Other things to do

Temples: Chiang Mai has 33 historic Buddhist temples located inside the old city quadrangle. The side-by-side Wat Chedi Luang, home to the tallest stupa (conical shaped Buddhist monument) in Chiang Mai, and Wat Phan Tao, assembled from exquisitely carved wooden panels taken from a Thai palace, never fail to inspire. Two very important and beautiful temples are located just outside town and should not be missed – Doi Sutep and Doi Saket.

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing): Don’t miss one of Thai’s most important national sports – Muay Thai. Muay Thai is Thailand’s version of kick-boxing. You will find two venues for Muay Thai in the city center and you will know when the fights are because you won’t be able to avoid the many young men (many who are Muay Thai fighters) handing out flyers on the street and in the bars.

Festivals and celebrations Thailand likes to celebrate and there are many large festivals throughout the year. The lunar schedule is an important consideration for Thais and Buddhism. May festivals and Buddhism observances are during the lunar full moon phase.

February - Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Beauty contests, handicraft sales, flower displays and a parade of sumptuously decorated floats take to the streets as Chiang Mai residents celebrate flower power.


April - Songkran Festival
The traditional Thai New Year usually falls around the 13-17th. Local people to pay homage to Buddha images, clean their homes, and sprinkle water on their elders in a show of respect. This has developed in recent years into open water warfare, with everything from hoses to ten gallon tubs used to guarantee a thorough soaking of the target. This is particularly popular in the tourist areas of Khao San Road, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. The latter also holds colourful parades and religious ceremonies.

May - Visakha Bucha
Marked by night-time processions of worshippers around almost every temple in the kingdom, this festival celebrates the birth, enlightenment and passing of Lord Buddha. Join thousands of people and walk the 12 km from Chiang Mai to Wat Doi Suthep.

August - Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen
Also marking Mother's Day in Thailand, the 12th of August see the towns and villages of the country festively decorated with lights and portraits of the Queen.

November - Loy Krathong
River spirits are placated for another year with gifts of Kra thongs floated on rivers, canals and lakes on the night of the full moon. Made of banana leaves, and decorated with incense and candles, thousands of these beautiful boats light up the night. The most beautiful sights are at the Bang Sai Arts & Crafts Centre near Ayutthaya, and in the ruins of Sukhothai, the first Thai capital, where the festival is supposed to have originated. Chiang Mai is also well known for the tradition of floating Kom Lois or hot air lanterns into the sky.

December - Birthday of His Majesty the King
Flags, lights and portraits of His Majesty the King adorn the streets and building of every town and village on the 5th and the occasion is marked by a huge party and spectacular fireworks display near Tha Pae gate.