Northern Thailand is definitely where you want to be during the 12th full moon night of the traditional Thai lunar calendar (or, following a more down-to-earth system – in November). The capital of the province, Chiang Mai, holds region’s leading Yi Peng celebration during which the night sky is lit by thousands of hot-air rice-paper lanterns with a candle or a a fuel cell inside them.

You may think you have seen some similar trends recently in weddings or other celebrations, but trust me, the magnitude of this gathering is something completely different.

Before this spectacle, however, the ceremony begins with an hour-long meditation and prayer. The following launching of the lanterns is believed by the locals to be a time to take merit and let your troubles be taken away into the night. Traditional Thai music fills the space as the lanterns form a giant constellation over the heads of the people, all gawking in awe – regardless if your a local or a tourist, the views won’t leave you indifferent.

Image Credits: Taradol Chitmanchaitham

Image Credits: Yang Tee Mon

Image Credits: Hasbi Jien

Image Credits: TravelThisEarth

Image Credits: TravelThisEarth

Image Credits: TravelThisEarth | via