The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Chiang Mai Office invites Buddhists and visitors to take part in the Sai Khan Dok Inthakin Worship Festival, one of Lanna’s most sacred annual traditions, held at Wat Chedi Luang. The ceremony honours the Inthakin, Chiang Mai’s city pillar, long venerated as the spiritual heart of the city and a symbol of stability, prosperity and wellbeing. Known locally by the phrase “Duean paet khao, duean kao awk” — “Enter in the eighth month, leave in the ninth” — the festival takes place once a year.
13th–19th May 2026 (closing ceremony 20th May 2026)
Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai
Open daily for worship and Sai Khan Dok offerings: 6am–midnight
Visitors are invited to offer flowers, incense and candles and traditional Lanna devotional items in a setting of extraordinary cultural beauty.
Festival highlights include:
∙ Veneration of the Inthakin city pillar and Sai Khan Dok offerings for good fortune
∙ On 13th May, a ceremonial procession will escort the “Phra Chao Saen Ha” Buddha image from Wat Chang Taem to Wat Chedi Luang from 8am, with a bathing ritual followed by an afternoon procession into the old city
∙ Lanna cultural processions, traditional dance and folk performances
∙ Local music, performing arts and traditional games
∙ A local food market and community goods stalls
∙ Merit-making activities, Dhamma talks and religious ceremonies at Wat Chedi Luang
Special TAT Tram Tour — “Wai Sa Bucha Inthakin 2026”
TAT Chiang Mai is offering a special evening tram tour from 14th–18th May 2026, 6pm–8pm, limited to 40 participants per day. Starting at the Three Kings Monument, the tour travels by community vehicle through Chang Moi, Kad Luang and Tha Phae Gate, with a guide sharing the legends and lore of the Inthakin pillar, before concluding at Wat Chedi Luang for the Sai Khan Dok ceremony. TAT will provide traditional flower offerings, turmeric water and makham pom (Indian gooseberry) water for all participants.
Visitors are encouraged to dress in Thai or traditional Lanna attire. Flowers for the Sai Khan Dok offering can be purchased near Metta Suksa School.
Enquiries: TAT Chiang Mai Office
Tel: 053-248604-5 | Line: @tatchiangmai
Email: tatchmai@tat.or.th
