The traditional New Year water festival in Chiang Mai is called Songkran.
Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most prominent Songkran destinations. Celebrations commonly include water play around parts of the old city moat, processions, temple visits, merit-making, and family rituals. The city’s historic setting gives its festivities a distinctive atmosphere.
Loi Krathong and Yi Peng are different northern Thai festival traditions. Loi Krathong is associated with floating decorated offerings on water, while Yi Peng is associated with northern lantern traditions. Neither is the name of Chiang Mai’s traditional New Year festival.
Songkran in Chiang Mai combines popular street celebrations with religious and cultural observances. Visitors may see processions and public entertainment, but the festival’s deeper meaning remains renewal, respect, and making merit.