Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2024: Everything You Need to Know

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If you’re going to be in Thailand during the Chiang Mai Flower Festival (Thai: มหกรรม ไม้ ดอกไม้ ประดับ จังหวัด เชียงใหม่), you’re in for a bloomin’ good time (see what I did there?)!

The Flower Festival in Chiang Mai is a 3-day celebration of all things floral and takes place every February – the next one is Friday, February 2, 2024 – Sunday, February 4, 2024.

As someone who lived in Chiang Mai for several months, I was fortunate to immerse myself in Chiang Mai’s culture – and nobody puts on a festival quite like Chiang Mai! The Flower Festival in Chiang Mai is a floral extravaganza that paints the city in a riot of colors and intoxicating fragrances.

It reminds me of the Pasadena Rose Parade I grew up watching every New Year’s Day in Southern California.

And while I wouldn’t plan my trip to Thailand around the Flower Festival, there’s nothing like a fun cultural festival to add some extra fun to your Thailand itinerary if you are going to be in town the first weekend in February.

But, you should know that a big part of the Old City comes to a standstill during the big event, and that will impact your trip. We’ll talk more about that.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Chiang Mai during the festival, you’re in for a treat. I’m thrilled to share my insights, tips, and experiences to help you make the most out of your visit to this memorable event!

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Essential Information: Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2024

When is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival?

Friday, February 2, 2024 – Sunday, February 4, 2024

The annual 3-day Flower Festival takes place the first weekend in February.

What is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival?

The Flower Festival in Thailand is a 3-day celebration in the northern city of Chiang Mai, showcasing a vibrant display of all things floral.

Orchids and flowers of all different colors adorn the floats. Thai women dressed in traditional clothing, their hair adorned with fresh flowers, perform the traditional synchronized dances.

This annual event, held on the first weekend of February for over 40 years, features a lively parade of flower-covered floats and loud marching bands, a captivating beauty pageant to crown the Flower Queen of Chiang Mai, live music, and enchanting traditional performances.

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Thailand Flower Festival Location

Events take place in different parts of Chiang Mai, including near Ton Lamyai Flower Market and Warorot Market in Chinatown, near Thapae Gate, Three Kings Monument, and Nong Buak Haad Public Park (at the southwest corner of the Old City).

Parade: The Flower Festival Parade starts near the Nawarat Bridge, heads to Thapae Road and Thapae Gate, along the moat, and ends at Buak Haad Public Park. The parade floats, somewhat worse for wear after the parade, will remain on display through Sunday at Nong Buak Haad Public Park so that you can get a closer look.

Miss Chiang Mai Contest: The Flower Queen will be crowned in Nong Buak Haad Park after the afternoon beauty pageant. This park has a nice playground if your kids aren’t as invested in the contest as you are.

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Main Events:

The actual schedule will be released closer to February, but the Festival typically goes something like this.

Friday –

7AM – opening ceremony

Saturday –

This is the busiest day of the Festival (and one of the only times the Old City will seem quiet, since everyone is at the events)!

8AM – Parade (people arrive up to 2 hours early to get seats in the risers)

Afternoon – Miss Chiang Mai Beauty Pageant

Evening – Performances at Three Kings Monument, Thaepae Gate, and Nong Buak Haad Park

Sunday –

Floats on display all day – great for pictures!

Evening – More performances at Three Kings Monument, Thaepae Gate, and Nong Buak Haad Park

Cost:

The Chiang Mai Flower Festival is free to attend!

Just bring some spending money for delicious street food and drinks.

👉 Pro Tip: Taking the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is a classic Thailand experience! I use this site to look up train and bus routes in Southeast Asia. Try to book at least a few days in advance because the trains do sell out, especially the lower beds. I recommend first or second-class sleeper cars that have air conditioning.

Getting There:

Plan for many roads in the Old City to be closed during the Parade and other events, and get an early start!

• Take a songthaew (shared red truck) – just flag it down like you would flag down a taxi, tell them where you’re going, and hop in!

• Rent a bicycle or motorbike to navigate through traffic – only do this if you’re comfortable riding and have the proper license. Renting a scooter in Chiang Mai is my favorite way to get around, but it’s not for the faint-hearted!

• Walk if you are staying nearby in the city center – this is the best way since many streets will be closed during the Festival.

• Use the Grab app to call a taxi, but keep in mind a lot of other people will be doing the same, so it may be tough to get a driver

• Arrive early to secure seats for the Parade and avoid road closures.

👉 My pick for the best hostel in Chiang Mai is Hostel Lullaby. I stayed here multiple times when I was backpacking Thailand. It’s a quiet hostel that attracts more mature backpackers and is in a great location with super comfortable beds with curtains and rooms with A/C. I made so many friends who I traveled with all over Northern Thailand at the complimentary breakfast.

