The Chiang Mai Flower Festival has been running for over 40 years and celebrates the beautiful flowers in bloom during this time.
The festival runs over three days at the start of February each year and draws thousands of visitors to Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2025 Dates & Location of Parade, Thailand
Typically, the festival’s first day involves an agricultural fair and the exhibition of floral arrangements and landscaping trends. Subsequent days involve an elaborate display of splendid flower floats, a fair that showcases local works of art, music shows, and beautiful ornamental plants.
On the Saturday of the festival, a large parade typically takes place from Nawarat Bridge to Thapae Road, Kotchasarn Road, Changlor Road and then to Arak Road (Nong Buak Haad Public Park). Large floats will adorned with flowers, and marching bands, school groups, and dancers will also participate. The roads will close leading up to and during the parade, but police generally direct traffic away from the festival.
There are competitions for the most beautiful and creative display and the best float. One of the most popular parts of the festival is choosing the Chiang Mai Flower Festival Queen. Deliberations go way into the night with celebrations for the winner.
There will be plenty to eat and drink around the festival, and the weather is typically warm during the day and delightfully cool in the evenings. So come to the Chiang Mai Flower Festival and enjoy this fantastic cultural event!
Countless accommodation choices are available if you are coming to Chiang Mai just for the festival. There are too many hotels, hostels, apartments and guest houses to mention, but you can find a bargain anywhere in the city.
Will it be on the first weekend for February 2020? We would love to plan a trip next year!
Hi Viviene,
It doesn’t appear that a date has been confirmed for next year just yet.
Some other sites report that the dates are February 7 – 9, 2020, but this is just an estimation based on the timing of previous years.
I’ll add any new details when they become available.
Thanks
Michael
Hi michael,
Can you confirm the dates for this? And where will it be held next year? Is it available now? If possible please advice the accomodation that near to the festival too. Because i need to book the flight n accomodation. Tq
Hi Nadia,
I have searched the internet and Facebook and there really seems to be no official event or source on both Google and Facebook. All of the other websites similar to mine all are going off the hypothetical dates of the festival occurring on the first weekend of the year like it has done many of the previous years.
I do check these details at least once a month, and more closer to the event, so ill be sure to add any new details as they become available.
As for where the location is, the majority of the festival is held at the Nong Buak Haad Public Park at the south-west of the old city – with the parade around the moat and down Thapae Road to the Ping River.
As for accommodation, anywhere near the southern end of the old city would be best, as this will allow you to walk to the event and not have to resort to using taxis or red trucks.
Thanks
Michael
Would like suggestions for good hotel on or near flower festival parade rout?
Hi Jerry,
Looking at the route of the parade at the following link https://chiangmaibest.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Parade-route-for-Chiang-Mai-Flower-Festival-960×576.jpg, i would advise to stay near either near Tha Phae Gate or the South Gate of the old city.
Now i don’t know what your budgets or requirements are, but there isn’t much accommodation along the parade route (aside from hotels and guest houses), as the majority of the buildings along the parade route are businesses.
So most of the hotels / resorts will be within the old city or just outside the moat on the south side, or near Loi Kroh Rd / Tha Phae Rd.
I would advise using the link below to booking.com and then set your requirements and then look at their locations on the map view:
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6776&awinaffid=254929&clickref=chiangmai–question&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fdistrict%2Fth%2Fchiang-mai%2Fchiang-mai-old-town.html.
Thanks
Michael
Why it’s almost impossible to know where are the places of dances and music, during flower festival?
I don’t understand why it’s so difficult for thai tourist office to publish that kinf of informations
I am tourist, I appreciate that festival and every time the same problem of information; it’s pity !!
Hi Gerard,
Unlike western countries that you may be used to, Thailand isn’t accustomed to publishing schedules or programs for these type of events. It is best to travel to Thailand with an open mind and open schedule. I suggest that you ask at your hotel for recent updates and follow the crowds.
Best regards,
Jess
What time does the parade begin? How early should we plan to be at the parade route?
We want to watch Saturdays parade, you mention a lot of roads are closed. Where is a good place to park, so we could walk in?
Hi Christine,
If you are driving a car, I would avoid driving into the Old City at all. If you are using a scooter, you can still get in nice and close as you can pretty much park anywhere in Chiang Mai, as long as you are not blocking a driveway.
Alternatively, get an Uber from your hotel, as the driver will be able to drop you off and then collect you afterwards. Not sure which roads are closed, Chiang Mai isn’t that organised where they publish this information in advance. You just have to wing it on the day!
Have a wonderful time at the Chiang Mai Flower Festival.
Jess
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai?
May through to September we can travel.
We like to experience the true area not just the tourist places.
Thank you.
Hi Pauline,
September is a great time to visit Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The hot season starts to slow down in around June/July, so September will give you cool evenings whilst still being hot and sunny during the day.
Best regards,
Jess