The cool season, from late November to February, is flower season in Chiang Mai. The city puts on three big flower events: an illuminated winter garden, a four-month flower show in a royal park and the famous Flower Festival parade in February. Up in the mountains, wild Thai cherry trees turn pink and whole hillsides go gold with sunflowers. Most of it is within an hour's ride, which makes this the perfect season to explore by scooter. Here is what blooms when, where to go and how to get there.
- Sunflowers: Nov–early Dec
- Rajapruek: mid-Nov–Feb
- Charming Chiang Mai: late Nov–early Jan
- Cherry blossoms: late Dec–Jan
- Flower Festival: early Feb 2027
At a glance
- Biggest event: the Chiang Mai Flower Festival with its parade of flower floats, traditionally the first weekend of February (50th edition in 2027)
- Free evening show: Charming Chiang Mai Flowers Festival, an illuminated garden about 8 km north of the Old City, late November to early January
- Longest: the Flora Festival at Royal Park Rajapruek, 12 km from the Old City, mid-November to the end of February
- In the mountains: Thai cherry blossoms at Khun Chang Khian (about 30 km) and Doi Inthanon (about 100 km), golden sunflowers on the Mae Hong Son Loop
- By scooter: every place in this guide is reachable by bike; the city events suit any scooter, the mountains need 150 cc or more
Flower season at a glance
| What | When | Where | From the Old City | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bua Tong sunflowers | November – early December | Doi Mae U Kho, Mae Hong Son Loop | 200+ km, 2–3 days | free |
| Flora Festival | mid-November – February | Royal Park Rajapruek | 12 km, 20 min | 200 THB (2025/26) |
| Charming Chiang Mai Flowers Festival | late November – early January | Provincial Government Center | 8 km, 20 min | free |
| Thai cherry blossoms | late December – January | Khun Chang Khian, Doi Inthanon | 30 / 100 km | free / park fee |
| Chiang Mai Flower Festival | early February (dates TBC) | Nong Buak Haad Park and the Old City | in town | free |
Chiang Mai Flower Festival: the parade of flower floats
The oldest and best-known flower event in the city, in 2027 held for the 50th time. For three days Nong Buak Haad Park, the green corner in the southwest of the Old City, fills with flower displays, orchid and bonsai competitions, plant markets and food stalls. The highlight is the Saturday morning parade: some two dozen floats covered in chrysanthemums, orchids and roses, with Lanna music, dancers and hill-tribe costumes.
- Dates: traditionally the first weekend of February. The 2026 festival moved to 13–15 February, so wait for the official 2027 dates (usually announced in December or January) before you book your trip around it.
- Parade: Saturday from about 7:30 (in 2026 the opening was at 7:30 at the foot of Nawarat Bridge). The traditional route runs from Nawarat Bridge along Tha Phae Road, through Tha Phae Gate and along the moat to Nong Buak Haad Park.
- Park: open daily into the evening; the floats are on show around the park after the parade.
- Official information: Chiang Mai City Municipality (programme and parade route, in Thai).
- Note: Chinese New Year falls on 6 February 2027, so the city may be especially busy if the festival lands on that weekend.
Tap a photo to open the gallery (8). Photos: Fleet CNX; FredTC / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0); FredTC / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0); John Shedrick / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).
In the park: lilies, orchids and flower sculptures
Between the parade and the evenings, the park itself is the show: tents full of lilies, orchid walls, flower sculptures, tulips and hydrangeas from the highlands, and competitions for the best arrangements.
Tap a photo to open the gallery (15). Photos: Fleet CNX.
After dark
In the evening the trees around the pond light up and the park turns into a light garden. Come around 17:30 to see both.
Tap a photo to open the gallery (8). Photos: Fleet CNX.
Charming Chiang Mai Flowers Festival: the illuminated winter garden
A newer, month-long show organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Chiang Mai office at the Chiang Mai Provincial Government Center, on the road north towards Mae Rim. By day it is a flower and orchid exhibition; after dark it becomes an illuminated garden with light installations, a musical fountain and laser show, a Lanna-style market and weekend stage shows. Last season it ran from 28 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.
- Entry: free.
- Official page: Charming Chiang Mai Flowers Festival on Thailand.go.th.
- Hours (2025/26): 8:30–23:00; illuminated garden 17:00–23:00; fountain shows at 19:00, 20:00, 21:00 and 22:00.
- Best time: arrive around 17:00 to see the flowers in daylight and stay for the lights. Weekends and the days around New Year are the busiest.
Tap a photo to open the gallery (25). Photos: Fleet CNX.
Flora Festival at Royal Park Rajapruek
The royal park built for the 2006 international horticultural expo is Chiang Mai's biggest garden: the golden Lanna-style Royal Pavilion over a lake, themed international gardens (Bhutan, Japan, the Netherlands and more), orchid houses and a tropical dome. In the cool season it hosts the Flora Festival with millions of winter flowers, flower carpets and themed weeks.
