In Thailand the end of the monsoon is celebrated by arranging the Loy Krathong Festival. The celebration is held during the first full moon after the rainy season.

We had the chance to participate in this festival during our first trip to Thailand. We asked locals in Bangkok where to go to celebrate Loy Khartong and were told that the best option was to go north, to Chiang Mai, where the most spectacular festival would be arranged.

In northern Thailand the festival is known as Yee Peng. In 2003 it was held on November 7-9 and the whole city was celebrating. The festivities included contests, art exhibitions and free concerts from morning till night. People had come to Chiang Mai from different parts of the country and the city was prepared to receive its guests. The restaurant keepers had transformed the main street into a big terrace area and delicious odors tempted people to taste a great variety of dishes. Beer and soft drinks were sold out of ice-buckets in the markets and by the riverside. Colourful lanterns decorated the houses.

The most interesting and impressive festivities took place in the evening. On the waterfront, people lighted white paper lanterns - hot air balloons - and then let go of them, thus making them fly up in the sky. It was a marvellous sight! Fireworks, firecrackers - carnival atmosphere. Local youngsters seemed to take special pleasure in scaring unsuspecting adults by furtively throwing crackers at their feet. Everybody was having a good time. Normally so reserved Thais even stopped in the street to talk to us and wish us a nice day.

For the fire brigade this was probably the busiest time of the year... We saw a hot air balloon cling to the roof of a wooden house, nearly setting it on fire. It is said that many houses have burnt down during these festivals. Part of the tradition is that a big and decorative raft, the krathong, is lowered into the river. Also floating on the water could be seen hundreds of small flower arrangements, mounted on banana leaves and with a lighted candle and incense sticks in the middle. These are sold in the market and we also bought one, sending it away with a wish, as is the custom.

The festival also featured a beauty contest. The organisers had done a great job - we could see that when watching the splendid parade. The floats had themes like a Princess in a Rose Garden, a Snow Queen in her Realm, the Peacock Throne.... there were no limits to their imagination. Attending the Loy Krathong Festival was an unforgettable experience for us. If you are in Thailand at the time of the full moon festival, we strongly recommend that you make a trip to Chiang Mai.