Throughout the last two months of 2024, Chiang Mai and other provinces in Northern Thailand host a range of exciting events and festivals for everyone to join. These include cultural festivals, grand culinary fairs, and an annual major running event, all culminating in the Countdown event in downtown Chiang Mai to ring in the New Year together. Plan your leave in advance, pack your bags, clear some memory space on your phone, and set out to collect unforgettable experiences.
The “Maha Loy Krathong Music Festival” is the first event in Chiang Mai to combine the traditional Loy Krathong festival with the contemporary vibe of a world-class music event. The festival will feature numerous leading artists, both Thai and international. In addition to participating in the traditional Loy Krathong activities and enjoying great music, attendees can also explore various booths offering both shopping and authentic Northern Thai cuisine throughout the event. The Maha Loy Krathong Music Festival will be held from November 13 – 17, 2024. If you’re planning to visit Chiang Mai during that time, this is an event you shouldn’t miss.
Sukhothai, rich in history and ancient traditions, hosts the annual “Loy Krathong and Candle Festival” at the Sukhothai Historical Park, where the lights, colors, and sounds are spectacularly presented each year. At the festival, visitors can witness the rare sight of “Phum Khao Bin” krathongs, crafted by the province’s traditional artisans. Additionally, the event features illuminated decorations, candle lighting, traditional firework displays, and numerous cultural performances. Another charming aspect of the festival that tourists shouldn’t miss is the chance to step back in time and walk through the “barter market.” Here, you exchange cash for cowrie shells (ancient Thai currency) to purchase goods, just like in the old days. The festival runs for a full 10 days, from November 8 – 17, 2024. For the most vibrant atmosphere, it’s recommended to visit on November 15, which coincides with the Loy Krathong day.
In Tak province from November 15 – 18, 2024, the grand annual event “Loy Krathong Sai Festival of 1,000 Floating Lanterns” will take place at the base of the Rattanakosin Bicentennial Bridge (Lan Krathong Sai). The event features a parade of lantern krathongs (only on November 15), music competitions, and the “1,000 Floating Lanterns” contest. The “1,000” in the event’s name refers to krathongs made from coconut shells, each containing a beeswax candle that is lit and gently released to float down the Ping River in a beautiful, long procession. You’ll be sure to capture plenty of impressive photos and videos at this event!
“Yi Peng Festival” is a long-standing tradition of the Lanna people, celebrated during the Loy Krathong festival. Besides paying homage to the Goddess of Water, the Lanna people believe that releasing Yi Peng lanterns symbolizes letting go of sorrow and misfortune. This year, the Yi Peng Festival will be held from November 14 – 17, 2024, with activities taking place throughout the province. However, the opening ceremony and main events will be at Tha Phae Gate, a key landmark in Chiang Mai. There will be displays of Lanna hanging lanterns, lantern competitions, cultural performances, and many other interesting activities. The main location for floating krathongs is at Wat Sri Khong pier.
Due to safety concerns, as the lanterns are made of paper and lit from within, posing a fire risk to local homes, tourists are encouraged to capture the beauty of the displayed lanterns instead. If you wish to release a lantern, be sure to check the regulations, as there are many areas where releasing Yi Peng lanterns is prohibited.
If you haven’t planned a year-end trip yet, we suggest Chiang Rai, another Thai province where the weather is pleasantly cool at this time of year. Even exploring the city won’t be unbearably hot. If you’re visiting between November 22 – 30, 2024, don’t miss the “Lanna Winter Wonderland” at the 75th Anniversary Flag and Lamp Park. Besides enjoying the fresh air in a garden filled with beautiful flowers and plants, the event features light displays, music performances by nine famous artists, and art workshops where you can create your own keepsakes. There are also numerous stalls offering authentic Northern Thai cuisine. The event runs from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, allowing for a leisurely stroll, and best of all, entry is free.
For running enthusiasts, sign up and get ready to participate in the “HOKA Chiangmai Thailand by UTMB 2024” in Chiang Mai. This is a world-class trail running event that offers stunning views to recharge your spirit as you run. There are five distances to choose from, ranging from 12 to 175 kilometers, each with different starting points and routes. The 12 km route circles around Doi Suthep, while the longer distances take you through several of Chiang Mai’s landmarks, including Doi Inthanon, Doi Pui, and Mae Sa Elephant Camp, among others. This is a fantastic opportunity for runners to experience a world-class trail event and immerse themselves in nature with a 360-degree view. The event kicks off on December 6 and concludes on December 8, so start preparing your body now!
Known as the largest running event in Chiang Mai, this year the “Chiang Mai Marathon” will be held on December 22, 2024, with all distances starting at Tha Phae Gate and following routes through Mae Rim district before looping back to the finish line at the same spot as the starting point. However, for those who enjoy longer runs, the marathon and half-marathon distances will finish at the King Naresuan Monument, with free red songthaew rides available back to Tha Phae Gate. Enjoy the cool year-end weather and be sure to experience this race at least once! Not only will you enjoy running in the refreshing air, but you’ll also have fun with fellow runners dressed in fun costumes, as the event includes an annual fancy dress competition. The atmosphere is sure to be lively!
Food lovers should mark Chiang Mai on their maps for the end of this year, as the Chiang Mai Cultural Center will host a grand “Food Festival” from December 11 – 15, 2024. The event highlights delicious Northern Thai cuisine and brings together 70 renowned Thai restaurants from all five regions of Thailand in one place. This includes popular social media eateries, award-winning restaurants, and even Thai craft beer vendors. Besides indulging in delicious food, attendees can also participate in various cooking workshops, such as making “look choup” (Thai fruit-shaped mung bean desserts), decorating cookies, and creating latte art.
From November 29 – December 1, 2024, the “Northern Coffee Gathering 2024” invites caffeine enthusiasts into the world of quality coffee, offering an experience akin to exploring the top coffee-growing regions of Northern Thailand all at once. The event is divided into five zones:
In the past 3 – 4 years, the camping trend has been booming with no signs of slowing down. One of the charms of camping is the camp-style cooking, like grilling meat over a simple fire. In response, Chiang Mai is hosting the “Amazing Chiang Mai Meat and Camp 2024” from December 20 – 22, 2024. The event will feature stalls selling stylish camping gear, including chairs, tents, stoves, and bags, as well as vendors offering meats and foods perfect for camping activities. For those unsure about diving into the camping scene, the event also offers exhibitions and beautiful photographs of tourist spots to inspire and inform before embarking on your own camping adventure.
Wrapping up this year’s events is the “Amazing Chiang Mai Countdown 2025,” a New Year’s Eve celebration at the Chiang Mai Chaloem Phrakiat Park in downtown Chiang Mai. The event promises a full display of lights, colors, and sounds, featuring performances by famous artists, hot air balloon activities, and a light display themed “Charming Night Garden.” The highlight of the countdown is the spectacular fireworks show, themed “Charming Sky Garden,” to welcome the New Year with brightness and joy. Be sure to have your cameras and phones ready to capture the moment!
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