Aydan Stuart

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.

Whether you’re looking for a fun family day out or a party to get you in the mood for the Songkran yet to come, this weekend in Chiang Mai is packed with things to do. For those more into history and culture, the special open day at the ancient, yet surprisingly unknown city of Wiang Chet Lin, while sports fans can’t miss the Chiang Mai Cricket Sixes starting on Sunday.       

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.

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

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.

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.

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.   

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.   

It’s happened again. You’ve had a busy week and completely forgot that it’s Valentine’s Day…today! Your favourite restaurants are booked out and your special someone is just waiting for the call. With nothing in mind, you turn to the internet for help. Thank goodness we’re here.  As the evening looms, here are our top picks for last minute Valentine’s Day dates in Chiang Mai that still look like you’ve planned weeks in advance. We got you, just take your pick. 

Centuries ago, French cuisine rose to the top of the pecking order and became the world’s best. Several hundred years later, those techniques and flavours are still defining fine food and exceptional dining the world over. From techniques being adopted by thousands of other countries, to the classic dishes that stand the test of time, many chefs will say there’s a little French flair in every great cook today – whether they realise it or not. Chiang Mai is probably as far as you can get from France, but even in our humble city, the true flavours of France can still be enjoyed. While there are a number of boulangeries and rustic french bistros, there’s only one spot in the city serving classic, un-adulterated French fare – Le Crystal.  And, as its owner tackles the nuances between classic fare and their modern interpretations, its food is only getting better.

Spend a day relaxing by the pool before enjoying an outdoor party under the stars as Monkey Moments group gears up for a month of Songkran parties across the city. This party will be held at Ferment Space, a venue complete with salt water pool, sauna, ice bath and red light therapy. Highlights include a live performance of a traditional Lanna drums and swords show, as well as an incredible lineup of local and foreign DJs. Modest dress is required during the Lanna show, and locally sourced kimonos will be available for purchase on site. Tickets include full access to all of the spa facilities including special extended hours for the day of the event.  Mar 29. B300 (B220 presale). Ferment Space. 11am-11pm.  

Whether you're a Shakespearean tragedy writer or more of a Shades of Grey type of writer, this safe, judgement-free, author Mitch (pen name Ari Chase-Ramos) is here to help guide you on how to improve your more sultry writing skills. Author of over 26 erotic novels published on Amazon, My Pen and Her Whip, they have spent much of their time penning prose from Chiang Mai and are now excited to share experience and guidance for like-minded writers. This is a space that is free of judgement and allows you to explore fantasies, desires, and drives in good company. Starting this Thursday, this is a regular event for the next few months.  Mar 27 and subsequent Thursdays. Free. Creativitea, Nimman West. 1-3pm.

Skal International will host Digital Nomads & Remote Workers: Learning More About the New Generation of Travelers at Alt_PingRiver this weekend, with John Ho, co-founder of the iconic co-living and co-working space, as guest speaker. He will share his perspective on the evolving needs of this community and how businesses can tap into new opportunities. Following the presentation, a casual Western-style dinner will whet any appetite, while you can network with other like-minded tourism professionals. Advanced registration is required and can be done here.  Mar 27. Members B700, non-members B1,000. Alt_PingRiver. 6-8.30pm.  

Get your hands covered in clay and enjoy a light-hearted, caffeine-infused afternoon of pottery making. This hand-building pottery workshop offers a fun filled experience of making the basics of pottery, including pinching, slab joint and coiling techniques. To your side, a serving of coffee drinks both hot and cold to keep you refreshed and focused. Once your masterpiece is completed, they’ll glaze and fire your creations free of charge, ready to collect 1-2 weeks later. No artistic experience is required, and participants are encouraged to let their imagination run wild. This is a weekly event every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Mar 28 and 30. B850 per person, includes a free drink and one glazing (extra glazing B100 per piece). Mitt Studio. 2-4.30pm.

Prepare your ears for an evening of smooth, soulful vocals as Johnnifer, one of the most standout talents from The Voice Thailand, graces the stage at The Mellowship Jazz Club. Take a seat and sit back, order a few cocktails and let her voice enchant the night away. Her singing will be accompanied by a live jazz band, offering that classic intimate atmosphere expected from one of the city’s best jazz clubs. Supporting act by the acoustic duo Ribbindasky. Seats are limited so best to reserve ahead of time or arrive early.  Mar 28. B250, includes one free drink. The Mellowship Jazz Club. 5pm-midnight.  

