As April dawns upon Chiang Mai with its scorching sun and searing heat, the former Lanna capital bursts into energy, heralding the arrival of Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year festival.
This year, Chiang Mai’s Songkran festival, known as “Paa Wenee Pee Mai Mueang Chiang Mai,” runs from April 4 to 16, extending the graceful tradition and fun while commemorating UNESCO’s declaration of Songkran as an intangible cultural heritage.
Tourists in Chiang Mai have fun with the water festivities during Songkran, affectionately known as the water festival. Photo: TAT’s Chiang Mai Office
Consequently, visitors to Chiang Mai during the Songkran festival will have nearly two weeks to immerse themselves in the ancient customs of the Lanna kingdom and experience the rich tapestry of Northern Thailand firsthand.
Festivities kick off with a spiritual event and a citywide procession featuring Buddha images and religious artifacts, offering a unique chance to participate in fun Thai traditions.
From April 4 to April 9, the “Paa Wenee Pee Mai Muang Chiang Mai” event will commence with a ceremony to collect sacred water from nine temples.
This water will be used for ceremonial Buddha bathing and given to visitors during the traditional Lanna New Year celebrations in the city. Following this, there will be a water-pouring ceremony to welcome the New Year, with water distributed to the public and tourists.
A local woman crafts intricate paper cutouts to adorn the surroundings of a temple, marking the joyful celebration of Songkran – the Thai traditional New Year – in Chiang Mai.//Photo: TAT’s Chiang Mai Office
Between April 6 and 8, meanwhile, traditional Northern Thai New Year celebrations will be held, retracing the footsteps of the Chiang Mai New Year.
Activities such as light and sound displays during the night, along with traditional Northern Thai music performances and cultural exhibitions, including the “Kad Mua” traditional market and “Krua Hom” kitchen, will take place at Wat Chedi Liam.
Additionally, significant ceremonies involving the bathing of important Buddha images will take place at 11 temples throughout Chiang Mai city between April 7 and April 16.
On April 12, festival-goers can partake in the revered tradition of bathing significant Buddha images in Chiang Mai.
A retro dance party, featuring a live band and dance partners, will enhance the fun and entertainment during Songkran in Chiang Mai. Photo: TAT’s Chiang Mai Office
Temples to visit include Wat Chiang Yuen, Wat Ched Yot, Wat Lok Molee, Wat Pa Pao, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Yang Kuang, Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang, Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, Wat Lam Chang, Wat Phan On, and Wat Sri Suphan.
Chiang Mai’s traditional Songkran festival will culminate on April 13, the official day of the traditional Thai New Year, with the spectacular and ceremonial procession of Phra Buddha Singh.
Travelling on an elaborate float from Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan to the city square, the procession of Phra Singh brings together devout Buddhists and eager spectators along the route, with locals eagerly awaiting the arrival of the revered Buddha image.
Accompanied by a retinue of monks, traditional musicians, and devotees, the procession winds its way through the streets of Chiang Mai, passing significant landmarks and temples along the route.
Tha Phae Gate, situated on the east side of Chiang Mai’s Old Town, is renowned as one of the prime locations for lively water battles during Songkran.//Photo: TAT’s Chiang Mai Office
Devotees offer prayers and make offerings as the Phra Buddha Sihing Buddha goes by, seeking blessings for prosperity and good fortune in the coming year.
Throughout the procession, the air is filled with fun and faith, creating a unique spiritual and festive ambience that envelops the ancient city of Chiang Mai.
The streets are lined with colourful decorations, and onlookers shower the procession with fragrant flower petals and scented water, symbolizing purification and renewal.
As the procession reaches its culmination, the Phra Buddha Sihing Buddha is ceremonially bathed with sacred water, bestowing blessings and fortune for the new year to come.
This symbolic act is performed with great reverence and spirit, accompanied by chants and jubilant cheers of festivity and joy.
Furthermore, visitors to Chiang Mai during the Songkran Festival can also embrace the rich cultural heritage of the Lanna tradition dating back to ancient times.
They can experience the allure and beauty of the Songkran festival by engaging in activities with the locals, such as making merit, participating in traditional Lanna-style rituals, offering sand at temples, and joining in making ceremonial sand stupas.
Locals and visitors adorned in traditional costumes celebrate the traditional Lanna New Year festival at a temple.//Photo: TAT’s Chiang Mai Office
Beyond the series of spiritual rituals, playful water battles will also take centre stage in Chiang Mai. Tha Phae Gate, Nimmanhaemin Road, and Chiang Mai Old City Moat are the best places to get soaked in style during the Songkran festival.
IF YOU GO
Located in northern Thailand, approximately 700 kilometres from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is accessible by plane, public bus, and train. Chiang Mai International Airport is the main airport and is served by direct flights from various domestic and international destinations.
The train journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 10-12 hours, while the bus journey typically lasts 9-12 hours. Once in Chiang Mai, transportation options include taxis, tuk-tuks, songthaews (shared minibuses), as well as rental motorcycles or bicycles.
By Thai PBS World Feature
