A practical guide for visiting the flower festival in Chiang Mai in 2026.
I fell in love with Chiang Mai…
The change of pace on my Thailand trip was exactly what I needed… slower, greener, easier to breathe.
I timed my visit perfectly… As the Chiang Mai Flower Festival was in full swing.
Nature, culture, and colour all packed into one unforgettable weekend.
If you're planning to go, this is everything I wish I’d known:
When to go, where to stand, what to expect, and how not to overheat by 9am.
This is my no-fluff guide—packed with tips, photos, and practical info to help you make the most of this amazing festival.
A colourful corner of the park.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
What is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival?
The Chiang Mai Flower Festival is an annual event held every February to celebrate the city’s thriving flower industry and rich cultural traditions.
It’s a vibrant, three-day celebration that blends floral design, traditional parades, and community pride, all set in the heart of Northern Thailand.
Why February? It’s peak bloom season.
The festival happens at the end of Chiang Mai’s cool season, when the city is at its greenest and flowers are in full bloom.
The ideal conditions are a big draw to Thailand at this time of year.
I noticed beautiful flowers such as orchids, and the rare Chiang Mai Damask Rose, which a local lady told me can only be found in Chiang Mai.
A beautiful area of the park.
A Thai take on the Rose Parade.
I quickly realised the festival is about much more than just flowers.
Locals build massive floats entirely out of live blooms, dress in traditional Lanna attire, and bring the streets to life with music, dance, and colour.
It’s often compared to the Pasadena Rose Parade, but this one’s got a totally different vibe… More relaxed, more local, and full of Thai charm.
When and where is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2026?
So, when exactly is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival in 2026,and where does all the action happen?
Festival dates: February 7–9, 2026 (Expected).
While official dates haven’t been confirmed yet, the Chiang Mai Flower Festival is usually held every year on the first full weekend of February. This is prime time for the popular cities in Asia to host events.
So in 2026, you can expect the main events to take place from Friday Feb 7th until Sunday Feb 9th.
👉 I’ll update this section as soon as the dates are confirmed by the Chiang Mai Municipality.
2025 was an epic festival.
Main locations for the festival.
The Chiang Mai Flower Festival isn’t confined to one spot, it spills into several key areas across the city, each offering a different vibe.
I loved just wandering in between them with no plan… Just finding some hidden gems.
Here’s where to go, what to expect, and why it’s worth checking out:
Suan Buak Haad public park.
This is the heart of the festival and the best place to see the floral artistry up close.
I found orchid tents, bonsai competitions, and flower sculptures that looked like they belonged in a museum.
Swans, elephants, dolphins… You name it, they are there. They add so much character to the park!
I have no idea how they created the sculptures, however, they are very impressive…
So don’t skip this area.
The locals keep the park immaculate.
Tha Pae Gate & Old City moat roads.
This is where the parade kicks off and the energy is very high.
The streets here are packed with marching bands, dancers, music, and market stalls.
This made for a very interesting walk, with an iced Thai tea in hand (my favourite).
I found the vibe here was different each day, so head here on multiple days.
The walled Old City.
Night markets & Pop-Up stalls.
Set up along the moat and near the park
Handmade crafts, flower-themed souvenirs, and street food galore
Especially vibrant after sunset
Another sign.
The Flower Parade.
The parade is the highlight of the Chiang Mai Flower Festival for many, and I can see why, as it was very well planned. From flower-covered floats to traditional performances, here’s what to expect, and how to catch the best of it:
What the parade is all about.
The parade is hands down the main event of the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, and was easily the most unforgettable part of the weekend for me.
I headed over toward the Old City on Saturday morning, and the parade was already in full swing.
It lasted several hours, with main roads blocked off and a steady stream of people finding space wherever they could.
I could hear the commotion, before I even saw it...
Marching bands, dancers in full Thai dress, and giant flower-covered floats made their way slowly through the city streets.
It felt like it took forever for each group to pass, but that just meant more time to snap some great photos and soak it all in.
A lot of effort goes into the parade.
Where to watch the parade.
If you want a good view, get there early.
I’m talking before 8am, especially if you want to grab a shady spot or set up for photos. I didn’t arrive until closer to 9am, so missed the start.
The parade usually starts around Nawarat Bridge, then moves along Tha Pae Road toward Tha Pae Gate, before looping around the Old City moat and finishing at Suan Buak Haad Park.
