Aydan Stuart

Food, parties, and a little spiritual reset are all on the menu this weekend – a trio that works best in exactly that order. From unmissable Japanese fare fresh from Bangkok (here for one week only) to a surprisingly packed lineup of anniversary blowouts, it’s safe to say the city is in celebration mode. For the Americans in town, there are a select few star-spangled Independence Day events worth saluting, while Thai pop fans can expect a strong line up of famous bands performing live across the city. And if you’re feeling the need to heal rather than overindulge, a special ecstatic dance session promises to realign your weekend energy – if you can handle raving sans alcohol.

Pizza. It’s a staple among almost all cultures. From questionable 2am slices from delivery chains that hit just right after a few towers of beer to artisanal, hand-crafted sourdough pies that practically demand a knife and fork they’re so fancy, there seems to be a love for this food that transcends social status. Uncles, aunties, politicians, teens, kids, tourists and locals – they all love a pizza pie and, honestly, so do we.  So, without further ado, here’s our best list of pizza spots in and around Chiang Mai that hit the spot on many levels, from that gloriously gooey grease-topped New York special to the crispiest of thin crusts topped with a whole burrata. Whatever form your pizza craving comes in, these are the slices that deliver the goods.

Ok, full disclosure, I don’t frequent nail bars too often. Although, with a wife, daughter and mother at home, I do probably visit them more than many other cisgender males. Either way, for the sake of accuracy, I’ve teamed up with my most informed nail bar addicts to bring together a list of Chiang Mai’s best nail bars this side of 2025. And while this list is not exhaustive, it is growing every day, so bookmark and revisit every time those ten shimmering finger ends need a little colour or pizzazz. 

If there’s one thing Chiang Mai does better than most, it’s markets. From indie design pop-ups to full-on street takeovers, the city comes alive every weekend with stalls, snacks and surprises to suit every kind of shopper.  Whether you're after stylish homemade threads, organic veggies, vintage vinyl or a steaming bag of sai-oua saussage, there’s a market with your name on it somewhere in the north. To help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up the best in one handy list. Now all you need to do is prepare some cash, sling on a tote bag and bring your best bargain-hunting energy.  

Chiang Mai has played a larger role in cinema than you might expect. With its stunning temples, charming streets, picturesque villages and sweeping mountain ranges, this northern gem is a favorite for filmmakers seeking the perfect backdrop. Often, Chiang Mai has doubled as a stand-in for its tropical neighbors like Laos, Cambodia, or Myanmar – likely due to enticing tax incentives and affordable accommodations. But here, we set aside those ‘stand-in’ roles to spotlight films where Chiang Mai takes centre stage, proudly showcasing its unique beauty and character. Whether you're reminiscing about a recent trip or simply looking to channel that Leo DiCaprio whistle-point meme from your couch, here’s a list of some of the best films that capture Chiang Mai in all its northern splendour.

Aside from its physical charms of temples and cultural spectacles, Chiang Mai boasts a distinctive culinary culture – one that spans both local, northern delights and an eclectic take on almost every international cuisine.  Add in influences from border states such as Myanmar, Laos and, culturally at least, China, the local food takes a unique approach to the more traditional Thai flavours found in Bangkok.  Khao soi, the rich coconut curry noodle soup, is a common forerunner for northern food fans, alongside sai oua (northern spicy sausage), gaeng hanglay (a rich pork belly curry imported from the Shan state) and laap krua (a cumin-rich take on the Thai spicy meat salad).  Yet beyond the local favourites sits menu upon menu of exceptionally good food that celebrates cuisines and creations the world over. Over the last few years, Chiang Mai has boomed as a destination for good food, with both fine-dining restaurants and roadside gems garnering international acclaim from the likes of Michelin, Tattler and Thailand’s Favourite Restaurant Awards.  To celebrate Chiang Mai’s burgeoning food scene, we’ve rounded up the best places to eat across the city. Yes, there’s more to life here than just khao soi – but don’t worry, we’ve got that covered too. From street-side staples to low-key fine dining, this list proves you don’t need white tablecloths to eat well in the north.

