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Chiangmai has enough festivals to keep even the most avid fun seekers happy. There is always something for everyone, whether its the quieter moonlight festival "Loy Krathong" in November or the hot-season water festival "Songkran" in April. Below are the listed annual festivals and holiday in Chiangmai, Lampang, Lamphun and Mae Hong Son Province, Northern Thailand.

JANUARY
Chiangmai Red Cross And Winter Fair
Date:	Late December - 12 January
Location:	Chiangmai Provincial City
Detail/ Activities:	The festival is held to exhibit products from the Chiangmai Government and private sector. Farmers and locals from miles around come to swap stories and goods.
Contact:	Chiangmai Provincial City
Tel:	(66 53) 221 457, 212 972
Borsang Umbrella Festival
Date:	17 - 19  January.
Location:	Chiangmai Provincial City
Detail/ Activities:	Borsang village displays traditional village life, elephants and parades. Visitors are welcome to participate in handicrafts competitions set up to promote Borsang village handicrafts.
Contact:	Ton Pao Sub-district Office
Tel:	(66 53) 221 457, 212 972
2 nd Lamphun Wine and Sausage
Date:	17 - 19  January.
Location:	At Cultural Center, T. Umong.
Detail/ Activities:
Contact:	Municipal Office, T. Umong.
Tel:	(66 53) 559 219, 982 517
Maejo Fair
Date:	23 26 January
Location:	Maejo University
Detail/ Activities:	It is a fair & contest of the most beautiful fish, fish aquariums, rare fish species and aquatic plants organize by the Department of Fisheries Technology, Fauculty Of Agricultural Production.
Contact:	Department of Fisheries Technology, Fauculty Of Agricultural Production
Tel:	(66 53)
Ban Tawai Wood Craving Fair
Date:	24 -27 January
Location:	Ban Tawai Village, Hang Dong, Chiangmai.
Detail/ Activities:	A Fair held at the Baan Tawai VIllage in Hang Dong. Features ceremonies, parade and exhibitions of this area's woodcarving expertise.
Contact:	Hang Dong Sub-District Office.
Tel:	(66 53) 441 976, 441 543
Lamphun's Cotton Fair
Date:	30 January - 3 February
Location:	Tourist Service Center, Lamphun
Detail/ Activities:	A Fair held at the Baan Tawai VIllage in Hang Dong. Features ceremonies, parade and exhibitions of this area's woodcarving expertise.
Contact:	Lamphun Province
Tel:	(66 53) 511 191
FEBRUARY
Chinese New Year
Date:	01 February
Location:	Chiangmai
Detail/ Activities:	It is a public holiday in Thailand. This festival is celebrated by the Chinese Communities in Thailand and all around the world
3rd Expomap
Date:	03 - 07 February
Location:	Lotus Pang Suan Kaew Hotel
Detail/ Activities:	These event is being organized by the International Council for Medicinal and Aromatic plants (ICMAP) in co-operation with the Chiangmai University
Contact:	International Council for Medicinal and Aromatic plants (ICMAP).
Tel:	(66 53) NA
Strawberry Fair
Date:	Early February
Location:	TSamueng District
Detail/ Activities:	Don't miss this fair of everyone's favorite berry in Sameong district, 48 kms from Chiangmai
Contact:	Sameung District Office
Tel:	(66 53) 487 115
Ceremonial Veneration at King Gawila's Statue
Date:	05  February
Location:
Detail/ Activities:	Ceremonies take place at the statue of King Gawila, the last Lanna King, at the Gawila Army Base.
Contact:
Tel:	(66 53)
Flower Carnival / Festival.
Date:	7 - 9 February
Location:	Buakhad City Park & Playground
Detail/ Activities:	Over 20 flower-covered floats parade through the city on Saturday morning. Beauty contests, flower exhibitions, cultural performances
Contact:	Chiangmai Provincial Administration Office
Tel:	(66 53) 221 047
Mae Chaem Unique Hand Made Theen Jok Cloth Festival
Date:	07 09 February
Location:	Mae Chaem District Office
Detail/ Activities:	Mae Jaem district is well worth a visit for this annual event. See the weaving techniques demostrated and prized fabrics on display. Buy unusual traditional Thai souvenirs at the very reasonable prices.
