Thailand Public Holidays 2026 in Chiang Mai
Local Calendar, Planning Tips & Emergency Info
This is the complete guide to Thailand’s public holidays in 2026, localized specifically for Chiang Mai. Whether you are visiting, living here, or running a business, public holidays affect far more than just days off. They influence immigration services, banking, transport, staffing, festivals, and the rhythm of daily life in Northern Thailand.
This page is part of the ChiangMaiBusiness.net Local Knowledge Hub, designed to help residents and visitors plan with confidence.
Thailand Public Holidays & Major Festivals 2026
| Date | Holiday / Event | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Jan, Thursday | New Year’s Day | National public holiday |
| 02 Jan, Friday | Special Public Holiday | National public holiday |
| 10 Jan, Saturday | National Children’s Day | Cultural observance |
| 14 Feb, Saturday | Valentine’s Day | Cultural observance |
| 15–17 Feb, Sunday–Tuesday | Chinese New Year Festival | Major cultural festival |
| 03 Mar, Tuesday | Makha Bucha Day | National public holiday |
| 05 Apr, Sunday | Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) | Cultural observance |
| 06 Apr, Monday | Chakri Memorial Day | National public holiday |
| 13 Apr, Monday | Songkran Day (National Elderly Day) | National public holiday |
| 14 Apr, Tuesday | Songkran Day (Family Day) | National public holiday |
| 15 Apr, Wednesday | Songkran Day (Thai New Year’s Day) | National public holiday |
| 01 May, Friday | National Labour Day | National public holiday |
| 04 May, Monday | Coronation Day | National public holiday |
| 31 May, Sunday | Visakha Bucha Day | National public holiday |
| 03 Jun, Wednesday | Queen Suthida’s Birthday | National public holiday |
| 28 Jul, Tuesday | King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday | National public holiday |
| 29 Jul, Wednesday | Asalha Bucha Day | National public holiday |
| 30 Jul, Thursday | Buddhist Lent Day (Khao Phansa) | National public holiday |
| 12 Aug, Wednesday | Mother’s Day / Queen Sirikit’s Birthday | National public holiday |
| 11 Oct, Sunday | Sart Thai Day | Cultural / religious observance |
| 13 Oct, Tuesday | King Bhumibol Memorial Day | National public holiday |
| 23 Oct, Friday | Chulalongkorn Day | National public holiday |
| 26 Oct, Monday | End of Buddhist Lent (Ok Phansa) | Religious observance |
| 25 Nov, Wednesday | Loy Krathong Festival | Major cultural festival |
| 05 Dec, Saturday | Father’s Day / King Bhumibol’s Birthday | National public holiday |
| 07 Dec, Monday | Substitute Holiday for Father’s Day | National public holiday |
| 10 Dec, Thursday | Constitution Day | National public holiday |
| 31 Dec, Thursday | New Year’s Eve | National public holiday |
- National public holidays: Government offices, banks, immigration, and schools are usually closed.
- Cultural / religious observances: Not official days off, but widely celebrated and may affect business hours, traffic, and alcohol sales.
- Major festivals: Especially relevant in Chiang Mai due to events, crowds, accommodation demand, and transport changes.
What Public Holidays Mean in Chiang Mai
Public holidays in Chiang Mai follow national observances, but their impact is distinctly local.
- Government offices, immigration, and banks are usually closed
- Malls, cafes, restaurants, and markets mostly stay open
- Tourist areas remain active, especially around festivals
- Locally owned businesses may close or operate reduced hours
Unlike Bangkok, Chiang Mai often feels calmer during holidays, except during major festivals like Songkran.
Quick Guide for Tourists Visiting Chiang Mai
If you are visiting Chiang Mai in 2026, public holidays often enhance the experience.
What stays open
- Shopping malls such as Maya and Central Festival
- Night markets and local restaurants
- Temples and cultural sites
What changes
- Alcohol sales may be restricted on major Buddhist holidays
- Popular attractions can be crowded on long weekends
- Transport may be busier on routes to Pai, Chiang Rai, and national parks
Songkran in Chiang Mai
Songkran from April 13 to 15 turns the Old City into one of Thailand’s most famous water festival zones. Expect road closures, large crowds, and joyful chaos. It is unforgettable, but not ideal for errands or quiet sightseeing.
Helpful visitor guides on ChiangMaiBusiness.net:
- Chiang Mai Events & Festivals
- Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
- Getting Around Chiang Mai
Quick Guide for Expats & Long-Term Residents
For expats and long-term residents, public holidays affect administration and compliance more than daily life.
Common closures
- Immigration offices
- Government departments
- Banks and schools
What usually remains open
- Hospitals and private clinics
- Supermarkets, cafes, and coworking spaces
- Most tourist services
Important planning note
Immigration deadlines do not pause for holidays. Visa extensions, 90-day reporting, and work permit matters should always be handled early, especially during April, July, October, and December.
Related expat resources:
- Chiang Mai Immigration & Visa Guides
- Banking & Financial Services in Chiang Mai
- Coworking Spaces & Remote Work
Business Planning Tips for Chiang Mai
If you operate a business in Chiang Mai, public holidays require proactive planning.
- Staffing may be limited during long holiday clusters
- Deliveries and logistics can slow down
- Government approvals may pause for several days
- Tourist demand often increases during major holidays
Songkran and year-end holidays are peak periods for hospitality, wellness, retail, and food businesses.
Business resources:
- Chiang Mai Business Setup Guides
- Hiring & Staffing in Thailand
- Local Marketing & Visibility
Emergency Numbers in Chiang Mai
Keep these numbers saved at all times.
- Police: 191
- Ambulance / Medical Emergency: 1669
- Fire Department: 199
- Tourist Police (English-speaking): 1155
- Highway Police: 1193
- Disaster Hotline: 1784
Major hospitals in Chiang Mai, including Chiang Mai Ram Hospital, Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai, and McCormick Hospital, operate year-round, including public holidays.
Public holiday dates are based on official national announcements. Substitute holidays may be added when holidays fall on weekends. Always confirm hours directly with immigration offices, banks, or service providers during major holiday periods.
This page is maintained as part of ChiangMaiBusiness.net’s mission to provide accurate, local-first guidance for people living, working, and doing business in Chiang Mai.
FAQs: Chiang Mai Public Holidays 2026
Fast answers for tourists, expats, and business owners in Chiang Mai.
No. Banks in Thailand are closed on national public holidays. In Chiang Mai, most branches close, but ATMs and mobile banking usually remain available.
No. Chiang Mai Immigration is closed on national public holidays and substitute holidays. Plan visa extensions and 90-day reporting ahead of time.
Usually, yes. Malls, cafes, restaurants, and markets typically stay open in Chiang Mai, although some locally owned businesses may reduce hours or close.
It depends. Alcohol sales are commonly restricted on major Buddhist holidays such as Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asalha Bucha Day, and Buddhist Lent Day.
Yes. Songkran is a national public holiday observed from April 13 to 15. In Chiang Mai, celebrations can be city-wide and very busy.
Yes. Transport continues to operate, but long weekends and festivals can increase demand. Book flights and buses early if you are traveling to or from Chiang Mai during holiday periods.
A substitute holiday is often observed on the next working day. This commonly affects government offices, immigration, and banks.
Police: 191. Ambulance/Medical: 1669. Fire: 199. Tourist Police (English): 1155. Highway Police: 1193. Disaster Hotline: 1784.