See Chiang Mai burst into bloom at the city’s most iconic flower festival

The Chiang Mai Flower Festival is the city’s most colourful tradition, returning for the 49th time (yes, it’s one of the city’s longest-running contemporary festivals), filling the city with blooms, parades and Lanna charm. The city-wide event is exceptionally northern in style, showcasing everything from floral parades to elaborately decorated floats and city parks drenched in the scent of pollen. While you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere that’s not covered in flowers this weekend (conveniently coinciding with Valentine's Day) the main zones to capture organised events are Nong Buak Haad Park, Thapae Gate and Nawarat Bridge. The lineup covers everything from performances to displays, special orchid and tulip gardens in bloom, live music, art competitions and your typical helping of OTOP stalls and food markets. And, if you’ve forgotten to snag your loved one a bunch of roses from Kad Luang because you woke up too late, then you’ll find something suitable for her here – trust us. 

Feb 13-15. Free. Nong Buak Haad Park, Thapae Gate and other locations. Floral parade Feb 14 at 8am at Nawarat Bridge