The great thing about visiting Chiang Mai during the Loi Krathong Festival is that there are things going on all over the city at all hours of the day - activities are not just confined to the lantern release near the river.

Plenty of activity centers around Thapae Gate in the old city, considered by many folks to be the beating heart of Chiang Mai. Every night of the festival there were live bands playing, impromptu lantern releases, and dance performances by local Thai youngsters - most of whom wanted to have their photo taken by the many camera-toting tourists.

Loi Krathong injects Chiang Mai with an energy that keeps people on their feet for what seems like a week - a great reason to get out and explore.