When and where
Next edition: The date for next year is not confirmed yet; the festival is usually held in August / September / October.
When: Late August to October (around the end of the rainy season)
Rule: Lunar calendar. Variable: 2026 Tha Wang Pha 23 Aug-1 Sep (main races 29-30 Aug); Nan city planned 26-27 Sep. Not officially confirmed.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Nan Boat Races
The Nan boat races are a traditional spectacle at the end of the rainy season. Long wooden boats with a dragon-head bow, sometimes around 50 rowers, tear along the Nan River while thousands cheer from the bank. The boats belong to temples and are treasured. The races have a religious side: respect is paid to the river before the start. Several districts hold their own version.
Getting there
Nan is reached by a short flight from Bangkok or about 5-6 hours by bus from Chiang Mai.
Highlights
- Long dragon boats Wooden boats with dozens of rowers and a serpent head.
- Riverside party Thousands of spectators, food stalls and music by the river.
- Temple boats Each boat belongs to a temple and is treated with respect.
Tips for Nan Boat Races
- Check the local schedule as dates shift.
- Come early for a shaded spot.
- Bring a hat and water.
Nan Boat Races 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 area along the Nan River by Nan city. Tha Wang Pha district runs its own races.
Frequently asked questions about Nan Boat Races
When is Nan Boat Races in 2026?
Nan Boat Races falls in 2026 on 26–27 September, at Nan River, Nan city. Rule: Late August to October (around the end of the rainy season). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Where is the best place to see Nan Boat Races?
Watch it best at Nan River, Nan city. Wooden boats with dozens of rowers and a serpent head. Nan is reached by a short flight from Bangkok or about 5-6 hours by bus from Chiang Mai. Thousands of spectators, food stalls and music by the river.
What should I bring or wear to Nan Boat Races?
Check the local schedule as dates shift. Come early for a shaded spot. Bring a hat and water. Highlight: Long dragon boats – Wooden boats with dozens of rowers and a serpent head. Highlight: Riverside party – Thousands of spectators, food stalls and music by the river.
Festivals near Nan River, Nan city
- Phra That Cho Hae Fair (Phrae) 100 km as the crow flies
- Uttaradit Langsat Festival 150 km as the crow flies
- Chiang Rai Flower Festival 160 km as the crow flies
- Singha Park Chiang Rai Balloon Fiesta 160 km as the crow flies
- Thai Elephant Day 170 km as the crow flies
Also in August / September / October
- Akha Swing Festival
- Phichit Long Boat Races
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Chonburi Buffalo Races
- Chak Phra Festival (Surat Thani)
- Chulalongkorn Day