April The Month of Songkran - Why Chiang Mai is Recommended ?

Chiang Mai is Recommended

April, the month of Songkran, is considered to be one of the hottest months in the Thai calendar year and Chiang Mai is recommended as the place to be during this period.

Why Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai
is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. Positioned in the foothills of northern Thailand, it’s picturesque with a magic feeling to it, effortlessly combining traditional Thailand with the modern world.
Time flies by in Chiang Mai, where you can easily spend a week sightseeing, doing outdoor activities and of course, eating! Cuisine specialties of the city include sushi bars around the university, Burmese curries, Thai street food and vegetarian health food.

Things to do: Famous Night Bazaar
Botanic Garden
National Museum
Ancient Walls & Temples
Climb the 300 stairs to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Songkran in Chiang Mai:
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to celebrating Songkran in Chiang Mai. Pools, canals and streets are just a few of the places where you can get your water supply.
Better yet, be prepared!
Grab a water pistol or even a hose and begin drenching people!
It’s all about fun, fun and more fun.


Here's the official Songkran schedule observed in recent years in Chiang Mai:

April 13 6 a.m:
Merit making and alms giving at Tha Pae Gate
8:00 a.m: Grand opening ceremony at Tha Pae Gate
8:30- noon: Lanna offerings contest, performances at Tha Pae Gate
7 a.m. – noon: Parade of Mae Ying Kee Rod Theep Kaeng Jong, or Lanna girls on bicycles with umbrellas beauty contest, from the TAT office to Tha Pae Gate.
9.00 – 9.30 a.m: Invitation ceremony of Buddha Sihing image on a special carriage at Wat Phra Sing.
1:00 p.m: Invitation ceremony for Phra Buddha Sihing image, parade of Buddha images and Miss Songkran float in the procession from Train Station to Wat Phra Sing.
7 pm. to midnight: Miss and Mr. Songkran Contest, Lanna local arts competition at Tha Pae Gate

April 14
3 p.m. – 5 p.m: Buddhist procession from Iron Bridge to Tha Pae Gate carrying holy sand and relics

April 15
1:30 – 6 p.m: Blessings will be offered to the Chiang Mai Governor with participants starting from 3 Kings Monument to the Governor’s Residence on Nawarat Bridge.

Songkran Hotel Promotion and Deals
Accommodations for Songkran usually depends on where you plan on celebrating the festival, however if you stay in Chiang Mai you will be within reach of many of the key celebrations. Some exceptional Chiang Mai hotels to consider include Dusit D2 Chiang Mai Hotel, Yantarasri Resort, Kodchasri Thani Hotel and Lotus Pang Suan Kaew Hotel. Discover the best hotel promotion and deals below:
  HotelLook.com