Traditions and customs in Chiang Mai

1. Yi Peng lantern festival

Thousands of paper lanterns released at the November full moon, alongside Loy Krathong's floating baskets.

• Best time: November
• Tip: The mass releases are ticketed events outside the city; the city itself is free and less staged.

2. Lanna culture

The north was an independent kingdom until 1892, with its own script, architecture and food — visibly distinct from Bangkok.

3. Monk chat

Several temples run sessions where novices practise English and visitors ask about monastic life.

• Tip: Women should not hand anything directly to a monk.

4. Sunday walking street

Ratchadamnoen closes to traffic and fills with craft stalls, buskers and food from late afternoon.

• Best time: Sunday from 16:00

5. Traditional northern massage

The northern style is slower and more stretch-heavy than Bangkok's, taught at several schools here.

• Cost: 250–400 THB per hour