The main reason why we went to Chiang Mai was because we wanted to witness its famous lantern festival or Yi Peng festival, where thousands of people release floating sky lanterns or khom loi into the sky to symbolize letting go of worries and problems. It’s held throughout Thailand every end of October or early November but since Chiang Mai is the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, it’s the best place to witness the celebration. It’s a pity we didn’t arrive earlier to join the releasing of lanterns at Mae Jo University. I hear the experience is like no other because everyone releases sky lanterns at the same time, so imagine how beautiful the sky must’ve looked! Major “Tangled” moment! We did join the festivities still. The celebration continued throughout the weekend with fireworks, parades, beauty pageants and displays of colorful lanterns all over the city. People were also releasing floating lanterns along the river to pay respect to water spirits as part of another festival called the Loy Krathong so Chiang Mai was still every bit as magical. I can go and on about how enchanting Chiang Mai’s festivals are but I think it’s best to let the photos speak for themselves.
You used the Sony a6000? what lens did you use and do you know what settings you used? I want to be prepared so i dont miss any great shots
Yes! I can’t remember the settings though but definitely manual :) 35mm f/1.8 lens
Behind every great photo is a great photographer! Your captures are just WOW! May you please share to us the manual set up to capture just like that moment? Are you using Auto Mode or Manual Mode? Please please I want to learn how to do that on a DSLR! Thanks in advance!
Manual most of the time. I think this was just my Sony A5000 so it was just a mirrorless camera :)
Hi Camille! I read in some blogs that the festival is open to everyone and it’s free. Is this true? They offer an english version though that one’s priced at USD 100.
I think the one held inside the university isn’t :)
Hi camille, i plan to go this year. Im wondering if you had to buy the tickets in advance or you just went to buy lantern and let go anytime during the period. Thanks!
Latter. I went later than the actual releasing so if you plan to go to the university, better buy your tickets n advance :)
Love this post! Where did you end up releasing the lanterns? Looks like there were many others around you. I’m planning a trip this November and will be in attendance for Loy Krathong. Any specific travel tips would be greatly appreciated. :)
We did it along the bridge :) I suggest going there early! And make sure your hands are free from having to hold unnecessary things :)
Yes! Chiang Mai is the best place I’ve been to! (Of course outside PH). And we missed also that major “tangled” moment! But what I’m jealous about is how you captured those moments! My photos of the lantern were very bad. Blurred, too dark, too exposed. May I know what camera you are using? This may help me!hahaha. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR BLOG POSTS!
Thanks Maui! I used my Sony A6000 :)
I always enjoy checking out your Travelogues and this is no different. :)
That Minion Sky lantern is just to awesome! And that shot of you holding the sky lantern is just.. wow!
Thank you Mark! Glad to know you’re still an avid reader like the old days :)
Their lantern festival was amazing. :) so magical :) dapat po you sang tangled’s theme song. :)
Haha! :)
Enchanting. Really! Nasa bucketlist ko to :)
Should be! :)
Major “Tangled” moment. Lol! I’ve seen the movie and since I love lights I can’t help but awe even if it’s just an animated film! We have Latern Festival held in UP Diliman, I’m not sure if they’re flying paper lanterns tho. Thailand is in my TBL now. After reading your posts about White Temple, Elephant Nature Park and this festival, I’m looking forward to my Thailand adventure in the future! I totally love lights and anything colorful, I’ll totally enjoy Thailand too like you did! <3
I’m sure you will! :) I heard about the lantern festival in UP. Parang it’s more of a parade yeah?
Since I saw Tangled and I realized that floating lanterns was a real tradition, I include it in the list of things that I want to do once in my life. Gorgeous pics! and greetings from Colombia
Hello all the way to Colombia! :) You must do it!
Did you retouch the lanterns? Some photos are kinda weird
No I didn’t :)
Thailand is a country I would love to visit one day.Thanks for the lovely pics Camille ^_^
My pleasure Phil! :)
WOW!! Stunning photos!! And you are as stunning as always Miss Camille :D The place is worth visiting I can say… (Love this post..!)
P.S.,I’m always a fan of your style Miss Camille. :) your such an inspiration ;)
Thank you Jong! :)
These photos are incredible (as always!!)
xxx
Camilla
http://avenuecamilla.com
Thank you Camilla!
Wow, this place is really magical :) Thanks for sharing this ms. Cams! :) i would also like to ask your opinion and suggestion, if it doesn’t bother you that much (this is way out of topic, sorry >.<), what style do you think would best represent the 2000-2009 decade fashion? we have this decades-themed party and i have no idea how i could be creative on this one :l thank you miss cams! :)
Oh gosh. It’s so recent! I don’t really know if this best represents the decade but I think there were a lot of boho looks that cropped up. :)
I am never going to stop saying how much I love all of yours travel diaries. :*
http://travelingdiamonds.blogspot.com/
Awww thank you Anabellem! Hope it stays that way foreverrrrrrr :)
beautiful photos, thank you
Thanks Anne-Marie!
SO PRETTY CAM <3
http://somethingrealserious.blogspot.com/2014/12/tokyo-grand-hotel.html
Thanks Ollyvia!
I’ve been wishing for a festival or an event like this in manila :( I also want to light up lanterns like those. I actually had a chance to light up one during UST’s paskuhan last last year but it was a failure haha the lantern didn’t lit up properly and ended up burning :( haaay how I wish I could see pretty lanterns lighting up the sky. Loved all your pics! Looks like you had a blast! :))
Thank you Clariss! Maybe you released your lantern too soon! :)
It looks so beautiful!!! *drags family to Thailand* HAHA!
Haha! :)
Major tangled moment indeed Cams! That Minion designed lantern though… adorable! Everything looks so magical. Sigh, I wish I could someday experience this.
https://annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com/
The minion lantern stole a lot of hearts haha! :) One day you will!
stunning photos! You’re right, its a major “tangled” moment.
Thank you Donna!
This is so amazing! Kind of reminds me of Rapunzel heh. Must go Thailand next time for this lantern festival :D!
You must!
Amazing post!
XO
Jeanne
http://fashionmusingsdiary.com
Thanks Jeanne!
Beautiful photos!!! Ahhhhh I miss this place so much. The food looks good too! LOL. I miss taking part in the Loy Krathong festivals. Unfortunately, I was never able to experience Yi Peng while I was there, but I wish I did. The floating lanterns look so magical in the night sky! <3
http://www.thestylishbipolar.com
I’m sure these posts make your miss Thailand even more! :)
Gorgeous photos!! I really love the back of your dress in the last shot :)
http://mrmichell.tumblr.com
THanks Michelle!
The closest human beings will get to manufacture magic
http://www.whimsicalzoo.blogspot.com
Haha! :)