From the Suthep Gate on the west side of the old city square, around to the Chiang Mai Gate on the south, there was a floral festival, different from the one out at the Ratchaphruek Exhibition Grounds. It lasted for about a week at the end of January, beginning of February. The inner moat road (Arak Rd) was blocked off late in the afternoon and the party went til quite late. Near the Suthep Gate, there was a group of blind young men who had a band and serenaded. Opposite was a series of businesses who normally sold pets and pet food, so they expanded out onto the street. There was food for sale in pockets, and plants along the moat-side, clowns entertaining, and rickety children's rides in the park at the south-west corner. There was a marvellous display of knitting and crochet outside a wool shop, and a local fashion display. I went several times and bought some (extremely cheap) orchids which I grew in coconut husks until I left CM.

The feature of the festival was the floats, decorated with religious, rural and national themes, all put together from plants, flowers and vegetables. They were extraordinary; totally wild. The skill in putting them together was amazing. There seems to be a local bonsai club, with some gorgeous specimens produced. I loved this particular festival, which, I gather, was a regular occurrence (yearly). I suppose I can't say it was better than any of the others. I wouldn't have wanted to miss Loi Krathong, or the Three Kings' Festival. So, it was was yet another of the highlights in Chiang Mai, of which there are many.