Festivals in Chiang Mai
"Sanook" (fun) is the operative word for any activity in Thailand and festivals are frequent and fun.
Thais love celebrating and getting involved in festivals and events, be they religious or contemporary. Some of these, like Songkran and Loi Kratong, have been part of local culture for centuries and while the former is a riot of fun splashing, the latter by contrast is an enchating festival of light.
There are national festivals that are celebrated annually in Chiang Mai as well as local festivals that are unique to Lanna culture. Indeed Chiang Mai is one of the best places in Thailand to participate in Songkran and the Northerners have put their own unique touch to Loi Kratong – which they call Li Peng, by letting hundreds of glowing lantern balloons into the night sky. Then there is the delightful Flower Festival every February and regular smaller festivals.
Here are the most popular events but we suggest you consult our monthly calender of events for up to date info on happenings in the city.
Songran Festival Chiang Mai 2010
Celebrated with a soaking every mid-April, this traditional festival started out with a ‘soft sprinkling of water’ in villages, co-inciding wth the beckoning of the rainy season. These days it’s a fully fledged fun water fight that emcompasses every populated part of Thailand, complete with plastic water canons, and a daylight party that goes on for a whole week in parts. Chiang Mai’s moat area is considered one of the best places in the country to join the fun, centred around streetside bars. Some prefer to hibernate from the traffic chaos, irresponsible kids, drunken drivers and endless din. Chiang Mai Songkran festival 2010: April 13th to 15th.
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Loi Kratong Festival Chiang Mai 2010
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 2010: November 19th to 21st.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2010
Held in early February this weekend festival closes off the entire southwestern corner of the moat, as Thailand's extraordinary variety of tropical plants, including near-perfect orchids, are displayed in a tapestry of colour. Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2010: February 5th to 7th.
Makkha Puja Day 2010
A religious festival 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. Makkha Puja Day Festival 2010: February 7th.
Chinese New Year in Chiang Mai 2010
Popularly celebrated in Thailand this involves ‘lion dances’ and fireworks following the best traditions of the Chinese descendents in Thailand. The Chinese City pillar near the Flower Market is a focal point of this celebration. Chinese New Year festival Chiang Mai: February 14th.
Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Festival
Organised early April each year across from the Tom Payom Market near Chiang Mai University. It promotes the unique heritage and customs of Lanna culture through demonstrations of Lanna-era activities, singing, dancing and musical performances. A small market sells traditional northern Thai food and beautiful handmade crafts. Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Festival 2010: April 9th – 13th.
Bor Sang Umbrella Festival Chiang Mai 2010
This charming event celebrates Chiang Mai’s famous parasol industry, based in the handicraft village of Bor Sang, east of the city in San Khampeng. Expect lots colour, parades, music and of course…pretty rice-paper umbrellas. Bor Sang Umbrella Festival Chiang Mai 2010: January 20th to 22nd.
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 a huge walking street arts and crafts market is held along Ratchadamnoen road, featuring buskers, foot massages, loads of traditional food and some delightful wares. It’s very popular with locals and tourists alike, and should not be missed. However, throughout the year there are plenty of excuses to hold festivals, and these usually take place in the square outside Thapae Gate and typically involve food, craft markets, singing and dancing, traditions and promotions such as the One Tambon One Product campaign.
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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