This year we decided to go to Chiang Mai for Loy Krathong as well as a few days in Pai, a town in the mountains a couple of hours North.
The Loy Krathong Festival is one of the most enchanting festivals celebrated in Thailand, it is celebrated annually throughout Thailand on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai calendar, end of October every year. During this time, you witness twinkling lights drifting down rivers, adorning trees, temples, and buildings.
It is a festival with religious significance centered on floating (“loy”) decorated rafts (krathongs) on rivers. This act symbolizes gratitude for water and seeking forgiveness. The festival also represents letting go of negative feelings and misfortune, providing a fresh start, figuratively, you let all your worries go with the krathong. For Buddhists, it is an opportunity for merit-making by praying and visiting temples for spiritual cleansing and good fortune.
In Chiang Mai, this festival coincides with Yee Peng, the Lanna (Northern Thai) festival, which takes place on the full moon of the second month in the Lanna calendar. Yee Peng is mainly about lanterns, which is why it’s known as The Lantern Festival, or The Festival of Lights.
Chiang Mai is the best place to experience both Loy Krathong and Yee Peng. The city comes alive with festive decorations and activities, and the events are free to enjoy. However, since 2020, lantern releases have been banned in the skies of Chiang Mai during these festivals, so you won’t see the sky filled with floating lanterns like in the past.
This time, as we had rented a car, we decided to stay a bit outside of town in a hotel riverside North of town. The idea was to avoid being stuck in Chiang Mai during the festival as it’s usually over crowded. We went to town with the hotel’s minivan and came back with a taxi.
The first evening we tried out a restaurant nearby our hotel that has been founded by a famous Thai singer.
A riverside boutique hotel located on the banks of the Ping River in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It’s peaceful, with scenic surroundings, views of the river or garden, a relaxing retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. There is a swimming pool, riverside boat strolls are also possible. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service to Chiang Mai’s Old City, which is only a short drive away.
A well-known riverside restaurant in Chiang Mai, Thailand, offering a blend of traditional Northern Thai cuisine and live cultural performances. Located along the Ping River, the restaurant is well decorated and has a serene ambiance, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
It was founded by Soontaree Vechanont, a famous Northern Thai folk singer, and often features live music performances, including traditional Lanna songs. The menu includes a variety of authentic Northern Thai dishes such as khao soi (a coconut curry noodle dish), sai oua (Northern Thai sausage), and nam prik noom (a spicy green chili dip).
Chiang Mai is rich in historic monuments, with its Old City being home to centuries-old temples, ancient city walls, and cultural landmarks. Iconic temples such as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang stand as testaments to the city’s Lanna heritage, while the old city’s moats and gates reflect its long history. Wat Lok Moli is another of the multiple temples that should be visited while in town. Beyond the town center, the surrounding mountains provide even more highlights, particularly Doi Suthep, which is home to the revered Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The journey up the mountain offers stunning views, and along the way, you can also visit Wat Pha Lat, a peaceful hidden gem nestled in the forest, offering a serene experience away from the crowds.
A historic Buddhist temple located just outside the Old City of Chiang Mai, along the northwestern moat. This temple is less frequented by tourists compared to others, giving it a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Wat Lok Moli is known for its impressive Lanna-style architecture, particularly its large, brick chedi (stupa), which dates back to the 16th century and houses relics of the royal family of the Mengrai Dynasty. The temple’s wooden viharn (assembly hall) is beautifully decorated with intricate carvings, and the temple grounds feature well-maintained gardens that add to its tranquil ambiance.
Many visitors make their way to Wat Phra That on the summit of Doi Suthep, which is undoubtedly a highlight of Chiang Mai. However, there’s another temple located halfway up the mountain that offers a distinct and highly worthwhile experience. Wat Pha Lat is a small, ancient temple intricately integrated into a dense forest and nestled alongside a gentle stream. While the temple’s precise founding date remains unclear, it is believed to have ancient origins dating back centuries. The temple is adorned with numerous Buddhist statues and artifacts, evoking the atmosphere of a concealed monastery where to meditate in peace of mind. Its tranquility and natural beauty, along with panoramic views of Chiang Mai, make it a hidden gem, It reminds me of the jungle temples found in places like Ubud’s Monkey Forest, albeit without the resident primates.
Wat Pha Lat remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, offering a peaceful and hidden sanctuary for those who stumble upon its serenity. For the most motivated, a forested trail leads up to the more renowned Wat Phra That.
One of the most iconic and sacred temples in Chiang Mai, located on Doi Suthep, a mountain overlooking the city. The temple, founded in the 14th century, is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists and offers stunning panoramic views of Chiang Mai and its surroundings. Visitors can either climb the 306-step staircase, flanked by a naga (serpent) railing, or take a cable car to reach the temple.
The temple’s central feature is its striking golden chedi (stupa), which enshrines relics of the Buddha, making it a significant religious site in Northern Thailand. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep’s grounds also include intricately decorated shrines, murals, and statues, all showcasing classic Lanna architecture.
To finish, I’ll mention Ohkajhu, a popular farm-to-table restaurant that began in Chiang Mai. Known for its focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients, Ohkajhu has become a favorite among health-conscious diners. The restaurant offers a wide range of fresh salads, juices, and hearty meals, all prepared with produce grown on their own farm. Over the years, it has expanded with multiple branches across Thailand, but its roots in Chiang Mai make it a notable stop for those looking to enjoy delicious, healthy food in the city.
A renowned restaurant in Chiang Mai that stands out for its commitment to using self-grown organic vegetables in their dishes. As their name implies, their food features fresh organic vegetables sourced directly from the restaurant’s garden each morning. The menu in general promotes healthy meals, lot of different salads, but also steaks and many meals having a Thai twist (yam style spicy salads for example).
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