Loi mean “to float” and Krathong mean “leaf cup” which is usually made of banana leaf.The floating of a ‘Krathong’ ( a banana–leaf cup ) is intended to float away ill fortune as well as to express apologies to Mae Khongkha ( Mother of waters ). Loi Krathong is traditionally performed on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, which usually falls on mid-November. During October and November all rivers and canals in the lowlands ard flooded and in some places overflow their banks. The rainy season has ended and it is the time of rejoicing, for the weather is fair after the rain. The sky becomes bright and clear, without dampness.

This year , the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)  present a Northern Lantern Festival & Yi Peng Loi Krathong on 11-13 November 2008.

• Venue: At Chiang Mai Municipal Office and citywide, Chiang Mai Province. 
• Activity: A dazzling procession of hanging lanterns, Krathongs, Phi Yi Peng, as well as light and sound presentation in the Ping River, activities of Loi Krathong in the past, Lanna Thai lifestyle, Lanna cultural performances, and sales of Lanna handicrafts.

We welcome all tourists and visitors joint our festival at Chiang Mai.

more Loi Krathong detail please visit this link: Chiang Mai Loi Krathong

 http://chiangmaismile.com/festivals_events/loikrathong.html

How to getting there: Travel 58 kilometres west of Chiang Mai via Highway No. 108 to Chom Thong, then turn right into Highway No. 1009 and continue a further distance of 48 kilometres along Highway No. 1009 to the summit. A good asphalt road takes visitors up but is rather steep, thus the vehicle must be in a good condition. Visitors could pay for the entrance fee at Km. 8.

Doi Inthanon can be reached by a local truck (Song Thaeo) from Phra That Chom Thong or Mae Klang Waterfall. The Song Thaeo runs to Doi Inthanon National Park Office (Km. 31) and neighbouring villages. A chartered Song Thaeo costing around 800 baht can make stops at other attractions around the area.

Accommodation, restaurants, and camping sites are available at the park headquarters at Km. 31. Tel: 0 5335 5728, 0 5326 8550 Bangkok Tel: 0 2562 0760

Doi Inthanon Peak has a cool climate all year round. The Air Force Radar Station and King Inthawichayanon’s stupa located on the mountaintop. King Inthawichayanon, the last king of Chiang Mai, was concerned about the importance of forests and wanted to preserve the forests for future generations. He was so familia with Doi Inthanon that he asked that part of his ashes be kept here.

Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Phumisiri, twin pagodas located at Km. 41.5, were built to commemorate the fifth cycle birthdays of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Both pagodas share the similar bases as well as a two-level walking path that surrounds them. The pagodas enshrine Lord Buddha’s ashes and Buddha images, and overlook the magnificent scenery of Doi Inthanon.