Chiang Mai Travel Forum

I am planning on visiting Thailand in November-everyone has said I can wait until I get there to find a hotel. If I am there during the festival in Nov.- I've heard that can be a problem. How far ahead should I book it, how long after the festival do places stay booked? (If I wanted to avoid the festival time and not worry about reservations.)

It's a very enjoyable festival during Loy Krathong and I highly suggest that you stay at the time. The atmosphere is also nice too in Sukhothai as well. You should book as early as possible. And most Thai tourists will leave town after the festival.

Which festival are you referring to? Loy Krathong? Its one evening only and shouldn't be a problem. Its always a good idea to book ahead as November is the start of the dry season, and the high season. But you can still find a hotel.

it depend on u,,but early u can plan ur travel very well,,,for info just see my bangkok page or http://markbanktravel.blogspot.com ,,,many travel guide there

hi

the festival in november is loy kratong festival and is celebrated from 24 to 27 nov. by locals although offically it is a one day festival.If you are planing to get there before that time there is going to be no problem.
There are always plenty of rooms in Chiang mai so no need to worry

enjoy the festival

When is the festival in 2008? I saw somewhere it said nov 13-15, you are saying the 26,27?

hi there

just read your reply and checked again
my thai friends told me officially it is on the 11 dec according to the lunar calender.However the websites i checked afterwards gives various dates
its been celebrated on the last week of nov. for the recent 3 years but really couldnt be sure for this year.Anyway wouldnt make any difference for your acc. problem

enjoy your trip

I just checked the calender, and for this year, it is on Nov 12. But it is usually celebrated for a few days, especially in the north.

Hi,
I've been to Chiang Mai for the Loy Krathong festival every year since 2004. You should not miss it. It's my favourite festival! And I did face problems booking my favourite guesthouses and hotels during the festival peak periods. You should book at least 1 month in advance. I guess it depends on which hotels u book. The less popular ones should be fine.

The festival peaks for 3 days in Chiang Mai. For this year, actual day is on 12 Nov. But based on past celebrations, the 3 day peak periods should be 11-13 Nov. And yes, most tourists leave the city after the last day of celebrations.

You can download a 2008-2009 calendar with Thai holidays here:
http://guidechiangmai.com/
It also has some useful info on Chiang Mai.

Not to worry too much. If you are not interested in the usual big hotels, then you are fine. just book 2-3 weeks before.