Songkran Festival (April 13-15) marks the Thai New Year with water-splashing festivities. Moats fill with water, locals and tourists engage in friendly water fights, and parades feature temple processions. Hotels and guesthouses often close during peak celebration days.
For 2026, the Chiang Mai government tourism office lists the CNX Loy Krathong Sky Lantern Festival on November 24–25; check the year’s schedule before planning. The Ping River glows with thousands of lights. Temple ceremonies, fireworks, and celebrations last several days. Hotels book months ahead; reservation essential.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival (November) coincides with Loy Krathong. Thousands of illuminated paper lanterns float skyward at night. The aerial display creates breathtaking scenes against the dark sky. This festival has grown exponentially popular.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival (February) celebrates blooming flowers with parades, flower floats, beauty pageants, and contests. Floral decorations transform the city into a botanical garden.