The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (12-16 Mar)

Poy Sang Long Festival is a traditional northern religious event in which Shan people bring their children to ordain as novice monks. The festival takes place in temples across the city during March, with this weekend’s biggest in Bo Sang. Activities include performances by Shan dancers, Shan likay performances and local artist showcases. However, the biggest draw of the event is the ordination procession where novices wearing colourful headdresses are carried on the shoulders of their elders or on the back of dancing mules.

March 12-13. Free. Wat Ku Man Mongkhon Chai. Early afternoon till late. 

For those with a DTV or looking to get one, as well as those looking for work in hotels, restaurants and co-working spaces, this visa networking event aims to help answer your questions and offer new opportunities to talented individuals. Expand your businesses by finding new team members or expand opportunities through new collaborations and entrepreneurial discussion. Discover market trends, learn about the new visa type and how to benefit from Thailand’s soft power initiative. 

March 14. Free, register here. Yellow Co-Working Space. 4-6pm

Get ready for an electrifying night of pure rock energy at Yoda’s CNX Gallery with a night of pure, raw live rock music throughout the night. There’s an epic lineup of local rock legends such as pop-punk band The Boy Toy CNX and the infamous Irondick, Chiang Mai’s nu-metal powerhouse, delivering explosive performances inspired by Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, and more. Brace yourself for blazing guitar solos, heart-thumping drums, and a crowd that’s ready to rock!

March 15. Free. Yoda’s CNX Gallery. 8pm-late. 

Thailand’s biggest OTOP showcase has made it to Chiang Mai, this time featuring the finest handicrafts, textile masterpieces, gourmet food products and traditional fashion from across the country. Expect to see some spectacular cultural performances and live music from top artists while vendors woo you with unique, high-quality local products. Don’t forget to ask for tax receipts as some OTOP purchases allow for tax-refunds when submitting your tax returns. A great opportunity to support local artisans, celebrate Thai culture and find the best products of your local tambol. 

Mar 10-16. Free. Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre. 10am-9pm

Celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi right here in the city, with a busy schedule of wellness and connection, offering a very Chiang Mai style to this otherwise bright and colourful festival. Embrace eco lifestyles, experience traditions both local and international and make the most of daytime healing ceremonies before the colourful pots of powder emerge and the fun of Holi really begins. After a day of peace, enjoy Bollywood music and Indian dance performances as well as a ton of colour play. Dress to impress! 

Mar 15. B900 which includes B500 in vouchers to spend at the event. Chiang Mai Sauna Ice Bath Eudemonia, and Flavour Hill. 9am-9pm.

Enjoy a fun and musical evening of latin music and wine tasting at Aquaria, in partnership with OVS. Enjoy an Italian dinner before mustering the courage to stand up and dance with your peers as the red wine flows. Guaranteed to be both bold in flavour and in rhythm. Tickets include a tasting course of five wines and complimentary latin snacks. 

March 15. B890 per person. Aquaria Restaurant. 6pm onwards.

Join the opening reception for Lacquer in the World, an exhibition showcasing the extensive range of lacquer-based art through the styles of lacquer chronography and its diverse development and perspectives. This special event includes a seminar and a workshop titled ‘Route to the Root’, exploring how we can better understand lacquer as a material for future sustainability. After the opening event the exhibition will run indefinitely at the studio during regular opening hours. 

March 15. Free. La Luna Gallery. 6.30-9pm

Celebrate Paddy’s day in true Irish style with a lineup of beer, bands and blarney throughout the evening. Sure, it’s Monday but when did that stop anyone? From 6.30pm The Wayfarers will perform some classic tunes, followed by music by Chris Washington and tunes by DJ The Bump. Proper thar cionn. 

March 17. Free. The U.N. Irish Pub. 6pm-close.