[category]
[title]
Songkran is just around the corner and Chiang Mai is taking it up a notch by adding nine extra days to the city’s festival schedule.
Traditionally Songkran is celebrated over three days, with the official national holiday falling on April 13-15. But Chiang Mai has never been one to keep the party short.
Chiang Mai Municipality has just confirmed that this year's celebrations will stretch across 12 days, from April 6-17, making it one of the most expansive Songkran celebrations the city has seen.
The extended period is part of a wider effort to boost tourism and showcase everything the city has to offer during Thailand's most iconic festival. This makes sense given Chiang Mai is one of the hottest picks for travellers this year, with a Traveloka report placing it second most searched destination for bookings in April nationwide.
For those more, let’s say aquaphobic folks, don't panic – the water fights won't be running throughout the entire period. Songkran is about far more than just water anyway.
Aside from the big water battles that take over Nimmanhaemin and the Old City (to name just a few hotspots), local groups and communities will also be celebrating the festival at its heart – a time for purification, paying respects to elders and welcoming the Thai New Year with merit-making and temple visits.
From April 1, visitors can take part in bathing Phra Phuttha Sihing at Wat Phra Singh to ask for blessings throughout the month.
Mid-April is set to be the busiest period, with the highlight being the April 13 procession of the revered Buddha image through 48 temples across the city. Wat Chedi Luang is also expected to host a Water Festival around this time, featuring praying ceremonies, candle lighting and local performances.
Beyond the religious ceremonies there are also beauty pageants, competitions, parades and a full programme of activities spread across the 12 days.
For the partygoers, the One Nimman and MAYA Songkran parties run from April 11-15, featuring popular Thai artists Earth Patravee, Safeplanet and Dept. The MAYA lineup is yet to be confirmed but if last year is anything to go by, with The Toys and J Jetrin both taking the stage, expect big names.
Over at Tha Phae Gate, the iconic Songkran zone offers the best of both worlds – cultural performances and water splashing fun all in one place. This is also where the grand procession begins on April 13, making it the place to be for one of the most significant moments of the festival. Expect the pageant crowning the Songkran King and Queen, Thai traditional dancing and plenty of other festivities. Exact times are yet to be confirmed but licenses are already in place for another year of water tunnels and decorative lighting along Thapae Road.
For those who just want maximum water splashing, the Old City moat is where to be. It doesn't get wetter than this – just don't ask too many questions about the water quality.
And if 12 days wasn't enough, Chang Music Connection is hosting the Saad Sud Festival from April 18-19 at Central Airport Chiang Mai, promising DJs and more shirt soaking fun to close out the season.
If you have never experienced Songkran in Chiang Mai before, this is the year to do it. But, as you probably know already, do wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and leave your phone at home…or invest in a decent waterproof case. Those B40 pouches are notorious for leaks.