The Sights and Sounds of the Yi Peng Lantern Festival

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You arrive at dusk down a back alley where the tuk tuk dropped you off; the air is thick and hot. “Walk to the lights,” the driver says while waving goodbye. You feel a rush of excitement, knowing that you’ve finally arrived at this annual festival that takes place right in the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand. 

The dark blue sky is streaked with lights from the city, creating a glow in the air around you. Crowds file down side roads and weave in between buildings ...