Chiang Mai doesn’t just celebrate Songkran – it owns it. With the Old City moat as the main splash zone, you’ll find temple ceremonies and cultural parades dominate the formalities while open-air DJ sets and street-wide water fights let you go full party mode.  This year, we’re ditching the tourist dos and don’ts and going full throttle into what really matters – a hit list of the best events, parties, parades and moat-side chaos that makes Songkran in Chiang Mai so iconic. Here’s everything you need to know about where to go, what’s happening, and how to celebrate Songkran in Chiang Mai this year – be it loud, local or absolutely drenched. If you have an event and want us to add it to the list, email aydan@timeoutthailand.com to get it added! 

It’s that time of year once again to dig out your old floral shirt, buy a new water gun and hit the streets of Chiang Mai for another round of water splashing fun – said to be the city’s biggest yet!  Often topping lists of best cities to ‘do’ Songkran, you’ll find water fights happening on just about every street in Chiang Mai during the almost week-long event; there are a few key spots where the chaos levels peak.  April 13-15 are the official dates for the festival but Chiang Mai usually starts early, with people getting wet and parties to be found from as early as April 11 this year. So take your fun to the absolute next level with our top picks for free places to jump into the action this year, Chiang Mai style.   

The legendary Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes is back this weekend for its 35th year, bringing a lively mix of amateur and semi-pro cricketers from across the globe to the city for one of the world’s most iconic amateur cricket tournaments. From March 30 to April 5, the historic Gymkhana Club will be transformed into a buzzing blend of big hits, boundary cheers and a fair few icy beers at the event’s very own Boundary Bar. But for those who’ve never been, or simply have no clue about the complexities of cricket, things can get a little overwhelming. So whether you’re here to swing a bat, cheer from the sidelines or just soak up the festive vibes, this is our go-to guide for everything you need to know about the Chiang Mai Cricket Sixes 2025 – from match schedules and team intel to where to grab a bite between innings or do a vodka slammer with the teams.

Chiang Mai citizens are burning with excitement as IKEA finally opens its doors to the people of the north. This Swedish furniture shop is a beloved brand here in Thailand, and whether you like it or not, this new addition is saving locals from the once-essential pilgrimage (read: expensive flight) to Bangkok just to get their hands on a Billy Bookcase.  While this might just be the tiniest IKEA in the world (or at least in Thailand), its presence hasn’t stopped die-hard fans from queuing up every morning since it opened at the end of February this year. But here’s the thing. Whether you’re a flat-pack fanatic or think Swedish furniture is just a bit... meh, IKEA has a way of making a visit fun for everyone. Because, let’s be honest, we’re all really here for the meatballs.  So, if you feel like joining the queues of cars and people to celebrate Chiang Mai’s most momentous opening of the year, here are six things to do at IKEA that have absolutely nothing to do with furniture.

Much like its thriving coffee culture, Chiang Mai’s bakery scene is flourishing, with artisanal pastry shops and cafes on nearly every corner. Whether it’s flaky, buttery croissants paired with a perfectly brewed coffee or eye-catching cakes adorned with sugar-laden icing, the city has an undeniable sweet tooth. With so many options to choose from, narrowing down the best can be a challenge, so we’ve done the work for you.  Here’s our list of the must-visit bakeries this year – a growing list of both beloved classics and exciting newcomers that are worth checking out on your next trip to Thailand’s northern capital.

While the majority of The White Lotus series three takes place in the albeit geographically questionably ‘southern islands’ of Thailand, the country’s buzzing capital is soon to take its turn in the spotlight. With episode four now aired, the anticipation ramps up as the series dangles a carrot of mystery in front of some inevitable twists and turns in the deepening plotline. Rick Hatchett (Walton Goggins) has alluded to his intentions after overhearing that resort owner Sritala (Lek Patravadi) has to travel there to visit her sick husband back in episode two. Now episode four exposes the reason why, although we’ll let you find that one out on your own. As the drama intensifies, The White Lotus is poised to continue its tradition of spotlighting each destination's finest qualities, even as it delves into the shadows of less-than-honourable intentions. And while we wait for the big Bangkok reveal, there’s no better time to take a whistle stop tour of the capital to see all the series’ confirmed (and a few rumoured, yet still unconfirmed) must-visit filming locations. From exclusive clubs and Michelin-starred restaurants to gilded temples and ultra-exclusive villas, Bangkok is the perfect spot to set-jet to the locations of The White Lotus without having to fly south.

