Chiang Mai Events

On the evening of the full moon, fireworks light up the banks of the River Ping, while candles are floated downstream and paper hot-air balloons fill the sky.

The largest New Year celebration in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai's New Year Countdown revolves around good food with a large food festival with culinary representatives from all over the world. The streets are lined with numerous food vendors leaving revellers with no chance of having to party on an empty stomach. Visitors can enjoy a range of musical performances before the climactic fireworks show on the stroke of midnight.

A three-day carnival celebrating the vibrant blooms cultivated in the hills around Chiang Mai, centred on a grand parade of flower-adorned floats.

Over a period of nine days, visitors are invited to get better acquainted with the region's burgeoning arts scene through a packed programme of events and entertainments. The activities range from traditional music and dance performances to more contemporary art installations and exhibitions. Other attractions and events include food exhibitions, children's puppet shows, handicraft exhibitions and workshops. The event was first held in 1996 to celebrate Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's birthday which coincides with the Thai Cultural Heritage Preservation Day. The event has grown in popularity every year since to become one of the region's leading arts and culture events.

Young Shan men are paraded through Chiang Mai dressed in flamboyant robes, before being ordained as Buddhist monks.