King Mengrai Festival Held in Chiang Rai – Celebrating A Great Monarch

Last month saw the annual King Mengrai Festival come to an end in the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai. This annual event which usually takes place from 26th January to 1st February is held in honour of the Lanna Kingdom’s founder, King Mengrai, who also established this city as the capital in 1262. Festivities and events took place throughout this popular destination, home to properties the likes of Hotel Sooknirund, a centrally located boutique hotel. Chiang Rai has celebrated this event since the 1980s and it offers much for locals and foreigners to enjoy.

A well-established tradition of the King Mengrai Festival is for there to be colourful parades as well as various competitions and cultural performances which add to its allure. During this time, there are also numerous stalls set up in Chiang Rai with vendors offering all manner of items for sale ranging from local handicrafts to Thai dishes.