Why celebrating Songkran 2015 in Chiang Mai ?

Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. Positioned in the foothills of northern Thailand, it’s picturesque with a magic feeling to it, effortlessly combining traditional Thailand with the modern world.

  Chiang Mai

Time flies by in Chiang Mai, where you can easily spend a week sightseeing, doing outdoor activities and of course, eating! Cuisine specialties of the city include sushi bars around the university, Burmese curries, Thai street food and vegetarian health food.

Things to do:

  • Famous Night Bazaar
  • Botanic Garden
  • National Museum
  • Ancient Walls & Temples
  • Climb the 300 stairs to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep

Songkran in Chiang Mai:
 
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to celebrating Songkran in Chiang Mai. Pools, canals and streets are just a few of the places where you can get your water supply.
Better yet, be prepared!

Grab a water pistol or even a hose and begin drenching people!
It’s all about fun, fun and more fun.

Official Songkran schedule observed in recent years in Chiang Mai:

April 13

  • 6 a.m: Merit making and alms giving at Tha Pae Gate
  • 8:00 a.m: Grand opening ceremony at Tha Pae Gate
  • 8:30- noon: Lanna offerings contest, performances at Tha Pae Gate
  • 7 a.m. – noon: Parade of Mae Ying Kee Rod Theep Kaeng Jong, or Lanna girls on bicycles with umbrellas beauty contest, from the TAT office to Tha Pae Gate.
  • 9.00 – 9.30 a.m: Invitation ceremony of Buddha Sihing image on a special carriage at Wat Phra Sing.
  • 1:00 p.m: Invitation ceremony for Phra Buddha Sihing image, parade of Buddha images and Miss Songkran float in the procession from Train Station to Wat Phra Sing.
  • 7 pm. to midnight: Miss and Mr. Songkran Contest, Lanna local arts competition at Tha Pae Gate

April 14

  • 3 p.m. – 5 p.m: Buddhist procession from Iron Bridge to Tha Pae Gate carrying holy sand and relics

April 15

  • 1:30 – 6 p.m: Blessings will be offered to the Chiang Mai Governor with participants starting from 3 Kings Monument to the Governor’s Residence on Nawarat Bridge.

There are many many people coming to the city for Songkran so it is better to book your accommodation in Chiang Mai in advance !

Mike Thailandee

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