Chiang Mai has just finished celebrating its annual flower festival. Traditionally held on the first weekend of February, the centre of activities is Nong Buak Hat Public Park in the south-west corner of the old town. Colourful and intricate floral displays adorn floats which form the focal point of the parade with beauty queens in traditional Lanna clothing adding to the scene. Held in the cool season when flowers are still in full bloom, the festival features many floral varieties which cannot be found elsewhere in Thailand.
This year, many of the floats were tributes to Princess Galyani Vadhana. The roads outside Buak Hat Park are closed to traffic and after the parade the floats are parked up and put on display. It’s a lovely family occasion with stalls and activities to keep both young and old amused.
photo © thaizer.com
