Thailand observes the birthday anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, on 12 August each year, and also celebrates it nationally...
Chiang Mai Public Holidays
Chiang Mai observes Thailand’s national public holidays, including Buddhist holy days, royal commemorations, New Year celebrations and Songkran. The current Chiang Mai Travel Hub listings span 2026 and 2027 and include New Year’s Day, Makha Bucha, Chakri Memorial Day, Songkran, Labour Day, Coronation Day, Visakha Bucha, Asarnha Bucha, the King’s Birthday, the Queen Mother’s Birthday, Chulalongkorn Memorial Day, Constitution Day and other major national observances.
For visitors, these dates can affect banks, government offices and some local businesses, while tourist attractions, shopping centres, hotels and restaurants often continue trading. Major holiday periods such as Songkran and New Year can also bring heavier travel demand, larger crowds and higher accommodation occupancy.
Chiang Mai Public Holidays in 2026 & 2027
- Buddhist holidays – Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha and Asarnha Bucha are important religious observances marked by temple visits, merit-making and ceremonies.
- Songkran – Thai New Year is celebrated from 13-15 April and is one of Chiang Mai’s biggest annual celebrations.
- Royal commemorations – Public holidays include Coronation Day, the King’s Birthday, Queen Suthida’s Birthday and the Queen Mother’s Birthday.
- National commemorations – Chakri Memorial Day, Chulalongkorn Memorial Day, Constitution Day and other dates recognise important moments in Thai history.
- New Year holidays – New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve are important travel periods, with celebrations held throughout Chiang Mai.
Browse the listings below for current Chiang Mai public holiday dates in 2026 and 2027, along with individual guides to major national and Buddhist observances.
H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great Memorial Day is observed throughout Thailand on 13 October each year. The national public holiday commemorates the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, or King Rama IX, on...
Thailand observes Chulalongkorn Memorial Day on 23 October each year. The national public holiday commemorates King Chulalongkorn, also known as King Rama V, who died on 23 October 1910. Known in Thai as Wan...
Wan Awk Phansa is an important Buddhist observance marking the end of Vassa, the annual three-month rains retreat observed by Theravada Buddhist monks. In 2026, Wan Awk Phansa falls on Monday, 26 October. The observance...
King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Birthday / Father’s Day
Many Locations, Chiang Mai, Thailand05 December 2026
Thailand observes King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday nationwide on 5 December. The date is also recognised as Thailand’s National Day and National Father’s Day, combining remembrance of the late King...
Thailand observes Constitution Day on 10 December each year. The national public holiday commemorates the promulgation of Thailand’s first permanent constitution in 1932 and the country’s transition from an...
Chiang Mai New Year’s Eve combines city-centre nightlife, temple visits, dining, cultural celebrations and one of northern Thailand’s largest organised countdown events as the city welcomes 2027...
New Year’s Day in Chiang Mai marks the beginning of the calendar year with a relaxed yet festive atmosphere. Celebrated on 1 January, it is a public holiday throughout Thailand, giving both locals and visitors an...
Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important Buddhist holy days in Thailand, and experiencing it in Chiang Mai offers a deeply spiritual and visually moving insight into northern Thai culture. Observed on the full moon...
Chakri Memorial Day is an important national observance in Thailand, commemorating the founding of the ruling Chakri dynasty. Held annually on April 6, the day honours the accession of King Rama I to the throne in 1782...
Songkran is one of the most exciting and widely celebrated festivals in Chiang Mai. Marking the traditional Thai New Year, Songkran takes place each April and transforms the entire city into a vibrant celebration filled...
National Labour Day, also known as Labour Day or May Day, is observed annually on 1 May in Thailand. It is a national public holiday that recognises the contributions of workers and promotes fair employment practices...
Coronation Day is celebrated each year on 4 May and is an official public holiday throughout Thailand. The holiday commemorates the 2019 coronation of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn (King Rama X). It is an...
Visakha Bucha Day is an important Thai festival marked on the full moon day of every sixth lunar month. The religious festival is also very insightful.
H.M. Queen Suthida’s Birthday is celebrated annually on 3 June and is an official public holiday throughout Thailand. The day honours the birthday of Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, the Queen Consort of...
Khao Phansa, also known as Buddhist Lent Day, marks the beginning of the traditional three-month rains retreat for Buddhist monks and is one of the most meaningful religious observances on Thailand’s Buddhist...
Asahna Bucha is one of Thailand’s most important Buddhist holidays, commemorating the day the Buddha delivered his first sermon and set the foundations of Buddhist teaching in motion. Observed on the full moon of...
H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday
Chiang Mai and Thailand Wide, Chiang Mai, Thailand28 July 2027
H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday is a national public holiday in Thailand, observed every year on 28 July in honour of King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). In 2027, the King’s Birthday falls on...
H.M. Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother’s Birthday / Mother’s Day
Chiang Mai and Thailand Wide, Chiang Mai, Thailand12 August 2027
Thailand observes the birthday anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, on 12 August each year, and also celebrates it nationally as Mother’s Day. In 2027, the occasion falls on Thursday 12...
What are the main public holidays in Chiang Mai?
Major public holidays include New Year's Day, Makha Bucha, Chakri Memorial Day, Songkran, Labour Day, Coronation Day, Visakha Bucha, Asarnha Bucha, royal birthdays, Chulalongkorn Memorial Day and Constitution Day.
When is Songkran in Chiang Mai?
Songkran is officially observed from 13 to 15 April each year. Chiang Mai is one of Thailand's best-known places to experience the festival, with water celebrations, temple activities and cultural events across the city.
Are shops and attractions open on public holidays in Chiang Mai?
Many tourist attractions, restaurants, hotels and shopping centres remain open, while banks, government offices and some businesses may close or operate differently. Opening hours should be checked for a specific venue.
Do Buddhist holiday dates change each year?
Yes. Holidays such as Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha and Asarnha Bucha follow the lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates change from year to year.