Floral profusion in Chiang Mai
A trip to Thailand is and has always been a feast for the senses. As soon as you step out of the airport, you are greeted with the sight of gilt edges, curling roofs, and a profusion of velvety orchids. There is an aroma redolent of spices and lemongrass wafting throughout and, during a recent trip to Chiang Mai in the northern part of the country, a cool nip in the air that reminded one of Baguio.
The trip with friends had been planned months in advance after a travel-savvy companion learned that Cebu Pacific had begun offering direct flights to Chiang Mai from Manila. In the past, one had to book a connecting flight from Bangkok to get to Chiang Mai, and back again.
It was serendipitous that our arrival coincided with the annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival that is usually held on the first weekend of February, as our primary reasons for going were to eat, shop, visit temples, and maybe see an elephant up close. The festival, now on its 48th year, was originally intended to promote the local flower industry as the region is blessed with fertile soil and a cool climate—perfect for growing a wide range of flowers.
This year, the festival was held on Feb. 7 to Feb. 9 and included a Miss Chiang Mai beauty pageant, flower beds planted with a stunning rainbow of blooms, a bazaar selling potted plants and garden tools, and a parade of intricately decorated floats.
We were unable to catch the parade on Feb. 8 but headed to Tha Phae Gate located in Chiang Mai’s “old town” early the next day and were treated to the sight of a city slowly waking up after the night’s festivities.
If you’ve ever attended the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City—held last weekend—you would know that the flower-bedecked floats are a sight to behold. In Chiang Mai, we were able to take a closer look at the floats as they were all lined up just within the city’s crumbling old walls.
Thai artistry
The Thais’ artistry and attention to detail were amazing. All available surfaces on the floats were packed with flowers: tiny pink and violet blooms paved images of Thai gods and elephants while masses of jewel-toned orchids and chrysanthemums were used to provide depth and volume.
What looked from afar like a dragon’s scales, upon closer inspection, turned out to be individually attached corn kernels encircling ivory-colored seeds. There were garlands of sampaguita and jasmine, and roses—what many consider as delicate flowers—that managed to last through the night and what later turned out to be a very sunny morning.
Since the floats, close to two dozen of them, were lined up in a row, we were able to go around and admire them from different angles. Even the tractor to which one float was attached was decorated with a peacock covered entirely in flowers.
The artistic display of floral prowess was a definite sensory overload of colors, scents, and textures, one that merits a second visit—perhaps in 2027 when Chiang Mai celebrates the 50th anniversary of its dazzling flower festival.