Celebrate Yoda’s first year anniversary on the old city party scene with a night packed with live music and DJs, drink promotions and celebration at Yoda’s CNX Gallery. Not just a bar, this gallery-cum-party pad has hosted some of the best local and international acts of the season to date, and is a fast growing spot on the Chiang Mai party circuit. To celebrate, the owners are putting on a show with free snacks, fun games, prizes to win and a line up of DJs that will keep your body moving. Kicking off at 7pm, see Rudeboy Charoenprathet hit the decks followed by The Boy Toy and DJ Pop Synchonize and DJ Minotaur see the night out into the early hours of the next morning.  July 5. Free. Yoda’s CNX Gallery. 7pm-late.

One stage. Three bands. Infinite groove. That's right, this Saturday is set to be a genre-bending night of live music and performance as Thapae East hosts an eclectic (or should that be ‘electric’) lineup of Chiang Mai’s most dynamic acts – all bringing their own unique sound and soul. Start the night with an alt-dream, psychedelic set from AfterCrush, closely followed by Madame Blue for some blues and soul jamming. To round off the night and keep spirits high, Mr. Cat & Friends takes to the stage for some dance-worthy rock and roll, Lanna style. Come early, grab a drink and settle in for a night where genres collide and the groove never stops.  July 5. B200 on the door. Thapae East. 7pm-late.

Melodic – Chiang Mai’s buzzing live‑music bar known for their eclectic lineups – turns two this weekend and they’re celebrating in style with a free live concert from legendary Thai pop-rock band Proud. Known for their heartfelt, sing-along ballads and well-known bangers, Proud will be performing a range of nostalgic hits like ‘you are my dream’ and ‘mindless days’ as well as some new sounds and takes on classics. If that’s not convincing enough, the free bar from 6pm-8pm will surely pique your interest, along with free entry and free table booking to secure the best seat in the house. Time to raise a glass or two of free tipple on Melodic’s second birthday.  July 4. Free. Melodic CNX. 6pm-late.

Deep Green returns with another night of pure psytrance, trance and other breakbeat styles, this time with an all-female lineup of international DJs. Kicking things off is China’s DJ New Darlin, setting the mood before Chiang Mai’s own Ayavi cranks up the energy. Then it’s over to headliner Catchup – also from China – to take the night into full throttle. To keep up the tempo, the afterparty at Psysquare will promise a full night of psychedelic trance to keep you occupied into the wee hours of the morning. All tickets include a free drink.  July 6. Earlybird B300 online here, B240 at the door. Deep Green. 6pm-late.

Find yourself at Chiang Mai’s legendary establishment, Sudsanen, this weekend with a special acoustic performance and talk by the equally legendary folk musician Duangdao Deawdai. Enjoy the introspective sounds of his music, with raw lyrics, intimate vibes and a night that purposefully blends conversation with performance. Tickets are limited but bookable through Sudsanen’s Facebook page. Duangdao Deawdai is a soulful, acoustic performer, most often characterised by warm atmospheres where the audience can connect with his music on a personal level and speak to him directly.   July 3. B200 online, B250 on the door. Sudsanen. 5pm onwards.  

Celebrate independence day the Deadhead way with a night of psychedelic jams, old American outfits and more butt shaking than a San Francisco parking lot in the seventies. Saturday’s Child, northern Thailand’s premier Grateful Dead dance band, takes the stage to channel the spirit of Jerry and co. through the power of cover band magic. So slip on your wildest tie-dye, let your freak flag fly and get ready to shake your bones at Seven Pounds this Friday. There’s no lack of good ol’ hijinks and all-American grooves as the band teams up with Seven Pounds to mark July 4 in the most rock-positive way possible. Just remember, if the music’s loud and the vibes are weird – you’re in the right place. July 4. Free. Seven Pounds. 7.30pm-late.

Refill your love for Polycat at this ‘Back to the 80s’ concert – a special night to celebrate the anniversary of The Library One Nimman. Party like it's the eighties with music from the past and modern bands that have revived the eighties spirit. Expect retro vibes, heartfelt thanks and celebration, and – of course – a live performance from synth-pop favourites Polycat, delivering a night of feel-good nostalgia. Tickets range from full tables at stage front topped with bottles of Johnny Walker Blonde to walking standing at the back or on the second floor.  July 4. B300-350 walk-in, B1,500-2,000 for tables (seats four). The Library One Nimman. 7pm-late. 

