Not officially confirmed: The data for this festival is less certain; check on the spot or with the organisers.
When and where
When: January to March, about 12 days (per village)
Rule: Lunar calendar. Varies by village. 2026: 3rd International Lahu New Year in Chiang Rai 17-19 January; Chiang Khong 15-22 February. No date recorded for the chosen location.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Lahu New Year
Lahu New Year is the most important festival of the Lahu, a hill people living mainly in the northern provinces. It lasts around twelve days in the cool months after the harvest. Families prepare rice cakes, pray at the village's sacred place and hold dances with drums and the lusheng pipe. For some years there has also been an international edition that changes venue. Visits are best arranged through a local guide.
Getting there
Piang Luang lies at the Myanmar border, about 4-5 hours by road from Chiang Mai.
Highlights
- Rice cakes Communal pounding and sharing of rice cakes.
- Lusheng dance Dances with the bamboo mouth organ (lusheng) and drums.
- Village rituals Prayers and offerings for the new year at the sacred place.
Tips for Lahu New Year
- Ask local permission; the festival is often community-focused.
- Dress neatly, be careful with photos and ask a guide for dates.
- Expect poor roads.
Lahu New Year 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 Lahu area Piang Luang; the New Year is held in many Lahu villages and the official main venue changes.
Frequently asked questions about Lahu New Year
When is Lahu New Year in 2026?
For 2026 we have no verified date; it is not fixed yet, so we do not guess. The rule is: January to March, about 12 days (per village). Varies by village. 2026: 3rd International Lahu New Year in Chiang Rai 17-19 January; Chiang Khong 15-22 February. No date recorded for the chosen location.
Where is the best place to see Lahu New Year?
Watch it best at Piang Luang, Wiang Haeng (Lahu area). Communal pounding and sharing of rice cakes. Piang Luang lies at the Myanmar border, about 4-5 hours by road from Chiang Mai. Dances with the bamboo mouth organ (lusheng) and drums. Highlight: Village rituals – Prayers and offerings for the new year at the sacred place.
What should I bring or wear to Lahu New Year?
Ask local permission; the festival is often community-focused. Dress neatly, be careful with photos and ask a guide for dates. Expect poor roads. Highlight: Rice cakes – Communal pounding and sharing of rice cakes. Highlight: Lusheng dance – Dances with the bamboo mouth organ (lusheng) and drums. It lasts around twelve days in the cool months after the harvest.
Festivals near Piang Luang, Wiang Haeng (Lahu area)
- Poy Sang Long (Shan novice ordination) 80 km as the crow flies
- Jong Para (Shan festival, Mae Hong Son) 80 km as the crow flies
- Hmong New Year (Doi Pui) 100 km as the crow flies
- Visakha Bucha 105 km as the crow flies
- Bua Tong Blossom Festival (Doi Mae U-Kho) 105 km as the crow flies