Festivals in Chiang Mai
"Sanook" (fun) is the operative word for any activity in Thailand and festivals are frequent and fun. The most famous is the riotous Songkran water festival held in the heat of the dry season (April). While traditionally celebrating the new year and the gathering of the family to beckon the rainy season, today's Songkran is a thoroughly wet affair that goes on for days and brings the smaller towns to a standstill.
Chiang Mai is acknowledged as the best place in Thailand to enjoy this unique festival, as the city turns into a massive water fight, centred around the moat.Songkran 2008 Festival: 11-15 April
Traveller tale: Chiang Mai gets a soaking!
Songkran 2006 descends upon Chiang Mai in a frenzied mayhem of water and fun. Here's what to expect and where to catch all the activities...more
The more sedate Loi Kratong festival (November) is a lovely '"festival of light" where the sins of the past year are washed down the river by floating small '"kratongs" (banana leaf bouquets with lighted candles and incense) down the river, or by launching '"khoms" (glowing paper balloons) into the night sky. The sight of hundreds of these dotted about the sky and waterways adds magic to this charming and peaceful celebration. Loi Kratong Festival 2007: November 23rd to 25th.
The Flower Festival in February closes off the entire south-western corner of the moat, as Thailand's extraordinary variety of tropical species, including near-perfect orchids, are displayed in a tapestry of colour.
Makkha Puja Day is also held in February and is one of the most important Buddhist celebrations on the calendar. Make you way to Wat Chedi Luang to witness the hundreds of people walking around the grounds in a peaceful candlelit procession.
Chinese New Year takes place in in late January or early February and involves '"lion dances" and fireworks in the best traditions of the Chinese descendents in Thailand. The Chinese City pillar near the Flower Market is a locus of this celebration.
Khao Phansaa (July) is a low-key observation of the coming of the Buddhist lent, in which monks traditionally go into retreat during the rainy season. This is a good time to witness a Buddhist ordination.
The King's and Queen's birthdays (5th of December and 12th of August, respectively) are also mothers' and fathers' day in Thailand and the whole country demonstrates their respect by erecting beautifully decorated huge pictures and murals to their revered monarchy. If you have a chance to visit a Thai school, Wai Khru Day (June) is a super display of student-teacher appreciation and respect.
In Chiang Mai every Sunday there is a walking street crafts festival held along Ratchadamnoen rd, which includes buskers, foot massages, loads of traditional food and some delightful wares. However, throughout the year there are plenty of excuses to hold festivals, and these usually take place in the square outside Tapae Gate and involve plenty of food, craft markets, singing and dancing, traditions and promotions such as the One Tambon One Product campaigns.
Khantoke evenings
Arguably the best way to enjoy Northern Thai culture is to spend an evening at a Khantoke dinner. Increasingly popular with tourists, these events have evolved into a superb display of the best of Thai culture; including a sumptuous spread of Northern Thai food (served in traditional-style at floor level), classical Thai dancing from exquisitely dressed dancers, and traditional Northern and other Thai music played on unique Asian instruments. Several of these venues are now situated out in the suburbs and take place in beautifully constructed traditional pavilions. Your hotel or guesthouse can organise this activity for you. There is also a free cultural show every evening at the Night Market.
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