Marriott Chiang Mai continues their voyage across global cuisine with the Flavours of Japan episode, brought to the city by Michelin Star-trained Chef Alvin Chew from Hashiri Restaurant at The Athenee Hotel. Savor his signature Japanese dishes at The Ping Cuisine and Bar for one week only – including seven kinds of premium seasonal seafood prepared with traditional Edomae techniques, standout Unagi Kabayaki eel and a curious serving of walnut soba, finished tableside with frozen walnut oil by the chef himself – a dish we’ve tried and can confirm is as delicious as it is dramatic. Chef Alvin Chew’s explorative dinner can be enjoyed a la carte until Saturday all day, with choices of per-dish or set menu options. The chapter then wraps a special Sunday brunch, while the next promises a flavour-packed journey to Korea. Jun 28-Jul 6. B1,299 for set menu, a la carte from B290. Bookings here or walk-in. The Ping Cuisine and Bar, Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel. 11am-11pm. 

If you love a good read, then this event is just for you. Packed with both Thai and English language books, the annual Chiang Mai Book Fair is back in town for ten days of book-loving fun. Stalls cover every type of book from fiction novels to non-fiction history, anime, cookery, self-help and even colouring books! Shop your favourite authors, discover new ones or simply spend an hour flicking through to spark your imagination – it’s all words at the mall this weekend, if you can handle the crowds.  June 27-July 6. Free. Chiang Mai Hall, Central Chiang Mai Airport. 10am-9pm

Discover eco-friendly and upcycled products, and browse for sustainable crafts and earth-loving goods this weekend at Jing Jai market as they host a special green-themed market. Snag deals from local eco-brands such as Bono Brand, Bope, Cat Community, Huh.wdus, Malee Handmade and SuperBee Wax Wraps, as well as joining creative eco-DIY workshops making plastic bottle cap keychains, headbands and tote bag painting, craft brooches and a special ‘save the word’ painting booth. June 26-27. Free. Jing Jai Farmers Market. 3pm-7pm

Head over to the city’s most famous club this weekend for a charity concert raising funds to build a new in-patient ward at Mae On Hospital. The night promises to play all your old favourites from the nineties and early naughties – but with a definite Thai focus. Think Pu Pongsit and Silly Fools rather than Oasis – although they’ll probably make an appearance on the DJ lineup too. Live music by oldies bands are also promised, with both stage performances and DJ sets by familiar faces throughout the night. June 26. Standing is free, tables from B2,500 including a bottle of Jameson. Reserve via 064-429-1529. Warm Up Cafe. 6pm-late.   

Indie pop darlings Anatomy Rabbit are heading to our city for one unforgettable night of music, memories and moving on. Join the crowd at Yeast Warehouse and let go of heartbreak, loneliness and stress – one indie ballad at a time. Soak up pure joy and enjoy the concert as well as shop at the Yeast store for cool wears, trinkets and memorabilia – spend B2,000 or more and stand a chance to win special prizes from Yeast and Anatomy Rabbit. June 29. Free. Yeast Warehouse, Charoen Mueang. 3pm-midnight.  

Chiang Mai is slated to become the entertainment capital of Thailand, and possibly Southeast Asia following a landmark film partnership memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between Hylife Group and the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).  Northern Thailand has always been a popular destination for Thai and International filmmakers thanks to its diverse setting, natural surroundings and cheap rates. We covered Chiang Mai on the silver screen in a recent top 12 film list, and that’s just the movies that directly reference the city in their script. Other films like Rambo, American Gangster, Twilight over Burma and Into the Sun were also filmed in our northern province with their stories set elsewhere. So, in a bid to decentralise big industry and capitalise on the popularity of Chiang Mai among filmmakers, Hylife Group – Chiang Mai’s leading conglomerate in real estate, asset management and manufacturing – has struck a deal with Korea’s BIFF, signing an MOU to join forces as key industry partners to position Chiang Mai as a premier entertainment hub in Asia.  Other signatories included K Wave Media, Solaire Partners and Lewis Pictures – three more big industry players that will help solidify this powerful alliance and advance the regional film industry. Under the broader citywide ‘Creative Chiang Mai’ campaign, this historic agreement aims to attract more international film investment, develop training platforms for local professionals and drive job creation.  The firs

