Aydan Stuart is a writer, creative and travel editor based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Beginning his journey in journalism, he has since embraced a career that blends branding, creative leadership and storytelling, driven by a deep passion for sharing his passion for Thailand with others. He has authored four Lonely Planet guidebooks, is a travel columnist for the Telegraph and hosts a weekly radio show on Radio Thailand. When he's not at his desk, you’ll find him exploring wild mountain trails, indulging in new culinary experiences or seeking out fun, whisky-infused atmospheres.

Aydan Stuart

Aydan Stuart

Time Out Chiang Mai Editor

Articles (29)

Chiang Mai Songkran 2025: The ultimate event list

Chiang Mai Songkran 2025: The ultimate event list

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! 
Where to go in Chiang Mai for Songkran this year

Where to go in Chiang Mai for Songkran this year

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 35th Chiang Mai Cricket Sixes is next week! Here’s all you need to know

The 35th Chiang Mai Cricket Sixes is next week! Here’s all you need to know

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.
7 Things to do at Chiang Mai’s new IKEA beyond just furniture shopping

7 Things to do at Chiang Mai’s new IKEA beyond just furniture shopping

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.
Chiang Mai’s Best Bakeries of 2025

Chiang Mai’s Best Bakeries of 2025

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.
Welcome to the White Lotus in… Bangkok?

Welcome to the White Lotus in… Bangkok?

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.
The 50 best cities in the world in 2025

The 50 best cities in the world in 2025

People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now🌎 The best things to do in the
Meet the scene-stealing characters of The White Lotus in Thailand

Meet the scene-stealing characters of The White Lotus in Thailand

Beyond the all-star cast of actors and razor-sharp satire, The White Lotus has always had one constant, scene-stealing presence: yes, its hotels. These opulent resorts are more than just backdrops – they are living, breathing entities that shape the fate of their guests, whether its poor old Tanya McQuoid-Hunt (Jennifer Coolidge) or you, the reader, on a set-jet adventure.
Chiang Mai’s newest Italian has no pizza – and you won’t even miss it!

Chiang Mai’s newest Italian has no pizza – and you won’t even miss it!

One year ago, Chef Puhbase, the visionary behind the acclaimed Aquila, embarked on a new culinary adventure with the opening of Aquaria in the heart of Chiang Mai. After months of fine-tuning and innovation, his second city venture has hit its stride, captivating diners with a bold yet comforting take on classic Italian cuisine – infused, as always, with his unmistakable personality and flair and a distinct, intentional lack of pizzas.
The best barber shops in Chiang Mai

The best barber shops in Chiang Mai

Getting a haircut in Thailand can be a real gamble. Whether it’s old-school barbers stuck in a time warp, offering cuts better suited to your grandfather, or just the lack of language skills to really communicate what you want, the struggle is real. So, when all else fails, the only way to guarantee a sharp trim is a trusted barber who knows their craft inside out. Luckily, Chiang Mai has transformed this simple service into one of the coolest professions on the streets. From vintage-inspired parlors to contemporary grooming hubs, the city is home to some of the coolest barbers around, with hipster scissor slingers who DJ vinyl on the side to famous rappers who know their way around a decent pair of clippers. If you're after a fresh fade, a classic cut, or a beard lineup that turns heads, here’s our list of the best barbers in Chiang Mai that will guarantee you a good chop off the top.   
The best fine dining spots in Chiang Mai

The best fine dining spots in Chiang Mai

Fine dining isn’t for everyone, but those who love it have the highest of expectations. And while Chiang Mai may not be your first choice destination for fine dining, it’s quickly becoming one for many thanks to its affordable prices and daring chefs that are taking experimental food to the next level, albeit in a very Northern Thai way. As the city grows, undoubtedly so will this list, so bookmark it and book a reservation and try fine dining in the north, Chiang Mai style.   

