Time flies, and Songkran is fast approaching! The Buddhist New Year—also known as the Water Festival—is celebrated throughout Thailand around April 13th. While I've already written a more general article about where to celebrate Songkran in Thailand, this time I want to focus on one place in particular: Chiang Mai.
Why? Because if there's one place to experience Songkran to the fullest, it's here.
It was in the north of the country that the tradition took root, and Chiang Mai remains today one of the best places to enjoy it: a lively atmosphere, blocked streets, music, smiles, and above all... the biggest water fight in the world, lasting several days!
Some criticize the somewhat "festive-commercial" aspect of the festival, far removed from its original meaning. Perhaps. But honestly, it's hard not to get carried away. It's joyful, intense, a little crazy... and it feels so good.
Come take part in the biggest water fight on the planet!
Why go to Chiang Mai?
Probably because it's something I've always wanted to do, and why? Well, firstly, because I enjoy the water festival; I love the friendly atmosphere that reigns during these festive days when everyone participates in this giant celebration . Secondly, because this festival falls perfectly on my birthday!
These two reasons make me prefer a place where the festival is particularly celebrated , and Chiang Mai has a solid reputation for that! In addition, I would add that Chiang Mai is a city highly appreciated for its culture, the north being known as Lanna, named after the ancient kingdom that once dominated the region.
There's so much to do and see in the region that the flight will more than pay for itself if you go up there during Songkran. Be sure to plan ahead, as transportation is booked in advance and quickly becomes very popular with locals returning to their home provinces to celebrate Songkran with their families.
Once in Chiang Mai, temples, jungle walks , waterfalls (especially those in Doi Inthanon National Park ), villages, and traditional dances are just some of the activities to enjoy outside of the festival (which, incidentally, is more lively in the afternoon). And don't forget the food! Try local specialties like khao soi (a type of yellow curry), visit a Khantoke restaurant, or even take a cooking class yourself—Chiang Mai is a food lover's paradise.
I could talk and write tons about it, but you get the idea, traveling to the region is worthwhile in itself, Songkran or not.
Songkran XXL in Chiang Mai:
What makes this major northern city famous is the length of the festival, which tends to last a good week. Songkran is particularly popular in northern Thailand, and Chiang Mai is no exception. Then there's the sheer number of places to celebrate. Whether you choose to relax by a pool, along the canal surrounding the old city, take a moment of quiet reflection in one of the many temples, or simply head back out into the streets, you'll find plenty of water available.
The main part of the festivities takes place around Tha Pae Gate Square (see program below), but the "watering" area is located all around the central square formed by the old town and its ancient wall. You'll encounter the "traditional" convoy of pickup trucks, loaded with their occupants, often sporting the traditional floral shirt, the Songkran uniform.
Everyone is soaked (and drunk…), you can let loose and join the “battle”. You will find a whole line of vendors selling water pistols, waterproof pouches for phones (it’s better to plan ahead though) but also something to drink and something to snack on.
On that last point, I must offer an obvious warning: avoid food stalls in the immediate vicinity of the action areas. Just imagine the hygiene conditions that day, with water splashes (not just from the tap) and talcum powder on top of everything else…
Be prepared, "arm" yourself, take a water pistol or even a hose and thoroughly spray everything that moves (well, within reason! If the atmosphere is joyful, be careful, because some people do not appreciate it, normally, they will avoid the areas concerned but if no choice, when the request is explicit, respect their choice not to spray them.
The motto of these days is to have fun, have fun and have fun (and drink a little too)!
As everywhere in Thailand, Songkran is primarily observed during April 13, 14 and 15 , with April 13 being the day most widely celebrated across the country.
Chiang Mai Songkran Festivities Schedule
Based on previous years, here is generally the program of festivities in Chiang Mai during Songkran (understand that this is not an "official" program, because the latter, in terms of schedules in particular, can vary from one year to another, but it gives a general idea):
April 13:
Busy day with lots of activities around Tha Pae Gate (east of the old town square):
- 6:00 a.m.: like every day in fact, time for the good deed of the day by giving offerings to the monks in front of Tha Pae Gate.
- 8:00 am: Official festival opening ceremony at Tha Pae Gate.
- 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Ceremony around the image of Sihing Buddha parading towards the Wat Phra Sing temple.
- From 7:00 am to noon: Various competitions and shows are performed near Tha Pae Gate, all of which are of course done with a strong emphasis on presenting Lanna culture. You can also see parades (entitled Mae Ying Kee Rod Theep Kaeng Jong) as well as young ladies parading with umbrellas (beauty contests) between the offices of the tourist office (TAT: Tourism Authority of Thailand) and Tha Pae Gate.
- 13:00 pm: Procession of Buddha images and chariot with Miss Songkran from the train station to Wat Phra Sing.
- 19:00 pm – midnight: Miss and Mister Songkran Pageant, Lanna art competition, at Tha Pae Gate.
April 14:
“Quieter” day:
- 15:00pm – 17:00pm: Buddhist procession from Iron Bridge to Tha Pae Gate, carrying sacred relics and sand (yes, yes).
April 15:
Last “official” day (and my birthday!):
- 13:30 p.m. – 18:00 p.m.: Chiang Mai Governor’s blessings with participants from the 3 Kings Monument to the Governor’s Residence located near Nawarat Bridge.
Obviously, this is a program that could vary from year to year, so check the information and schedules on site, especially with your hotel, which should be able to provide you with information.
Note also that during the Thai New Year period, hotels are generally full because Thais travel a lot during this major holiday period for them, so it is best to book in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.
→ To find out where to sleep, I invite you to read the article on where to stay in Chiang Mai , knowing that here, as you will have understood, most of the events take place around the Tha Pae gate and square, next to the central square of the old city.
