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Paper lanterns rising over a Chiang Mai temple during Yi Peng

Events

Chiang Mai Events & Festivals

Yi Peng, Loy Krathong, Songkran and the rest of the year — what happens when, and how to be in the right place for it.

Chiang Mai has a strong annual rhythm, and knowing it changes how you plan almost everything — when to visit, when to book months ahead, and when you can walk into anywhere you like.

Our festivals and events calendar hub covers the two festivals that define the year: the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong lantern festivals in November, and Songkran in April, which Chiang Mai does more intensely than anywhere else in Thailand. It also sets out the seasonal cycle — cool, hot, green and smoke seasons — so you can pick your window with your eyes open.

Dated coverage of specific events lives in our News & Updates feed rather than here, so this section stays useful year after year. If you want event dates as they're confirmed, our Chiang Mai newsletter is the easiest way to get them.

A krathong float held at the edge of the Ping River at night

In this section

Events: the categories

Each of these is a hub page collecting our guides, background and recommendations on that topic.

Guides

Start with these

Festival guides and the seasonal framing that tells you when to come.

All guides

How often

Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai: Seasons, Weather & Burning Season

Best time to visit Chiang Mai: compare cool, hot and rainy seasons, month-by-month weather, burning season smoke, festivals, crowds, prices and packing tips.

29 min read

What to expect

Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2027: Dates, Parade Route & Guide

Chiang Mai Flower Festival is one of the city’s most colourful annual events, combining a flower parade through central Chiang Mai with floral displays, garden exhibits, plant stalls and cultural activities centred on Nong Buak Haad Public Park. The 2027 festival is expected to return in February, but the official dates, parade route and programme have not yet been announced. This guide covers the latest date information, where the festival is held, what to expect from the parade, the best places to watch, and practical tips for planning your visit.

12 min read

What to expect

Chiang Mai Lantern Festival: Yi Peng Guide

Plan for the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival with practical guidance on Yi Peng, festival dates, sky lantern releases, free vs ticketed events, locations, tickets, transport and visitor etiquette.

12 min read

What to expect

Loy Krathong Chiang Mai: Yi Peng, Dates and Planning

Plan Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai with clear advice on Yi Peng, dates, riverside celebrations, crowds, transport, safety and respectful participation.

12 min read

What to expect

Songkran Chiang Mai: Dates & Schedule

Songkran Chiang Mai dates and schedule, plus the main water-fight zones around the moat, traditional celebrations, safety and what to expect.

6 min read

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Evening view across Chiang Mai rooftops toward Doi Suthep

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Occasional emails with useful Chiang Mai updates, new openings and guides worth knowing about.