Lanna Ethnic Traditions Tourism Promotion Festival

July 10

Chiang Mai Launches “Lanna Ethnic Traditions Tourism Promotion” Festival, Showcasing the Cultural Heritage of Upper Northern Thailand
CHIANG MAI, Thailand – July 10, 2026 – Chiang Mai officially launched the “Lanna Ethnic Traditions Tourism Promotion” festival today, highlighting the rich cultural identities of four provinces in Upper Northern Thailand while promoting sustainable community-based tourism and local economic development. The three-day event runs from July 10–12, 2026 at One Square, One Nimman in Chiang Mai.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Boonlue Thammathoranurak, Vice Governor of Chiang Mai, with Ittirat Sinarak, Chiang Mai Provincial Tourism and Sports Officer, delivering the official report. The event welcomed senior government officials, tourism representatives from the Upper Northern Provincial Cluster 1—Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang and Mae Hong Son—private sector executives, and representatives from various ethnic community networks.
Speaking at the ceremony, Boonlue said that Upper Northern Thailand is home to an exceptional wealth of cultural heritage, traditional customs, and indigenous wisdom passed down through generations. The distinct lifestyles of the region’s ethnic communities represent valuable cultural assets that can be transformed into meaningful economic opportunities through creative tourism.
“The festival reflects a new approach to cultural tourism by adding value to local traditions while embracing the concept of ‘The Power of Diversity Towards a Sustainable Society.’ It aims not only to stimulate the regional economy but also to ensure that tourism income is distributed directly to local communities and ethnic groups in a sustainable way,” he said.
Ittirat added that the event is designed to raise awareness of Lanna’s diverse ethnic cultures, traditional ways of life, and unique festivals, while strengthening collaboration among tourism networks across the four provinces. Throughout the three-day programme, visitors can enjoy a wide range of cultural experiences, including:
Ethnic Food and Craft Market: Traditional handicrafts, locally made products, and authentic regional cuisine presented by ethnic communities and community-based tourism groups.
Hands-on Cultural Workshops: Nine interactive workshops each day featuring traditional silver embossing, natural fibre rope making, backstrap weaving, and demonstrations of rare Northern dishes such as Kai Pam (grilled eggs in banana leaves), Lab Rak Chu, and Khao Kan Jin.
Cultural Performances and Music: Daily performances showcasing the traditions of Lanna’s ethnic communities, including Akha cultural performances, the Peacock Dance, Tea Leaf Dance, Long Neck Karen performances, Tai dance, as well as traditional music by Karen musicians, Tai Lue folk bands, The Per, and Mai Huen 60.
Fashion and Business Activities: Highlights include the daily “Colours of Lanna Ethnic Fashion Show,” business matching sessions designed to expand market opportunities for community enterprises, and a public seminar titled “The Power of Diversity Towards a Sustainable Society.”
The festival forms part of the “Colours of Lanna Ethnic Tourism Promotion Project” for the 2026 fiscal year, organised by the Chiang Mai Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports to strengthen cultural tourism across the region while preserving local heritage and generating sustainable income for ethnic communities.
The Chiang Mai Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports invites both Thai and international visitors to experience the vibrant traditions, cuisine, craftsmanship, music, and cultural diversity of Lanna’s ethnic communities at One Square, One Nimman, from July 10–12, 2026. Admission and all workshop activities are free of charge throughout the event.