Yi Peng Festival

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Schedule : 18-19 November 2002

Venue : Amphoe Muang, Chiang Mai

Origin :
The Yi Peng Festival is an ancient tradition of the Lanna Thai people. The belief that the people have about the festival is that it brings good luck and is a way to ask Phra Mae Khongkha for forgiveness. The belief is the source of the tradition of the release of "floating lanterns" that are both "lit" and "smoked." These acts are believed to pay homage to the Chula Mani holy relics in heaven.
Loi Krathong festivals in the North are usually held in grand fashion, particularly in Chiang Mai that is more fun than in other places and attended by big crowds. The organizer has added Krathong processions and contests to promote Thai arts and culture.

Activities :
- Rafting contest and paddling contest in the Ping River.
- Contests of small and large Krathongs.
- Lantern decorations at temples and homes.
- Decorated archways, floating lanterns and entertainment.

Nearby Tourist Spots :
- Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan (Muang)
	is the location of the largest pagoda in Chiang Mai and is in the middle of the city.
- Wat Chiang Man (Muang)
	is the city's oldest temple and it houses Phra Setangkhamani or Phra Kaeo Khao, the most important Buddha image of the province.
- Doi Suthep-Pui National Park (Muang)
	is the watershed of several waterways. It has verdant natural beauty and sacred and important religious and historical sites.
- Chiang Mai Cultural Center (Muang)
	is on Chiang Mai-Hang Dong road. It is the center of Lanna culture and arts. The compound has teak buildings with beautifully carved wooden doors and windows.
- Sao Inthakhin (Muang)
	is the city pillar when King Mengrai the Great built Chiang Mai in 1296.
- Villages in the Handicrafts Villages Development Project (Hang Dong)
	comprise the villages of Muang Kung and Kuan Han Kaeo that are famous for earthenware, Roi Chan that is famous for weaving lids in the Am pattern and Thawai that is renowned for making imitation antiques.

For more information, contact :
- Chiang Mai Municipality.
	Tel. (053) 252478
- TAT Northern Region Office: Area 1 (Chiang Mai).
	Tel. (053) 248604, 248607, 241466, fax (053) 248605