- 2025/26 edition: 17 November 2025 – 28 February 2026, daily 8:00–18:00, entry 200 THB. Expect similar dates for 2026/27.
- Tip: the park is large. Go early in the morning or after 15:00 for softer light and cooler air, and use the park tram if you are short of time.
- Nearby: the Chiang Mai Night Safari is right next door, a good way to finish the day.
- Official site: royalparkrajapruek.org (festival dates, tickets and opening hours).
Tap a photo to open the gallery (4). Photos: Nopparuj Lamaikul / Unsplash; Supanut Arunoprayote / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0); CJ / Unsplash; Iain Cameron / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).
Thai cherry blossoms: Khun Chang Khian and Doi Inthanon
From late December to January the wild Himalayan cherry (nang phaya suea khrong) turns the northern mountains pink. It is not a festival but a pilgrimage: Thai visitors drive up in their thousands for the photos, especially on January weekends.
Khun Chang Khian
A Hmong village and Chiang Mai University highland research station on the ridge behind Doi Suthep, known for its avenue of cherry trees and coffee farms. Blossoms from late December to late January, usually at their best in mid-January.
Photo: Nutchana / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Doi Inthanon
Cherry trees bloom along the summit road and at the royal twin pagodas, whose gardens are full of hydrangeas and winter flowers. At 2,565 m it is the coldest place in Thailand: expect 5–10 °C at dawn.
Photo: Mike Anderson / Unsplash
Golden hills: Bua Tong sunflowers on the Mae Hong Son Loop
In November and early December the wild Mexican sunflower (bua tong) covers the hills of Mae Hong Son province in gold. The most famous field is Doi Mae U Kho near Khun Yuam, on the classic Mae Hong Son Loop motorbike route. It is a multi-day trip rather than a day ride: plan 3–4 days for the loop, and take a comfortable bike such as the Honda ADV350 or CB300, especially with a passenger or luggage.
Closer to town: the Mae Rim flower valley
If you only have half a day, ride north to Mae Rim and the Mae Sa Valley: flower farms, lavender and strawberry gardens, the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden and cool air, all within 20–30 km of the city on quiet roads. See our Mae Rim route for beginners.
Riding in flower season: practical tips
- Mornings are cold. In December and January it can be 10–15 °C in the city at dawn and colder in the mountains. Pack a jacket, gloves and long trousers.
- Go early and on weekdays. Thai holidays (5 and 10 December, New Year, Chinese New Year) bring heavy traffic to the mountain roads.
- Pick the right bike. A 125 cc scooter is perfect for the city events and Rajapruek; for Khun Chang Khian and Doi Inthanon take 150–160 cc such as the Honda Click 160 or Yamaha NMax; for the Mae Hong Son Loop, the ADV350 or CB300.
- Park legally in marked lots or side streets, never on parade routes; take a photo of where you parked.
- Fuel up in town before mountain rides: stations are few on the way up.
- Carry your license. Police checkpoints are common in high season. See riding legally in Thailand.
Book your bike for the high season
December and January are the busiest months of the year for bike rentals in Chiang Mai, and popular models go early. Reserve before you arrive: with Fleet CNX reserving is free and you pay at pickup.
- Scooters from 250 THB/day or 1,300 THB/week, see all prices.
- Staying for the whole cool season? Monthly rental starts at 3,900 THB for 30 days.
- 2 helmets and a phone holder included; delivery to your hotel or Chiang Mai Airport for 200 THB.
Coming in November? Don't miss the lantern festivals: see our Yi Peng and Loy Krathong 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2027?
Traditionally the first weekend of February, which would be 5–7 February 2027, with the parade on Saturday morning. The 2026 edition moved to 13–15 February, so check the official dates, usually announced in December or January.
What is the Charming Chiang Mai Flowers Festival?
A free, month-long winter flower and light show at the Chiang Mai Provincial Government Center, about 8 km north of the Old City. The 2025/26 edition ran from 28 November to 4 January; the illuminated garden opens from 17:00.
Where can I see cherry blossoms in Chiang Mai?
Khun Chang Khian, about 30 km from the city behind Doi Suthep, from late December to late January, and Doi Inthanon, about 100 km away, in January and February.
Can I ride a scooter to Khun Chang Khian?
Yes, if you are comfortable on steep, narrow mountain roads. Take a 150 cc or bigger scooter and go on a weekday morning. Otherwise ride to Bhubing Palace and take a red truck for the last part.
What is the best month to see flowers in Chiang Mai?
January: the Rajapruek and Charming shows are on, cherry trees are in bloom and the weather is cool and dry. Early February adds the Flower Festival parade.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Dates are those officially published for the 2025/26 season; organizers confirm new dates each year and we update this guide when they do. Cover photo: Fleet CNX.
Ride into flower season
Scooters from 250 THB/day, monthly from 3,900 THB. 2 helmets and a phone holder included. Reserve for free, pay at pickup.
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