Mae Jo Lantern Festival Chiang Mai

[bobbysamuels]

Hi could someone please confirm the mae jo lantern festival date for me. I am looking for the free one with the thai locals not the one that is aimed at the tourists. I have heard that it is on the 24th, my missus and i can only go for two days, so it would be greatly appreciated if someone can confirm or correct it for me.

[BigJohnnyBKK]

Supposed to be right on the full moon right? They usually try to keep it secret so the tourists only come to the one where they have to pay. Or maybe they're just totally disorganized. . .

[TommoPhysicist]

24th is correct.

[bobbysamuels]

24th is correct.

Thanks a lot

massive life saver

[bobbysamuels]

24th is correct.

Thanks a lot

massive life saver

Also just to check, i have been told that the local one is better than the paid one, can anyone tell me if that is true, or should i be going to the paid one?

[TommoPhysicist]

The local one is massive .... on 24th

Thousands of lanterns, but extremely crowded and a major accident waiting to happen.

Don't be tempted to buy lanterns or fireworks from the stalls outside, you won't be allowed in with them. Best to travel there on a m/c (about 15km outside CM), the road is one big traffic jam.

[BigJohnnyBKK]

Also just to check, i have been told that the local one is better than the paid one, can anyone tell me if that is true, or should i be going to the paid one?

Well we'd need to know your definition of "better" wouldn't we?

Which would you prefer - a buffet at a tourist hotel or taking a couple of dozen upcountry Thais out to eat BBQ?

For me the latter no question but YMMV. . .

[BigJohnnyBKK]

<p>

<br />

Thousands of lanterns, but extremely crowded and a major accident waiting to happen.<br />

<br />

<br />

Last year I happened to walk through it happening at Saphan Taksin, and dozens of them were hung up on the balconies of that '97-crash abandoned condo building across the street.<br />

<br />

Very pretty, but good thing concrete doesn't burn on its own. . .</p>

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