Aydan Stuart

It might be stormy but spirits are high in Phuket this weekend, with a tip top agenda of international talent heading our way – the likes of DJ Sona, Rodriguez Junior and Claudine all guaranteeing to keep the dancefloor energy pumping, with their eclectic sets from Thursday through Saturday. If dancing isn’t on the cards, head for dining with a difference at sultry Coolies Club in the Old City on Saturday, where the 20th century Chinoiserie joint oozes sass at their drag cabaret. To wind things down, A Blanket and a Pillow is the Sunday sunset spot with live music to ease you into the week ahead. What’s not to love?

After a bout of surprise rain (hopefully the last of the season), Chiang Mai’s weekend forecast is clear skies and a full social calendar. This week, the city feels alive with contrast: elegant rooftop dining meets parkside creativity, Spanish gastronomy mingles with local grassroots energy and a few famous bands perform live. At Meliá Chiang Mai, Spanish Gastronomy Series launches with Michelin-seasoned chef Sergio Nieto Garcés, serving five nights of Basque-inspired perfection high above the city skyline. Down on ground level, Retro Recess blends paint and pavement at the Railway Park while Earthshine takes over Jing Jai Market for 10 days of clay, craft and conversation. Sweet-toothed wanderers can drift toward the Frosty Sweet Wonderland at Central Chiang Mai while partygoers can find pure nostalgia (and a few raised beers) at Tawandang, where the legends Carabao bring their full band to concert.  From rooftop to street, wheel to whisk, Chiang Mai’s cool season is officially in full swing – and it’s anything but quiet.

Long before hashtags, influencers and TikTok, there was a small blue book that could be found tucked inside every backpacker’s pocket. Its author? Joe Cummings – the man who wrote the first ever Lonely Planet guide to Thailand and lifelong Thaiophile who introduced a generation to the kingdom’s best temples, towns and tuk tuk rides.  As a writer myself (with a few Lonely Planet books under my own belt, as it happens) I couldn’t help but jump at the opportunity to interview the legend himself on a recent Time Out Thailand podcast episode. Before I knew it, we were sat together in the podcast studio inside Sukhmuvit 31’s Public House. As planned, we switched into Thai – a second language for both of us – to begin unravelling the stories, surprises and side-quests of a writer, musician, actor and accidental cultural icon.    Photograph: Joe Cummings His first calling to Thailand was spiritual  Cummings’ story starts far from the tropics. Born in New Orleans and raised everywhere his army father was stationed, he grew up without a hometown – ‘we moved every two or three years,’ he recalls as we discuss his father’s role in the Army.  With travel in his blood, it’s little surprise that when he finally flew the nest, his compass pointed due east. Landing in Bangkok in 1977, he arrived just as Thailand was entering one of its most fascinating eras – a time where stories were just waiting to be told. Thailand in the late ’70s, he says, was ‘slower, quieter, and the air was worse.’

