The most important festival in Thai Buddhism, Vesak, takes place this Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Chiang Mai traditionally marks the event the day before with an overnight pilgrimage to the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand, Doi Suthep.

From 5pm tomorrow, Tuesday May 21, 2024, the first devotees will set off for the summit from the shrine dedicated to Khruba Siwichai (อนุสาวรีย์ครูบาศรีวิชัย), at the foot of Doi Suthep.

Generally, an opening ceremony is held here at around 6pm. And in the early hours of the morning, the monks of Doi Suthep collect alms (but thousands of people will be present at the temple!). This year, no fewer than 800 monks and novices will be present at 6.30am up on the mountain. A ceremony with lustral water from Bangkok’s Grand Palace takes place at 10am.

A pilgrimage that makes the people of Chiang Mai proud. And all those who have done it once in their lives will remember it forever.