New Years in Chiang Mai 2017-2018

Last Updated on August 28, 2017

The new year’s weekend has begun in Chiang Mai for 2017-2018.

## Doi Suthep for New Years ##
From the 27th of December through the 2nd of January there are no tour buses allowed up Doi Suthep. This is because of the strong interest in this mountain by the local Thai people, as well as Thai visitors from the rest of Thailand as well as the foreigners already here. On a bicycle ride up on Saturday, the place was abuzz in activity especially around the shrine at the bottom of the mountain, and of course Wat Doi Suthep.

## Four Day Weekend for 2017-2018 New Years ##
This year there is a nice four-day weekend included as both the 31st of December and the 1st of January are national holidays. In addition, the full moon on the 28th-29th is already a special day on the Thai Buddhist calendar. It is indeed time to make merit, and make merry, in Thailand.

## New Year’s Eve – Fireworks, Sky Lanterns, Food, Revelry ##
Visitors to Chiang Mai can expect a festive time, with accompanying fireworks, the launching of sky lanterns, general revelry, and throngs of crowds at the local venues. Tha pae road is closed to traffic in the evening, with food vendors and entertainment taking place along the road and of course at Tha pae gate. This will be the most central location for the countdown to midnight.