Where to Stay for Flower Festival in Chiang Mai

When I was living in Chiang Mai, I chose the Nimman neighborhood for its trendy cafes, chill vibes, and proximity to the Old City.

During Flower Festival time, I would suggest staying in the Old City if you want convenience to all the events and activities.

There are plenty of guesthouses and hostels within walking distance of everything.

• 👉 Best Budget Hostel in Chiang Mai: My favorite hostel in Chiang Mai is Hostel Lullaby, where I stayed multiple times during my first visit to Thailand. It’s inexpensive, comfortable, and social without being a party hostel. And it’s close to where the festival events take place: only a 13-minute walk to Tha Phae Gate, an 11-minute walk to Nong Buak Haad Public Park, and a 10-minute walk to Three Kings Monument.

• 👉 Best Mid-Range Hotel in Chiang Mai: My top pick for a hotel in Chiang Mai is POR Thapae Gate because it’s in the perfect location for the Flower Festival and has a great breakfast! It’s only a 3-minute walk to Tha Phae Gate, a 24-minute walk or a 7-minute drive to Nong Buak Haad Public Park, and a 9-minute walk to Three Kings Monument.

• 👉 Best Luxury Hotel in Chiang Mai: My pick for the best 5-star luxury hotel in Chiang Mai is Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai, with a near-perfect 10 rating and a swimming pool. This is the tranquil retreat from the city you need! It’s only a 25-minute walk or 6-minute drive to Tha Phae Gate, a 38-minute walk or a 9-minute drive to Nong Buak Haad Public Park, and a 36-minute walk or 10-minute drive to Three Kings Monument, and a 15-minute walk to Nawarat Bridge where the parade begins.

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Chiang Mai Weather in February:

In February, Chiang Mai offers some of its finest DRY weather, making it an ideal time for visiting the city and attending the Flower Festival.

But shortly after the Festival, Chiang Mai transitions into its WORST season: The infamous Smoky Season, which lasts through April.

The average high temperature in Chiang Mai in February is 33°C/91°F and the average low is 15°C/59°F.

While mornings can be a bit cooler, the temperature quickly climbs with the sunrise, so dressing in layers is recommended.

Rainfall during February is minimal, ensuring that the vibrant colors of the Flower Festival can be enjoyed in all its glory. The evenings are comfortably cool, a perfect respite after the day’s festivities.

Remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, as the UV index can be high during the day.

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What to Bring:

• Comfortable shoes for walking and standing for long periods

• Sunscreen, hats, and umbrellas to protect from the sun during outdoor events

• Plenty of water bottles and snacks to stay hydrated and fueled

• Cash for street food and souvenirs

• A camera or phone with a good camera to capture all the vibrant colors and flower displays

• Portable battery to charge your devices (my battery drains so fast when I’m taking a lot of photos and videos)

• Bug spray if you’ll be staying out until sundown

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Thailand Flower Festival Tips:

• Plan for road closures in/near the Old City during the Festival, especially on Saturday during the Parade and Miss Chiang Mai pageant.

• Some years, the Flower Festival in Chiang Mai overlaps with the Chinese (Lunar) New Year – and that’s even more exciting!

• February is the end of peak tourist season in Thailand, and Chiang Mai is especially busy the weekend of the Flower Festival, so book your accommodation in advance (many hotels on Booking.com offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before check-in). I love booking a hotel with a rooftop pool so I can admire the sunset views.

• Wait to view the parade floats early Sunday morning if you’re trying to avoid crowds – they’ll be on display at Buak Haad Public Park all day. Keep in mind they will look a bit worse for wear after the parade.

• While many people get to the parade starting point at the Nawarat Bridge 2 hours before it starts to grab seats in the risers, that’s not the only way to see the parade. Another good spot is opposite the Tha Pae Gate, by the Boots pharmacy – it gets busy here too, so you’ll also want to arrive early.

• Keep an eye out for the national flower of Thailand, a beautiful yellow orchid called Ratchaphruek or “dok koon”, nicknamed “Golden Shower.” Another special flower to find at the festival is the damask rose, which a lot of people say is only found in Chiang Mai (but that’s not true, based on my research).

• You’ll find vendors selling seeds so that you can plant a bit of Chiang Mai at home!

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Importance of Flowers in Thai Culture

Flowers hold a significant place in Thai culture, particularly within the realms of Buddhism, the country’s dominant religion.

They are not just symbols of beauty and transience, but also profound embodiments of Buddhist teachings.

Flowers are commonly given as offerings at temples and shrines as a form of respect and reverence.

One well-known floral offering is the ‘Phuang Malai,’ a meticulously crafted garland that you’ll likely encounter in the bustling flower markets of Thailand (and you’ll often see them hanging from your taxi driver’s rearview mirror).

These immaculate garlands are not just visually captivating but also carry a deeper symbolism, offering protection against adversities. The practice of offering ‘Phuang Malai’ is a beautiful blend of faith and aesthetics, rooted in ancient traditions, yet very much alive in contemporary Thai culture.

