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The Sacred Inthakin Pillar Festival 2026 runs May 13-19 and if you've never caught it before, this is the year to change that. Not only because you can ride a free tram right up into the temple itself.
For those unfamiliar, the Inthakin Festival is one of Chiang Mai's most important annual celebrations – a week-long series of offerings, merit-making and prayers centred around the Inthakin Pillar, a spiritual symbol of protection for the city found within the grounds of Wat Chedi Luang.
Throughout the week, traditional Lanna cultural performances, Thai dancing, live northern music and food markets fill the temple grounds, making it as much a cultural event as a religious one.
This year the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has added something special – a free evening tram ride running May 14-18, departing from the Three Kings Monument, takes you past some of the city's most iconic landmarks before dropping you off at Wat Chedi Luang in time for the worship ceremony.
Registration in advance is required – there’s only 40 seats per day – and sets off at 6pm sharp from Three Kings Monument. The route winds through Chang Moi and past Warorot Market, the oldest market in the city, before detouring through the iconic Tha Phae Gate before arriving at the Wat Chedi Luang.
If you’re lucky enough to get a seat, you’ll also receive a floral offering set to use during the ceremony, which is both a practical and meaningful touch.
The tours lasts around two hours, from 6pm-8pm, but sign up fast via the link here before it’s too late.
The form is only available in Thai but it’s a simple five questions of your name, gender, age, the district you live in and what date you’d like to ride the tram. Easy to navigate even if you can’t read it.
The TAT are also encouraging participants to dress in traditional northern Thai costume, making it a chance to wear your pathoong and experience Chiang Mai's most sacred landmarks in the evening cool with the right outfit for the occasion.
May 14-18. Free. Register here. Tram pickup point is the Three Kings Monument. 6pm-8pm