Which Thai city is famous for its week-long Songkran celebration?

Chiang Mai is famous for its week-long Songkran celebration. The northern Thai city is one of the country's best-known destinations for the traditional New Year, with festivities extending beyond the official holiday dates.

Songkran traditionally centers on April 13–15. Chiang Mai's celebrations combine temple visits, Buddha-image bathing, processions, merit-making, family rituals and huge water battles around the Old City moat and Tha Phae Gate. The water symbolizes cleansing and renewal, although modern street celebrations have become highly energetic public events.

The city’s prominence is linked to its Lanna heritage and its long-standing regional New Year customs. Visitors sometimes confuse Songkran with Yi Peng, Chiang Mai’s famous lantern festival, but Yi Peng is held around the full moon in November, not in April. Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket also host major Songkran events, yet Chiang Mai is the classic answer for the extended, nationally renowned celebration.