Events & Festivals in Chiang Mai

A quirky, family-friendly fair that ships an ice-sculpture wonderland to the tropics. Skate, sip hot cocoa and watch Thai pop stars perform under fairy lights—proof that things to do in Chiang Mai at night aren’t limited to night markets.

Hand-painted paper parasols, folk dance shows and a parade of giant umbrellas wind through Bo Sang village. Watch artisans hand-craft saa paper from mulberry bark—one of the most unique things to do in Chiang Mai alone or with kids.

Every Saturday the Wua Lai silver-working street becomes a kilometre of handicrafts, street food and buskers. One of the top things to do in Chiang Mai alone on a budget.

Chiang Mai’s botanical beauty pageant on wheels. Rose-festooned floats, marching bands and northern belles in traditional dress glide from Nawarat Bridge to Suan Buak Haad Park—one of the most photogenic things to do in Chiang Mai old town.

On the full-moon night, monks and thousands of devotees circle chedis with candles, incense and flowers in silent meditation. Visitors are welcome—one of the most spiritual things to do in Chiang Mai and totally free.

Post-parade flower displays linger for a month. Orchid competitions, bonsai demos and Instagram-ready sunflower fields—great for family things to do in Chiang Mai when chiang mai weather is cool.

A flat, cool-weather race that starts under Tha Pae Gate’s medieval arch at dawn. Run past rice paddies and temples while supporting local charities—marathoners call it ‘runner’s temple hopping’.

Thailand’s wettest New Year turns the Old City into a giant water fight. Foam parties, traditional sand-stupa building at temples and respectful water-pouring on elders—fun for backpackers and families alike.

A 700-year-old rite where residents wrap the city pillar with sacred thread to bless Chiang Mai. Free classical dance, candle processions and communal meals—one of the most non-touristy things to do in Chiang Mai.

Oval tables groan with monthong durian, rambutan and mangosteen. Eating contests and durian som-tam—definitely on the list of unique things to do in Chiang Mai.

Monthly pop-up of pesticide-free veggies, natural wines and DIY kombucha. Live folk music, zero-plastic workshops and vegan chiang mai food stalls—great for health-minded backpackers.

21 km of single-track through Doi Suthep National Park at dawn—misty jungle, hidden temples and panoramic old-town views. Registration includes finisher shirt designed by local hill-tribe artists.

Giant beeswax candles carved into dragons and temples are carried through the streets to mark Buddha’s first sermon. Temple fairs pop up overnight—cheap noodles, ferris wheels and shadow puppets.

Northern Thailand’s loudest LGBTQ+ celebration: drag shows, live indie bands and a neon parade down Chang Klan Road. After-party at chiang mai nightlife hub Zoe in Yellow.

Monk’s retreat season kicks off with a temple food fair featuring plant-based northern curries, jackfruit larb and coconut-milk ice cream. A perfect intro to chiang mai food for vegetarians.

Ten days of pop-up galleries, neon-lit laneway art and up-cycled fashion shows. Studios in the Creative District open late—ideal for unique souvenirs and non-touristy things to do in Chiang Mai.

Three nights of smooth sax echoing off the Ping River. Local legends and Bangkok session players jam at open-air stages—one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai at night under the stars.

Thousands of khom loy lanterns rise over the Old City like orange stars. Book early—this is peak season for chiang mai hotels and the ultimate romantic thing to do in Chiang Mai.

Colorful embroidered costumes, top-spinning contests and sticky-rice wine tastings in the hills. A short chiang mai day trip to Doi Pui village offers photo ops minus the crowds of December festivals.

Yellow-shirted crowds, candlelit portraits and free concerts honour the late King Rama IX. Government buildings glow in royal yellow—an easy add-on to December things to do in Chiang Mai at night.

The Night Bazaar morphs into a street-party bazaar with live DJs, beer towers and midnight fireworks over the Ping River. One of the loudest things to do in Chiang Mai at night.