Contact:	Mae Chaem District
Tel:	(66 53) 485 052
Homage to Lampang's Founder
Date:	05  February
Location:	Lampang
Detail/ Activities:
Contact:	Lampang Municipal Office
Tel:	(66 54) 219 211-7 ext 297
Muang Sammork Fair
Date:	10 - 18  February
Location:	Mae Hong Son
Detail/ Activities:
Contact:	Mae Hong Son Tourism
Tel:	(66 53) 612 982-3
Lanna Wedding on Elephant's Back
Date:	14 February
Location:	Elephant Conservation Center, Lampang.
Detail/ Activities:	About 50 couples in their "Lanna Valentine's Wedding" to promote Lanna wedding dress styles and to introduce the Lanna style wedding ceremony.
Contact:	Elephant Conservation
Tel:	(66 53)  228 108
Elephant Satok Fair
Date:	15 - 17 February
Location:	Elephant Conservation Center, Lampang.
Detail/ Activities:	Kantoke Dinner with shows.
Contact:	Elephant Conservation
Tel:	(66 53)  228 108
Tea Testing Fair at Ban Rak Thai
Date:	Around  February
Location:	Mae Hong Son
Detail/ Activities:
Contact:	Mae Hong Son Tourism
Tel:	(66 53)  612 982-3
Makha Bucha
Date:	16 February
Location:	Temple Jedee
Detail/ Activities:	This religious holiday commemorates the occassion of the buddha's first sermon to 250 disciples. All are welcome to join the "Wien Thien" procession under the full moon. Worshippers carry lighted candles, joss sticks and small flower bouquets while walking three time around the temple Jedee. According to the lunar calender
Contact:
Tel:	(66 53)
MARCH
Lanna Giant Drums Festival
Date:	Early March
Location:	Pra Pud Tha Bath Tak Pha Temple, A. Pasang, Lamphun.
Detail/ Activities:	NA
Contact:	Lamphun Provincial Office
Tel:	(66 53) 511 191 ext. 115
Lanna Wedding Ceremony
Date:	8 March
Location:	Chiangmai Plaza Hotel.
Detail/ Activities:	NA
Contact:	Provincial Health Chiangmai Office
Tel:	(66 53)  225 185-7 ext 131.
Lampang's Food and Fish Fair
Date:	Early March
Location:	Kelang Nakorn Public Park, Lampang
Detail/ Activities:	NA
Contact:	Lampang Municiple Office.
Tel:	(66 53)  219 211-7 ext 297
Thai Elephant Day
Date:	13 March
Location:	Elephant Conservation Center, Lampang. Mae Sa Elephant Camp, Chiangmai.
Detail/ Activities:	A ceremony to bless the elephant.
Contact:	Elephant Conservation
Tel:	(66 53)  228 108
Poi Sang Long Pocession
Date:	25  March - 15 April
Location:	Mae Hong Son.
Detail/ Activities:	These is a grand Shan-style festivals to welcome new initiates into monkshood
Contact:	Mae Hong Son Tourism
Tel:	(66 53)  612 982-3
APRIL
Chiangmai Art & Cultural Festival
Date:	01 - 09 April
Location:	Chiangmai
Detail/ Activities:	NA
Contact:	TAT Northern Office
Tel:	(66 53)  248 604, 248 607
Commemoration - Arrival Of The Northern Railway & The First Horsedrawn Carriages.
Date:	101 - 10 APRIL
Location:	Lampang Railway Station, Lampang..
Detail/ Activities:	NA
Contact:	Lampang Municipal Office
Tel:	(66 54) 219 211-7 Ext 297
Songkran Festival & Saloong Luang (Silver Bowl Pocession)
Date:	10 - 14 APRIL
Location:	Kelang Nakorn Public Park, Lampang
Detail/ Activities:	Water throwing festival to celebrate the Thai's New Year.
Contact:	Lampang Municipal Office
Tel:	(66 54) 219 211-7 Ext 297
Songkran And Lanna Thai Festival
Date:	11 - 15 APRIL
Location:	Chiangmai
Detail/ Activities:	Water throwing festival to celebrate the Thai's New Year. Parades, beauty contests and cultural shows are schedule during these five day celebration. Be sure to wear quick drying clothing whilst visiting these to all these parades.
Contact:	TAT Office Northern Region
Tel:	(66 53)  248 604, 248607
Mae Hong Son Songkran Festival
Date:	13 - 15 APRIL
Location:	Nong Jong Kham Public Park, Fish Cave
Detail/ Activities:	Water throwing festival to celebrate the Thai's New Year.
Contact:	Mae Hong Son Tourism
Tel:	(66 53)   612 982-3
Lamphun Songkran Festival
Date:	13 - 15 APRIL
Location:	Around Ta Kham Bridge, LAMPHUN
Detail/ Activities:	Water throwing festival to celebrate the Thai's New Year.