ก่อนจะมียุคออนไลน์ในปัจจุบันที่เต็มไปด้วยติ๊กต็อก เหล่าอินฟลูเอนเซอร์ และแฮชแท็กสารพัด โลกของนักเดินทางในสมัยก่อนนั้นมีเพียงหนังสือเล่มเล็กปกสีน้ำเงินที่แบ็กแพ็กเกอร์ทุกคนต่างพกติดกระเป๋าไว้เสมอ แล้วใครกันที่เป็นผู้เขียนมันขึ้นมา หากไม่ใช่ชายหนุ่มผู้หลงใหลในมนต์เสน่ห์ของสยามเมืองยิ้มอย่าง ‘โจ คัมมิงส์’ชายผู้จับปากกาเขียนไกด์บุ๊ก Lonely Planet Thailand เล่มแรก และเป็นผู้ที่หลงใหลในเมืองไทยแบบสุดหัวใจ ผู้พาคนทั้งยุคออกเดินทางไปรู้จักเสน่ห์ของอาณาจักรสยาม ตั้งแต่วัดที่งดงามที่สุด เมืองที่มีชีวิตชีวาไปจนถึงการนั่งตุ๊กตุ๊กที่ไม่มีวันลืม ตัวผม ในฐานะนักเขียนที่บังเอิญมีหนังสือ Lonely Planet อยู่บ้าง จึงไม่พลาดโอกาสที่จะได้พูดคุยกับตำนานที่ยังมีลมหายใจคนนี้ ในพอดแคสต์ตอนล่าสุดของ Time Out Thailand เรานั่งคุยกันที่ สตูดิโอ Public House ซอยสุขุมวิท 31 และตามแผนที่วางไว้ เราเริ่มต้นสนทนาเป็นภาษาไทย ภาษาที่สองของเราทั้งคู่ ซึ่งกลายมาเป็นสื่อกลางในการคลี่เรื่องราว ชีวิต และการเดินทางของนักเขียน นักดนตรี นักแสดง และ ‘ไอคอนทางวัฒนธรรมโดยบังเอิญ’ คนนี้   Photograph: Joe Cummings ‘จิตวิญญาณ’ เสียงเรียกแรกที่นำพาเขามาสู่แดนแห่งสยาม เรื่องราวของคัมมิงส์เริ่มต้นไกลจากดินแดนอาคเนย์อันร้อนระอุ เขาเกิดที่เมืองนิวออร์ลีนส์ สหรัฐอเมริกา แต่เติบโตตามทุกพื้นที่ที่ผู้เป็นพ่อถูกส่งไปประจำการในฐานะนายทหาร นั่นจึงเป็นเหตุผลที่เขาไม่เคยมีบ้านเกิดอยู่ที่ใดเลย ‘พวกเราเปลี่ยนที่อยู่ทุกสองถึงสามปี’ โจย้อนเล่าถึงวัยเด็กที่เต็มไปด้วยการเดินทางของเขาและพ่อผู้รับใช้ชาติ ดังนั้นการเดินทางจึงเหมือนอยู่ในสายเลือดของเขา และไม่น่าแปลกใจเลยเมื่อกนกตัวนี้ได้บินออกจากรังตามเข็มทิศที่ชี้ตรงไปทางทิศตะวันออก เขาโผยบินลงที่

It turns out, Thailand isn’t just a holiday hotspot, it’s a dream destination for many from all walks of life. Just this week, Chiang Mai ranked 14th on a list of the happiest cities worldwide, while in January, it reached 28th on Time Out’s 50 Best Cities in the World 2025 list.  Now, it’s the retiree’s time – with Forbes’ ‘Best Places to Retire Abroad in 2025’ list placing four Thai cities in the global shortlist: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui. The list is unranked, leaving readers and those looking to retire without the pressure of aiming for number one. However, after some serious research Forbes identified 24 countries and 96 recommended spots for the best retirement out there – based on costs, amenities, health care, language, crime and climate risk. And, given it’s a US publication, the rankings also take into account whether American retirees are welcome – so we expect some bias based on this metric.  Either way, it’s hardly surprising that social media is already dubbing Thailand ‘the world’s retirement hub,’ with a growing desire for people to enjoy its unbeatable food and culture on a more long-term basis. Add a cost of living that still undercuts most of the West, and it’s easy to see why so many are trading in their drab morning commutes for fresh lunchtime coconuts. Here’s the cities that made the list and why we think they’re great for retirement. 

Feeling the Bangkok burnout? It happens to the best of us. Leaving the city, with its Michelin-starred temptations and glorious, beautiful chaos, feels like a betrayal. Here's the secret: you don't have to break up, just take a break. Thailand is packed with ridiculously easy getaways that feel like you've crossed a border, not just a province line. From the cool mountain air of Khao Yai to the sun-soaked beaches of Phuket and the serene shores of Koh Samui, these October getaways are made for slowing down and recharging. Whether you want to explore nature, unwind by the sea, or indulge in a peaceful resort escape, there’s something nearby to refresh your mind and spirit. This October, let these escapes remind you that a little getaway is sometimes all you need.

Chiang Mai’s got no shortage of good eats, but when the chefs are as obsessed with the origin of their ingredients as they are with flavour, you know you’re in for something special.  From wild salad plucked fresh from the mountains to complex 360-degree systems that leave nothing but a crumb of food waste, some of Chiang Mai’s most exciting kitchens are shrinking the distance between farm and fork in ways that actually make sense. Think high-rise romance over sunset dinners, long lunches that roll lazily into the afternoon and menus built entirely on local, seasonal, socially-conscious ingredients. With that much goodness baked into the concept alone, just imagine how good your soul’s going to feel once you’ve cleared your plate.

