Grand Opening of Ethnic Colours of Lanna at Three Kings Monument

July 25

Grand Opening of “Ethnic Colours of Lanna” Showcases the Cultural Heritage of Northern Thailand’s Indigenous Communities
Chiang Mai, 25 July 2026 – The Upper Northern Provincial Cluster 1, in collaboration with the Chiang Mai Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports, officially launched the “Local Ethnic Traditions of Lanna” tourism promotion event under the Ethnic Colours of Lanna Tourism Promotion Project 2026 at the Three Kings Monument in Chiang Mai. Running from 25–27 July 2026, the three-day festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of ethnic communities across Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son, while promoting cultural tourism, strengthening local economies, and preserving the region’s unique traditions.
The opening ceremony, held on Saturday, 25 July, was presided over by Boonlue Thammathoranurak, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, who officially inaugurated the event. He was welcomed by Itthirat Sinarak, Chiang Mai Provincial Tourism and Sports Officer, who outlined the objectives of the festival. Representatives from the four participating provinces also joined the symbolic opening ceremony, followed by a spectacular cultural performance programme featuring the “Mu Ser Mae Su Noi” dance and an ethnic fashion showcase highlighting the vibrant traditional attire of Lanna’s diverse communities.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Governor Boonlue said that hosting the event at the historic Three Kings Monument, one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic landmarks, provides an ideal setting to present the cultural identity of northern ethnic groups through handicrafts, local cuisine, and traditional arts. He noted that the festival not only helps preserve invaluable cultural heritage but also creates sustainable income opportunities, stimulates community-based economies, and expands commercial prospects for local producers.
Mr Itthirat Sinarak added that the event reflects the close collaboration between the four provinces of Upper Northern Thailand 1—Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son—to showcase the traditions, customs, and lifestyles of the region’s ethnic communities. The initiative also aims to generate employment and increase income for indigenous communities while encouraging sustainable cultural tourism.
Throughout the three-day festival, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including a marketplace featuring handcrafted products, locally made souvenirs, and authentic regional cuisine from all four provinces.
The cultural stage presents traditional performances such as the Chiang Saen Archaeological Dance, Fon Long Sapao, Akha Dance, and the King Kahra Lanna Mask Dance, alongside live performances by Vivace, Mai Huan 60, and Karen (Pgaz K’nyau) ethnic musicians.
More than nine hands-on workshops are held daily, allowing visitors to experience traditional craftsmanship through activities such as Hmong embroidered keychain painting, Lahu fabric keychain making, backstrap weaving, eco-print fabric creation, and handmade bracelet weaving.
The programme also features business matching sessions to support local entrepreneurs, academic discussions on the role of ethnic cuisine in cultural tourism, community income generation, and the creative economy, as well as an awards ceremony for the “Ethnic Colours of Lanna” Photography Competition and the festival’s Popular Vote merchant awards.
The Chiang Mai Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports warmly invites both residents and visitors to experience the beauty, traditions, and hospitality of Northern Thailand’s ethnic communities at the “Ethnic Colours of Lanna” festival from 25–27 July 2026 at the Three Kings Monument, Chiang Mai. Visitors are encouraged to wear traditional Lanna or ethnic attire in support of the preservation and celebration of the region’s rich cultural heritage.