Chiang Mai Lai festival wraps up to packed crowds

The final day of the Chiang Mai Lai 2026 festival drew thousands of revellers on the evening of 26th April, with locals and tourists descending on the venue for one last splash before the nine-day event came to a close.

Organised by the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) at the outlet of the Mae Kuang Udom Thara Dam tunnel in Doi Saket, the festival ran from 18th to 26th April. On its final day, crowds packed the site to cool off in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, dancing and playing in the water to live music.

Now in its second consecutive year, Chiang Mai Lai is billed as an extension of the Songkran water-festivities held around the old city moat. The PAO brought in performers throughout the nine days, with fire trucks on hand to keep the crowds soaked and security teams ensuring safety.

The event is also credited with giving the local economy a boost, with spending in Doi Saket district and surrounding areas estimated to have topped ten million baht.