PHOTO: Thai Women with Paper Umbrellas at Songkran in Chiang Mai

Thai women dressed in Lanna attire carry traditional paper umbrellas as they bicycle to Thapae Gate in the Old City of Chiang Mai, Thailand, during the Songkran Festival

A highlight of the Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is the cycling parade of parasol-carrying ladies dressed in traditional Lanna attire. From the top of their head to the tip of their toes, they exude elegance. Their long lustrous black tresses are swept up into elaborate buns and decorated with cascades of fresh flowers. … Read more

VIDEO: Celebrating the Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) in Chiang Mai

Man drenches revelers with water canon during 2018 Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand

In mid-April each year, Thailand celebrates the Songkran Festival, Thai New Year. While festivities occur all over the country, the most lavish celebrations occur in the northern city of Chiang Mai. Held over a four or five day period, Songkran begins with a monk blessing and alms-giving ceremony, followed by the presentation of Songkran queens … Read more

PHOTO: Making Paper Lanterns at the Saa Paper Festival in Thailand

Man carves and shapes bamboo for paper lanterns at the Saa Paper Festival in the village of Ban Ton Pao in northern Thailand

The villages around the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai have long been known for the production of traditional handicrafts such as furniture, wood carvings, paper umbrellas, silk, hammered silver, jewelry, lacquerware, and Celadon ceramics. However Saa paper products, made from the bark of Mulberry trees, may be the most unique of these handmade products. … Read more