Songkran Festival

Chiang Mai

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DESTINATIONS thailand chiangmai Do & See Songkran Festival

Songkran Festival

One festival that Chiang Mai is particularly famous for is Songkran, a Sanskrit word meaning "passing" or "approaching". This old tradition is celebrated in connection with the Buddhist New Year. Songkran usually lasts from the 13th to the 15th of April and is known for being the "wettest" festival. Take part in the massive water fight that takes place all over the town to cool off from a hot day.

Do & See

Rich in both history and culture, Chiang Mai is a city full of things to do and to see. Here you can find over 300 Buddhist temples, great shopping, an abundance of markets, tasty Thai food and numerous outings. Chiang Mai truly has something to offer for everyone!

Tha Phae Gate

Part of the eastern wall, Tha Phae Gate is a 700 year old red brick wall. It is recommended to take a walk around this magnificent wall, that used to be the only entrance to the city. Today, it is the site of many community activities, like the Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February, …

Wat Chet Yot

Surrounded by a lavish garden in the northwest of Chiang Mai you'll find the Wat Chet Yot Buddhist temple, with its 7 peaks (pagodas) on top of the structure. It is thought that it was built in the 15th century during the Lanna period, and it's definitely a must see when in Chiang Mai. …

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang

This massive Buddhist temple dates back to the 14th century but was not completed until the 15th century. Enjoy the wonderful carvings and striking architecture of this temple that can be found in Chiang Mai's historic …

Wat Phra Doi Suthep

Wat Phra Doi Suthep

On the mountain of Doi Suthep, about 30 minutes from the city, you can find the spiritual temple Wat Phra Doi Suthep. This place is sacred to many people, hence very popular with both Thai people and tourists. Beware of the large amount of steps to get to the top of the temple, but …

Patara Elephant Farm

Patara Elephant Farm

Enjoy the wonderful and sacred elephants at the Patara Elephant Farm. Coming here you are in for a great experience. Here you can learn how to take care of and interact with these fascinating animals. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime …

Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park

Another great place for visiting the beautiful elephants is at the Elephant Nature Park. This place works on a unique project, focusing on providing a rescue centre and sanctuary for the endangered elephants. Enjoy your time watching elephants playing, bathing, and posing around for …

Chiang Mai Zoo

The Chiang Mai Zoo covers a large area in Chiang Mai. To cover most areas as a visitor of the zoo, it is preferable to go on one of the buses that will take you around to the different exhibits. Here you can find interesting animals and flora all year …

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

If you like shopping, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar downtown is a must. Imbibe the Thai culture while wandering around the streets where vendors sell everything from shoes to statues. This is definitely the place to go for souvenir shopping as you can find real bargains here. Do not forget to negotiate on …

Tiger Kingdom

Being close to a real tiger is a real once-in-a-lifetime experience that could come true at Tiger Kingdom. Here you can pet the big cats, under supervision of …

Ton Lam Yai Market

Ton Lam Yai Market

At the bustling Ton Lam Yai Market you can find bundles of flowers like roses and orchids. This large flower market is located near the river and you can come here every day around-the-clock. It is always …

Doi Suthep - Pui National Park

Doi Suthep - Pui National Park

The Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is located on the mountain of Doi Suthep above Chiang Mai. This park is characterised by beautiful nature, wilderness and plenty of things to do. This is also the place to find the spiritual Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple. Only 4km away from the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep …

The Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders

The Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders

The popular Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders has several exhibitions including oddities, insects and a lot of interesting facts. This is the perfect place to bring the children for exploring and …

Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre

Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre

The Chiang Mai Art & Cultural Centre is located in a building from 1924. At this museum you can find several exhibits including cultural activities. You can also visit the museum shop if you want to bring home one or two souvenirs or pop into the café for a well-deserved coffee …

Songkran Festival

Songkran Festival

One festival that Chiang Mai is particularly famous for is Songkran, a Sanskrit word meaning "passing" or "approaching". This old tradition is celebrated in connection with the Buddhist New Year. Songkran usually lasts from the 13th to the 15th of April and is known for being the "wettest" festival. Take part in the massive …

A lot of Thai: Home cooking classes

A lot of Thai: Home cooking classes

Chiang Mai is famous for its cooking classes, so seize the opportunity to learn how to cook real Thai food from the experts while you are here. There are numerous companies offering cooking classes, one of them is “A lot of Thai” established by a Thai couple in …

Yi Peng Celebrations

Yi Peng Celebrations

Each year the Yi Peng tradition turns the city of Chiang Mai into a sea of floating lights. Hundreds of paper lanterns are sent to the sky in order to celebrate Buddha and to bring luck and happiness to the people. You shouldn't miss out on this spectacular event which usually takes place on …

Chiang Mai Night Safari

Chiang Mai Night Safari

The Night Safari is split into two main areas: the Savanna Night Safari zone, inhabited by herbivores and prey animals (giraffes, zebras, antelopes, lamas and many more species), and the Predator Prowl zone, home to 200 different species including tigers, lions, wolves and some rare prey animals such as goats and wallabies. Pay a …

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

This famous tourist attraction is located 36km from Chiang Mai, and is a tiny paradise on earth surrounded by mountains and beautiful trees and flowers. This is the ideal spot for unwinding and soaking your feet in the hot water. Thai massage and foot massage is also available on site. A possible fun activity …

Warorot Market

Warorot Market/Kad Long—housed in what used to be the place for the funeral ceremony of the ruler of Chiang Mai—is the oldest market in Chiang Mai, having opened in 1910. The upper floors offer clothing and merchandise, while the food stalls are located on the ground floor. Tourists head here above all to try …

Mueang Mai Market

Mueang Mai Market

In the north of the city, just off the street, local vendors line up their stalls full of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meats. Flocks of tourists from the world over come here to live one day like a local and to gain insight into Thai …

Baan Kang Wat Artist Village

Baan Kang Wat Artist Village

If you are looking for a break from the famous tourist paths and trying to discover the real Chiang Mai, then the Baan Kang Wat Artist Village is the place to go. Every corner of this hidden gem oozes art and has something to offer for everyone. Here you can find original handcrafted ceramics, …