Chiang Dao may not be the first place you think of when it comes to fine alcohol production. Its towering mountains and backwater vibes give off more ‘moonshine’ than ‘micro-distillery’ – but hidden just outside of town is a small-batch operation that, despite very strict Thai alcohol production laws, is creating contemporary spirits that exceed all expectations. What better way to spend a weekend than to see it for myself – from planting rice to bottling the final drop of Sonklin, their signature spirit crafted entirely from Sanpatong sticky rice. The result? A boozy, belly-laughing trip that showed me a new side of Chiang Dao where we spent days fermenting, distilling, condensing and popping corks in more ways than one. Photograph: Time Out Step one: Fermentation Any good spirit starts with some fermentation – a bubbling, transformative process that brings that which is inside, out. The same could be said about travelling, which is why a quick soak in the Chiang Dao hot springs helped ease myself into the trip, like an overripe plum preparing to pickle. Spirit lifted and pores open, I made my way to Choeng Doi Distillery for another, more uplifting experience – and not just because of the boozy vapour in the air.  Unlike other distilleries I’ve visited in Thailand, there were no fires burning over blackened stainless steel pots or shelves of old sticky rice bags and questionable permits collecting dust. On the contrary, it was a clean, meticulously planned operation that

Chiang Mai Zoo is gearing up to welcome two new pandas later this year, gifted from China to mark the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.  In a bid to ensure the pandas are safely and comfortably enclosed, the The Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand is investing B110 million to construct expansive, nature-inspired enclosures designed to meet the pandas' needs. This time around, it is hoped that animal welfare will be just as closely watched as the pandas themselves. Chiang Mai Zoo has historically been the host for Chinese-gifted pandas over the years, namely Xuang Xuang and Lin Hui who captivated over seven million visitors and even produced a cub in 2009.  For many, the love for Lin Hui reached fever pitch of Moo Deng-like proportions and became a furry symbol of Thai-Chinese relations. Born at the Giant Panda Research and Conservation Centre in Sichuan, China, she arrived in Chiang Mai in 2003 as part of a high-profile ten-year loan agreement worth one million dollars annually.  However, just before she was set to return to China in 2023, Lin Hui tragically passed away at the zoo following a sudden nosebleed. A joint investigation by Thai and Chinese experts later confirmed her passing was due to age-related complications. Since then the panda enclosure has remained eerily quiet, so the upcoming arrival of the new pandas is expected to incite panda-monium in Chiang Mai, boost tourism and further re

A little bit frisbee, a little bit golf – disc golf is catching on fast. This low-pressure, highly-addictive sport blends precision, power and playfulness in equal measure. And while it’s growing across Thailand, Chiang Mai is quietly becoming the country’s disc golf capital – home to one of the most passionate and well-established communities around. Photograph: Kingsley Flett What even is disc golf? If you’re imagining golf with frisbees, you’re not far off. The game essentially follows similar rules to the great game, aside from players throwing discs (smaller, denser versions of your beach frisbee) towards a standing metal basket in the fewest number of throws possible. Depending on how serious you get, most players carry around with them a hefty number of discs, all slightly different in size and weight, acting as drivers, midrangers and putters. The scoring system mirrors traditional golf, but the vibe is far more laid-back.  The terrain matters too. Unlike golf’s pristine fairways, disc golf thrives in forests, fields and unusual natural settings – in Chiang Mai this means wild parks, dense woodlands and watery mountain foothills. Outside of Chiang Mai, disc golf can be found on almost every continent. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, Ed Headrick is widely considered the father of disc golf and founded the sport in the United States some ten years after patenting the first-ever frisbee in 1966. Today, 85% of all disc golf courses are in the US, Fi

Helmet wearing on motorbikes has been the law for decades in Thailand, but there are still a significant number of people who choose to ride without protecting their heads. In a bid to reduce the number of helmetless wearing bikers, the Royal Thai Police have announced new, higher priced fines for those who flaunt the rules. From June 1, people riding a motorcycle without a helmet will be liable for a fine of up to B2,000 as part of a new ‘Safe Roads Project’ implemented across the nation. Fines can also double to B4,000 if both rider and passenger are not wearing a helmet.  To ensure public safety and confidence in the project, the Traffic Police Hotline is available day and night at 1197, ready to answer questions or receive reports on traffic-related issues.