Contact:	Lamphun Public Relation
Tel:	(66 53)  511 555
Wat Prathat Hariphunchai Holy Homage Paying Fair
Date:	End  APRIL
Location:	Elep Wat Prathat Hariphunchai, Lamphun
Detail/ Activities:	NA
Contact:	Lamphun Public Relation
Tel:	(66 53)  511 555
CHAKRI DYNASTY DAY
Date:	06 April
Location:
Detail/ Activities:	A Public Holiday in Thailand.
Contact:
Tel:	(66 53)
5th Annual Poy Sanglong Festival
Date:	April
Location:
Detail/ Activities:	A local version festival held by Chiangmai residents to preserve the Shan heritage for their children.
Contact:
Tel:	(66 53)
SUEBSAN Lanna or Thai Heritage Week
Date:	Early April
Location:	Chiangmai University
Detail/ Activities:	These is an event to honor HRH Princess Sirindhorn's birthday with cultural activities.
Contact:	Social Research Dept, Chiangmai University
Tel:	(66 53)
MAY
Labour Day
Date:	01 MAY
Detail/ Activities:	A public holiday in Thailand
Chiangmai City Merit Making
Date:	Late MAY
Location:	Chiangmai
Detail/ Activities:	NA
Contact:	Chiangmai Municipal
Tel:	(66 53)  252 577
Lampang Ancient City Pillar Ceremony
Date:	MAY
Location:	Lampang
Detail/ Activities:	NA
Contact:	Lampang Municipal Office
Tel:	(66 54) 219 211-7 Ext 297
Inthakin ( ancient city pillar) Celebration
Date:	Early May
Location:	Wat Chedi Kuang, Chiangmai
Detail/ Activities:	These ceremony is held to invoke blessings of peace, happiness and prosperity for the city and the resident of Chiangmai. Buddha image are parade around the city. It held 7 auspicious days and nights in the 7th lunar month.
Contact:	TAT Office Northern
Tel:	(66 53) 248 604, 248 607
Walking Up Doi Suthep Tradition
Date:	14 MAY
Location:	At The Foot Of Doi Suthep
Detail/ Activities:	Worshippers gather at night to light candles and walk the 7 kms pilgrimage to the temple at Doi Suthep.
Contact:	Wat Prathat Doi Suthep
Tel:	(66 53) 295 001
VISAKA BUCHA
Date:	15 MAY
Location:	At the foot of Doi Suthep
Detail/ Activities:	A Religious Holiday. On these full moon night, residents  gather and walk up the 7 kms to the temple at Doi Suthep in commemoration of the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.
Contact:
Tel:	(66 53)
MANGO FAIR
Date:	2nd Weekend of MAY
Location:	Sanzai, Chiangmai
Detail/ Activities:	This agricultural fair where activities like beauty contest, parade and cultural show is organized.
Contact:	Sanzai district.
Tel:	(66 53)
LYCHEE FESTIVAL
Date:	2nd - 3rd weekend of MAY
Location:	FANG
Detail/ Activities:	The lychee is one of the most delicious tropical fruit grown in the FANG district. Many event are held to celebrate the celebration.
Contact:	FANG DISTRICT.
Tel:	(66 53)
JUNE
THAMBOON MUANG
Date:	Late May to early June
Location:	Four gates and corners of the ancient city wall.
Detail/ Activities:	This merit making ceremony is held to preserve the ancient Lanna traditions, culture and heritage. Various activities are held here.
Contact:
Tel:	(66 53)
JULY
Mid Year Bank's Closing Day.
Date:	01 JULY
Detail/ Activities:	All Bank in Thailand are closed on these day.
Lamphun Longan (LUMYAI) Fair
Date:	JULY
Location:	Sport Stadium, Lamphun
Detail/ Activities:	A fruit fair that take place both in Chiangmai and Lamphun Province
Contact:	Lamphun Public Relation
Tel:	(66 53)  511 555
Asarnha Bucha Day
Date:	13 July
Location:	Temple in Thailand
Detail/ Activities:	A buddhist holy day to commemorates the buddha's sermon to his first 5 disciples, and marks the start of the 3 month buddhist lent called "KHAO PAHNSA". Monks do not leave their temple unneccessarily for fear of harming any living things when walking during the rain retreat.
Contact:
Tel:	(66 53)
KHAO PAHNSA
Date:	14 JULY
Location:	All temples
Detail/ Activities:	Monks do not leave their temple unneccessarily for fear of harming any living things when walking during the rain retreat.
Contact:	temple
Tel:	(66 53)
AUGUST