Rooftop bars can be often overlooked by visitors to Chiang Mai who assume our low-rise cityscape has little to offer above eye level. But look up and there’s a lot of fun to be had atop our taller hotels and Old City townhouses. What’s better than sitting above it all, cocktail in hand, enjoying the purple hues of sunset over Doi Suthep? Answer: not much. So with that in mind, let’s elevate your weekend (or week, we’re not judging) with a cocktail or two at the city’s best and most eclectic rooftop bars. 

Chiang Mai may be laid-back by day, but after dark the city reveals a more mysterious side. Tucked behind unmarked doors, winding alleys and quiet staircases are some of the city’s most intriguing watering holes – places where the cocktails are serious, the lights are low and finding the entrance will require a bit of detective work. From speakeasy-style lounges with live jazz to minimalist hideaways in heritage buildings, these hidden bars are where Chiang Mai’s creative energy and nightlife scene quietly thrive. You won’t find big signs or flashing lights – these spots may appear on Google Maps, but good luck finding your way in. If you don’t know the secret, you could be pushing bookshelves or following mysterious red lanterns like moths to a flame. We’ll give you a hint, but it’s the whisper of music down an otherwise empty alley that will be your beacon call.  Once you eventually find your way inside, cocktails laden with the best liquor available to man are to be found – from rare international reserves to our favourite locally distilled spirit, Sonklin, from Choeng Doi Distillery just up the road. With a bit of planning (and some comfortable shoes), it’s entirely possible to turn these tucked-away gems into a weekend-long bar crawl – or even squeeze into one night if you’re feeling brave. Instead, we’d opt for a relaxed weekend of shaken drinks, sultry jazz and mysterious discoveries made by candlelight.

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.  

You might already know about this little slice of paradise. The cafe of A Blanket and a Pillow hosts everything wholesome from yoga to ambient parties, but we’re here to talk about their epic live music Sundays. Sure, it's slower-paced than the other events on our list, but that’s the point. The cushion-laden spot, built over rocks that look out to sea, is the perfect place to see the weekend out and this Sunday (like most Sundays) they host local live musicians to soothe you into the week ahead. Lovely. Nov 16. Free. A Blanket and a Pillow. 10.30am-7.30pm

If you’ve got enough steam for round two at Cafe del Mar this weekend, brace yourself for an extremely uplifting set of melodic house and techno from Rodriguez Junior (real name Olivier Mateu) who’s hitting Phuket on Saturday. Flying in all the way from France, he will no doubt also drop some bangers from his own label Feathers & Bones. It’s probably the only place you’ll catch him in Asia for some time, so why not make the most of the opportunity? Nov 15. B400. Cafe del Mar. 10pm-late  

Designed by the endlessly talented Bill Bensley, the Coolies Club bar-meets-restaurant-meets-cabaret is a feast for the eyes any day of the week – what we like to call a love letter to the Phuket of old. Join the glitter and sequins this Saturday for Chinoiserie soiree – in other words, an intimate theatrical drag show in a moody, opium-den-inspired Chinese Baroque shophouse, accompanied by signature cocktails. It’s free to get in too, so what’s not to love? Nov 15. Free. Coolies Club. Performances: 8.30pm-midnight  

The spotlights of BOA are back on Claudine this Saturday, who’s making her triumphant return to Phuket after her stonker of a set in September. If you missed the last one, fear not – this one’s up there with the best sets of the season. Targeting tech house and minimal techno lovers, she’s bound to keep those dynamic grooves flowing and the dancefloor swaying from the first track ’til the lights go up. Nov 15. Free. BOA Nightclub Patong. 9pm-midnight  

We all know Thursdays are the real Friday, and this almost-end-of-the-week promises to be special as Cafe del Mar’s club room hosts South Africa’s very own DJ Sona for his first-ever Phuket debut. Son of acclaimed producer Black Coffee, Sona spins afro-infused deep house through the night. Doors open late (as usual) so we recommend pregaming elsewhere and turning up ready to move and with open arms as we welcome him to town. Nov 13. B300. Cafe del Mar. 10pm-late.

Very much on-brand, Meliá Chiang Mai serves up what they know best from next week, kicking off a four-month celebration of Spanish cuisine, culture and wine. Starting November 17 (yes it’s next Monday, but that’s basically still the weekend, right?) grab a table on the rooftop at MAI The Sky Bar for a rotation of Michelin-acclaimed Spanish chefs. First up is Chef Sergio Nieto Garcés, whose illustrious career includes stints under Basque legend Martín Berasategui and accolades such as finalist in the ‘World’s Best Tapas’ competition. Serving his best all week, join for a fantastic meal (great for dates) or wait for next Friday for the Sky & Vine Finale – a one-night-only dinner pairing of Chef Sergio’s creations with curated wines. We’ll see you there.  Nov 17-21. Free during the week, B899 on Friday, inclusive of six wine pairings. MAI The Sky Bar. 6pm onwards.   

