If you visit Chiang Mai, Thailand in November, you will see an amazing sight. During the twin festivals of Yi Peng and Loi Krathong, thousands of lanterns are released into the sky and floated onto the water at the same time. ​

​Yi Peng is Thailand’s Lantern Festival. People create lanterns out of rice paper. They release them into the night sky to push away bad luck.​

​Loi Krathong is the Festival of Lights. The name means floating basket. People make baskets out of slices of banana tree trunks. The baskets are decorated with banana leaves, candles, flowers, and incense. ​

​People can make their own baskets, or they can buy them. They float them into the water to thank the water goddess. Releasing the lighted baskets is considered an apology for polluting the water. ​

​Sometimes people put money in their baskets. The money is an offering to Buddha and the water spirits. After the festival, local people dive into the water to collect any money that might have fallen out. ​

​Releasing your lantern or basket is also a symbol of a new beginning. Couples come to Yi Peng and Loi Krathong to wish for a happy life together. They release their lanterns and baskets at the same moment.​

​In addition to releasing lanterns and baskets, festival attendees celebrate with parades, music, street food, and dance performances. Sometimes they even have fireworks. The twin festivals offer a lively atmosphere that you’ll never forget.