Wai Sa Phaya Mengrai is an important festival in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand. Also known as the King Meng Rai Festival, it is celebrated between January 26th and February 4th each year.
The festival honours Phokhun Mengrai Maharat, the founding father of Chiang Rai, then known as the Lanna Kingdom.
Wai Sa Phaya Mengrai / King Meng Rai Festival Dates 2026, Chiang Rai, Thailand
The highlight of the festival is the parades made by participating locals. During the parade formation, foreigners often mingle with the locals and savour the magic of time-tested traditions.
This festival is marked with parades, beauty contests and cultural performances. Locals flock to the streets in celebrations, and there will be plenty to observe during your time in Chiang Rai. Most celebrations will occur in Chiang Rai, which is only a 3-hour trip from Chiang Mai. Head to the provincial stadium in Chiang Rai’s Muang district.
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