Festivals in Chiang Mai - Celebrations of the Creative City
Festivals in Chiang Mai
Here is the list of 7 Festivals in Chiang Mai - Celebrations of the Creative City
1. Songkran – Thai New Year and Water Festival
Celebrated throughout Thailand, the Songkran Festival finds its abode for participation, preferably in Chiang Mai. Water fights are common during the Songkran Festival, with passers-by bound to be drenched by water guns and even water containers. Songkran is an excellent time to visit Chiang Mai.
Date: 13th April to 15th April every year
2. Loi Krathong Festival - Thai Festival of Lights
The Thai festival of lights, Loi Krathong, is one of the most famous celebrations in Chiang Mai, witnessing multitudes. One spectacular sight during the Loi Krathong is the release of numerous lanterns resembling stars into the deep blue skies. With candles released into rivers, fireworks all around, and lights in the air, The Loi Krathong is definitely going to carve out a special place in your lifetime of memories!
Date: 15 November 2024
Venue: Sukhothai, Chai Mai and Bangkok
3. Flower Festival - Celebrating Chiang Mai's Blooming Flora
Widely cherished blooming flowers are celebrated at the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. The festival hosts extravagant parades, workshops, and exhibitions. Buak Had Public Park organizes an array of contests and displays during the Flower Festival. The Flower Festival is the best way to experience Thailand’s natural beauty.
Date: 2 February 2024
4. Poy Sang Long Festival - The Journey Into Monkhood
Poy Sang Long is a Thai festival and a ritual for young boys who wish to take up Monasticism. One of the biggest celebrations in several temples across Northern Thailand, Poy Sang Long is a ritual of dedication. Dedicated boys ought to be between seven and fourteen years old at the time of the custom. These boys indulge in Buddhist teachings, incorporating self-discipline, an essential part of monkhood.
Date: 20 March to April mid every year
Venue: Wat Pa Pao
5. Umbrella Festival - When The Town Turns Into Colour
One of Thailand's unpopular celebrations, the Umbrella Festival, hosts arrays of umbrellas and colours, embellishing the Bo Sang Village as a spectacular and picture-worthy one. The Umbrella Festival also houses parades, music, and the purchase of skillfully handcrafted fans, lanterns, and umbrellas.
Date: 22 May 2024
Venue: Bo Sang Village
6. Visakha Bucha Day - The Cornerstone of Buddhism
Visakha Bucha Day is a unique celebration of the birth, enlightenment, and death day of the Buddha. On this day, multitudes walk the Wat Phra Tha Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s highest and most famous temple. Visakha Bucha Day also includes exciting and interactive music and food gatherings.
Date: 22 May 2024
Venue: Wat Phra Tha Doi Suthep
7. Rocket Festival - Prayers for the Rains
The Rocket Festival is a feast dedicated to praying for the rains. Bamboo and gunpowder-based handmade rockets are released during the day. Competitions are also held during the festival, and prizes are awarded for the rocket that flies the highest. Betting, gambling, and liquor are common sights during the Rocket Festival.
Date: 10 May - 12 May 2024
Venue: Bun Bang Fai
These aforementioned festivals are the ones you should definitely consider indulging in during your trip to Bangkok, Thailand. Festivals are at the very core of Thailand, and all of them are celebrated with much enthusiasm and at a great scale. So, don’t miss out on them, when you have a real chance to take part in them!