Maemao Mini-Half Marathon in the Queen's Honor
Date:	03 AUGUST
Location:	Maemor Withaya School, Lampang
Detail/ Activities:
Contact:	Maemor Running For Health
Tel:	(66 54) 252 600, 252 609
Fueng Fah Festival
Date:	12 AUGUST
Location:	Chiangmai
Detail/ Activities:
Contact:	TAT Office Northern
Tel:	(66 53)  248 604, 248 607
HER MAJESTY'S BIRTHDAY
Date:	12 th August.
Location:
Detail/ Activities:	Her Majesty's The Queen's birthday. It is celebrated annually nationwide where government and private building and streets throughout the kingdom will be brightly lit and decorated lavishly. "Mother's Day" is celebrated on the same day To honor Queen Sirikit, most revered among Thai citizens, the Tourism Authority of Thailand will host Thailand's National Mother Day on August 12, 2004 at Sanam Luang and along Rajdamneon Avenue. Within the event, take part in merit-making, exhibition about Queen Sirikit, spectaculars from the public and private sectors, candle lighting honoring HM Queen and light decoration along Rajdamneon Avenue.
Contact:	TAT Office Northern
Tel:	(66 53)  248 604, 248 607
Northern Flora & Decorative Plants Show
Date:	Early August
Location:	Suan Lanna Rama IX Park ( Rajamangala Park)
Detail/ Activities:	Show featuring orchids, flower arrangement and potted plant.
Contact:
Tel:	(66 53)
SEPTEMBER
Poi Lern Sip-ed (Ok Pan Sa) Festival
Date:	20 September - 10 October
Location:	Wat Prathat Doi Kong Mu, Mae Hong Son.
Detail/ Activities:	NA
Contact:	MAe Hong Son Tourism
Tel:	(66 53)  612 982-3
Salakapat Merit Making
Date:	End September - Early October
Location:	Temples, Chiangmai
Detail/ Activities:	NA
Contact:	Temples In Chiangmai
Tel:	(66 53) N/A
LANGSAT FAIR
Date:	2nd - 3rd Weekend  Of September
Location:	Uttaradit Province
Detail/ Activities:	Annual event to celebrated the havesting month of these fruit. Cultural and beauty contest will be held in these fair.
Contact:	Uttaradit Province
Tel:	(66 53)  NA
OCTOBER
TOD KATHIN
Date:	October
Location:	Temples
Detail/ Activities:	It is the name of the Buddhist holy day "AWK PHANSA" These celebration mark the end of both lent and rainy day season. Colorful noisy processions and donation of food and necessities to the monks are celebrated throughout these month.
Contact:	TAT Northern Region.
Tel:	(66 53)  248 604, 248 607
DHEVO-ROHANA OFFERING CEREMONY
Date:	OCTOBER
Location:	Temples
Detail/ Activities:	Celebrates the day Buddhist's spirit descended from heaven and returned to earth. It is held on the first day of the warning moon in the 11th Lunar month. Dried foods are presented to monks at the temple at the Chiangmai University Campus.
Contact:	TAT Northern Region
Tel:	(66 53)  248 604, 248 607
King Chulalongkorn Commemoration Day
Date:	23 OCTOBER
Detail/ Activities:	A commemoration of King Rama V who did a lot of important things for Thailand. His many accomplishments include the abolition of slavery, the construction of the railways, the establishment of the post and telegraph services and the creation of the ministerial system. A Public Holiday in Thailand.
NOVEMBER
Wild Maxican Sun Flower Blooming
Date:	01 November - 15 December
Location:	Doi Mae U-Kor, Khun Yuam, Mae Hong Son
Detail/ Activities:
Contact:	Mae Hong Son Tourism Co-ordinating Office Center.
Tel:	(66 53)  612 982
Chiangrai 15th Hilltribe Festival
Date:	16 November
Location:	Doi Hua Mae Come
Detail/ Activities:	NA
Contact:
Tel:	(66 53) 711 339
Yee Peng Lantern Festival
Date:	18  November
Location:	Changklan Road, Chiangmai
Detail/ Activities:
Contact:	TAT Office Northern
Tel:	(66 53)  248 604, 248 607
Yee-Peng Chiangmai (Loy Krathong) Festival
Date:	19 - 20 November
Location:	Chiangmai
Detail/ Activities:
Contact:	TAT Office Northern
Tel:	(66 53)  248 604, 248 607
Long Sapao Chao Wiang Lakorn ( Loy Krathong) Festival
Date:	19  - 20  November
Location:	Lampang
