The dates worth planning around, plus places to explore between events.
From Yi Peng lanterns and Songkran water fights to smaller local gatherings, use the calendar as a starting point and check each organiser before you travel.
Seasonal notes draw on our Chiang Mai planner; mountain and local conditions vary.
Yi Peng scene; not a photograph of the 2026 venueTicketed commercial sky-lantern event on 24–25 November 2026. This is not Chiang Mai’s civic Yi Peng programme; tickets, venue rules and transport must be checked with the organiser.
74 days to go
Comfortable. Occasional rain.
Ticketed event outside the city. Choose a date and check the included return transport.
Public Lanna lantern and krathong tradition around the twelfth-lunar-month full moon. City venues and programme dates are announced each year; it is separate from paid private lantern releases.
Dates to be confirmed
Comfortable. Occasional rain.
City celebrations and paid lantern releases have different venues and arrangements.
Illustrative Northern Thailand sceneLantern devotion around Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, with procession, local crafts and food. Annual dates are local-calendar dependent and should be confirmed before travel.
Dates to be confirmed
Pleasant. Some rainy days.
Check the local programme before planning your visit.
Illustrative Northern Thailand sceneTai Yai novice-ordination tradition with princely dress and processions. Typically late March to early April; schedules differ between Mae Hong Son communities and Pai.
Dates to be confirmed
Hot. Usually dry. Hazardous smoke; check air quality.
Check the local programme before planning your visit.
Bo Sang village celebrates hand-painted umbrellas and Lanna crafts with demonstrations and workshops. It is normally a January event; the 2026 edition was 16–18 January.
Dates to be confirmed
Hot days, cool nights. Usually dry.
Check the local programme before planning your visit.
Illustrative Northern Thailand sceneLamphun’s annual merit-making tradition, highlighted by tall decorated offering trees. Usually held in September, with dates and processions varying by temple.
Dates to be confirmed
Cooling slightly. Frequent rain.
Check the local programme before planning your visit.
Illustrative Northern Thailand sceneLongboat races, local food and community events occur in Nan’s rainy-season river calendar. District programmes vary: verify the specific host, riverfront and race dates.
Dates to be confirmed
Warm and wet. Frequent rain.
Check the local programme before planning your visit.
Illustrative Northern Thailand sceneTai Yai end-of-Buddhist-Lent celebration with illuminated wooden-castle processions, food and cultural performances. It follows the lunar Awk Phansa date, usually in October.
Dates to be confirmed
Pleasant. Some rainy days.
Check the local programme before planning your visit.
City flower celebration with parade, displays, contests and an OTOP area. Usually held in February; the 2026 edition ran 13–15 February at Nong Buak Haad Park.
Dates to be confirmed
Warming up. Usually dry. Haze building; check air quality.
The parade and park displays are different parts of the programme.
Thai New Year water and cultural celebrations across Chiang Mai in April. The 2026 Wat Chedi Luang programme ran 11–13 April; future city events need a new announcement.
Dates to be confirmed
Hottest month. Occasional rain. Smoke can persist; check air quality.
Plan for water, heat and crowds; keep your phone and spare clothes dry.