Loy Krathong - (From 18th)

Loy Krathong is a Siamese festival celebrated annually throughout the Kingdom of Thailand and in nearby countries. The name could be translated as "to float ritual vessel or lamp," and comes from the tradition of making krathong or buoyant, decorated baskets, which are then floated on a river. Many Thais use the krathong to thank the Goddess of Water — Phra Mae Khongkha. This festival can see the traces of its origin back to India.

Loy Krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, thus the exact date of the festival changes every year. In Chiang Mai, the festival lasts three days.

And yes, that is a giant elephant in the back of a pickup truck driving through downtown. Tonight, many of the giant floats will take to the streets, so should get some cool pictures today. Yesterday, all of the floats and lights were organized in Tha Phae gate, with around 250 people hanging out and taking pictures. I expect tonight to be pretty crazy.