A return to Chiang Mai

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Trip Start Nov 08, 2008 Trip End Jan 17, 2009 Next
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  Chiang Mai, Thailand
Wednesday, November 12, 2008

A buzz of anticipation leading up to Loi Krathong, the big autumn celebration, is unmistakable here. Decorations are going up on the gates to temples and vendors are selling fireworks, candle-powered paper lanterns (khom loy, which are released into the night sky by the hundreds) and krathong (the traditional lotus-shaped banana-leaf creation that holds a candle and is floated on rivers and other bodies of water). Loi Krathong is timed to the full moon and is one of the biggest, most popular and most fun festivals in Thailand. I had read and hear about Loi Krathong so some time, and managed to time my arrival for its start.

After spending a night at Novotel Suvarnabhumi in the Bangkok airport complex, having arrived in the middle of the night when no out-bound flights are available, I caught my flight to Chiang Mai with Air Asia and was met at the airport by my friends Jim (Bergstrom, who graduated with me from Foster High in 1966), Mick and Nine

01. My first Thai meal, with Jim, Mick and Nine

. After the ordeal of traveling across multiple time zones for 20 hours, being greeted at the airport made my return to CM very welcoming and special.

The rest of the day was low-key, with a good local Thai meal and a walk to the river to experience the preparations for Loi Krathong. Welcomed by the nice people at the guest house and Sai, owner of The Lost Hut bar made me feel like a part of the local community, not a farang stranger.

Added to the preparations for Loi Krathong is the preparation for the cremation of the king's sister this weekend. Because the king and royal family are so revered here this event is sure to be another special occasion. The plaza just east of Tha Pae Gate, one of the four gates into the moated old town, is filled with hanging paper lanterns and demonstrations of traditional crafts.

Tonight is the first night of Loi Krathong. I'm really looking forward to it.

Still a bit jet-lagged despite the hotel stay in Bangkok and a full night's sleep (aided by Ambien) last night, but not doing too badly. Chalk up any typos or errors in this post to the jet lag.

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02. Making a kom loy for Loi Krathong	03. Part of the display honoring the king's sister	04. Demonstration of traditional crafts at Tha Pae	05. Oodles of noodles
06. Jim in The Lost Hut	07. A street food vendor starts the day, sans food

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