Festivals in Chiang Rai

• Colourful local festivals and memorable experiences throughout the year by Chiang Rai Focus. 

Chiang Rai, a city of art, culture, and environment, welcomes you to enjoy the charm of many festivals throughout the year. Be it Loi Krathong, Yi Peng lanterns, or the Flower Blossom Festival. Amidst the cold temperature and stunning mountains of Thailand's northernmost city. 

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Famous festivals in Chiang Rai: 

• Loi Krathong Festival

Loi Krathong festival in Chiang Rai has a history and customs based on the local people's traditional beliefs, showing their appreciation for nature, particularly rivers and water, which are crucial in Chiang Rai people's everyday lives and agriculture. Traditionally, the Loi Krathong festivities in Chiang Rai were held on the full moon day of the 12th or 11th month of the year, a significant day in the Thai lunar calendar. Loi Krathong is a method to seek forgiveness and apologize to the Goddess of Water, or the river that blesses the villages with wealth. Krathongs created from natural materials like banana leaves, orchids, or bamboo are filled with flowers, candles, and incense sticks before being launched into the sea. The Loi Krathong festival in Chiang Rai is gaining popularity among residents and visitors, particularly during the season when Chiang Rai province hosts one of the most significant Loi Krathong events in the North. 

• Chiang Rai International Balloon Festival

Chiang Rai International Balloon Festival is an annual event in Chiang Rai province. It is often held in November, around the period of Loi Krathong.  This festival brings together enormous balloons from all over the world to demonstrate their flying talents and adorn their balloons in unique ways. During this event, visitors will be able to see multicolored balloons fly into the sky. There are also acts demonstrating balloon management skills, such as a night glow balloon display in which balloons are lit up at night to create a lovely environment or releasing several balloons simultaneously, which fills Chiang Rai's sky with spectacular colors. In addition, Chiang Rai hosts musical concerts, local arts and culture exhibitions, handicraft sales, and other tourism-related events.