One of the best ways to learn more about Buddhist Traditions is to take this tour of Doi Suthep temple – the guide is excellent and will explain the meaning behind what you see.

🤩 My pick for the best tour of Doi Suthep is this Sunrise Tour led by a former monk. With a near-perfect 5-star review, it’s one of the only tours that lets you participate in the sacred alms-giving ceremony with the monks at Doi Suthep. Plus, it includes a stop at a hidden jungle temple and a delicious Thai breakfast!

Other Things to Do in Chiang Mai for Flower Lovers

• Ton Lam Yai Flower Market – The most famous flower market in Chiang Mai, right next to Warorot Market, and worth a visit if you want to visit a local market. It’s not my favorite market in Thailand, but it’s easy to visit when you’re visiting Warorot!

• Kham Thiang Garden Market – The largest gardening supplies market in Chiang Mai, located about 40 minutes from the Old City, where locals shop for flowers and plants.

• Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden – The first botanical garden in Thailand where you’ll find a rainforest glasshouse and walking trails. It’s located 50 minutes from Chiang Mai Old City, open daily from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, and costs 40 baht.

• Tweechol Botanical Garden – This is a privately owned garden and one of the largest in Thailand, located 30 minutes from the Old City.

• Kuv Niam Hydenyia – Capture the essence of a picturesque hydrangea flower field, just a 40-minute drive from Chiang Mai. This idyllic location is a photographer’s dream, offering a splendid backdrop for stunning photos.

• I Love Flower Farm – A beautiful flower farm open from October 12, 2023, to February 29, 2024 (exact dates change annually). Tickets include a shuttle service from the parking lot to the garden.

• Six Flowers Garden – Another beautiful flower garden located just 30 minutes from Chiang Mai. Just look at their Instagram to get inspired!

👉 My pick for the best 5-star food tour that includes a tour of Warorot Market is this Half Day Small Group Tour with Local Foodies.

Other Famous Chiang Mai Festivals

Chiang Mai is renowned for its rich culture and iconic festivals which give life to the city’s heritage and traditions. If you’re planning a visit, here are some festivals that are worth experiencing:

• Loy Krathong: Known nationwide as the ‘Festival of Lights,’ Loy Krathong is celebrated in November, and is a time when locals pay respects to the water spirits by launching decorated ‘krathongs’ or floats on the water. You’ll witness thousands of lanterns illuminating the night sky and floats drifting down the rivers.

• Songkran: This is Thailand’s most famous festival, marking the traditional Thai New Year in April. Songkran is synonymous with water fights, as locals and tourists take to the streets armed with water guns and buckets. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Thai culture, as well as to cool off from the heat! Remember to pack waterproof bags for your electronics.

• Lamyai (Longan) Festival: Specific to northern Thailand, this festival in August celebrates the Lamyai fruit harvest. Expect lively parades, local music, and, of course, plenty of opportunities to taste this sweet, juicy fruit. It’s a great chance to mingle with the locals and experience rural life in Thailand.

• Lamphun Festival: This event takes place in the nearby province of Lamphun, just a short journey from Chiang Mai. The highlight is the grand procession of the city’s sacred Buddha image, followed by beautiful floral parades. The festival usually falls in September, so plan your visit accordingly to partake in this spiritual and cultural feast.

🤩 My favorite way to get to know a new city is by taking a food tour. This Northern Thai Food Tour will change your life. You’ll try hidden restaurants, street stalls, and local markets that most tourists never find and be transported in an iconic red rod daeng truck with a small group of hungry travelers. Come hungry because you’ll be trying more than 15 different dishes!

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Flower Festival in Chiang Mai FAQs: 

👉 My top pick for a hotel in Chiang Mai is POR Thapae Gate because it’s in the perfect location and has a great breakfast! The staff here is amazing, and you’ll love having a relaxing place to come home to after a full day of exploring.

Wrap Up: Is the Thai Flower Festival Worth It?

The Chiang Mai Flower Festival is more than just a celebration; it’s an unforgettable experience that paints a vibrant picture of Thailand’s culture, heritage, and love for nature.

The 2024 Chiang Mai Flower Festival is scheduled for Friday, February 2, 2024 – Sunday, February 4, 2024.

While I wouldn’t plan your entire vacation around Thailand’s Flower Festival, if you happen to be in Thailand during the festival, you’ll love it!

You’ll get to witness the city transform into a botanical wonderland, complete with a grand parade of floats covered with intricate flower designs, striking floral sculptures, and traditional Lanna performances.

It’s more than worth it—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in an event that truly represents the spirit of Thailand.

Now that you know everything there is to know about the Flower Festival in Chiang Mai, read all about Chiang Mai’s most famous flower market and how to get the most out of your visit!