Listings and reviews (173)

Favola Sunday Brunch: Tour of Italy

Favola Sunday Brunch: Tour of Italy

Chef Luca is showcasing the best of Italian food this weekend at a special Favola Sunday brunch event that tours the country’s best cuisines. Start off in Apulia, Italy, as the food blends rustic charm before heading south to experience vibrant flavors that celebrate both land and sea. This feast is like no other before it at Favola, and one to add to the calendar for every avid brunch person. Book in advance for an early bird special that is cheaper and includes a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and half a grilled lobster per person. Also, bigger groups will receive a surprise gift voucher for every B5,000 spent per table. April 27. Early bird B1,999, standard B2,199. Favola Chiang Mai. 11.30am-3pm 
Chiang Mai Wedding Showcase

Chiang Mai Wedding Showcase

For those thinking about popping the question, or for those who already have, the Meliá Chiang Mai Wedding Showcase is where enchanting moments await. Discover everything you need to make your special day unforgettable, from meeting talented wedding specialists to exploring exclusive packages and tailored services that can make your day special. Also connect with top-notch wedding planners, photographers and jewelers at one of the biggest wedding planning events of the year. April 26-27. Free. Melia Hotel. 10am-6pm
Tiny Bar concert

Tiny Bar concert

The small local bar near the Rajapruek intersection known as Bao Bao’s is hosting a tiny bar concert this weekend with local musicians Suk Samer, Soulfeed and Bung Tueng Kong Pidi all performing equally small live performances. The night, under the theme ‘For the moment, the moon isn’t a loner’, this is their first tiny bar concert so expect to join loyal crowds and fun loving locals into a more chilled, original music experience. April 26. Free. Bao Bao’s Local Bar. 5pm-late.
Central Pet Safari

Central Pet Safari

Calling all pet lovers – Central Festival is hosting a week-long pet bonanza complete with shopping, petting and learning about all types of furry friends. The event, located in the mall, comes with a pop-up Dachshund cafe, cats to pet and to adopt, exotic animals, birds, lizards, snakes and all types of rare and wonderful pets to see in the flesh and even buy if you’re so inclined. For kids, a small feeding zone has lettuce chomping rabbits, goats and tortoises, along with dwarf pigs, guinea pigs and even parrots.  April 22-28. Free. Central Chiang Mai Festival, 1st floor. 11am-9pm 
Artoon Network CNX

Artoon Network CNX

Artoon Network is the original cartoon art show originating in the USA and now here in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Travelling the world, this cartoon art show has featured in cities from Bangkok to Medellin. The cartoon-themed art show features over thirty cartoon artists from both local and international origins, alongside a litany of vendors, video games, live music and special surprises. This is not just a gallery show, it’s a networking bonanza of art, entertainment and fun. April 26. B333 (B444 for foreigners). Soi 8 Social Lounge. 8pm-late.
Slime Science Lab

Slime Science Lab

Adults and kids who love slime can join the slime science lab and create your own stretchy, gooey and even glow-in-the-dark slime at this hands-on science workshop. Perfect for kids aged 7-12 (but no age limits for anyone older) the event includes all the materials you need to make slime, along with some cool science experiments, creative activities and much more. Limited spots available so book in advance to secure a spot.  April 26. B300. MuchRoom Cafe. 1-3.30pm  
TEDxChiangMai Salon: ‘Reimagining Relationships’

TEDxChiangMai Salon: ‘Reimagining Relationships’

Kalm Village is hosting a TEDxChiangMai Salon this weekend, focusing on reimagining relationships amongst people, communities, countries, nature, AI, and all living things. The event will include showings of five previous TED Talks from the TED 2025 conference followed by group discussions, interactive activities, art projects and facilitated sessions with Thai language support. Participants will also engage in the internationally recognized 2030 SDGs Game, followed by guided reflection and dialogue. April 26. From B300, tickets here. Kalm Village. 9am-6pm. 
TGIF dinner buffet

TGIF dinner buffet

Turn your Friday night into a culinary adventure through endless dishes at a dinner buffet inspired by the vibrant flavors of Thailand’s bustling markets. Enjoy highlights like grilled river prawns, Northern-style picanha steak, with Chiang Mai raclette cheese and live cooking stations. The buffet price includes some drinks and sweets including Thai tea mousse cake and Melia’s refreshing Halo-Halo corner.  April 25. B1,099 per person. Laan Na Kitchen, Melia Hotel. 6-10pm
April Magic Theatre Poetry Reading

