I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the Chiang Mai Flower Festival numerous times over the years and it never fails to impress. The floral displays are wonderful, but that is only a small part of what makes the weekend so enjoyable. Parades, music concerts, cultural displays and street markets combine to make this one of Thailand’s most colourful and family-friendly festivals which can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
The Chiang Mai Flower Festival takes place annually and is usually held on the first weekend in February. The main focus for activities is the Buak Hat Park in the south-west corner of the old town district of Chiang Mai. Events normally commence on the first Friday in February with the next day (Saturday) hosting the main street parade with floral displays, people in traditional dress and marching bands. This year (2014) the parade took place on Saturday afternoon with the procession starting at Nawarat Bridge on the Ping River and finishing approximately 4 hours later at Thapae Gate.