Retro Recess is back, bringing together artists, skaters and dreamers for a special, one-off Skate X Create event. This big-kid friendly afternoon lets creativity meet motion with playful mixes of painting sessions, live tunes, rolling wheels and park-life frolicking. Whether you’re sketching under a tree, kick-flipping with your crew or just here for the vibes, this is classic expat community in motion. And a reminder that adulthood’s better when we take time to recess. Nov 16. Free. Chiang Mai Railway Park. 2pm-6pm  

Forget the DJs and rock out to a night of the best phuea cheewit (that’s what we like to call songs for life over here) in town as Thailand’s legendary country band Carabao takes over Tawandang Mahason for one unforgettable evening. For those in the know, timeless anthems and epic singalongs will shake the room, and newbies to this oldies genre can fall in love with the tunes we wish we could hear again for the first time. Performing as a full band and supported by the dancers and performers of Tawandeng, this is as iconic as it gets. Tables will sell out fast, so rally your crew and grab your seats early. Nov 17. B1,000 for a 4-person table, book here. Tawandang Mahason. 6pm-late 

Newtown Live Music and Mango Sticky Move join forces for a night of local indie pop rock anthems as Jūji and ABOY take the stage in a celebration of northern homegrown sound. From what we can tell, it’s a free-spirited evening where the music does the talking and the crowd no doubt keeps moving as the two artists play plugged and unplugged throughout the night. It’s also free, so why the hell not?  Nov 15. Free. Newtown Nimman. 7pm onwards

Ease into winter with a warm city music night under trees – an intimate evening of live performances beneath the glowing branches of Woeng Chamchaa. Gather your friends and make your way to Chamchaa Yard #1 to share good food and laughter while the sound of Chiang Mai’s local artists carry you through a night of calm and connection. While there’s some seating available, the ground is still a bit damp so we recommend you bring your own camping chairs, and some good vibes too. Nov 14. B200 in advance here, B250 at the door. Woeng Chamchaa. 6pm onwards  

Roll out the red carpet (or just walk it when you arrive) at the city’s biggest Taiwan Film Festival. #TDFF2025 brings a lineup of powerful documentaries and feature films straight from Taiwan to the rooftop of CMU’s Art Center. This four-day cinematic showcase kicks off with some bold storytelling and cultural reflection, from the windswept scenes of Island of the Winds to the introspective beauty of Taman-taman. But things don’t stop at the screen, there’s also live discussions and streamed talks with director So Yo-hen to catch too. Tickets are only available at the door, so get there early, grab a seat and disappear into Taiwan from the comfort of Thailand. Nov 13-16. B100 per ticket, full showtimes here. Rooftop, CMU Art Center. Screenings from 7pm  

Chiang Mai’s Central Festival turns into a sugary winter village this weekend with an early Christmas-themed Frosty Sweet Wonderland – a whimsical world of oversized desserts, warm cocoa and more than 40 dessert vendors serving over 100 irresistible treats. Pack a toothbrush and forget about your blood sugar levels, this feast-fest is for those who can handle the sweeter things in life. Think picture-perfect pastries from London.CNX and AU Bakery Station and creative bonbons made by our local confectionaire extraordinaire, Bobby Bowl. Look past the candy and you’ll see giant candy installations good enough to eat (or at least lick), frosty selfie corners and the scent of freshly baked happiness guiding kids and adults to a sugar-sprinkled comedown of most delightful proportions.  Nov 12-16. Free. Central Chiang Mai. 11am-9.30pm  

A new global poll by Time Out has named Chiang Mai the 14th happiest city in the world, ranking it ahead of dozens of major world cities, underscoring its appeal as one of the best places to live. The survey, which polled more than 18,000 city-dwellers, asked urbanites across the world how their city makes them feel – including whether they find joy in everyday life, perceive neighbours as happy and feel their sense of happiness has grown recently. From that, we compiled a definitive list of the top 20 happiest cities, with Chiang Mai emerging as Thailand’s sole entry and the highest-ranking city in Southeast Asia. The happiness index was based on the percentage of positive responses to five key statements: ‘My city makes me happy’; ‘I feel happier here than in other places I’ve lived or visited’; ‘People in my city seem happy’; ‘I find joy in the everyday experiences my city offers’; and ‘The sense of happiness in my city has grown a lot recently’. This latest ranking follows Time Out’s 50 Best Cities in the World 2025 list, published earlier this year, where Chiang Mai placed 28 thanks to its growing reputation for excellent cuisine and third-most affordable place to eat out at a restaurant in all 50 cities.

