The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (Mar 27-30)

Like a phoenix, the Dhara Dhevi is reviving from the ashes with a spectacular food fest and craft fair this weekend. With over 70 vendors, there’s a ton of stuff to explore, from delicious food, drinks and snacks to hand crafted, handmade and second-hand products on sale. The market is also buzzing with live music in the garden and other activities to be discovered when you arrive. This is planned as a regular market event if it goes successfully, so show your love for the legendary location as it reboots with an iconic modern northern Thai market vibe. 

Mar 28-30. Free. Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai. 3-9pm.

Wiang Chet Lin is an ancient city that sits at the foothills of Doi Suthep. What makes it special is both its location and shape – a perfect circle – but is unknown to many in the city. This weekend, join and discover the historical stories of the ancient city and meet professors and experts who will help share the importance of its history. There are EV trams that will take you around the ancient city landscape, as well as morning ceremonies to pay respect to the guardian spirit of Wiang Chet Lin. For families, workshops focused on ancient traditions are also free and fun to join, including making Khanom Wong, Ta Laew and Nam Pimsen, making eco bricks and learning about nature hands-on. And if that’s not enough to keep you fascinated, there’s even a Fon Chuen Khwan Wiang Chet Lin dance performance and live music under the big Chamcha tree. 

Mar 29. Free. Livestock Office Zone 5 (on the foothills of Doi Suthep, where the ancient city was discovered). 8am-1pm. 

The Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes is one of the world’s most popular and long-running amateur cricket tournaments – now back for its thirty-fifth year at the Gymkhana Club in Chiang Mai. The tried and trusted formula of the Chiang Mai Sixes is an intoxicating mixture of high-scoring, fast-paced Sixes cricket promising camaraderie both on and off the pitch as well as bars and restaurants all around Chiang Mai with a well-organised array of social functions for cricketers and supporters alike.

Mar 30-April 5. Free. Gymkhana Club. 9am-7pm

Final call to witness the contemporary exhibition titled ‘Dynamics: The Path of Ideals’ at Baan Tuek Art Center this weekend. Organised by Thai Art program, Department of Thai Art and Creative Culture, Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University, this is one of the biggest contemporary art exhibitions of the university year, returning this year with a presentation of individualistic ideals through creative work that reflects the movement of artistic and cultural values as they evolve with the passage of time.

Mar 11-27. Free. Baan Tuek Art Center. 10am-5.30pm

Prepare your ears for an evening of smooth, soulful vocals as Johnnifer, one of the most standout talents from The Voice Thailand, graces the stage at The Mellowship Jazz Club. Take a seat and sit back, order a few cocktails and let her voice enchant the night away. Her singing will be accompanied by a live jazz band, offering that classic intimate atmosphere expected from one of the city’s best jazz clubs. Supporting act by the acoustic duo Ribbindasky. Seats are limited so best to reserve ahead of time or arrive early. 

Mar 28. B250, includes one free drink. The Mellowship Jazz Club. 5pm-midnight.

Get your hands covered in clay and enjoy a light-hearted, caffeine-infused afternoon of pottery making. This hand-building pottery workshop offers a fun filled experience of making the basics of pottery, including pinching, slab joint and coiling techniques. To your side, a serving of coffee drinks both hot and cold to keep you refreshed and focused. Once your masterpiece is completed, they’ll glaze and fire your creations free of charge, ready to collect 1-2 weeks later. No artistic experience is required, and participants are encouraged to let their imagination run wild. This is a weekly event every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Mar 28 and 30. B850 per person, includes a free drink and one glazing (extra glazing B100 per piece). Mitt Studio. 2-4.30pm.

Skal International will host Digital Nomads & Remote Workers: Learning More About the New Generation of Travelers at Alt_PingRiver this weekend, with John Ho, co-founder of the iconic co-living and co-working space, as guest speaker. He will share his perspective on the evolving needs of this community and how businesses can tap into new opportunities. Following the presentation, a casual Western-style dinner will whet any appetite, while you can network with other like-minded tourism professionals. Advanced registration is required and can be done here. 

Mar 27. Members B700, non-members B1,000. Alt_PingRiver. 6-8.30pm.

Whether you're a Shakespearean tragedy writer or more of a Shades of Grey type of writer, this safe, judgement-free, author Mitch (pen name Ari Chase-Ramos) is here to help guide you on how to improve your more sultry writing skills. Author of over 26 erotic novels published on Amazon, My Pen and Her Whip, they have spent much of their time penning prose from Chiang Mai and are now excited to share experience and guidance for like-minded writers. This is a space that is free of judgement and allows you to explore fantasies, desires, and drives in good company. Starting this Thursday, this is a regular event for the next few months. 

Mar 27 and subsequent Thursdays. Free. Creativitea, Nimman West. 1-3pm.

Spend a day relaxing by the pool before enjoying an outdoor party under the stars as Monkey Moments group gears up for a month of Songkran parties across the city. This party will be held at Ferment Space, a venue complete with salt water pool, sauna, ice bath and red light therapy. Highlights include a live performance of a traditional Lanna drums and swords show, as well as an incredible lineup of local and foreign DJs. Modest dress is required during the Lanna show, and locally sourced kimonos will be available for purchase on site. Tickets include full access to all of the spa facilities including special extended hours for the day of the event. 

Mar 29. B300 (B220 presale). Ferment Space. 11am-11pm.