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YI PENG LANTERN FESTIVAL IN THAILAND 2017

12/3/2016

22 Comments

 
A sight to behold, Loy Krathong (ลอยกระทง), sometimes spelled Loy Kratong or Loi Kratong, is a colorful festival held every year on the full moon of the twelfth month in the Thai Lunar Calendar.  In 2017, the festival will be held during November 3 - 5.

For an incredible value ($2095 pp/double occupancy plus air - Single Supplement is only $560), you can enjoy a 10-day travel experience and exploration of Thailand, roundtrip Bangkok, simply by making a small deposit to hold your space.  This is a small-group so space is limited!
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Make plans to visit the spirited and lively Yi Peng festival of Chiang Mai to witness the timed release of thousands of beautifully coloured, candle lit Lanna-style lanterns into the sky and local river. Kicking off in Bangkok, we see the famed Emerald Buddha before visiting the River Kwai, Erawan Falls and Chiang Rai.
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YOUR ITINERARY

October 28, 2017

Depart from US to Bangkok

October 29, 2017

Welcome to Bangkok, the ever-alluring capital of Thailand. 

October 30, 2017

Bangkok City Tour.  This morning we visit the spiritual and religious heart of the city - the striking Grand Palace. Topped by golden stupas, the complex has been the site of royal coronations and is home to the legendary Emerald Buddha. We’ll also visit the House of the Reclining Buddha, the Original Thai Massage School and the 24hr Flower Market before boarding longtail boats to explore the city’s canals. Known as khlongs, the canals enable surface water to make its way to the sea and have long been a way of getting around Bangkok. On our journey we’ll glide by curious stilted houses and gleaming temples whilst old men fish and children folic about on the waters edge. 

Our boats drop us off within walking distance of Khao San Road, popular with backpackers and hippies. Late afternoon offers free time for you to enjoy the many bars, restaurants, street performers, market stalls and tailors - that will measure you up for a new suit, that line this vibrant road. 


October 31, 2017

River Kwai & Hell Fire Pass  (Bangkok - Kanchanaburi) 

It’s an early start today as we drive 2.5hrs west of the capital to the small town of Kanchanaburi. Here we pay our respects to the thousands of Allied POWs who perished in the area under the hand of the Imperial Japanese Army. After pausing at the Allied War Cemetery we continue to the infamous ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’, immortalised by the film of the same name. You have a chance to take pictures before you board a train for a 2 hour journey that crosses the bridge before following the tracks dug by the POWs and locals some 75 years earlier.  

Disembarking at Nam Tok we have a short drive to ‘Hellfire Pass’ where the POWs dug through a mountain often using only their bare hands. A fascinating museum at the entrance details the region’s history. 

After our day’s sightseeing a leisurely longtail boat ride leads us to our fabulous floating jungle raft hotel. To the beauty of a hundred softly glowing lanterns and the sounds of the tropical forest and cool water flowing by we enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening on the deck.


November 1, 2017

Erawan Waterfalls & Ayuthaya  (Kanchanaburi - Ayuthaya)

This morning we travel on to the beautiful Erawan National Park, to explore the rivers, waterfalls and trails on foot. The park boasts a stunning tiered waterfall and there’s time to swim in one of the many refreshing crystalline rock pools. After we travel on to Ayuthaya, the former capital and once one of the wealthiest cities in the world.

November 2, 2017

Temples of Ayuthaya   (Ayuthaya - Bangkok - Chiang Mai)


Ayuthaya was sacked by the Burmese, leading them to abandon the site and relocate the capital to Bangkok. All that remains are the stone and brick temples from the era. Today we explore Ayuthaya’s famous ruins, visiting the magnificent stupas at Wat Phri Sanphet, the giant Bronze Statue of Buddha and iconic Wat Mahatat where the head of a damaged Buddha statue has slowly been embraced and lifted by a nearby tree. This is one of Thailand’s most religiously significant places. 

