Chiang Saen Events and Festivals
January
 New Years Day: as in most countries around the world, Thailand celebrates the Western New Year with a night of partying and fireworks in the larger towns. Chiang Saen may not put on much of a show, but you can be sure the locals will be out along the river having a good time.
February
 Chinese New Year: Northern Thailand has a sizable Chinese community, and during their new year period the larger cities put on all kinds of processions, cultural shows and firework displays. Chiang Saen takes part in these events, although on a smaller scale than Chiang Rai.
March
 Makha Bucha: this important full moon Buddhist day marks the time when the Buddha gave his first sermon to 1,250 devotees nearly 2,500 years ago. The temples buzz with Thais making merit as they walk around the chedi three times, light candles and burn incense. A wonderful night-time scene can be witnessed at every temple in the country.
April
 Songkran: the Thai New Year celebration is based around water. Everyone comes out for three or four days to playfully dowse each other with water, visit family and friends and try to cool off during the hottest time of the year. This is Thailand’s main festival. Every town in the kingdom hosts special concerts, parades and other fun and friendly events to mark the new year.
May
Visakha Bucha: the temples and ruins of Chiang Saen and every other town in Thailand burst into illuminated life after dark for this important Buddhist festival. Celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha, devotees gather at temples for night-time processions and merit making. It’s a very beautiful and moving event.
Constitution Day: this major national holiday marks the day when Thailand made its first steps towards becoming a democratic nation. Everyone gets the day off work and civic events are planned in most towns. This is a good day to see the residents of Chiang Saen cutting loose.
July
Buddhist Lent: on the full moon towards the end of the month, this day marks the beginning of the monks’ retreat to their temples. For the next three months every monk in Thailand studies and meditates in isolation. It’s a very auspicious time for Buddhist ordinations, meaning every temple is abuzz with activity just before the start of Lent.
August
 Queen’s Birthday: the royal family is highly regarded in Thailand. The queen’s birthday is on August 12th, and the entire kingdom takes a day off work to honour her. This day is also the Thai equivalent of Mother’s Day and many people travel home to pay respect to their mother.
October
Chulalongkorn Day: one of Thailand’s most revered kings from the past is honoured on this national holiday each October 23rd. Special civic events are planned in most of the larger towns such as small parades, music concerts and private drinking parties. This is a good day to hang out along the Mekong River and enjoy a few drinks with the locals.
November
 Loy Kratong: this wonderful full moon festival is best experienced in northern Thailand, where it has its roots. Locals float tiny banana rafts filled with good luck charms on the rivers to wash away the sins of the past year and pray for a prosperous new year. Paper lanterns lit by candles are also released into the skies at night, creating a truly magical scene.
Lanna Culture Festival: on the first weekend of every November the neighbouring city of Chiang Rai holds its annual cultural festival dedicated to traditional Lanna food, crafts, song and dance. This wonderful event takes place at Sang Kong Noi, and is one the best chances to experience the roots of Lanna culture.
December
King’s Birthday: the revered king of Thailand, who is the world’s longest reigning monarch, has his birthday on December 5th. The entire nation comes out to show their support with respectful processions and friendly parties. The king addresses the nation and everyone takes a day off from work. This day is also the equivalent of Father’s Day, so most people go home to pay respect to their father.
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