Wai-sa Phraya Mang Rai

To commemorate the founder of Chiang Rai, and to pay homage to Phraya Mang Rai, this festival is held by the end of January or early February, normally at the main fairground of the city.

Tourists flock to Doi Mae Salong in Mae Fa Luang to admire the cherry trees which have burst into full bloom, covering the whole mountains with their pink floral blankets from early or the end of January, depending on the cold weather.  This coincides with the tea-tasting festival.  During the festival, there are tea-making demonstrations, a display of the tea growing process, a tea-queen beauty pageant, as weel as performances by Doi Mae Salong's hilltribes.

Songkran Festival

Traditional Thai New Year celebrations are best seen at Chaing Saen where 4 nations (Thailand, Laos, China and Myanmar) compete in boat races on the Mekong River. Beauty contests and cultural shows are added attractions. The festival is annually held from  April 16-18.

Lychee fair

This is held annually in May. Celebrating the province’s tastiest fruit, this fair features agricultural displays and exhibitions, local handicrafts, folk entertainment and beauty contests.