Chiang Rai Events and Festivals
Chiang Rai hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, most of which are either Buddhist or historical in nature. Religious festivals offer fascinating insight into the local culture and a chance to see Thais celebrating with friends and family before heading to a temple to make merit. Generally, visitors are welcome—even encouraged—to join the celebration and take part in local customs.
January
 King Meng Rai Festival: the last week in January is set aside to honour Chiang Rai's founder, King Meng Rai. Parades and culturally-driven performances are held to celebrate the legacy of the 13th century Lanna King.
 Flower Festival: during the cool season, Chiang Rai is awash with blooming flowers. The colourful Flower Festival lasts through the first week of January, when local parks and gardens are at their best.
February
 Doi Tung Blossom Festival: held during the first half of the month of February, the best time to enjoy the beautiful landscaping surrounding Doi Tung Royal Villa, the Doi Tung Blossom Festival takes place in Mae Fah Luang district. There is also an exhibition put on by local tea producers at Doi Mae Salong during this festival.
March
Makha Bucha: March's early full moon (which sometimes falls in late February) marks an important Buddhist observance. Thais gather in candlelight processionals and head to the local temples to make merit.
April
 Songkran: Thailand's hot season water festival is celebrated from April 16th to 18th in regional capitals across the country. Songkran celebrations in Chiang Rai take place in Chiang Saen, along the Mekong River, where Thailand joins Myanmar (Burma), Laos and China in annual boat races.
May
 Lychee Fair: Chiang Rai's lychee season begins in May, and the city holds an agricultural fair to mark the occasion. While lychees headline the event, there is plenty of other fresh produce available.
 Visakha Bucha: held on May's full moon, this is Thailand's most important Buddhist holiday. On this day in history, the Buddha is believed to have been born, achieved enlightenment and died (on separate occasions). Candlelight vigils and religious ceremonies are held at temples throughout Chiang Rai.
July
Asanha Bucha: another of Thailand's important Buddhist observances, this event is held on the full moon in July. It honours the anniversary of the Lord Buddha's first sermon, which he delivered to his five disciples on this day. Locals visit Chiang Rai's temples to make merit and listen to special sermons.
Khao Phansa: July's full moon also marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent. Traditionally, monks sequester themselves to the temples for three months to avoid trampling the rice which is vulnerable during the rainy season. It's a time of intense meditation and reflection, and a popular occasion for young men to be initiated as novice monks.
August
HM the Queen's Birthday: the city of Chiang Rai is richly decorated to honour the birthday of Her Majesty, Queen Sirikit. The most lavish decorations and fanfare are found in Bangkok, though the provincial capital of Chiang Rai displays its share of colour as well.
October
Chulalongkorn Day: this day is set aside to commemorate the passing of Rama V (King Chulalongkorn), best remembered as the king who led Thailand into the modern age. Effigies and monuments dedicated to the king are decorated with flowers and banners.
November
 Loy Krathong: Thailand's ‘festival of lights,’ held on the full moon of November, is one of the most beautiful events of the year. Celebrants in Chiang Rai fashion krahtong rafts from banana leaves and fix lit candles and burning joss sticks to them before releasing them into the river. This ritual is said to send the participant's bad luck careening down the river, ushering in a year of new opportunity.
December
HM the King's Birthday: on December 5th, Thai citizens rally behind their beloved king. Chiang Rai is richly decorated with banners and coloured lights to honour His Majesty's birthday.
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