Detail/ Activities:	Apart from placing handmade floats decorated with flowers and candles on river, it is also a fair with hot lanterns and fireworks.
Contact:	Lampang Municipal Office
Tel:	(66 53)  219 211-7 Ext 297
Mae Hong Son Loy Krathong Festival
Date:	19 - 20  November
Location:	Mae Hong Son
Detail/ Activities:
Contact:	Mae Hong Son Tourism
Tel:	(66 53)  612 982-3
Lamphun Red Cross and Winter Fair
Date:	28 November - 08 December
Location:	Sport- Lamphun Stadium
Detail/ Activities:
Contact:	Lamphun Provincial
Tel:	(66 53)  511 555
DECEMBER
Chiangmai Food Festival
Date:	04 - 10  December
Location:	Airport Plaza, Chiangmai
Detail/ Activities:	Eating Event. Various of the Thai and Northern foods and cuisine are displayed for sale. Stage show and many other attractive event are organized.
Contact:	Chiangmai Restaurant Organization
Tel:	(66 53)  219 056
Chiangmai Food & Entertainment Festival
Date:	13  - 17  December
Location:	Choeng Doi Market, Chiangmai
Detail/ Activities:	These festival is held annually displaying the best of Thai cuisine. Other events and activities are also scheduled.
Contact:	Chiangmai Restaurant & Entertainment Organization
Tel:	(66 53)  891 118-9
Northern Souvenir Fair
Date:	2 -11  December
Location:	Northern Industrial, Chiangmai
Detail/ Activities:	Sale and exhibition of nationwide handicrafts
Contact:	Northern Industrial Region 1
Tel:	(66 53)  245 361-2
Ceramic Fair
Date:	2 - 10  December
Location:	Big C Parking Lot, Lampang
Detail/ Activities:
Contact:	Lampang Ceramics
Tel:	(66 54) 226 300, 221 189
Amazing Karen
Date:	December
Location:	Li, Lamphun
Detail/ Activities:
Contact:	Lamphun Public Relation
Tel:	(66 53)  511 555
Chiangmai Mardi Gras
Date:	11 - 14 December
Location:	Changklan Road, Chiangmai
Detail/ Activities:	All sort of local products are display at the night bazaar for sale.
Contact:	TAT Office Northern
Tel:	(66 53)  248604, 248607
Lampang Red Cross and Winter Fair Date: End  December 2003 - Early January 2004 Location: Lampang Sport Stadium Detail/ Activities: Contact: Lampang Tourism Tel: (66 54) 224 845
Chiangmai Red Cross And Winter Fair
Date:	End  December 2003 - Early January 2004
Location:	Chiangmai
Detail/ Activities:	The festival is held to exhibit products from the Chiangmai Government and private sector. It is held at the field behind the Chiangmai Provincial Hall
Contact:	Chiangmai Provincial City
Tel:	(66 53) 221 457, 212 972
THE KING'S BIRTHDAY
Date:	5 th December
Location:
Detail/ Activities:	His Majesty's King Bhumibol birthday. It is celebrated annually nationwide where government and private building and streets throughout the kingdom will be brightly lit and decorated lavishly. "Father's Day" is celebrated on the same day
Contact:
Tel:	(66 53)
BUA THONG BLOSSOM FESTIVAL :
Date:
Location:
Detail/ Activities:	Golden Bua Thong Flower which is the symbol of Mae Hong Son Province. Each year, huge crowds gather and flock to the Doi Mae U-Kho and the hillsides of Khun Yuam and Mae Sariang districts to see the blossoming of these flowers.
Contact:
Tel:	(66 53)
Nimanhemin Street Fair
Date:	1st Week of December
Location:	Nimanhemin Street
Detail/ Activities:	A showcase displaying excellent designs in home decor, arts as well as fashions made from handwooven cottons and silks.
Contact:	Gongdee Gallery
Tel:	(66 53)  225032
CONSTITUTION DAY
Date:	10 DECEMBER
Detail/ Activities:	A public holiday in Thailand
DOI KHAM ROYAL PROJECT ANNUAL FAIR
Date:	27 - 29 DECEMBER
Location:	CMU Art Museum.
Detail/ Activities:	It is a fair organize by the Royal Project Foundation annually. The Royal Project Tourism, Doi Kham product show, hill tribe cultures and hill tribes food and souvenir shops are among the items schedule. Venue changes annually.
Contact:	CMU Art Museum
Tel:	(66 53)  NA
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S EVE
Date:	25 December & 1 January 2004
Detail/ Activities:	A Public Holiday on the 1st January 2004 in Thailand.

