Chiang Mai is home to a variety of vibrant events and festivals throughout the year, with one of the most popular being the Chiang Mai Flower Festival whereby travelers from across the globe flock to the city at the end of the dry season to witness the stunning displays of flowers and nature. If you’re planning a winter trip, the Flower Festival offers the perfect reason to visit.
This year, the 48th Chiang Mai Flower Festival will take place from Friday, February 7th to Sunday, February 9th, 2025.
Suan Buak Haad Public Park: The Heart of the Flower Festival|
The main venue for the 2025 Chiang Mai Flower Festival will be Suan Buak Haad Public Park (also known as Nong Buak Haad), conveniently located at the southwest corner of the old city, inside the moat. Typically a serene park with walking paths and a charming bridge over a pond, the park undergoes a stunning transformation during the festival. It becomes a vibrant showcase of floral and agricultural artistry, featuring a dazzling array of colors and arrangements—ranging from traditional to innovative designs.
February marks the tail end of the cool season, a prime blooming period for many local flowers, including various orchid species grown right here in Chiang Mai. As a result, the festival’s beauty extends beyond the park itself—residents and shopkeepers across the city join the celebration by decorating their homes and storefronts with colorful floral displays
Throughout the festival, judges will tour the exhibits and select winners across multiple categories. Additionally, the street beside the park is closed to traffic, turning into a bustling marketplace where vendors offer flowers, plants, seeds, and bulbs.
The park will be open daily from 9:00 AM until midnight during the three-day event.
The Chiang Mai Flower Festival Parade
The highlight of the Chiang Mai Flower Festival is its spectacular street parade, which takes place on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, starting at 9:00 AM. The parade moves at a leisurely pace, often pausing along the way, so it’s a good idea to secure a prime viewing spot by 10:00 AM at the city moat to fully experience the procession.
The parade features around 25 intricately designed flower floats, each adorned with thousands of vibrant flowers, petals, and plants. These floats are interspersed with marching bands, traditional dancers, and lively performers, including many schoolchildren showcasing their talent. Many of the floats are inspired by Buddhist themes and elements of Chiang Mai’s rich cultural heritage. One of the highlights is the stunningly colorful elephant idols, which are impossible to miss.
The floats are part of an annual competition, with each one vying for top honors in their respective categories. It’s a truly unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the city’s creativity and cultural spirit.
If you’re planning to visit Chiang Mai for the Flower Festival, be aware that this is one of the busiest times of the year. To ensure a smooth trip, it’s highly recommended to book your transportation, accommodation, and any tours in advance. This will help you avoid last-minute stress and secure the best options for your stay.
