Previously the parade was held on the outer moat road from Katam Corner to Sri Phum Corner. Recently this has changed to a route north from the city along Chotana Road to the Lanna Rama IX Gardens.

In Chiang Mai, the main events take place over three days (the dates vary for other northern provinces). By custom the first day falls on April 13^th - the last day of the old year.

Firecrackers are let off at dawn and people spring clean their homes.

In the afternoon, a parade of Buddha images from Chiang Mai temples goes from the railway station to Wat Pra Singh. Northern  people toss lustral water (water scented with perfume and flowers) to bathe the images as they pass along the streets. The Phra Singh image leads the procession to Wat Phra Singh where it is set in front of the temple for citizens to bathe throughout the rest of the festival.

Ceremonies are not held on the second day which separates the new year from the old. In the afternoon sand is placed in the temple compound as a symbolic return of the sand carried out on the soles of shoes and feet of the people.

The sand is made into small stupas for the next day.

The new year begins on the third day. The early morning is a particularly good time to visit the temples to watch people in traditional costume bringing offerings.

Ceremonies are held in the viharn. Outside, the people place flags in the sand chedi as well as symbolic sticks of support under bo trees to bring good fortune in the new year.

Later in the day juniors pay respect to senior people and family members in a ceremony known as tam hua. In the afternoon the main government organization hold a procession from Yupharat School to honour the governor at his residence by the Nawarat Bridge.

Young ladies should be  prepared for sweet words to their ears while water is poured on their necks and shoulders by ardent young men. Wear clothes that you can be wet and happy in. Foreigners are always welcome target so protect cameras, wallets, etc. in plastic bags.

In the city water throwing begins as early as nine in the morning and goes on till sundown. It continues for at least four days and longer in the countryside. Keep doors locked and windows closed if you don’t want a high spirited reveller to empty a bucket or squirt gun into your vehicle. Drive slowly and beware of water hitting you at high velocity, especially if on a motorcycle.

Though legends suggest it was established by the time of King Tilokarat in the late 15^th century, the origins of this festival prior to the last century are uncertain.

Now, people generally believe that by releasing floats and balloons they get rid of bad luck and give thanks to the water and heavenly elements. Older folks may say that it is to show gratitude to the Goddess of the River - Mae Klong Kha - for use of her water.

For the three nights of the festival people release small floats  (krathongs) with offerings that include incense, flowers, candles and money into the rivers and lakes. The River Ping becomes a stream of lights floating gently with the current. Small hot air balloons rise like lanterns high into the sky, complementing the floats drifting on the waters. Fireworks are let off everywhere, particularly on the banks of the River Ping and there is a parade each night in Chiang Mai.

The festival begins the day before the full moon. People decorate the entrances to their houses with coconut branches, banana trees, sugar-cane, lanterns and coloured paper. As dusk falls, people light earthen lamps placed along the walls of their property and the fireworks start. The lantern parade takes place on Thapae Road.

On the morning of the day of the full moon, people present offerings at the temples before releasing large hot air balloons from temple compounds. A competition for best balloon takes place in front of the city hall on Wang Sing Kham Road. Boat races are held on the river. At night the small krathong parade goes east along Thapae Road and ends at the City Hall.

The final round of the Nang Noppamas beauty contest is also held (usually at Thapae Gate) on this night. According to legend, Lady Noppamas was a beautiful daughter of a Brahmin priest in the court of Sukhothai. The young lady impressed the king very much when she made floats of lotus flowers for the kind to float down the river. Popular traditional holds at least from that time.