Lantern Festival, Lai Krathong - Pai (Video)

I have now visited a couple waterfalls and a therapeutic hot springs. Still trying to make the most of the days when I am not training. Almost feels like i need to use up all the distractions so i can get  them behind me and just know which are my favourite relaxation spots.

Also managed to take a trip to Chiang Mai and buy a Honda CRF 250L. Have totally fallen in love with this bike. Must resist the urge to be a boy racer.

We have just celebrated Lai Krathong (lantern festival). In buddhism it is a time to reflect on regrets and negative energy from the previous year, then take the time to process and let them go. This is done in two ways, firstly a floating candle wreath can be lit and released to be washed away by the river. The second is to light a candle within a lantern and release it to float into the sky. It was a really beautiful act and one that all of Pai turned out for. Filling the river and the sky with beautifully ornate lights that dotted the sky and the river.

The local temple and its grounds were turned into a large festival environment. Somewhere halfway between a music festival and a New Years celebration... but with a distance Thai flavour i.e. Muay Thai fights... Video below (sorry it's a little long):