Two of the city’s most innovative cocktail bars  – Bar.San and Bar Not Found – earned national acclaim at the weekend, landing at numbers 10 and 12 respectively on Thailand’s 20 Best Bars 2025 list, revealed at this year’s Bangkok Bar Show Awards. While Bangkok’s heavyweights took the top spots (see the full list here on Time Out Bangkok), Chiang Mai proved it can hold its tipple, with both bars recognised for creativity, craftsmanship and boundary-pushing alcoholic beverages. Bar.San, the sophisticated sister to Noir CMI and its neighbouring jazz-inspired venues, not only placed 10 overall but also took home the title of Best Bar in Chiang Mai. Meanwhile, Bar Not Found – the city’s ultra-modern, Pantone-themed cocktail bar – came in at 12 with nods to its colourful cocktails and brightly lit conceptual flair. The Bangkok Bar Show was co-founded in 2019 by Thailand’s cocktail pioneer Niks Anuman and Singapore’s Colin Chia, who built events that not only spotlight the country’s best bars but also celebrates Southeast Asia’s rising fine-drinking culture and spirited creativity.  And while there’s many more we think could have made the list (check out our best hidden cocktail bar list here), when you’re next in town, head to Bar San for some moody elegance and masterfully balanced classics, or pull up a stool at the well-hidden Bar Not Found – but only if you can find the right doorway first.

As the Yi Peng festival looms closer, lantern sales are up – but beware, there are strict rules this year on where you can release them. From November 5-6, Chiang Mai officially celebrates Yi Peng – the northern counterpart to Loy Krathong is usually celebrated by releasing paper lanterns into the sky, often adorned with names, wishes and prayers to the gods. This year, authorities have drawn up six ‘surveillance zones’ where launching anything that flies, sparks or explodes is strictly off limits. Red Zones, where lantern release is strictly prohibited, includes Hang Dong, Saraphi, San Sai, Mae Rim, San Patong, Muang Chiang Mai and the ‘Toffy Zone’ – a designated flight safe area that stretches 15km north and south from the airport.  If you still want that picture-perfect lantern release for your social media stories, you’ll need to head to one of the few officially approved events, CAD Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival, where thousands of lanterns are set free in one go under strict safety rules. Take this as your warning: if you ignore the ban, you face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to B200,000. This almost doubles if your lantern starts a fire.  If, after all this, you’re still planning your own mini-release, then keep it green by using only biodegradable materials that vanish within a year – yes, this is also a strictly enforced rule from this year.  So if you’re planning to release a lantern this year, swap out the old frames for biodegradable ones and send off

Known to some, new to many, Chiang Mai’s newest (or maybe oldest) natural wonder has had a makeover fit for explorers. Mae Sap Cave – better known as Tham Sai Rung, or Rainbow Cave – has officially reopened after a transformation from dark and dingy hollow to dazzling geological wonder. Once submerged in water, the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites have frozen mid-drip, a dramatic time capsule millions of years in the making. What is new, however, is the visitor-friendly spruce-up: safe pathways, lighting and a proper chance to admire its natural spectacle without a miner’s helmet.  Inside, you’ll find four chambers – Rainbow, Chapel, Emerald and Diamond – each with its own otherworldly formations. Think towing columns, heart-shaped stones and imaginative shadow casting outcrops that form shapes of animals and ghosts.  The star of the show, though, must be the rainbow of colours that ripple across the walls and ceilings, where layers of white, grey, ochre and brown-yellow limestone bands tell their own story of time. Stretching 144 metres in length, the cave can be found inside Samoeng’s Khun Khan National Park, some 90 minutes west of Chiang Mai city centre. While far from the city, entrance is just B100, making it the perfect excuse to swap strawberry picking for subterranean sightseeing instead.

