The Chiang Mai Flower Festival fills the city with floral displays, decorated floats and celebrations of northern Thailand’s gardening traditions. Its best-known attraction is a parade through central Chiang Mai, while Nong Buak Haad Public Park becomes the main place to explore flowers and ornamental plants up close.
The festival usually takes place over a Friday-to-Sunday weekend in February. The organiser has not yet confirmed the 2027 dates or programme details. If you are planning travel around the parade, wait for the official announcement before treating a February weekend as certain.
Flower Displays at Nong Buak Haad Public Park
Nong Buak Haad Public Park sits at the south-west corner of Chiang Mai’s Old City, beside the moat. During the festival, visitors can walk among landscaped flower displays and see exhibits created by growers and community groups.
Orchids, ornamental plants and colourful arrangements are central to the event. Displays and activities change each year, so the next programme will determine which competitions, plant sales, and performances visitors can expect in 2027.
The park is a useful starting point for travellers who want to enjoy the festival without following the full parade. You can spend time looking at the displays, then explore the surrounding Old City on foot. Allow extra time to move around the area when festival crowds and traffic restrictions are in place.
The Chiang Mai Flower Festival Parade
The floral parade is traditionally the busiest and most photographed part of the weekend. Decorated floats travel through the city alongside performers and community groups, giving spectators several opportunities to see the procession rather than requiring everyone to gather at one point.
In 2026, the announced route ran from Nawarat Bridge via Tha Pae Gate to Nong Buak Haad Public Park. The 2027 start time and route are still unconfirmed. Check the current parade announcement before choosing a viewing spot or arranging transport, as road closures can affect access across the city.
If seeing the floats is your main reason for attending, plan to arrive before the announced start time. A spot along the route gives you a view of the moving parade; the park is better for visitors who want to spend more time with the flower displays.
Planning Your Visit
The festival takes place across public spaces rather than inside a single enclosed venue. Comfortable shoes and water are useful, particularly if you intend to watch the parade and visit the park on the same day. February days can feel warm in the sun even during Chiang Mai’s cooler season.
Central streets may be crowded or closed while the parade passes. Walking from elsewhere in the Old City can be simpler than arranging a vehicle drop-off close to the route. If you are staying farther away, check the confirmed route and closures before setting out.
Nong Buak Haad Public Park is near the south-west corner of the Old City. Visitors can reach it on foot from many Old City accommodation areas or arrange transport to a nearby street when access permits.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival FAQs
When is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival in 2027?
The organiser has not yet confirmed the 2027 dates. The festival usually takes place over a weekend in February.
Where is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival held?
The main flower displays are traditionally at Nong Buak Haad Public Park, at the south-west corner of Chiang Mai’s Old City. The parade travels through central Chiang Mai.
When is the flower parade?
The parade is traditionally held on the Saturday of the festival weekend. Its 2027 date, start time and route still need official confirmation.
Is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival free?
The public festival has traditionally been free to attend.
Where should I watch the parade?
Choose a spot along the officially announced route and arrive before the published start time. The best spot will depend on the confirmed 2027 route and any road closures.
How do I get to Nong Buak Haad Public Park?
The park is beside the moat at the south-west corner of the Old City. Walking is often convenient if you are staying centrally, especially while festival traffic restrictions are in effect.
Will it be on the first weekend for February 2020? We would love to plan a trip next year!
Hi Viviene,
It doesn’t appear that a date has been confirmed for next year just yet.
Some other sites report that the dates are February 7 – 9, 2020, but this is just an estimation based on the timing of previous years.
I’ll add any new details when they become available.
Thanks
Michael
Hi michael,
Can you confirm the dates for this? And where will it be held next year? Is it available now? If possible please advice the accomodation that near to the festival too. Because i need to book the flight n accomodation. Tq
Hi Nadia,
I have searched the internet and Facebook and there really seems to be no official event or source on both Google and Facebook. All of the other websites similar to mine all are going off the hypothetical dates of the festival occurring on the first weekend of the year like it has done many of the previous years.
I do check these details at least once a month, and more closer to the event, so ill be sure to add any new details as they become available.
As for where the location is, the majority of the festival is held at the Nong Buak Haad Public Park at the south-west of the old city – with the parade around the moat and down Thapae Road to the Ping River.
As for accommodation, anywhere near the southern end of the old city would be best, as this will allow you to walk to the event and not have to resort to using taxis or red trucks.
Thanks
Michael
Would like suggestions for good hotel on or near flower festival parade rout?
Hi Jerry,
Looking at the route of the parade at the following link https://chiangmaibest.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Parade-route-for-Chiang-Mai-Flower-Festival-960×576.jpg, i would advise to stay near either near Tha Phae Gate or the South Gate of the old city.
Now i don’t know what your budgets or requirements are, but there isn’t much accommodation along the parade route (aside from hotels and guest houses), as the majority of the buildings along the parade route are businesses.
So most of the hotels / resorts will be within the old city or just outside the moat on the south side, or near Loi Kroh Rd / Tha Phae Rd.
I would advise using the link below to booking.com and then set your requirements and then look at their locations on the map view:
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6776&awinaffid=254929&clickref=chiangmai–question&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fdistrict%2Fth%2Fchiang-mai%2Fchiang-mai-old-town.html.
Thanks
Michael
Why it’s almost impossible to know where are the places of dances and music, during flower festival?
I don’t understand why it’s so difficult for thai tourist office to publish that kinf of informations
I am tourist, I appreciate that festival and every time the same problem of information; it’s pity !!
Hi Gerard,
Unlike western countries that you may be used to, Thailand isn’t accustomed to publishing schedules or programs for these type of events. It is best to travel to Thailand with an open mind and open schedule. I suggest that you ask at your hotel for recent updates and follow the crowds.
Best regards,
Jess
What time does the parade begin? How early should we plan to be at the parade route?
We want to watch Saturdays parade, you mention a lot of roads are closed. Where is a good place to park, so we could walk in?
Hi Christine,
If you are driving a car, I would avoid driving into the Old City at all. If you are using a scooter, you can still get in nice and close as you can pretty much park anywhere in Chiang Mai, as long as you are not blocking a driveway.
Alternatively, get an Uber from your hotel, as the driver will be able to drop you off and then collect you afterwards. Not sure which roads are closed, Chiang Mai isn’t that organised where they publish this information in advance. You just have to wing it on the day!
Have a wonderful time at the Chiang Mai Flower Festival.
Jess
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai?
May through to September we can travel.
We like to experience the true area not just the tourist places.
Thank you.
Hi Pauline,
September is a great time to visit Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The hot season starts to slow down in around June/July, so September will give you cool evenings whilst still being hot and sunny during the day.
Best regards,
Jess