Art & Cultural Centre
10:	Events	Location
6-7pm	Official Opening Ceremony of Chiang Mai Yipeng Festival 2008	Three Kings Monument
10:	Events	Location
6pm-midnight	Kids Yipeng Contest	Three Kings Monument
10-13:	Events	Location
6-9.30pm	Lanna Music Performance	Three Kings Monument
10-13:	Events	Location
9am-9pm	Exhibition of the Legend of Yipeng Lantern	Wat Inthakin
11:	Events	Location
6pm-midnight	The 17th Yipeng Lantern Parade	Thapae Gate - Wat Sridonchai
11-12:	Events	Location
6pm-midnight	Miss Yipeng Competition	Three Kings Monument
11-12:	Events	Location
6pm-midnight	Yipeng Lantern to pay tribute to H.M. the King	Thapae Gate
11-13:	Events	Location
All day	Legend of Yipeng Competition	Three Kings Monument
11-13:	Events	Location
6-10pm	Folk Art of 6 Ethnic Races, Maze, Beauty Kids Contest and Preaching Mahachat	Wat Jet Lin
12:	Events	Location
9am-7pm	Handmade Krathong Contest	CM Municipality Office
12:	Events	Location
6pm-midnight	Small Krathong Parade Contest	Thapae Gate - CM Municipality Office
12:	Events	Location
9am-midday	Komloy - Hot Air Balloon Contest	CM Municipality Office
12:	Events	Location
7pm-midnight	Rites honoring and paying respects to Spirit Houses and White Pagodas	Ping River in front of Municipality Office
12-13:	Events	Location
7pm-midnight	Fireworks for Buddha Bucha	Ping River in front of Municipality Office
12-13:	Events	Location
7pm-midnight	Krathong Floating - Lanna Style	Ping River in front of Municipality Office
12-13:	Events	Location
7-9pm	Traditional Loy Krathong activity by TAT	In front of Governor's Residence
13:	Events	Location
6pm-midnight	Giant Krathong Parade Contest	Thapae Gate - CM Municipality Office