Aydan Stuart

Another week of parties lies ahead of us in Chiang Mai this weekend, plus a generous peppering of gallery nights and other festivities that are worth checking out.

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

Chiang Mai, with its blend of ancient temples, busy markets and local beauty offers countless ways to explore – but look to the Ping River and there’s surprisingly little to do along its banks and tributaries.  Aside from a few banged up kayaks from Wat Fah Ham (just B50 for a little self-guided excursion) there’s a noticeable absence of any watery activities bar a few riverside restaurants. The one river cruise that was once a staple activity died along with many other businesses during the pandemic, but thankfully Anantara Chiang Mai Resort has filled the void with a luxury experience that stands out for its unique charm: the JAO Ping River Cruise.

Whether you’ve got kids or you know people that have kids, the Glom Glom! Children’s Festival is an event to have on your radar. Unlike most other Children’s Day events, it breaks from the norm and offers an immersive experience for kids of all ages – this year exploring the wild and wacky world of kitchen-themed theatre.  Back for its third year running, it is set to be a day of laughter, music, creativity, and unforgettable surprises. Tickets are just B100 for kids and adults alike and will take place on Children’s Day, Saturday Jan 11, from 3-9pm at the Old Chiangmai Cultural Centre.  The event is essentially a festival for kids, with food, activities, live music and theatre all rolled into one bonanza show. Sure, if you don’t have kids, this day in the Thai calendar may not be for you, but if you have any chance to go with friends, family, nieces or nephews, then be sure there’s fun for adults too. The organisers promise performances that entertain both adult and young audiences, and there’s the Thapae East bar open for parents just in case a beer is in order. 

There's no way to travel all of Asia in one lifetime, but you can damn well bet that we're going to try. From bustling city destinations to wild island paradises, there's so much on the regional travel menu that we'd gladly spend our annual leave on in 2025 – and if you're having a hard time choosing, then you're in the right place. We talked to our Time Out editors and travel contributors in Asia to suss out what's on their radar for the coming year. These destinations are emerging hotspots: long overlooked or previously hard to get to, but now on the map for travellers searching for alternatives to well-trodden destinations like Bali, Tokyo, and Bangkok. Many on the list have become better-connected too – all the more reason to buy that plane ticket in 2025. And it goes without saying: they all have spectacular natural attractions, rich culture, and fantastic dining scenes to satisfy the pickiest of travellers. Here's Time Out's list of the best places to visit in Asia in 2025.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Asia newsletter for the best travel inspiration straight to your inbox. READ MORE: The most spectacular places to visit in Asia and The most gorgeous islands in Asia 

There’s no denying that Chiang Mai is a paradise for food lovers, with almost every cuisine you can imagine served up somewhere in the city. But despite the many options, there’s arguably no better way to experience Chiang Mai’s culinary soul than diving headfirst into Northern Thai cuisine.  Often overshadowed by the ever-popular tastes of Isan, Northern Thai food takes a bold approach to spice and seasoning, packed with flagrant spice and ingredients straight out of the jungle. From the zing of nam prik noom (young chilli dip) to the interestingly creamy bows of khao soi (curried noodle soup), there’s a unique menu of flavours you’ll find nowhere else but the north.  At TimeOut, we love to celebrate the best food and the fanciest of restaurants, but in this article we’ll take you back to basics – out on the street, down secret alleys and into the jungle as we round up the best spots in Chiang Mai to eat authentic northern Thai cuisine. 

It’s that magical time of year when Christmas casts its sparkle over Chiang Mai. Imagine fairy lights twinkling against the backdrop of mountains, festive spice-laden cocktails served under starlit skies, and pop-up Christmas markets overflowing with unique gifts and handmade treasures. Amidst the festive fun, this year also has an abundance of special lunches and dinners to indulge in. So, trade the kitchen for a cozy table, skip the big shop, and treat yourself to a feast without the fuss – or the washing up!

