We stumbled across decorations being put up around the square which commemorates the Three Kings, King Mengrai (centre) King Ratchkhamhaeng (left) of Sukhothai and King Ngammuang of Payao (right) . King Mengrai founded Chiang Mai in something like 1296, so he's been important for a long time. It's fascinating to try and imagine what being a king in that era really meant. Chiang Mai is now spread far beyond the original walled borders. The lanterns were being set up by young workmen on scaffolding. They were thrown the lanterns, grabbed them, strung them on wires and inserted the light bulbs before going to the next row. The dragon across the road was quite comical with his claws extended, all dressed up with fairy lights, but no-where to go. So far we've not seen the lights working. I think this might come early in November. The silk elephants are the closest I'm likely to come to the animals in the centre of town. The other figures were like Japanese dolls ( albeit not very delicate) and finally on each side of the square were huge ranks of lanterns. Update 7/11/11. The festivities are for Loi Krathong -at the full moon, on the 10th of November. Update after Loi Krathong: the silk figures represented countries: India, Thailand, Japan, France, China. The night of the 10th and 11th saw the Square absolutely crowded, with as many cameras as people (including ours).