When and where
Next edition: The date for next year is not confirmed yet; the festival is usually held in August / September.
When: Late August to early September (varies by village)
Rule: Lunar calendar. Variable: 2026 Mae Salong 5-6 September; other villages late August and mid-September.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Akha Swing Festival
The Akha Swing Festival is an annual harvest festival of the Akha, a hill people in Chiang Rai. In August and September villages build a large wooden swing and prepare offerings for the rice spirits. People in impressive headdresses and silver dance, sing and swing to pray for the harvest. The festival is welcoming and tourists can watch around Mae Salong and nearby villages if they are respectful.
Getting there
Mae Salong is about 60 km from Chiang Rai by songthaew or rental car along winding mountain roads.
Highlights
- Giant wooden swing Villagers swing to honour the rice spirits.
- Headdresses and silver Akha dress is richly decorated and highly photogenic.
- Dance and song Traditional songs and group dances around the village.
Tips for Akha Swing Festival
- Ask permission for photos and consider a small contribution.
- Roads to hill villages are narrow; hire a local guide.
- Bring rain gear, it is rainy season.
Akha Swing Festival on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The location on the map is approximate.
The map shows the Mae Salong area; several Akha village events take place around the same time in Chiang Rai.
Frequently asked questions about Akha Swing Festival
When is Akha Swing Festival in 2026?
Akha Swing Festival falls in 2026 on 5–6 September, at Ban Sam Yaek, Mae Salong, Mae Fah Luang. Rule: Late August to early September (varies by village). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Where is the best place to see Akha Swing Festival?
Watch it best at Ban Sam Yaek, Mae Salong, Mae Fah Luang. Villagers swing to honour the rice spirits. Mae Salong is about 60 km from Chiang Rai by songthaew or rental car along winding mountain roads. Akha dress is richly decorated and highly photogenic. Highlight: Dance and song – Traditional songs and group dances around the village.
Is Akha Swing Festival free to attend?
Yes, watching is free. The venue is Ban Sam Yaek, Mae Salong, Mae Fah Luang. Ask permission for photos and consider a small contribution. Roads to hill villages are narrow; hire a local guide. Highlight: Giant wooden swing – Villagers swing to honour the rice spirits. Highlight: Headdresses and silver – Akha dress is richly decorated and highly photogenic.
Festivals near Ban Sam Yaek, Mae Salong, Mae Fah Luang
- Lisu New Year 25 km as the crow flies
- Singha Park Chiang Rai Balloon Fiesta 35 km as the crow flies
- Chiang Rai Flower Festival 35 km as the crow flies
- Lahu New Year 115 km as the crow flies
- Yi Peng (Chiang Mai lantern festival) 165 km as the crow flies
Also in August / September
- Nan Boat Races
- Phichit Long Boat Races
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan)
- Lamphun Longan Fair
- Uttaradit Langsat Festival