Celebrating Songkran in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is certainly after Bangkok , the most popular city to celebrate Songkran in Thailand. Here is a quick guide of the events for Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai.
Thais are flocking to the temples to pour scented water on Buddha statues and pray for the new year begins. And as in Chiang Mai, there are more than 300 temples, they have choice ! Even if it Doi Suthep temple is the most visited. And after it, Wat Phra Singh in the city.
Water fights in Chiang Mai are among the most memorable in Thailand. They take place throughout the city but especially around the old town at the Taphae Gate.
The rest of the program of Songkran festival in Chiang Mai: procession of Phra Buddha Sihing, procession of women leading a local Lanna Chong Kang (a vehicle of the North), honor the elders by pouring scented water (nam op) on their hands, building sand pagodas, local art and cultural performances without forgetting the male and female Lanna beauty contest.
Note that Chiang Mai is a popular destination for Songkran, it is strongly advised to book your hotel in advance.
