Not officially confirmed: The data for this festival is less certain; check on the spot or with the organisers.
When and where
When: After harvest, usually December to January (varies by village)
Rule: Lunar calendar. Varies per village; no confirmed date for 2026-27.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Hmong New Year (Doi Pui)
Hmong New Year is the most important event of the year for the Hmong of northern Thailand's mountains. After the harvest families put on colourful embroidered clothes with silver jewellery. There are ball-tossing games where young people meet, dance, music and shared meals. A visit is possible in villages such as Doi Pui near Chiang Mai, but dates vary by village. Respect and a friendly attitude are important.
Getting there
Doi Pui is about 15 km from central Chiang Mai, reached by songthaew via Doi Suthep.
Highlights
- Ball-tossing games Young people toss a ball to each other during courting games.
- Embroidered clothes Villagers wear silver and embroidered costumes.
- Dance and music Traditional music and dance with bamboo pipes.
Tips for Hmong New Year (Doi Pui)
- Ask the local community or a guide in advance when visits are possible.
- Do not take photos without permission and do not pressure people to sell clothing.
- Dress neatly and bring a small gift.
Hmong New Year (Doi Pui) 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 Hmong village Doi Pui above Chiang Mai. Hmong New Year is celebrated in many Hmong villages in the north.
Frequently asked questions about Hmong New Year (Doi Pui)
When is Hmong New Year (Doi Pui) in 2026?
For 2026 we have no verified date; it is not fixed yet, so we do not guess. The rule is: After harvest, usually December to January (varies by village). Varies per village; no confirmed date for 2026-27. Check shortly beforehand with the organiser or the province.
Where is the best place to see Hmong New Year (Doi Pui)?
Watch it best at Doi Pui Hmong village, Chiang Mai. Young people toss a ball to each other during courting games. Doi Pui is about 15 km from central Chiang Mai, reached by songthaew via Doi Suthep. Villagers wear silver and embroidered costumes. Highlight: Dance and music – Traditional music and dance with bamboo pipes.
What should I bring or wear to Hmong New Year (Doi Pui)?
Ask the local community or a guide in advance when visits are possible. Do not take photos without permission and do not pressure people to sell clothing. Dress neatly and bring a small gift. Highlight: Ball-tossing games – Young people toss a ball to each other during courting games. Highlight: Embroidered clothes – Villagers wear silver and embroidered costumes.
Festivals near Doi Pui Hmong village, Chiang Mai
- Visakha Bucha 4 km as the crow flies
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival 11 km as the crow flies
- Inthakin City Pillar Festival, Chiang Mai 11 km as the crow flies
- Songkran (Thai New Year) 12 km as the crow flies
- Yi Peng (Chiang Mai lantern festival) 13 km as the crow flies
Also in January / December
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival
- Chiang Rai Flower Festival
- Bo Sang Umbrella Festival
- Bua Tong Blossom Festival (Doi Mae U-Kho)
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year (Pak Nam Pho)