We all know that Chiang Mai is a haven for foodies, with an almost limitless supply of food pretty much twenty-four hours a day. And while here we tend to graze throughout the day (more than our western counterparts who prefer three square meals), there’s no denying the allure of brunch – a meal trend that jives perfectly with our laid-back approach to living and obsession with Instagram. So whether it's a classic eggs benedict, healthy smoothie bowls or a belly bulging number of meat sticks that you’re craving, we have you covered with our definitive list of the best brunch spots in Chiang Mai. 

The wait is over – Poy Festival is here! Chiang Mai’s first-ever vinyl and live music festival takes center stage this Saturday and Sunday (Dec 14-15, 2024), bringing a weekend packed with live performances, a treasure trove of record markets and engaging conversations about the joys of traditional analog music bouncing back hard into the mainstream once again.  Poy Fest, as the locals are already calling it, is a love letter to all things analog. Forget the streaming links and QR codes – this festival is all about the tactile joy of vinyl records, the buzzing of old cassette tapes and, at most, the occasional CD. For those who love music in its purest form, it’s set to be a refreshing throwback to the era when music was something you held in your hands, not just your headphones. Whether you’re a hardcore vinyl collector, a live music lover or just here for a good groove under the open sky, Poy Fest has you covered. Picture yourself swaying to soulful beats with a craft beer in hand, surrounded by fellow music lovers on the banks of the Ping river. What you see is what you get at Baan Fa Ham – a picturesque riverside venue tucked conveniently within Chiang Mai city (just search “At Pingnakorn” on Google Maps and it’s right next door).  Kicking off at 2pm each day, this analog extravaganza promises a celebration of music, nostalgia and community like Chiang Mai has never seen before, with the region’s biggest vinyl tribes making their way here from Bangkok, Chonburi and even J

Last week, Galleries’ Nights took over Bangkok with an event that saw over 200 artists exhibit at over 100 galleries in the city. Organised by the French embassy, this epic artistic exploration is now headed north to Chiang Mai, with a bitesize offering of 16 galleries opening their doors and hosting special exhibitions during the evenings of November 29 and 30. In case you missed it, Galleries’ Nights in Bangkok was a resounding success, with thousands of people exploring the many galleries open at night. You can catch up on our ultimate guide to Galleries’ Nights in Bangkok here, which gives you the low-down on the event’s history and exciting activities involved.  Given Chiang Mai is a much smaller city, you can just about make it to all the galleries involved…at a push. Doors open from 5pm and close at 10pm, giving you five hours to make it around, or pick your favourite and take your time.  With fewer galleries and a more compact city layout, Chiang Mai is poised to deliver its own unique twist on the event that may see you manage to visit every venue – if you plan carefully. Doors open from 5pm to 10pm, giving you five hours to soak in as much as you can. You can find out more information and up-to-the-minute updates via their dedicated Facebook Page, but to save you looking around online, here’s the event schedule and all you need to know in one handy place. 

Under the slogan ‘Throttle Open, World Changes’, the full band of Srirajah Rockers makes their way to Chiang Mai on their Enduro Tour of 2025. This free concert is promised to be in true Sicha-Diwa style. Joining the reggae legends is Pee Ba Phra Khong Ruesi, Smile Station and Mitsukaze Hamada. No sponsors, no promotions – purely self-managed, self-driven vibes. Roots Rock Reggae non-stop until the energy runs out.  Feb 8. Free. Sripoom Melodic. 7pm-late. 

If you enjoy heavy rock music played rough around the edges, along with supporting performances from local musicians of a similar vein, then be sure to head to Crossroads Rock Bar this Saturday. Lineup includes Terror Terror, MAARAYS, Nai, Dada Sun and Grapefruite. This is also Dada Sun’s first live performance as a new band of locals that you may recognize! One to catch if you can.  Feb 8. B200 on the door. Crossroads Rock Bar. 7pm-Late.   

Join Panyaden International School for an extraordinary day of celebration, culture and community, organised by the FoP (Friends of Panyaden). This year’s market is bigger and better than ever, featuring a special collaboration with our Secondary students for the very first Culture Fair. Expect cultural performances, dance, art, music and a Walk of Nations Parade where people are invited to wear their national costume or represent your heritage in a parade of colourful unity. Feb 8. Free. Panyaden International School. 9am-5pm  

Just when you thought all the flower festivals were over, another one emerges, blooming in the city for tourists and locals to enjoy for another weekend. Set for the first weekend of February, this flower and ornamental plant event hosted by the local municipality will feature some incredible flower arrangements, along with competitions, flower parades and general revelry. The event is a revival of an old festival that once had floats and parades galore, with the intention of bringing back the city’s former glory as a flower parade destination in Thailand.  Feb 7-9. Free. Buak Hard Public Park. 8am-6pm.

