[category]
[title]
Every year, Time Out releases its ranking of the best cities in the world and Chiang Mai has once again made the top 50 list.
After quizzing more than 24,000 locals across the world to rank the best cities on the planet, Chiang Mai came in at a pleasant #32, sitting middle-ground among peers such as Beijing (#30) and Naples (#33).
But what’s more impressive is the city also made it to #9 in the best cities in Asia list – thanks to impressive natural beauty, fun easy-living and recent cultural momentums.
According to Time Out’s 50 best cities in the world list for 2026, 76 percent of locals say they feel a sense of belonging in the city. No wonder those involved in the survey were most likely to describe their city as ‘welcoming and friendly’ (followed by ‘lively’ and ‘relaxing’).
What’s obvious to us is that Chiang Mai offers everything in just the right proportions: third-wave coffee labs beside centuries-old stupas, experimental breweries and artistic performance spaces, critically-acclaimed cocktail bars and a thriving vinyl and festival scene that’s reshaping the city after dark.
And while there’s endless adventure beyond the city – think trekking, elephants, mountains and waterfalls – the food scene alone is reason enough to celebrate this accolade, stretching from smoky farm-to-table grills to boundary-pushing fine dining that champion both northern Thai flavours and global ideas.
2026 is also a landmark year for Chiang Mai’s cultural momentum, with the Chiang Mai Festival City initiative gaining big momentum and a recent UNESCO World Heritage bid – both shining new light on the city’s historic and diverse creative core.
Bangkok also made the list, sneaking into the top 10 with a solid ranking on #8 – second in all of Asia.
Read what we have to say about Bangkok’s impressive ranking here.
Here are the world’s top 10 best cities in 2026
Check out the full list and reasons why each city was selected in the official world’s coolest cities coverage on Time Out here.
The Asia 10 best cities in the world for 2026
So, if this isn’t enough to convince you, plan your things to do in Chiang Mai ahead of your next trip and find out for yourself why we think Chiang Mai absolutely deserves its spot on Time Out’s 50 best cities in the world this year.