Throughout February, Chiang Mai will be in full bloom.
Various flower-themed activities and events will be held, in addition to the annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival, whose 42nd edition, under the concept "Millions Of Blooms -- Fascinating Wiang Ping'' will feature the legendary parade of floral carriages on Saturday.
The month-long Chiang Mai Blooms festival is organised for the first time by the local administration, Thai Hotels Association (Upper North Chapter) and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, with support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thailand Creative and Design Centre Chiang Mai and co-operation between the public and private sector. The province is already known for the Royal Park Rajapruek, where the Flora Festival 2017 began on Nov 1 and will end on Feb 28. Chiang Mai Blooms will provide other memorable experiences for locals and visitors to enjoy on each day of the month.
Routes incorporate Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Bhubing Palace, Doi Pui and Baan Khun Chang Kian, where the landscape is enchantingly pinkened by Himalayan cherry blossoms known as Thailand's sakura.
Taweechol Botanic Garden offers adventurous hot-air-balloon rides for its Flower In The Air activity, in order to get a bird's-eye view of the garden in Doi Saket.
Other highlights include Flower on the Table on Feb 23, at Royal Park Rajapruek, where 720 people will be seated on a long dining table adorned with beautiful flower arrangements for a feast, each dish featuring floral ingredients. Local restaurants will feature special dishes cooked and garnished with flowers, while spas will incorporate petals and floral ingredients into relaxing treatments.
Special workshops include creating mocktails, tea, fabric art, embroidery, wood carving and body-scrub based on the flower theme.
The calendar of activities and events can be viewed at chiangmaiblooms.com and the Facebook page Chiang Mai Blooms.
Food and drinks featuring floral ingredients and garnish.
Cherry blossoms at Baan Khun Chang Kian. photos courtesy of Chiang Mai Blooms 2018
