Bpai Tiao: Chaing Rai and Songkran in Chiang Mai

In Thailand, a bpai tiao is a trip of any length. I’ve written about some of my more significant bpai tiaos to tourist destinations here, to be used as travel ideas and tips.

After hanging out with my friends in Khao Koh, Petchabun, I made my way northwards. I had plans to meet with my friends Mamie, Sasha-Noel, Mayumi and Yee in Chiang Mai for Songkran, or the Thai New Year celebration. Last year, I spent Songkran in my village, honoring the elders and playing with the kids. But before heading to Chiang Mai, one of the biggest Songkran celebration spots in the country, I stopped over in Chiang Rai to explore the temples there.

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5 Can’t Miss Festivals in Thailand

Now that I’ve been here for a year, I kind of have a grasp on what some of the big celebrations Thailand has and I’ve heard of some smaller, local festivals. So much Thai culture is steeped throughout the year and released all at once in these annual festivals, from celebrations of victorious battles to honoring spirits and ghosts, from taking pride in local ruins and historical sites to making merit and honoring the water spirits, there is likely a celebration of some kind just around the corner. Here are the ones that I am most looking forward to going to this year.

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Thai New Year: Songkran Celebrations 2013

Did you know that different cultures define the beginning of a new year at different times? For example, the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, happens around September, while the Islamic New Year moves throughout the Gregorian calendar, and this year happens at the beginning of November. Traditionally in Thailand, Songkran, the Thai New Year, is on April 13th to 15th. Check out the video of some of the traditional celebrations in my village.