Aydan Stuart

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.

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.   

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.       

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

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

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

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

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.   

The official Songkran party organised by the government and supported by locals and vendors, Thapae Gate is host to an endless stream of ceremony, competition and performance over the festival season. A fully comprehensive schedule has yet to be released, but it’s set to include a two storey high water tunnel experience, live Lanna cultural performances, Mr and Miss Songkran competitions and much much more. What’s guaranteed is that any time of day, you’ll be sure to find something going on!  Apr 13-15. Free. Thapae Gate. 9am-8pm

A more traditional approach to a water festival, this temple-located event is said to explore the water splashing traditions of yesteryear, with a more tame, culturally focused event that sets the stage for people looking to experience what Songkran was like before the invention of EDM music. Organised by Thai Beverage PLC, this fun-slash-spiritual event is worth checking out if you’re nearby on Ratchadamnern Road.  Apr 12-14. Free. Wat Chedi Luang. 8am-5pm

Nanairo is offering a more laid-back approach to Songkran, as long as you can navigate the moat to get into the old city unscathed. Bringing together some of the city’s favourite original music musicians including Aek Wild Sax, Suthep Band and Helicopter Secondhand, this soiree event the Friday before things heat up is the perfect way to get started and in the mood without all the mayhem. Also, Chef Kazuya joins the kitchen again for a serving of classic Japanese fare to keep your tum satisfied.  Apr 11. Free. Nanairo Chiangmai. 5pm onwards.

The favourite backpacker hub of Zoe In Yellow and all shops in the Boon Yu Bazaar project are joining forces for a wet and wild Water Battle Songkran this year. The area is always packed with revelers during the Thai New Year but this year they plan to take it up a notch with a 360-degree water system, stage, lights, colors and sound systems that set the scene spectacularly. The event, running from April 13-15, will feature special guest DJs as well as house DJ and MC teams for a non-stop water party that lasts well into the night.  April 13-15. Free. Zoe in Yellow, Boon Yu Bazaar. 3pm-late.   

Make a splash at Songkran at Shangri-La’s Tropical Beach Party, bringing together the hottest and most glamorous party people in the city. Expect a classic pool party experience that can rival those of Bangkok, with electrifying beats from top DJs, refreshing cocktails and a ton of bikini beach vibes. Apr 12. B650, includes one drink. Shangri-La Chiang Mai. 1pm-10pm   

This year One Nimman is avoiding competition with Maya and Think Park and focusing on creating a spectacular, family-friendly water park in the heart of Nimmanhaemin. The makeshift park will include a seven-metre slide, giant pool for soaking, game zones, water gun shooting, traditional ‘sao noi dok nam’ and tons of food, drinks and stalls that can entertain anyone of any age. In the same venue, there’s also a lineup of performers to keep the airways buzzing, including Scrubb, Purpeech, Whal & Dolph, Mirrr, The Richman Toy and many more. Tickets are cheap and last all day, even if you leave and come back again – what a result!  Apr 11-15. B150 per person. One Nimman. 3pm-10pm.

Prasert land, the empty space usually reserved for parking behind Nimmanhaemin road, is transforming again into a concert space with both wet and dry zones for the Songkran period. This festival runs from 6pm to late, and is more of an evening type of event – but expect to get just as wet as you did in the daytime. Back and bigger than ever for its second year, with a lineup including DJ Johnny Be, Good Times Ahead, DJ Naeleck, DJ Bomber Selecta and NICE CNX.  Apr 12. B2,700, tickets here with VIP offers yet to be announced. Prasert Land. 6pm-late.

Just across from Maya Square, Think Park is also hosting its own DJ-heavy Songkran party, starting a day before anyone else just for the fun of it. The main courtyard will transform into a boozy, super-spray water festival where singles (and couples) can wander in and out looking for new friends. The park’s shops and bars are all getting involved, alongside a ton of visiting vendors and water splashing PGs. Expect to hear the sounds of DJ Wanyen, DJ Bluesky, MC Shampoo, and DJ Bambies – although seeing them is a little tough as the stage is veiled by a constant spray of water!  Apr 11-16. Free. Think Park. 

Dubbed ‘Chiang Mai’s biggest water battle’ the Maya Lifestyle Mall’s Songkran parties are always ones to check out. This year, they’re hosting an epic 5-day celebration that is promoting non-stop tunes, massive water fights and an unofficial competition with the neighbouring Think Park event on who can be the loudest. With a focus more on DJs, the towering stage adorned with water jets sprayed by bikini-body men and women is a hostpsot for young and hip young adults. Expect to see big names like The Toys, Meentra, J-jetrin, Atlas and Retrospect. It’s also free, so that’s a big bonus – just don’t forget your ID to get in.  Apr 12-16. Free. Maya Square, Maya Lifestyle Mall. 2pm onwards.   

Another Central party, this one at Central Festival on the superhighway. Unlike its Airport counterpart, this watery music festival lasts for the full three days, promising ‘non-stop splashing’ and the most fun in Chiang Mai, but only if you’ve had enough of the moat. Six artists will perform over three days, including No One Else, The Parkingson, Num Kala, Aof Pongsak, Boonvisut and Zom Marie. The event space has two zones, one for drinking, one for families, and those under ten years old get in free.  Apr 13-15. B199 for one day, B399 for all three. Central Chiang Mai Festival. 4pm-midnight.   

This standalone water war festival is expected to bring in huge crowds as the outdoor carpark of Central Airport is transformed into one of the wettest water festivals in the city with 20-metre high water jets and a ‘never dry’ party area. Their line-up is Bangkok-worthy, with big bands including Big Ass, Bodyslam, Potato and Slot Machine playing on stage. Drinks from your favourite Chiang Mai bars will also make pop-up appearances, including Tha Chang Cafe, Warmupcafe, and One Nimman.  Apr 13. B1,300 earlybird, B1,800 standard, tickets here. Central Chiang Mai Airport. 1pm-11pm 

Gear up for Songkran with an ultimate summer pool party at the legendary Moose hotel. This weekend, the bar and restaurant open up over the pool for an afternoon of sunkissed drinks, dancing and swimming. Aside from special food deals and free pool access for non-hotel guests, each ticket comes with three free drinks – that’s right, three!  April 5. B399. Moose Bar & Restaurant. 3pm-11pm

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