Chiang Mai Events

See our article on Thailand Events for a list of national holidays and festivals. Here are some events that are specific to Chiang Mai and the north:

Early February - Flower Festival: There's a parade with floats, an orchid show and of course a beauty contest for a flower queen.
April 13 to 15 - Songkran: This nationwide holiday is celebrated with much exuberance in Chiang Mai. You're almost guaranteed to get wet if you go anywhere near the town's moat.
November (full moon night) - Loi Kratong: This Thai holiday is similar to St. Valentines Day. Around the country, decorated banana leaf boats are floated on waterways with candles lit. In the north, you'll also see brightly colored bags turned into hot air balloons launched into the night sky.