The undisputable highlight of Yi Peng and Loy Krathong is the spellbinding show that happens when thousands of people converge to release khom loi (lit lanterns) into the night sky. Prior to the big spectacle, the setting is joyful and serene as monks perform chants during an on-stage ceremony.
Since this festival is a spiritual, ancient, and sacred affair that invites new beginnings via spiritual cleansing, attending as a westerner should be regarded as a privilege, which is why it’s important to treat the event with the right amount of respect.