More than 10,000 vibrant lanterns were lit up for the traditional Yee Peng Celebration in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand.

The Thai-style lanterns, made with coloured bamboo paper, decorated old temples and the famous red-bricked Tha Phae gate for the Buddhist full moon Festival.

The celebration coincided with Loy Krathong where locals gather around rivers and canals to release lotus-shaped rafts with candles.

The colourful lights and boats mesmerised tourists from November 3 and the festivity is expected to last until November 9.

Mayor Asanee Buranupakorn said: ‘The theme of this year's festival is 'Happiness of River Ping' which represents the traditional Chiang Mai people's lifestyle that is dependent on the river.'

The celebration extends across five major city gates in the centre of Chiang Mai to the Ping river where a fireworks display will take place.

The mayor added: ‘There will be a sky lantern releasing ritual, a krathong creation competition, pageant parades, music and light acts.'

Yee Peng is a religious celebration in northern Thailand of Brahmin origin. Yee means ‘two' while Peng translates to ‘full moon day.' It was traditionally celebrated to mark the end of monsoon season.