Final call to witness the contemporary exhibition titled ‘Dynamics: The Path of Ideals’ at Baan Tuek Art Center this weekend. Organised by Thai Art program, Department of Thai Art and Creative Culture, Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University, this is one of the biggest contemporary art exhibitions of the university year, returning this year with a presentation of individualistic ideals through creative work that reflects the movement of artistic and cultural values as they evolve with the passage of time. Mar 11-27. Free. Baan Tuek Art Center. 10am-5.30pm

The Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes is one of the world’s most popular and long-running amateur cricket tournaments – now back for its thirty-fifth year at the Gymkhana Club in Chiang Mai. The tried and trusted formula of the Chiang Mai Sixes is an intoxicating mixture of high-scoring, fast-paced Sixes cricket promising camaraderie both on and off the pitch as well as bars and restaurants all around Chiang Mai with a well-organised array of social functions for cricketers and supporters alike. Mar 30-April 5. Free. Gymkhana Club. 9am-7pm

Wiang Chet Lin is an ancient city that sits at the foothills of Doi Suthep. What makes it special is both its location and shape – a perfect circle – but is unknown to many in the city. This weekend, join and discover the historical stories of the ancient city and meet professors and experts who will help share the importance of its history. There are EV trams that will take you around the ancient city landscape, as well as morning ceremonies to pay respect to the guardian spirit of Wiang Chet Lin. For families, workshops focused on ancient traditions are also free and fun to join, including making Khanom Wong, Ta Laew and Nam Pimsen, making eco bricks and learning about nature hands-on. And if that’s not enough to keep you fascinated, there’s even a Fon Chuen Khwan Wiang Chet Lin dance performance and live music under the big Chamcha tree.  Mar 29. Free. Livestock Office Zone 5 (on the foothills of Doi Suthep, where the ancient city was discovered). 8am-1pm. 

Like a phoenix, the Dhara Dhevi is reviving from the ashes with a spectacular food fest and craft fair this weekend. With over 70 vendors, there’s a ton of stuff to explore, from delicious food, drinks and snacks to hand crafted, handmade and second-hand products on sale. The market is also buzzing with live music in the garden and other activities to be discovered when you arrive. This is planned as a regular market event if it goes successfully, so show your love for the legendary location as it reboots with an iconic modern northern Thai market vibe.  Mar 28-30. Free. Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai. 3-9pm.

This hidden market event is more than just a market, it’s an experience. From midday on Saturday, Look Inside is transforming a secret location into a bustling night market that starts in the day. Packed with a mixture of pre-loved treasures, creative new finds, unique services and delicious food and drink, there’s bound to be something for everyone. Those with logical minds can sign up to the chess challenge, while those looking to refresh their look can join the clothing swap activity to keep their look sharp. DJs will spin tunes to keep the energy up while tarot readers, dancers and a whole load of good vibrations will keep you entertained. Mar 22. Free. Look Inside’s secret location here, 157 Moonmuang Road. 12pm onwards. 

For a more sophisticated night out, this live show is expected to bring an electrifying feel to the weekend with Groovy Doopy teaming up with Coco Lashaun for a night of high-energy modern jazz groves and harmonies. Coco Lashaun is an American vocalist with a strong voice and magnetic stage presence, while Groovy Doopy is one of the city’s most energetic and stylish jazz bands. Live music kicks off early with supporting acts followed by the main show at around 9pm.  Mar 21. Free. Moment’s Notice Jazz Club. 7pm onwards.

Central Festival is hosting a huge music and brew festival this week with craft drinks, food and live music every day. There are over 60 delicious food and craft beverage booths featured at the event, including fusion food, creative desserts and a variety of craft beverages for you to try. Headliners over the five days include 3D Band, H8U, Anyside, HowWhyWhenYou and Suthep Band – promising a great lineup of music perfect to pair with those ice cold brews. Mar 19-23. Free. Central Festival. 5pm-10pm.

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

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

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

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

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

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