April Magic Theatre Poetry Reading

Kindred Studio is back with another night of theatre and poetry as guests and audience both have the chance to take to the stage and perform. From music to comedy, spoken word to poetry and performance, the Magic Theatre headlines the night before an open mic event follows. Depending on how many people attend, each slot will be 5-7 minutes long and is open to all kinds of styles.  April 24. Free. Kindred Studio. 7-10pm
Open Mic Comedy Night

Open Mic Comedy Night

Nights of open mic comedy are back, with The Moat House hosting a new semi-regular event that sees both pros and amateurs take to the stage and make people laugh. This night will begin with a series of pro comics trying new content and new, upcoming comics running the gauntlet of live crowds. If you want to try your stuff on stage, sign up half an hour before the show to secure a spot. If you prefer to watch (and judge) then arrive at eight, get a drink and settle in for a night of laughter. April 24. Free. The Moat House. 8pm onwards.
Dungeons and Dragons: The Sunless Citadel

Dungeons and Dragons: The Sunless Citadel

Join the folks at Alt_Chiang Mai for a classic one-shot session of Dungeons and Dragons. The Sunless Citadel is the campaign name and lasts just one play through, led by pro game master Joannah Stewart. The game is open to people of all skill levels, but with only six spots available, sign up quickly to secure your adventure this weekend.  April 12. B200 for members, B400 for non-members. Alt_Chiang Mai. 2pm-6pm  
Cornhole Tournament

Cornhole Tournament

Dinky’s BBQ, Green Dog and Minibar are joining forces once again for another cornhole championship at Lansieow. Entry is free but you must arrive on time or before 6pm to register. Toss bags, enjoy some food, drinks or get a little help from your little green friend. Prizes will be awarded to the winners, announced on the day.  April 12. Free. Lansieow. 6pm onwards.

News (10)

Haōma – Sustainable Indian dining that’s mighty fine

Haōma – Sustainable Indian dining that’s mighty fine

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
Chiang Mai dances its way into the Guinness World Records

Chiang Mai dances its way into the Guinness World Records

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
How a quiet canal villa set The White Lotus season 3 into motion

How a quiet canal villa set The White Lotus season 3 into motion

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
Optimus Prime be praised: Thailand’s newest deity is a robot

Optimus Prime be praised: Thailand’s newest deity is a robot

What started as a light-hearted attempt at gaining publicity – and maybe a little bit of good merit – has unexpectedly transformed into a full-blown spiritual movement. In Bangkok’s Talad Noi, people are now offering prayers, coffees, and even engine oil to a towering two-storey statue of Optimus Prime. It all began at Hypnotized Bar, tucked beside the Khao Laem roundabout just off Chinatown. Business was slow, so the owner made an unconventional move: he offered a cocktail to Optimus Prime in hopes the Autobot might throw a little prosperity his way. One cheeky online post joking that Optimus deserved offerings later, and business boomed. Divine intervention from a Transformer? Maybe. Or, you know, maybe it was the viral post doing the heavy lifting. Either way, news spread fast.  In gratitude, the bar owner staged a traditional Thai dance in front of the statue – part cultural homage, part pop culture tribute – and just like that, Optimus Prime went from saving the world to saving Talad Noi’s nightlife.  Photograph: Boonsom Sriwang, Laotian Times Naturally, word spread, and soon enough, neighbouring businesses got in on the action. Across the street, Sunset Coffee Roaster was also looking for a miracle. The manager made a vow to Optimus: if sales picked up, they’d run around the statue 50 times. A week later, the crowds rolled in – and so did the staff, completing their laps under cover of night to avoid drawing too much attention. Because you have to stay humble when tha
No, you’re not hallucinating – That White Lotus TV clip was real

