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Experience a colorful Thailand when you join the Chiang Mai Flower Festival!
The annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival is among the many vibrant celebrations in Thailand.
Chiang Mai may be far from the capital, but the Rose of the North is worth the trip. It’s a refreshing departure from Bangkok’s fast pace. It’s also a more laid-back city, so you won’t feel the need to rush.
Here’s what you should know about this colorful festival:
All About Thailand’s Famous Flower Festival
This festival celebrates the blossoming of local tropical and temperate flowers, like Orchids and Damask roses.
Chiang Mai has always been famous for its flowers, and the festival began as a way to celebrate and honor all the local blooms and show appreciation for Mother Nature’s gifts.
First held in the late 70s, it used to be a small, simple gathering that displayed the land’s best flowers and plants. It soon became more grand and elaborate as more people gathered to join the festivities.
The success of the first flower festival prompted the locals to make it a tradition. It has since become one of Northern Thailand’s biggest events, with people even from other parts of the world joining in on the fun.
The festival is typically celebrated on the first weekend of February. It spans three days, with the flower float parade as the show’s biggest star.
It also highlights Lanna culture at its finest. The floral floats depict scenes from Lanna myths and stories. Lanna-inspired art is also prominently featured, as dancers typically wear Northern Thai attire.
Navigating the Chiang Mai Flower Festival Parade Route
The parade follows a specific route, which kicks off at 8:00 a.m., Indochina Time (GMT +7).
The Nawarat Bridge, which is over the Ping River, is where it all begins. You’ll see performers preparing before they take to the streets. The roads along the route will be closed or heavily gridlocked, so it’s best to get there early.
From the bridge, the parade will pass through Thapae Road, moving toward the old city. There are many cafés lining this street, and they make for great viewing points.
The parade will eventually reach Thapae Gate, at which point the crowd will often begin to swell. The next stop is Kotchasarn Road, just before the turn toward Nong Buak Haad Public Park, which is where the floats will be parked for the rest of the event.
How to Get There
If you’re already in Bangkok, you can take a one-hour flight to Chiang Mai. It’s the quickest way to get to the city. There are many direct flights daily, so booking a ticket shouldn’t be a problem.
You can also get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok via train. Head to the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal for boarding. The trip will take 10 to 15 hours, but you’ll get to see the scenic Thai countryside.
For a more budget-friendly mode of transportation, you can head to Chiang Mai on a bus. Most buses depart from the Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Chatuchak.
Lastly, you can also travel to Chiang Mai by car. It’s the most flexible option because you have total control over your trip.
You can even take personal detours since you’re not following a fixed route. If you’re a big fan of culture, for example, check out Doi Suthep, a temple that’s just 15 kilometers away from the Chiang Mai city center. You can head there before or after the festival.
Plan Before Celebrating
As fun as the festival is, don’t just visit Chiang Mai without proper planning.
1. Book everything early.
Make sure your accommodation and transportation are sorted out before your trip. The Chiang Mai Flower Festival is during the city’s peak tourist season, so finalize everything before you run out of slots. They sell out fast!
Buy plane tickets ahead of time. This way, you’ll avoid bad schedules, and you may even get good deals.
Purchase train tickets in advance, too. They can be booked up to 90 days in advance through various platforms. Since the train rides are long, you can book overnight trains so you can rest and arrive refreshed.
2. Follow basic etiquette.
Since Thailand is a modest country, make sure to dress in modest, weather-appropriate clothing. You’ll likely be entering places of worship during the festival.
Avoid touching the floats. Flowers tend to be delicate, so don’t pluck them out. When locals hand you flowers, accept them since it’s a gesture of goodwill.
You should also maintain cleanliness at all times. Dispose of trash in proper places or carry it until you find a bin.
Lastly, don’t take pictures of performers without asking for permission. The Lanna culture isn’t something to be taken lightly, and locals take pride in living by it.
When is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2026?
This year’s Chiang Mai Flower Festival will be held from February 13 to 15. It will still be centered at the Nong Buak Haad Public Park and will be the 49th year of the festival.
This year’s theme is “Royal Blossoms Glorifying the Skies, Timeless Beauty of Nakhon Ping.” It honors the region’s natural beauty and love for horticulture.
It also specifically honors Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, who passed away last October 2025. There will be exhibits featuring plant varieties named in her honor.
Nakhon Ping is part of Chiang Mai’s historic name, as the city was previously called “Noppaburi Si Nakhon Ping Chiang Mai.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the official dates for the 2026 Chiang Mai Flower Festival?
Is there an entrance fee for the flower festival events?
What time does the floral parade start and where is the best view?
What should I wear to the festival in February?
Are there any special events held in the evenings?
What local foods should I try during the festivities?
References:
Smapse. 2025. “Flower Festival in Thailand: Tropical Paradise for the Queen of Flowers.” Smapse. https://smapse.com/flower-festival-in-thailand-tropical-paradise-for-the-queen-of-flowers/.
Sawasdee Thailand. 2026. “Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2026.” Sawasdee Thailand. https://www.thailand.go.th/event-detail/chiang-mai-flower-festival-2026.