The whole route is lined with people, both locals and tourists, along with photographers, and food vendors.
I spent most of my time near Tha Pae Gate, which gave me great access to the parade and an easy walk into the park afterward.
If you're after a quieter viewing spot, try the stretch between Tha Pae Gate and the park.
I noticed fewer crowds there, but still got to see everything pass by.
📍 Parade Route:
Train Station → Nawarat Bridge → Tha Pae Road → Tha Pae Gate → Old City Moat (southbound) → Suan Buak Haad Park.
An example of the Parade route.
Some fascinating themes in the parade.
What surprised me most was that the floats weren’t just aesthetically pleasing, they all had a theme or story behind them.
I saw everything from mythical creatures and Buddhist symbols, to elephants, royal processions, and even a few modern pop culture twists.
Despite not knowing the full meaning behind them, it was still fun to watch the locals passionately express themselves.
A more traditional float.
A floral theme.
Beyond the parade.
While the parade is the headline act, I discovered so much more to explore during the Chiang Mai Flower Festival.
From blooming public parks to handmade markets and live art on the street, the whole city gets involved.
Here are a few standout spots that makes the experience even more special:
Suan Buak Haad Public Park Flower Show.
This park is the beating heart of the festival, so you can’t miss it!
It’s where you'll find the most elaborate floral displays, from orchid tents and bonsai showcases to giant flower sculptures shaped like elephants, birds, and temples.
One of my favourite.
The gardens are beautifully laid out, with walking paths winding through photo-worthy installations and peaceful shaded areas where you can take a break.
I spent more time exploring the park than anywhere else over the three days…
It’s certainly a unique Thailand Instagram spot during the flower festival, and up there with the Kho Ku So bamboo bridge in Pai.
There are flower walkways throughout the park.
I visited in the early morning and again just before sunset, and both times had great light and fewer crowds.
I am not sure who is behind the beautiful sculptures, but they are so awesome!
Colour, colour, colour.
Market stalls, street food and Thai crafts.
The streets around the park and parade route come alive…
With rows of colourful stalls selling everything from iced Thai tea to handmade soaps, woven bags, and flower crowns.
There’s a mix of authentic Thai crafts and festival-style souvenirs, which all stay within the colourful theme of the festival.
The vibe?
Lively, chaotic, and full of colour.. Typical of Thai culture!
Thai tea with milk… My favourite.
It reminded me a lot of the night markets I explored during my Southeast Asia trip, but with a floral twist unique to Chiang Mai.
I found the city to be one of the more peaceful spots in Thailand, especially compared to my time in Bangkok, but the market definitely isn’t!
Another colourful stall.
Live street artists & sand painting.
Street art’s one of my favourite things to stumble across when I travel, so I was happy to see local artists working right inside the park.
I found local artists painting live, sketching portraits, or building intricate sand mandalas right on the pavement.
The creative vibe in Chiang Mai kept showing up throughout my trip, but something about the bright, bold colours of the Flower Festival seemed to bring out even more local talent.
Chiang Mai isn’t just about temples and food… It’s got a serious artistic side, and this festival makes that clear.
Some talented locals work in the park.
More beautiful work in progress.
Evening concerts & cultural performances.
Once the sun sets, the vibe in Chiang Mai shifts gears. Louder, brighter, and more energy…
Street performers and cultural groups light up the Old City with live shows near Tha Pae Gate and around the moat.
During the day, it’s quiet, but by evening, the space was packed.
There are different acts on to entertain guests, including:
Lanna dancers.
Local musicians playing bamboo flutes.
Fire dancers.
A puppet show.
They may not all be for you, but there is plenty going on to keep you busy well into the evening.
I spent more time at the street food vans!
The stage comes alive as the sun goes down.
Tips for visiting.
If you're planning to experience the festival yourself, here are a few tips I picked up along the way to help you make the most of it.
When to arrive (and when to avoid crowds).
I got there a bit after 9am and already missed the start… Lesson learned.
If you want a good spot for the parade, arrive by 7:30–8am. For the park, early mornings and late afternoons were way quieter and better for photos.
What to wear and pack.
It was hot by mid-morning, so I wore light, breathable clothes and comfy shoes I didn’t mind standing in. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen were also lifesavers.
