Day 3: Loi Kratong

Loi Kratong Festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand is amazing. Chiang Mai is amazing. Let me start by saying that Jeff and I jumped on a plane to Chiang Mai our first day/few hours in Thailand to make it here for the Loi Kratong Festival. During the 12th Lunar month each year, the people of Thailand sail "kratongs," boats made from banana trees and flowers, down the rivers. It is also tradition to launch huge rice paper lanterns into the sky. It is really an incredible experience, and we are so happy to have had the opportunity to be here for this festival. I'm pretty sure we have found the best $10/night guest house in town. The staff has been wonderful. Not only did they teach us how to make the kratongs, they threw a party for us complete with Thai barbeque, they drove everyone staying at the guest house to the river, and they showed us how to sail our kratongs and launch our rice paper lanterns.

Jeff Making his Kratong

Making My Kratong

On the Bus Headed to the River to Sail our Kratongs

Man Praying to the River Before Sailing His Kratong

Man Sailing his Kratong

Lighting the Lantern

Guest House Staff Help Launch the Lanterns

Away They Go...