Not officially confirmed: The data for this festival is less certain; check on the spot or with the organisers.
When and where
When: Around Chinese New Year, late January to March (per village)
Rule: Lunar calendar. Varies per village; in 2026 celebrations in Chiang Rai were reported around 22-24 February and 12 March; no confirmed date.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Lisu New Year
Lisu New Year falls around Chinese New Year and is celebrated in many villages in the north. Men and women wear striking, colourful clothing with lots of embroidery and silver, and there is dance, music and shared food. Families make offerings to the ancestral and land spirits. The date varies by village and visitors should ask permission through a guide or the community.
Getting there
Reached by rental car or guide from Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai.
Highlights
- Colourful dress Stitched costumes with silver decorations.
- Dance and music Group dances with string instruments.
- Ancestral offerings Families make offerings to ancestors and spirits.
Tips for Lisu New Year
- Ask local permission and bring a small gift.
- Do not take photos without asking.
- Dates are uncertain: ask the village or a guide.
Lisu 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 a general location; Lisu villages celebrate in different places across Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.
Frequently asked questions about Lisu New Year
When is Lisu New Year in 2026?
For 2026 we have no verified date; it is not fixed yet, so we do not guess. The rule is: Around Chinese New Year, late January to March (per village). Varies per village; in 2026 celebrations in Chiang Rai were reported around 22-24 February and 12 March; no confirmed date. Check shortly beforehand with the organiser or the province.
Where is the best place to see Lisu New Year?
Watch it best at Lisu villages around Mae Kham, Chiang Rai. Stitched costumes with silver decorations. Reached by rental car or guide from Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai. Group dances with string instruments. Highlight: Ancestral offerings – Families make offerings to ancestors and spirits.
What should I bring or wear to Lisu New Year?
Ask local permission and bring a small gift. Do not take photos without asking. Dates are uncertain: ask the village or a guide. Highlight: Colourful dress – Stitched costumes with silver decorations. Highlight: Dance and music – Group dances with string instruments.
Festivals near Lisu villages around Mae Kham, Chiang Rai
- Akha Swing Festival 25 km as the crow flies
- Singha Park Chiang Rai Balloon Fiesta 65 km as the crow flies
- Chiang Rai Flower Festival 65 km as the crow flies
- Lahu New Year 115 km as the crow flies
- Yi Peng (Chiang Mai lantern festival) 180 km as the crow flies
Also in January / February / March
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival
- Chiang Rai Flower Festival
- Bo Sang Umbrella Festival
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year (Pak Nam Pho)
- Chinese New Year Yaowarat (Bangkok)