No, you’re not hallucinating – That White Lotus TV clip was real

Before she was Sritala – the mysterious, magnetic resort owner in The White Lotus season three – Lek Patravadi was already a national icon. But it wasn’t her decades of theatre and television acclaim that landed her the role in The White Lotus.  According to associate producer Atchariya Pinitsanpirom, speaking at a special screening of Episode seven at Siri Sala in Bangkok, the casting spark came from a little-seen 1992 clip: a funky folk-rap TV performance that caught the eye of series creator Mike White and ultimately helped shape one of the show’s most iconic characters. Photograph: Max A moment of TV magic In episode seven of The White Lotus (no major spoilers here, don’t worry), there’s a moment when Frank (Sam Rockwell) and Rick (Walton Goggins) visit the home of Sritala and Jim Hollinger (Lek Patravadi and Scott Glenn).  While Frank lounges in the living room, a television plays an old clip of Sritala performing on Thai TV in the nineties as he tries his best to maintain the facade of the visiting director and producer duo. But here’s the twist – the footage is real and it’s of Lek Patravadi herself.  In a televised 1992 performance on a Channel 9 show called Normal Not Normal, she performed a remixed traditional lum tad song ‘silapa’ (a Thai folk style call-and-response rap) with jazzy vocals and Broadway flair.  It’s fun, expressive and has the potential to hold a similar meme-cultural significance level to Vitas’ tong wobbling space pop hit. And it just so happens
Balconies and barstools: Walton Goggins’ Bangkok reckoning

Balconies and barstools: Walton Goggins’ Bangkok reckoning

Eighteen years ago, Walton Goggins sat on a Bangkok hotel balcony overlooking the Chao Phraya River, chain-smoking his way through Buddhist texts trying to make sense of some deep personal trauma. So when he returned nearly two decades later – this time as Rick Hatchett, his character in The White Lotus – the lines between memory and performance began to blur. In the wake of episode five, Goggins recounts his personal full-circle moment when shooting The White Lotus: ‘Our last day of filming I was with someone, and we were filming on the Chao Phraya River that runs right through the middle of Bangkok, and as we were pulling in for the night’s work, I looked up, and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I recognised this dock we were pulling up to and I said ‘well wait a minute, I know this dock. I know this place’. And I looked up and I saw the room that I stayed in that first night I landed in Bangkok for a week, 18 years earlier.’  Tapping into his own past, Goggins has brought an uncanny authenticity to Rick’s search for peace – what many are already calling one of his best performances to date. ‘Here I am filming, you know, pretending to play this guy who’s looking for peace,’ he says, ‘and looking up at this balcony thinking: Oh, man, I just want to hug you, you know? I wish I could tell you that everything was going to be okay.’ They say acting is easier when the story hits close to home – and in Bangkok, it seems personal journeys come with the territory. Whether the h
The White Lotus cast talk to Time Out

The White Lotus cast talk to Time Out

Luxury resorts, scheming guests, and unforgettable drama – The White Lotus consistently delivers chaos at its finest. From intricate character theories to jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes stories, the cast’s time filming in Thailand proved to be just as unpredictable as the show itself. Time Out joined cast members and dysfunctional on-screen Ratliffe family, Jason Isaacs (Timothy Ratliffe), Parker Posey (Victoria Ratliffe), Sam Nivola (Lochlan Ratliffe), Sarah Catherine Hook (Piper Ratliffe), and Patrick Schwarzenegger (Saxon Ratliffe), as well as Natasha Rothwell (returning season one spa manager Belinda Lindsey) as well as two beloved Thai stars, Lek Patravadi (resort owner Sritala) and Dom Hetrakul (spa manager Pornchai), as they share stories of life on- and off-set. From spending weeks confined to resorts like their on-screen characters to adapting to Mike White’s unpredictable directing style and launching the careers of several actors, The White Lotus season three has no shortage of behind-the-scenes stories. Straight from the cast themselves, here’s a roundup of the most surprising revelations. They literally lived in The White Lotus – resort life and all   Fabio Lovino/HBO   Forget method acting – it turns out that, unlike usual movie shoots where actors are whisked away to fancy five-star resorts in their downtime, the cast of The White Lotus actually lived in the very resorts where they filmed. Given that the best resorts in the area served as the actual filming
Chiang Mai makes the Time Out’s list of 50 best cities in 2025