The above schedule are subject to changes without prior notice
Kindly contact the various tourism and city council or agencies for the latest information

Link to Monthly Festival / Holidays / Event

January   February   March   April   May   June  
July   August   September   October   November   December

HOLIDAYS IN 2005

1st January (New Year) G + B
9th February (Chinese New Year) *
2nd March (Makha Bucha Day) G + B
6th April (Chakri Memorial Day) G + B
13th-16th April (Songkran) G + B
1st May (Labour Day) B
2nd May (Substitution for Labour Day) B
5th May  (Coronation Day) G + B
11 May (Royal Ploughing Ceremony) G
22nd May (Wisakha Bucha Day)
23rd May (Substitution for Wisakha Bucha Day)
21st July (Asarnha Day) G
22nd July (Khao Pansa) G + B
12th August (Queen's Birthday) G + B
14th October (Democracy Day) *
23rd October (Chulalongkorn Day) G + B
24th October (Substitution day for Chulalongkorn Day) G + B
16th November (Loy Krathong) *
5th December (King's Birthday) G + B
10th December (Constitution Day)
12th December (Substitution day for Constitution Day) G + B
25th December (Christmas Day) *
31st December (New Year's eve) G + B

(* = no holiday   G = government   B = bank)

School holidays:

Summer holiday - March and April
Winter Holiday - October

There are two semesters
(1) May to October
(2) November to March
 

PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN CHIANGMAI, THAILAND

MONTH	DATE	EVENTS	NOTE
January	1	New Years Day
February	9	Chinese New Year's Day
	16	Makha Bucha Day
	17	Substitution Makha Bucha Day
April	6	Chakri Day
	7	Substitution Chakri Day
	13-15	Songkran Day
	16	Substitution Songkran Day
May	1	Mational Labour Day
	5	Coronation Day
	15	Visakha Bucha Day
July	1	Mid Year Bank's Closing Day
	13	Asarnha Bucha Day
	14	Buddhist Lent Day
	15	Substitution Asarnha Bucha Day
August	12	H.M The Queen's Birthday
October	10	The End Of the Lend Day
	23	Chulalongkorn Day
November	8	Loy Krathong Day
December	5	H.M The King's Birthday
	10	Constitution Day
	25	Christmas Day
	31	New Year's Eve