Spend a night in Chiang Dao listening to the sultry sounds of local folk artists playing sets of acoustic and lightly amplified music. The festival celebrates acoustic folk, with a second stage featuring artists and DJs playing a range of world music, blues and virtual rock.  Feb 7. B400 at the door, B350 earlybird. Igarden Homestay Chiangdao. Midday-midnight.

Central Airport Chiang Mai is back with another massive market fair, bringing together some of the best crafts and handicrafts of local and regional artisans. The event will feature both workshops and activities, shops, education, food and beverages. With over 200 workshops on offer, there’s bound to be something for everyone – while kids can also get involved by showing off their own crafts.  Feb 5-9. Free. Central Airport Chiang Mai. 10am-10pm.

Shop, eat, see, taste and share the joy of Lanna food and fusion creations at the ultimate market with over 80 shops, premium cultural products, performances, entertainment and more. Look out for rare and exciting Lanna foods, or spy out the winners of competitions and the five days, five menu offerings of featured food. The slogan of the event is ‘Eat well, live in the North’ – which sums it up nicely! Jan 31-Feb 4. Thapae Gate. All day.   

Thanks to the overwhelming response and glowing feedback, the 3rd edition of Aleenta's Farmers Market is finally here, and bigger than ever. Immerse yourself in an exclusive evening where community and creativity flourish and discover exquisite artisanal crafts, gourmet local delicacies and a lineup of live entertainment that will keep you there all evening under the captivating night’s sky. Jan 30. Free. Aleenta Retreat. 5pm-8pm.

Gather for a fire filled night of Chiang Mai’s top amateur and professional talent and passion, right here in the city. This open-mic style event (you can sign up before for future events) covers everything from mad music, spoken word, storytelling and comedy. The idea is to keep it open, expanding the collective comfort zone for both audience and performers. Discover established performers, support all kinds of aspiring artists, absorb the wild community vibe or try your hand on the open mic - sharing a little of your story with an intimate and uplifting international crowd. Jan 30. Free. Thapae East. 7pm till late.

Mark your calendars and prepare to be amazed by Theatre Director and Magician, VK Vich, and his magical ensemble performance extravaganza. Experience the ultimate mix of magic and craft beer at this night out filled with stunning magic acts and Chiang Mai’s coolest craft beer vibes. Expect card tricks galore and maybe even a rabbit out of a hat moment or two. Be free, enjoy the show but be careful too, your beer may just turn into a dove and fly away! Sat 1 Feb. B299 entry. Eight Days a Week. 8pm onwards.

Enjoy the sounds of the Chiangmai Serenade String Orchestra playing out of the gardens at Cross Riverside Chiangmai Hotel. The night will feature musical performances through the symphonic sound of strings, ten to be exact, performing a range of scores including Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachmusik and Divertimentio in F major, Haydn’s Violin Concerto in G major, ‘Intermezzo’ from Cavalleria Rusticana, Rachmaninoff’s Adagio form Symphony No.2 and several more Famous Chamber Works. Find the Concert in the Glass House Conference room of Cross Riverside hotel, surrounded by beautiful gardens and the majestic Ping river scenery. How fitting. Feb 2. B800 for adults, B500 for kids. Cross Riverside Chiangmai Hotel. 6pm onwards. 

A new market is springing up this weekend, set to become a new regular on the weekend market calendar. This one takes place every first Sunday of the month at Anusarn building on Charoen Muang Road. Expect to find everything you need on a balmy winter Sunday, from craft, handiwork and trinkets to coffees, croissants and cakes. Plastic bags are banned, so bring your own fabric bag and try out this new and exciting market! Feb 2. Free. Find out more here. Anusarn building. 8am-1pm.

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

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

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