Chiang Mai is the most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand. It is known for its numerous religious sites (including over 300 Buddhist temples), museums, nearby national parks, and colorful festivals. The city’s Flower Festival is held at the end of Thailand’s dry, “cool” season when temperate and tropical flowers are in full bloom.
The festival lasts for three days, beginning on Friday and ending on Sunday. Its main venue is the Suan Buak Haad city park, a lovely public space with beautiful gardens arranged around a series of pools and bridges. During the festival the park is filled with all kinds of blooming flowers including local orchids, Damask roses and chrysanthemums, miniature trees, and garden decorations.
To keep attendees entertained, there are beautiful displays by landscape designers, stands representing gardens from neighboring countries, stalls selling local products, food stalls offering local delicacies and refreshments, and live music.
The colorful Flower Festival Parade is the main highlight of the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. It is usually held on Sunday morning, although there were years when the parade was an afternoon or even an evening affair. The parade features 25 floats decorated with fresh flowers and plants, dancers in traditional costumes, and Western-style marching bands from local schools. The parade moves slowly and makes frequent stops so that all spectators can enjoy the show.
Many floats are ridden by young girls participating in the Miss Chiang Mai Flower Festival competition. After the parade, the winner of the pageant is crowned as the festival queen. The crowning ceremony features live music and other performances.
Photo by alanpuzey
