31st January – 2nd February 2020
For many of us, Jai Thep Festival has become one of the highlight and favourite annual events here in Chiang Mai. Set in a bucolic and picturesque valley flanked by gentle green mountains and with a ridiculously pretty stream running alongside it, you don’t get much better of a setting than that for a three day festival.
Thousands of locals, tourists and festival aficionados flock to Jai Thep whether for the day or to set up camp for the duration, taking in the chilled party vibe, the numerous stages which attract some superb DJs and bands from across Asia and beyond and the many many other activities available throughout the valley that is Lanna Rock Garden, the festival setting.
This year Jai Thep is all about being more eco-conscious, giving back to the community, donating to worthy causes and partnering up with socially and environmentally responsible companies. Last year, with the help of a sustainability team, Jai Thep managed to recycle and divert nearly 80% of its waste from landfills. The festival also donates towards two of Citylife’s favourite organisations – The Forest Restoration & Research Unit (FORRU) and Warm Heart Foundation, both doing really important work here in our region. Not only that, their posters are printed on recycled elephant poop paper and they also invite foundations and non-profits to come and have a booth for free for the duration of the festival.
While there will be great music, bars and lots of partying, the organisers also emphasize that this is a family affair and that they are also focusing on wellness, healing and artistic activities, with workshops and spaces dedicated to a smorgasbord of interests from practicing yoga to learning how to hula hoop; womb massage therapy to speed friending; African dance to fortune telling. Jai Thep is also partnering up with some new organisations this year, keeping current and relevant on many issues facing Chiang Mai today such as the Chiang Mai Pride, which held last year’s historic pride parade, School for Life, an important foundation which helps find opportunities for underprivileged children, Pai Seedlings, a permaculture and natural farming project and many more.
Dotted across the valley you will find areas to chill, chat, socialise, dance or just retreat. Last year’s super popular Connective Cacao and Sound Ceremony, which uses cacao, meditation and sound to ground the body is back this year, so make sure not to miss that, and for those looking to expend a bit of energy, check out the CNX pole workshop and do some pole dancing! One thing you can’t possibly be at Jai Thep, is bored.
Bring your family, there is a children’s playground and lots of space to run around in as well as activities for children such as face painting. You can also bring your tents and spend the entire festival camping on the grounds so you don’t miss out on a single thing. There are numerous stages, so it’s best to check out the Jai Thep web site for the latest line-up, but whatever you are into – rap, rock, Thai morlam, indie, punk or folk – there will be a band for you. The dance crowd will also be kept on the move with great DJs covering techno, house, drum and bass and more.
Make sure you get your tickets soon and see you for a fantastic festival in just over a week!
(Picture credit: from https://jaithepfestival.com/music/)
