We were lucky to arrive in Chiang Mai on the last night of Yi Peng and Loy Krathong. Colourful lantern displays are set up at the Three Kings Monument, Thapae Gate and at all of other gates around the moat which encircles the Old Town district of Chiang Mai. Temples and households decorate their front entrances with coconut leaves and flowers. On Yi Peng Day (the night of the full moon for Loy Krathong) lanterns or candles are also lit and placed at entrances to shops, homes and temples.
The release of lanterns (khom) is a way to pay respect to Buddha and also to release bad memories and make a wish for the future. During Yi Peng it was traditionally monks who released the lanterns (unfortunately, we missed this), but now anybody can do so. On Yi Peng Day (Loy Krathong Day) novice monks at some of the temples will release giant sky lanterns in the morning. These will normally have firecrackers attached to them and could hear these khom fai for a couple of nights.
We stayed at the Wealth Boutique Hotel in the Old City and it was wonderful. We walked along quiet streets and alleys and always felt safe. There were many restaurants to eat at and everything was very well priced. On the Sunday night we walked up the road to the Walking Street and enjoyed a bit of shopping and a bit of street food, Rosie bought a few Xmas gifts and we also had an excellent massage one afternoon.
Swimming in the pool at the hotel was very pleasant, but a too cold for Rosie, and breakfast every morning was a delight. Eggs how you wanted them, bacon, waffles, pancakes, fresh juice, fresh fruit and good coffee. What more could you want.
While in Chiang Mai, we played Chiang Mai Highlands Golf Club, Summit Green Valley Golf Club and Mae Jo Golf Club. They were all excellent, but Mae Jo was very tight and didn’t suit Bruce’s game. Look at our World Golf Tour menu item to see our scores.