Departing Ayuthaya we board a cruise ship on the mighty Chao Praya River, for a scenic cruise back to the Bangkok, enjoying lunch on board. On arrival there’s time to explore the nearby shops and bars before heading to Bangkok’s main train station to catch our overnight express sleeper train (2nd class A/C sleeper cabins) to Chiang Mai.


November 3, 2017

Yi Peng Festival!

This morning we arrive into the picturesque city of Chiang Mai, nestled in the foothills of northern Thailand. This afternoon we take a trishaw ride and explore the old city of Chiang Mai before driving up to the majestic Doi Suthep, standing like a sentinel overlooking Chiang Mai. The tranquillity of monks chanting as the sun slowly heads to the horizon is a highlight for many. In the evening we head into the night market to explore many of the street foods on offer and enjoy the festivities of Loi Krathong and Yi Peng. 

Yi Peng & Loi Krathong Festivals Celebrated throughout the Kingdom on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, the Loi Krathong festival is named after the floating lanterns, boats and ornaments that are set adrift onto rivers during the celebrations. For some, floating a Krathong, especially when lit, are meant to honour Buddha. For most Thais, it’s a way to thank the Hindu Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha, for her help in providing the most basic of all human necessities. The practice is also associated with creating good luck and ridding oneself of anger and negative thoughts. Some will cut their fingernails and hair and add them to the Krathong, to symbolise the letting go of the bad elements of one's self. 

In Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of the former Lanna Kingdom, Loi Krathong coincides with the Lanna (northern Thai) festival known as ‘Yi Peng’ where a multitude of Lanna-style sky lanterns adorned with good luck wishes and prayer are released into the sky. 

Tonight, as both Loi Krathong and Yi Peng are being celebrated at the same time, we will see lanterns floating on the waters, strings of pretty lights hanging from houses and temples, and hundreds of beautiful lanterns floating by in the sky. Setting out on foot with our guide, we'll aim to catch the lantern releases and join the other festivities which usually include fireworks, boat racing on the Ping River and parades through the streets.


November 4, 2017

Chiang Mai 


Today is free for you to enjoy at your leisure or enjoy more of the Yi Peng and Loi Krathong festivities. With our guide, we head to the market to stock up on all materials needed to make our own Krathongs, then learn how to make them ready to be sailed this evening. There will also be a host of other festival activities that we can enjoy during the day. Not to mention activities unrelated to the festival such as cookery courses and flying through the jungle canopy on zip lines!

November 5, 2017

Kok River  (Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai)

Our journey today takes us through stunning karst and jungle scenery. Stopping for lunch at Ta Thon we board private long tail boats for a cruise down the Kok River watching rural life pass us by. Farmers work the land where oranges grow whilst men fish along the banks and buffalo wallow in the shallow waters. From our arrival point continue to the unconventional Wat Rong Khun Buddhist temple (aka the White Temple) which depicts scenes from modern movies including the Matrix, Star Wars and Superman! Proceed to Chiang Rai where we wander the night market for last-minute souvenirs and tasty street food.

November 6, 2017

Local Hill Tribes    (Chiang Rai - Bangkok)


The city of Chiang Rai is a great base for visiting local hill tribes and this morning we visit a Karen village where we may encounter the famous Long Neck tribe, so known for the neck rings that the women wear to elongate their necks. Continuing to the border frontier town of Mae Sai, we may have the chance to cross briefly into Myanmar and enter the Burmese town of Tachilek (optional). At Chiang Saen we stand at a viewpoint that lets us see both Myanmar and Laos. We take time to visit the Opium Museum before returning to Chiang Mai to catch our flight back to Bangkok. 

On arrival in the city we transfer to our hotel arriving late in the evening - not really a problem in ‘the city that never sleeps’!


November 7, 2017

Bangkok -  USA


Today marks the end of your Thai adventure. After breakfast and hotel check out we will transfer you to the airport in time for your onward departure flight. Your most welcome to extend your stay in Bangkok. If choosing to book post tour accommodation with us a departure transfer to the airport will be offered at the completion of your post tour accommodation arrangements.