If you thought that Warm Up was only about rock riffs and EDM drops, think again. This month, the city’s favourite nightclub is flipping the script by hosting the legendary ‘50s doo-wop band The Platters for the first time in Chiang Mai history.  The Platters Experience – Sleepy Lagoon brings the timeless sound of the oldies to the city later this month with a live concert at Warmup Cafe across two matinee shows on Sep 20-21.  Tickets cost B2,500 and promise an exclusive experience with the inclusion of premium Martell cognac, fine wines, tasty snacks and a jazzy warm-up ensemble before the main act. Better yet, part of the proceeds go directly to Mae On Hospital to help renovate their outpatient wing. It’s giving good vibes with good intentions. Photograph: The Platters With seating capped at just 150 per show, exclusivity is the name of the game. For two nights only, this is likely the first (and possibly last) time Chiang Mai gets to hear these iconic harmonies live. Don’t sleep on this one. With an evolving line up of band members, their hits remain eternal. Expect spine-tingling renditions of classics like ‘Only You’, ‘The Great Pretender’, and ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes’.  Secure your spot by calling 02-113-1234 or messaging the dedicated ticket booking LINE account @theplatterscnx. 

Visitors and locals of Chiang Mai have been advised to avoid the city centre and stay at home as floodwater caused by tropical storm Kajiki leaves many parts of the city submerged.  Heavy rains showered down on Chiang Mai today leaving roads and canals unable to drain fast enough, resulting in citywide flooding.  Authorities have warned of continued heavy rains over the coming days and advise people to avoid the city centre wherever possible. As of today, many cars, properties and public spaces have been submerged by up to one metre in flood water.  Photograph: Traffic Radio Chiang Mai This year, Chiang Mai has been inundated with floods on many occasions, with December last year seeing the largest flood the city has seen for centuries.  Since then, drainage and flood defences have struggled to cope, leaving the city open to more chances of flooding – something many believe to be here for the long-run. Hopefully the rain clears and the flooding subsides fast, just in time for a weekend of city-based fun and parties.

After months of pursuing side projects, Yellow Fang are back – and their comeback tour is tearing through Thailand with the same bite and brilliance that made them a national favourite. Formed in Bangkok back in their uni days, this all-female alt-rock group quickly rose in the charts thanks to their alternative, gender-bending mix of rock, dream pop, lo-fi, shoegaze and atmospheric guitar textures that defined a generation of indie artists in their wake last decade. Their discography – including standout album The Greatest – has made international strides in recent years as the genre resurfaced into pop culture once again, with tours of Tokyo, Malaysia and even further afield over the last half a decade.  Photograph: Yellow Fang When is Yellow Fang playing in Chiang Mai? Yellow Fang is scheduled to take the stage in Chiang Mai on September 20, with a live performance at Muan More Space, Central Chiangmai Airport. Fans can look forward to hearing all their favourite tunes from ‘Unreal’ to ‘I Don’t Know’ as well as a supporting act from Chiang Mai dreampop band srwks. in partnership with Oversee.  Where to get tickets to see Yellow Fang in Chiang Mai? Tickets for Yellow Fang went live today (Aug 13) and are already selling out fast. They’re available for purchase through Ticket Melon. Grab yours here. Ticket prices As soon as the ticket sales opened, earlybird and Phase Two tickets have now already sold out.  Phase Three tickets are live and on sale for B450 per person, with

Last week, a clever and wildly popular venture that saw young Thais selling fresh hot coffee at traffic junctions in Chiang Mai hit a red light after police abruptly shut down the operation. However, undeterred by the setback, Chef James Noble, the founder and creative force behind viral sensation Rocket Coffee, is channeling his inner ikigai to reimagine the project and ensure ongoing success for his fast-growing network of empowered entrepreneurial baristas. Photograph: Chiang Mai News The Rocket Coffee phenomenon For the last few months, Rocket Coffee has appeared at red light junctions in Chiang Mai, serving fresh, hot coffee from a rocket-like backpack barista setup to drivers stuck in traffic, straight through their car windows.  As the queues grew, so did the craving for coffee – inspiring Noble and a team of empowered young Thais to join fellow doughnut and Yakult vendors at red lights through a brand new worker-first franchise that generates real income for those otherwise without work.  While Thais took to the streets with their very own equipment, behind the scenes Noble was working hard to maintain quality – importing equipment from Germany and working with local farmers to source and perfect their blend of single origin northern Thai coffee beans.  For under B100,000, anyone could buy and launch their own Rocket Coffee franchise. A price that includes barista training, the branding, portable backpack equipment and the support of a purpose-driven community roote

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