What Are the Best Festivals and Events to Experience in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai in Thailand is always a captivating place to visit as it offers a myriad of interesting attractions and experiences for travellers to discover. In this part of the country, you will have the opportunity to get to know about its distinctive culture as well as enjoy ancient temples, museums, artworks and natural features. However, there are also several engrossing festivals and other celebrations that would draw the interest of the discerning visitor such as those described below.

Songkran 

Undoubtedly, the much-loved Songkran Festival may be regarded as one of Thailand’s most joyous and celebratory occasions. This event marks the arrival of the Thai New Year (in April) and is celebrated in many parts of the country. Numerous Thais choose to get together with their families, visit and respect elders, make merit at temples and engage in enthusiastic water fights during this festival. In Chiang Rai, Songkran is celebrated with parades, cultural presentations, beauty contests and other festivities. Boat races involving teams from four nations – Thailand, China, Laos and Myanmar – are also conducted on the Mekong River. 

King Meng Rai Festival 

An important festival in Chiang Rai is the noteworthy King Meng Rai Festival which is celebrated across the city and commemorates the founding of Chiang Rai as well as the Lanna Kingdom. Many festivities are undertaken during this important event, with numerous eye-catching parades, various competitions and cultural features being conducted amidst the celebrations. In the course of this festival, an array of stalls offering delicious foods and locally made handicrafts are set up. Visitors to the locality will have the chance to join in the games and contests conducted as well. 

Lychee Fair 

A rather different kind of local celebration is the popular Lychee Fair. Chiang Rai happens to be renowned for its delicious lychees and there could hardly be a better opportunity for enjoying this exotic fruit than this fair. At this festivity, visitors will have the chance to buy lychees at very attractive prices. In addition to exhibitions and the sale of these fruits, this fair features other interesting aspects such as displays of local handicrafts and agricultural products, cultural performances and a beauty pageant. 

Loy Krathong 

Another noteworthy festival that is celebrated across Thailand is Loy Krathong. On this day, (usually in November) Thais make krathongs – tiny rafts crafted from banana leaves and adorned with candles, flowers and incense – and release them to the numerous waterways. If you visit Chiang Rai at this time of the year, you will have the chance to learn the art of making krathongs, enjoy cocktails and dinner by the riverside and view traditional cultural performances such as Lanna dances and khim music. An accommodation choice to consider where you could experience these activities in Chiang Rai is the appealingly located Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. 

Chiang Rai Flower Festival 

Your experience of festivals in this locality wouldn’t be complete without attending the Chiang Rai Flower Festival which is always an enjoyable event for the visitor. During this celebration, you will have the opportunity to gain a first-hand insight into the area’s distinctive traditions and culture. Naturally, the focal point of this event is the rare and beautiful flowers that could be found in this region. The Flower Festival is typically conducted elegantly, with various displays and lanterns adding to the splendour. 

Vesak Day 

Vesak Day is an important occasion for Buddhists the world over as it commemorates the birth, attainment of enlightenment and passing into Nirvana of the founder of Buddhism, Gautama Buddha. In Chiang Rai, as in other parts of Thailand – a predominantly Buddhist nation – Vesak is celebrated with joy and various observances. On this day, devotees provide alms to monks, offer flowers and make merit at temples; further, Buddha relics are venerated and monks chant hymns at the local shrines.