A travel hack I found in Asia was carrying a power bank in my small bag. The heat drains my phone battery way faster than when I am in the UK.
How to get the best photos.
For parade shots, Tha Pae Gate gave me the best mix of action and space, however, my favourite photos were captured inside the park. I headed in there before the parade finished to beat the crowds, and capture the Instagram worthy shots.
Tuk tuk taxis waiting.
Getting around during the festival.
You can expect road closures near the Old City, especially on parade day. Grab and tuk tuks still run, but walking is often faster (and I found it more fun). Wear comfy shoes and leave extra time to get anywhere.
Food, toilets & essentials.
There is beautiful street food everywhere… you won’t go hungry! I found looking for the busier stalls is a great travel hack in Asia. If there are locals eating there, it is usually a gem. Public toilets are available at Suan Buak Haad Park, and cash is the preferred currency for many vendors.
How to be a respectful visitor.
I made a point not to touch the flower displays or get too close to the floats… They’re works of art, not props. I always asked before taking someone’s photo, especially if they were in traditional dress. I also tried to buy local, as I could see the effort the market traders put in.
A common theme at the festival.
Local food & culture.
Beyond the flowers and floats, Chiang Mai offers a daily dose of flavour, street energy, and peaceful tradition. Here’s what stood out during my trip (and what you shouldn’t miss):
Trying Khao Soi is a must.
If you try one dish in Chiang Mai, make it Khao Soi, a northern Thai curry noodle soup that tastes very unique.
I had it a few times during my time in Chiang Mai, with my favourite spot being Kat’s Kitchen, just on the outskirts of the Old City wall.
I also enjoyed it during my time in Pai… So all is not lost if you are heading up those windy roads after the festival.
My favourite combo.
Temples worth visiting.
You’re never far from a picturesque temple in Thailand, and Chiang Mai is no different.
If you have time between festival events, you should visit Wat Phra Singh (close to the park) or Wat Chedi Luang in the Old City.
Both are peaceful spots with intricate carvings, Buddha statues, and a calm contrast to the flower-fueled chaos outside.
Wat Pha Lat is my favourite temple though…
Also known as the hidden temple, due to its location inside the jungle outside of Chiang Mai.
Make sure that you leave space in your itinerary for a temple or two!
An iconic statue.
A city of culture.
Creative corners of the city.
I found that Chiang Mai has an artistic soul… And I didn’t have to go far to find it.
Away from the flower floats, the city is a living gallery…
Street art, creative spaces, and hipster cafes all offer some unique lens into local life, and a break from the crowds without losing the vibe.
I loved working from colourful cafés and wandering into places like Dream Space Gallery, where the walls are covered in layered masterpieces.
If you're into creativity, Chiang Mai delivers it casually and constantly… I didn’t have to chase the art, I just bumped into it.
Some familiar themes in the street art.
Where to stay during the Chiang Mai flower festival?
Book early. Seriously.
The Flower Festival draws crowds, both local and international… So as you expect hotels fill up fast, especially in the Old City.
If you're planning to visit in February, aim to book 3–6 months in advance for the best rates and options.
I stayed at the Marriott Chiang Mai, and honestly? It was ideal.
The hotel is just far enough from the crowds to escape the noise, but close enough to reach the parade and park easily by Grab (rides were cheap and quick).
Plus, it’s walking distance from international cafes and highly rated local restaurants, which made post-festival dinners super easy.
✅ If you're after convenience, comfort, and the perfect location, I highly recommend the Marriott Chiang Mai.
It’s where I stayed, and it made the whole festival weekend smooth and stress-free.
Check availability and prices here →
A comfortable stay in the city.
If you prefer to be closer to the action, here are a good selection of accommodation options inside the Old City.
Is the flower festival in Chiang Mai a good time to visit the Northern city?
Yes… 100%.
If you’re planning a trip to Northern Thailand, February during the Flower Festival is one of the best times to visit Chiang Mai.
The weather is near perfect: cool mornings, dry skies, and way less humidity than the south.
It’s also before the burning season begins in March, so air quality is still good and the mountain views are clear.
I had an amazing time in the jungle city.
What really made it special for me was the atmosphere… Chiang Mai just came alive.
Music, flowers, street food, and culture everywhere. The whole city felt like it was celebrating.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.