The story of Chiang Mai Pride isn’t just about rainbow flags and fabulous outfits. It’s about protest, perseverance and the beginnings of Thailand’s modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. What started as a Mardi Gras parade in February 2009 soon hit the headlines as Thailand’s biggest social flashpoints for LGBTQ+ rights. Local backlash over what was perceived as the ‘sexualisation’ of the streets clashed with a community eager to celebrate its freedom and visibility. Tensions escalated into threats and then politically-driven mobs armed with stones and other weapons descended on the parade organisers and participants who ultimately sought refuge in the Phutthasathan Chiang Mai Monastery.  Shocking some, impressing others, the now-infamous standoff mob leaders demanded the LGBTQ+ participants prostrate in apology and vow not to hold a Pride parade for the next 1,500 years, or they would maintain the siege and threaten more violence. Needless to say, the LGBTQ+ activists didn’t give in, eventually escaping the mobs by jumping the temple walls and seeking refuge in the homes of local allies. Sirisak ‘Ton’ Chaited – the organiser of Chiang Mai Pride from then until now – was the last person standing, letting a single balloon fly as a signal of resistance before the standoff finally ended.  That moment sparked the formation of Sao Saw Et (Thai: เสาร์ซาวเอ็ด which means ‘Saturday 21’ in northern dialect), an organisation founded by the core leaders of Chiang Mai’s first Pride event aimed

It turns out those tourist TikTokers were onto something – Chiang Mai has been named the safest city in Southeast Asia, according to global statistics platform Numbeo.  Outranking even Singapore, Chiang Mai secured the top spot with impressively low crime scores across the board. The rankings are based on data evaluating crime rates, day and night safety, a sense of security reported by locals and visitors, and the severity of property and violent crimes. Numbeo’s safety index compiles five years of data, converting it into a convenient score out of 100. Chiang Mai leads the list with a score of 78.2, narrowly ahead of Singapore and Hanoi. Here are the top safest cities in Southeast Asia, according to Numbeo’s safety index: Chiang Mai, Thailand (78.2)  Singapore (77.4) Hanoi, Vietnam (65.9) Bangkok, Thailand (60.7) Pattaya, Thailand (53.9) While crimes like theft, bribery, and vandalism have seen slight increases over the past five years, violent crimes such as assault and robbery remain classified as ‘very low’ in Chiang Mai. And while we all should remain wary and on guard, this update means we can all relax a little more next time we end up down the wrong alley or forget our phone in a red songtaew. 

In response to the limited warnings following the recent earthquake that damaged homes and caused a building to collapse, the Thai government has developed a nationwide phone broadcast alert system that will send critical warning messages directly to mobile phones nationwide. To test the system, and to inform the public of the system’s existence, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) will test these alarm systems on May 7 and May 13, covering various geographical areas each time.  When tested, your phone will emit an attention-grabbing alert sound along with a bilingual emergency notification on screen that reads: ‘This is a test message from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). No action required.’  Alerts on May 7 will be broadcast at 1pm in the following areas: Muang District, Lampang Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Muang District, Nakhon Sawan Muang District, Surat Thani Din Deng District, Bangkok Alerts on May 13 will be broadcast at 1pm in the following areas: Chiang Mai Province Ayutthaya Province Udon Thani Province Nakhon Si Thammarat Province Bangkok

Good news for anyone tired of battling the Old City traffic or sprinting to catch a flight – the Wing 41 bypass is now open to the public, no special pass required. However, it's only during peak hours, so plan accordingly! For the uninitiated, Wing 41 Royal Thai Air Force Base sits right in the heart of Chiang Mai, between Nimmanhaemin Road and the airport. In fact, Wing 41 is actually the airport, originally a military base now shared with commercial airlines.  Until now, the shortcut through the base was strictly off-limits to civilians unless you had a special pass or serious military credentials. But with downtown traffic getting messier by the minute, Wing 41 is finally throwing us a lifeline. The bypass is now open from 6-9am and 3-6pm to anyone who wishes to use it, perfect for commuters and airport-goers looking to dodge the moat’s one-way maze and Huay Kaew’s endless traffic queues. However, if you’re dreaming of zipping through at any other time, you’ll still need to apply for a pass (applications usually open every October for a small fee and must be made in person at the base’s main administration office). Photograph: Chiang Mai Ambassador And yes, if you're passing through during rush hours, there are a few house rules: helmets on at all times if you’re on a motorbike, stick to the 50km/h speed limit, and follow all entrance and exit instructions like your shortcut depends on it.  So for now, shortcuts are secured. And while there’s no word on how long this of

