Yi Peng Lantern Festival

Each November, on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, Chiang Mai turns its eyes skyward for Yi Peng, the lantern festival of the old Lanna kingdom. Its signature is the khom loi, a paper sky lantern released as an offering and a wish, and thousands rise in a single synchronized moment, carrying the year's misfortunes away. The festival shares its nights with Loy Krathong, when candlelit floats drift down the Ping River. Fire above, light below, it is the most beautiful festival in Thailand.