Chiang Mai Flower Festival

When: The first weekend of February each year, marking the tail end of the cool season.

Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand - across the Old City with displays and parades centered near Suan Buak Haad Park and Tha Phae Gate.

Cost: Mostly free to watch the parade and park displays; some exhibitions or reserved seating may charge a fee.

Don’t miss: The grand floral parade of decorated floats and the competition displays in Suan Buak Haad Park and along the parade route by Tha Phae Gate.

The Chiang Mai Flower Festival is an annual city celebration of blooms and horticulture held in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It evolved from local gardening exhibitions into a weekend-long public event showcasing floral floats, arranged gardens and competitive displays that highlight northern Thailand’s growing season.

Atmosphere is colourful and family-friendly: expect marching bands, floats dripping with flowers, market stalls selling plants and souvenirs, and a beauty pageant tied to the festival. Activities are concentrated around the Old City - especially in and around Suan Buak Haad Park and the areas near Tha Phae Gate - with smaller installations and displays at nearby parks and public squares.

The festival is held on the first weekend of February each year, timed to coincide with the coolest, driest weeks in northern Thailand rather than any lunar or religious calendar.

Typically the programme opens Friday with garden displays and stalls, the main floral parade runs on Saturday, and Sunday features exhibitions, awards and the remaining displays - though exact scheduling is announced by the city each year.

Fly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), which serves Chiang Mai and is a short taxi or Grab ride from the Old City. The festival hubs are walkable within the Old City; use red songthaews, taxis or rideshare apps to reach farther displays. Plan to arrive by Friday or the day before the parade and book accommodation well in advance.

• Respect the displays: do not step into planted areas or pick flowers and stand behind barriers during the parade.
• Dress for variable February weather in Chiang Mai - cool mornings and warm afternoons; bring a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes and sun protection.
• Expect road closures and large crowds around Tha Phae Gate and the moat; allow extra time for transfers and consider arriving early for a good parade viewing spot.
• Carry small amounts of cash for food stalls and vendors; ATMs can have queues during the festival.
• Be courteous when photographing people and contestants - ask permission for close-up portraits.
• Book hotels and any official parade seating or guided tours several weeks to months ahead, as local accommodation fills fast.