From a young age, Ian was always a wanderer. He’s since travelled to all 7 continents, and has spent the majority of his life pursuing this passion. Follow him in his off-the-beaten-path adventures and discoveries!
A Photo Essay
Yi Peng – Chiang Mai’s floating lantern festival
Yi Peng may just possibly be my favourite festival – at least in terms of the sheer beauty one experiences being here! If you would like details on how to get here, please see my Where & When post for the festival. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy the photos (make sure you see all the pages, as they keep getting better and better as the night progressed!)
Before the lantern ceremony begins, there are several cultural shows to observe around the festival grounds.
This was a traditional Lanna ceremony in which 16 woman danced down the center of the grounds on the red carpet.
The woman were all in traditional dress, and wore long golden fingernails, which were incorporated into the movements of their hands.
The 16 women danced in synchronized movements and it was hypnotizing watching them with the glittering fingernails constantly catching your attention.
They danced from the moment dusk broke, until night had finally fallen upon the crowd. A wonderful performance, and very representative of the ancient Lanna culture of Northern Thailand.
Continue following the event using the page navigator below!
Beautiful post, beautiful pictures! My favourite is the last one on page 7, with the two monks who have just released their lantern. Although I don’t know you, I am sorry to hear about your Dad. It seems the ceremony was a good way to connect and let go at the same time. All the best to you and your family!
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Hey Vera! Thanks for the lovely comments
The monk photos are some of my faves too (save the best for last)! It was such a special end to the night getting in ‘backstage’ after the ceremony had ended, and having almost a second ceremony with them.
I see you’re working with Finding the Universe! I love the site – are you travelling with Laurence? I hope to meet up sometime soon!
Also, re: my dad! Thanks as well. I think it was a perfect tribute to him. I know he’d have loved it!!
Ian Ord recently posted..Yi Peng – Floating Lanterns Festival in Chiang Mai
Amazing photos – so wish I was still in Chiang Mai on Saturday night! Must get back to do this festival.
Thanks Sean! I wish you could have stayed too – though the Mexican warm-up party was still pretty great
Glad you had a good time, and looking forward to seeing you out here on your next trip!!
Ian Ord recently posted..Yi Peng – Floating Lanterns Festival in Chiang Mai
I love love LOVE your photos from this festival. What a great experience to remember your father’s birthday and make a wish for him. That must have been so emotional and uplifting. We also experienced a lunar eclipse on the 28th, which marks endings. It’s a lighter period – I do feel a relief from a busy fall. It’s exciting to see these pictures because they remind me of New Year’s and I’m ready for the adventures and challenges of 2013!
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Hey Natalie!
It did definitely mean a lot to me being there. It was quite uplifting (pun intended). Amazing you had a lunar eclipse on the full moon! It’s definitely a time of change and regrowth – even in Canada, where nature is shutting down for winter’s arrival 
Thanks for the wonderful comments
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The most fantastic photos of the floating lanterns I’ve ever seen. I have taken many photos of the lanterns myself, but they were no where near this spectacular. Thanks for sharing.
Donna Morang recently posted..Help— Need A Title For My Book
Wow – thanks so much Donna! That’s a wonderful compliment
When were you here for Yi Peng last?
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Absolutely love the photos! I left Thailand the day before Loy Krathong, really regretting it now! Great post.
Besudesuabroad recently posted..Phuket Top 5
Hey Beth! Thanks for the comment – yup, you missed quite the show – but I actually missed it by a week last year, so this was me making up for it… and it will still be here next year too
Where did you head off to next?
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Beautiful photos, Ian! I love the women’s traditional dress.
Micki recently posted..Getting our Happiness On at Sun Peaks Resort
Thanks Micki – did you get to the following pages as well? (the pics just get better from there on in… ). Also – have you ever been to Yi Peng? if not, I suggest you definitely put it up on your bucket list!!
Ian Ord recently posted..Photo Essay: Loi Krathong Festival in Bangkok
This year i’m going to hang around for the monk activity. Completely missed all this because we left early. Great Pics
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It was completely magical. I almost liked hanging about the monks more than the lanterns…. almost
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