Loy Krathong Parade, Chiang Mai

Loy Krathong 2551

In November, people in Northern Thailand celebrate Loy Krathong - a festival during the full moon in which people honor the river running through the city.

Explosions echo through the streets as people light colorful fireworks, firecrackers, and cherrybombs from the bridges.

Below, people float colorful krathong rafts with candles and incense down the Ping river.  This tradition is meant to wash away the bad of the past year and welcome good in the future.  

During this three-day festival, hundreds of rice paper lanterns - comb loy - are lit with bright flames and are released floating into the sky, soaring towards the full moon.  

Unit Asia

A high-energy fusion jazz group featuring musicians from Japan, Malaysia, and Bangkok performed an amazing set in Chiang Mai on Saturday, Nov. 8 for the last date of their monthlong Southeast Asia tour.  

Hiroyuki Noritake - drums, Japan - was the backbone of the group; he kept perfect time in a variety of feels, occasionally breaking into solos over solid patterns on the bassdrum and hi-hat.

The sax player from BKK, guitarist, bassist, and pianist all had impressive technicality and great chemistry as musicians.  

Doi Suthep

Mae Hong Son

It was the last day of the AUA term so I decided to travel to Pai, Mae Hong Son and spend some time with my friends from Stockholm, Sweden.

During the van ride up through the lush green winding mountains I listened to the atmospheric sounds of Amina (Iceland) and zoned out.  

I met up with Alexander and his friends at a Thai restaurant in Pai about 3 hours later...we  enjoyed some delicious gai pat met ma muang, tom yam gai, and bia Sing (for Alex: always bia Chang, mak mak)

The Swedes wanted to depart from Pai early to get started on the long treacherous motorcycle ride back to Chiang Mai before dark.  I said goodbye and wished them a safe journey.

I decided to rent a bicycle in Pai and went on a beautiful bike ride through the hills of Mae Hong Son.  I rode for about 16km, up to a quiet temple on the hill, and finally to "WWII Bridge".  The sky was a deep blue, filled with clouds...and fresh mist clung to the mountains.