Mae Jo Lantern Festival this Saturday, Nov 16

[PhotoJohn]

This is the annual free event for the mass release of lanterns at Mae Jo University.

The Chiang Mai Photography Group (CMPG) is once again attending the event in pre-arranged air conditioned vans.

This year, we still have just two seats left that are available for the first respondents.

We're leaving Chiang Mai at 4:15 pm and returning around 9:30 pm.

If you'd like to join us, it will be a chance to meet some of our members, and ride there and back in comfort without worrying about traffic or parking.

If interested, please PM me for all the details.

[eyecatcher]

Which part of the event is free?...the entrance fee, because I am reliably informed you have pay for their komloys.

In other words you can't take your 3 for 100bt with you.

Just an observation...should be spectacular regardless, hope to get along this time.

Sent via tin can and string after pigeon shot

[PhotoJohn]

Admission to the event is free, as opposed to next week's event which cost $100. I understand that event is already sold out.

I think you're right about the Khomloys though. However, you're not required to buy any. I just go to take photos.

[PhotoJohn]

All our seats are taken now.

For those looking for transportation though, there will be lots of buses going and coming from the event.

Hope everyone enjoys the weekend festivities.

[heybruce]

Admission to the event is free. You can not bring your own lantern/komloy, if you want to release a lantern you have to buy one there. I don't remember the price but it is reasonable. The lanterns are made with as much wood and as little wire as possible, which is a good idea.

The last two years they also imposed a dress code on women--no shorts, short skirts or bare shoulders. Of course there were stalls set up near the entrance selling cheap clothes at inflated prices, but it's easier to dress appropriately before you arrive.

Alcohol is not sold anywhere near there, with good reason. This a religious affair with chest high flames all over the place. It won't be a good place to be drunk.

[narkeddiver]

What is a good time to head out for this? I know it gets crazy busy out there - I see you guys are leaving at just after 16:00 is that a reasonable time or are you getting out there early to grab a good spot and set up you equipment?

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[FiftyTwo]

Was very surprised it's this Saturday, I was convinced it would happen last week.

I was wrong.

If you go on a scooter you can arrive at 7pm, the last kilometre is very slow.

Beer on sale at the market stalls outside the centre.

No Komloys or fireworks allowed in, you will be forced to leave any with the gate staff.

It's crowd hell.

[narkeddiver]

Thanks for the info - we'll be going by car so maybe 17:30 to 18:00 might be a better idea

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[Ricardo]

The signs have gone up, for the usual one-way approach/departure routes on local roads, and the locals are eagerly looking-forward to parking your motorbikes @ 20 baht per-time.

Hopefully there won't be a repeat of last year's amazing storm, just after the balloon(s) go up !

[luther]

often ride my bike along the route in black. have no interest in fighting the crowds and traffic. Am thinking if I took the same ride saturday night and stopped at point X, the view would be great. yeah or neah, too far away?

[MrBrad]

Is the activity on the campus itself or is it at the Buddhist property ( http://goo.gl/maps/MohVw ) behind the university to the east, on the opposite side of the canal? I've never been to this, though seen lots of beautiful photos. Riding the motorcycle or bicycle there could be a memorable evening...with regards to the khomloys, not the obscene traffic.

[anto]

No drink allowed ;-( ...No thanks .No girls with sexy clothes allowed ,W.T.F. SOUNDS LIKE A VERY DRAB AFFAIR .

[FiftyTwo]

Is the activity on the campus itself or is it at the Buddhist property ( http://goo.gl/maps/MohVw ) behind the university to the east, on the opposite side of the canal? I've never been to this, though seen lots of beautiful photos. Riding the motorcycle or bicycle there could be a memorable evening...with regards to the khomloys, not the obscene traffic.

Over the canal, in the Buddhist grounds.

[Ricardo]

And there is already a minor traffic-jam, at the bridge over the irrigation-canal, plenty of people (farang as well as Thai) seem to be arriving early !

[BlackArtemis]

So, I have a friend coming up tonight, but she won't arrive until after the release. Any recommendations on places to go to see lanterns over the city tonight around 8-9pm? Would river side or Good view have goo views from their tables?

Thanks.

[FiftyTwo]

It rained at 8pm last night in MaeJo, lets hope not again tonight.

But the sky is looking a bit dodgy already.

[DesertRose]

Can anybody tell me what time the lanterns are released? I've read 6.30pm but that seems very early. I plan to ride up to the area and watch from near-ish, not go in to the area itself, sounds far too busy.

Many thanks if anybody can tell me and save me hanging about for ages

[FiftyTwo]

Can anybody tell me what time the lanterns are released? I've read 6.30pm but that seems very early. I plan to ride up to the area and watch from near-ish, not go in to the area itself, sounds far too busy.

Many thanks if anybody can tell me and save me hanging about for ages

After 8pm, before 8:30pm (Thai time)

[MrBrad]

What wind there is today has been out of the north. So, head south of the site if you're not able to get inside. Map link below:

http://goo.gl/maps/MohVw

[DesertRose]

Thank you Fifty Two, very helpful.

[BlackArtemis]

Already beginning to rain...

Thanks for the Map MrBrad

[elektrified]

Light rain and I just took a look at the traffic situation on the Mae Jo Road...gonna be a pass this year for us - again. It was fun years ago. If people haven't left and are well on their way now (17:45), maybe consider giving it a pass or face the consequences of what may be a disappointment in terms of traffic from hell and possible heavy rain.

[FiftyTwo]

Still dry at MJ and overhead.

[FiftyTwo]

It was a really good event, 10s of thousands there.

From one stall holder on the klong approach to the gate, "heavy crowds started walking in at 3pm, and just kept coming until 9pm".

By my watch the main release happened at 7:56pm.

The fireworks after were much shorter than usual and slightly disappointing.

Usual crowd madness trying to escape after.