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To learn more about how you can pay a lifetime-guaranteed deposit for this trip, please contact Stacey at stacey@groupittravel.com or 919-578-9028, ext. 101.  

Share the knowledge

 
22 Comments
Karen Miller
5/1/2017 01:05:26 am

I am very intrested in this trip. I have never traveled alone outside of the U.S. can you tell me where it departs from. I live in florida. How many travelers are anticipated for this particular trup and are there usually other solo travelers??

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Sharna Law link
5/4/2017 08:07:44 pm

Hi, I'm thinking of going solo too! Did you sign up?

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karen miller
6/5/2017 08:14:11 pm

Im going to contact the agency tomorrow. i was waiting to see if my finances could allow this trip and it looks like it would. So im going to sign up if not too late.

Stacey Ray
5/4/2017 09:03:36 pm

Hi Karen!

If you have never travelled outside of the US alone, this is an excellent opportunity since you will be with other travelers, and yes, definitely other singles. Please contact me at stacey@groupittravel.com and I can provide you with a great deal of information about the trip and answer all of your questions. I look forward to hearing from you! Thanks, Stacey

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Karen Miller
6/5/2017 08:17:12 pm

Hi Stacey. Im deff still intrested. are there spots left?? Did some of the details for this trip change??

Heather Hutchison
5/1/2017 02:24:00 pm

What if we are flying from Guam?

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Stacey Ray
5/4/2017 09:01:08 pm

Hi Heather,

Since airfare is not included, we can certainly help you fly from Guam. Please feel free to email me at stacey@groupittravel.com and I can provide you with more information. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Sharna Law
5/4/2017 08:08:11 pm

Sounds awesome!

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Stacey Ray
5/4/2017 09:04:49 pm

Hi Sharna,

Please feel free to contact me at stacey@groupittravel.com if you would like more information. I look forward to hearing from you! Thanks, Stacey

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Raashini
5/29/2017 10:32:16 am

Reply
Karen Miller
6/5/2017 08:20:19 pm

Does groupit have access to deals on airfare or are we responsible for making our own arrangements for flight to and fro..

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Lauren
7/5/2017 03:20:30 pm

How many people are in the group overall?

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Stacey Ray
7/5/2017 04:40:50 pm

Hi Lauren,

The group will not be larger than 24 travelers. If you would like more information, please feel free to contact me at stacey@groupittravel.com. Thanks so much!

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Jasmine
7/20/2017 06:16:21 am

Hi, I am from Malaysia, may I know if there's tour price for Malaysian? where can I buy or is there individual price for the event itself only?

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RENA ROTTER
7/27/2017 05:24:10 pm

I am interested in the trip and want to know if there are any available spaces. Please let me know! thank you!!

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Rebecca Evans
7/29/2017 12:24:53 pm

Hi, Rena,
I am currently checking to see if we have space available. Stacey has forwarded me your information, and I'll let you know as soon as I hear something. If you have any questions in the meantime, you can email me at rebecca@groupittravel.com.
-Rebecca

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Star
8/4/2017 11:28:57 pm

Is Yi Peng done both the 3rd and 4th of November? The full moon is on the 4th so we are confused

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Rebecca
8/8/2017 12:14:23 pm

Hi, Star!
The Yi Peng festival is on day 6 of the tour, which is Friday, November 3rd. The tour remains in Chiang Mai the following day, Saturday, November 4th.

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Jenine
8/7/2017 02:55:51 pm

Hello, I was wondering if and when you will start booking for 2018? It's too late for me this year as I am traveling elsewhere, but my Husband and I would like to go next year. Thanks!

Reply
Rebecca
8/8/2017 12:16:04 pm

Hi, Jenine,
Bookings are already available for 2018! If you would like more information, you can contact me directly at rebecca@groupittravel.com.
Thank you,
Rebecca

Reply
Jenine
8/8/2017 12:21:57 pm

Thanks, I'll shoot you an email.

Very Nice link
10/31/2017 07:29:49 pm

Very Nice!

Reply



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  • WELCOME
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      • Honeymoon in Tahiti
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