Chiang Mai makes the Time Out’s list of 50 best cities in 2025

Here in Chiang Mai, it’s no surprise to us locals to hear that yet again, our city ranks as one of the greatest cities in the world. Quirky, arty and perfectly combining modernity, tradition and nature, our humble city seems to charm all who pass through its four gates. Of course, we may be biased but today is one to announce from the top of Doi Suthep that Chiang Mai makes an appearance in Time Out’s 50 Best Cities for 2025 list – and we couldn’t be more proud.  With great plans for 2025, Chiang Mai is fast becoming a city of culture, but not the culture you may imagine. Traditional Lanna cultures and festivals still define this northern Thai city, but its the uptick of more modern festivals, events and communities that continue to draw people from across the world decade after decade. Pair that with the city’s people who are as artistic as they are entrepreneurial and you get a city that stands very much its own as a bastion for positive city living. Alongside Chiang Mai, the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, steals an incredible second place, second only to Cape Town. Ranking 28 on the list is no small victory, putting us ahead of other great cities like Jakarta (No. 29), Tokyo (No. 30), and Prague (No. 35).  More than 18,500 people from across the world shared their thoughts on their favourite cities, ranking everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and atmosphere. With livability taking the most important rank overall, cities like Chiang Mai ga
Thantawan Festival Brings Global Vibes to Chiang Mai’s Chill January

Thantawan Festival Brings Global Vibes to Chiang Mai’s Chill January

Each winter, as the Chiang Mai skies above clear back to blue, as temperatures drop to single digits across its tallest peaks and as flowers burst into blossom and bloom at every turn, Chiang Mai gears itself up to become a city filled with festivities and activities.  Yet aside from the cool climes and packed lineup of cultural activities, a growing music festival scene is populating the January calendar, flooding the city with locals, tourists and musicians looking to make the most of the glorious weather and festive party vibes. Standout among the crowd is Thantawan Music and Lifestyle Festival, starting its debut music festival last year, treading in the footsteps of the mega successful annual Jai Thep Festival, which folded at the start of the pandemic. Taking place last weekend (Jan 11-12), the festival brought some world-famous performers to the picturesque hills of Chiang Mai, and we were there to check it out.  Photography: Thantawan Festival Chiang Mai’s Biggest International Lineup This year’s festival saw 14 Thai bands and 32 Thai and international DJs perform across three stages dotted around the large garden – said to be the largest number of international artists at any one event in Chiang Mai to date.  Thai and foreigners crowded around to catch highlight performances this year included alternative rock band Musketeers and popular singer-songwriter Phum Viphurit, both performing live to a chorus of applauds and karaoke singing. On the international side, UK
Meet The Moxy: Ratchaprasong’s hippest hotel hangout

Meet The Moxy: Ratchaprasong’s hippest hotel hangout

Set on the upper floors of The Market Shopping Center, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong is the city’s latest addition to the buzzing Ratchadamri Road (opposite CentralwOrld), strongly positioning itself as a playful, hip and stylish hotel experience for city travellers and young-at-heart locals looking for the next best hangout.  Photograph: Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong by Marriott First impressions leave us keen to revisit, with a fun, vibrant and colourful 9th floor check-in bar that offers an unconventional experience for guests and passing visitors. Although a little confusing as to where to go on first arrival, friendly staff that feel more like your quirky cousin are ready to lead you to the bar for a welcome shot and a walkthrough of what Moxy has to offer.  Mixing modern travel luxuries with a do-it-yourself expectation when it comes to things like breakfast, ironing and table setting, it seems to nail the expectations and able-bodiedness of the new, younger generation of aspiring travellers.  Guests and day visitors can comfortably enjoy happy hour drinks, bottomless brunches and regular parties that happen almost every week. There’s also a plug and play area perfect for digital nomads who are keen to stay inspired by the buzz of the city, as long as you can work with the loud music playing seamlessly across every floor and zone.  Each of their 504 rooms cleverly do away with old unnecessaries and focus on what’s important – spacious showers, a mini-fridge that's just the