Given the surge of fine dining establishments in Bangkok, it's surprising how few spotlight one of the city's most prominent ethnic communities. Despite Bangkok's significant Indian population, only a handful of the city’s Indian fine dining restaurants have achieved international acclaim. This scarcity makes Haōma’s presence all the more notable, offering a unique culinary experience that bridges Indian heritage with Bangkok's colourful dining scene.​ Photograph: Haōma Freeform expressions of neo-Indian cuisine While Indian food is deeply embedded in the capital’s cultural fabric, Haōma stands nearly alone at the fine-dining level – and it’s not just serving modern Indian cuisine, it’s redefining it. Tucked down an elegant alley off Sukhumvit soi 31, this isn’t your typical fine dining affair. Step through the entryway and you’ll be greeted by Director of Food and Beverage, Vishvas Sidana, who’ll entertain you through a curated selection of ‘imperfection’ cocktails that help set the scene, and settle your stomach.  Led by chef Deepanker ‘DK’ Khosla, the restaurant’s ethos is rooted in regenerative sustainability, which in this case is far more than just menu-speak. From cocktail to table, you’ll pass through the restaurant’s garden – showcasing how the restaurant operates on a closed-loop system. Photograph: Haōma At both the restaurant and farms in northern Thailand, sustainability takes center stage. The team raise their own chickens, grow fresh vegetables and breed fi

On Saturday April 19, Chiang Mai made history after hosting the biggest Thai dance in the world. And yes, Guinness World Records was there to make it official. Over 10,000 dancers participated in a mass ‘fon leb’ dance, a Lanna performance featuring shimmering brass fingernails and graceful hand movements to the tinny sounds of traditional instruments.  Officially only 7,218 dancers were recorded as taking part, twirling their way around the city moat and deep into the heart of the Old City. However, according to organisers and unofficial head counts, the real number was closer to 20,000 – a sea of swirling skirts and flashing fingertips, staged in celebration of Chiang Mai’s 729th anniversary. Photo: Anurak Chairut / Time Out The dance, performed in the style of Princess Dara Rasmi, a royal consort of King Chulalongkorn (also known as King Rama V), was a spectacle like no other the city has ever seen, with thousands of onlookers lining the streets to see performers donning traditional dress and moving in unison to choreography that had to be spot-on – Guinness doesn’t mess around. ‘Thailand is wonderful, and the people should be proud that they have another Guinness World Record title under their belt,’ said Sonia Ushirogochi, the official Guinness adjudicator on-site, who confirmed the record after recounting three times. Photo: Aydan Stuart / Time Out However, no attempt goes without issue. Waranya Lertworakitpipat, head of the Women’s Association of Chiang Mai said th

Before the Samui-centric third season of The White Lotus unfolded onscreen, it bloomed quietly in the capital’s Bangkok Noi district. Within this densely populated area with over 300,000 residents, a single canalside villa helped set the story in motion. As the home of fictional resort owners Sritala (Lek Patravadi) and Jim Hollinger (Scott Glenn), Siri Sala appears in the series as the Hollinger House – a lush, layered setting that takes centre stage in the penultimate episode, where Rick (Walton Goggins) finally confronts the man that he believes killed his father. As the world tunes in for the grand finale of The White Lotus (no spoilers here, but you should see it, it’s intense), we pause and rewind to a time when a tucked away Bangkok villa sparked something in Mike White.  A single visit, a passing view of a temple or an inspiring conversation on a canal – any of it could’ve been the catalyst. From conversations with those close to the shoot and the clues left on screen, it’s clear that Siri Sala left its mark. Not only did it play a part in shaping this season’s story, it became one of the most magnetic places for those keen to trace its creative origins.  Photograph: streamonmax The story behind the story ‘Siri Sala was one of the places Mike White visited when first coming to Thailand in 2023, scouting for the show and seeking inspiration for his yet-to-be-conceived storyline,’ villa owner Irma Go revealed to Time Out. ‘During his visit we took him to see Wat Suwan