The best festivals in Chiang Mai this season (January-March)

What is it: 

Anyone in Chiang Mai long enough will remember the Jai Thep Festival era. Gaia Beats is its spiritual successor, with many of the team behind that legendary era back with this new, more grown-up version that is the closest you’ll get to a Glastonbury-atmosphere anywhere in Thailand. 

Why we love it:

Kicking off last year with a one-day test-run event (which was great fun if you missed it), organiser Tom is going full force into this three-day festival that ‘gives more than it takes’. It’s community-focused and the biggest not-for-profit fest in the North. And while the focus is definitely on music, things kick-off early with workshops, kids’ zones and immersive performances that last all day and night. Festival heads can pitch a tent free of charge and head to Synergy Stage for electronic beats that err on the side of downtempo or The Bunker for those heavier rhythms of UK bass and sound system culture. 

There are also love bands playing from midday to well past sundown, with big names like Echo Resort, Vega, Rasmee, Apichat Pakwan and No Know headlining the weekend alongside newcomers Bangkok Reggae Massive and Kiki to name just a few. And then there are the workshops – Kindred Caravan hidden deep in the woods sees everything from tantric continuums to crazy kid takeovers, Workshop Yard is all about getting hands-on, and the Shala is where you go for energy. And if that’s not enough to tempt you, check out our latest Time Out Podcast as we talk with the founder Tom and get the lowdown straight from the horse’s mouth. 

Time Out tip: 

The festival is set at Sense Hot Spring Wellness & Spa in Mae On – yes, it’s a bit of a trek (but we’re talking 30 minutes, not an expedition), but better still, the spa stays open throughout the weekend, so if the dancefloor leaves you aching, a proper soak or massage is right there waiting. 

23-25 Jan. B3,300 online, B4,000 on the door. Details here. Sense Hot Spring Wellness & Spa, Mae On. 

What is it:

The legends behind Chiang Mai’s raucous live music series We Are Punk take their show on the road once again, hosting another Chiang Dao Punk Fest at the end of January. And in Tiger Jungle Art Camp they’ve found the perfect venue.  

Why we love it:

The ferocious energy of this festival is unmatched in northern Thailand, with bands coming to play their loud and proud bangers from across the country and overseas (this years acts will blast into town from Tokyo, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, China and Germany) reminding one and all that punk knows no borders and jams with a cause will always rally community spirit. Don’t be fooled by the tough leather-clad exterior, the Chiang Mai punk scene is extremely welcoming.

The wooden ‘Nevernever Land’ structures of Tiger Art Camp are as if they were built for the event itself – playful, practical and with a DIY anarchic ethos as real as the festival punters. Short and sweet, this is a one day festival so you can get as rowdy, grubby and lit as you like, making it easy to go all out in the moshpit without peaking too soon. 

Time Out tip:

The following morning, treat yourself to a soak in the free hot springs around the corner to melt away the bruises and steady yourself for the drive home.

Jan 30. B700 in advance, B1,000 on the door. Tiger Jungle Art Camp, Chiang Dao.

What is it:

Set against the breezy hilltop at Abonzo Yama Mitsu in Chiang Rai, Marshmallow Restival bills itself as Thailand’s first ‘restival’ – essentially a festival where the point isn’t constant go but intentional pause. Blending live music, nature, crafts and sensory workshops around the concept of The Art of Rest, this is where you go to embrace the slow life without dropping out of the world entirely.

Why we love it:

In a world of big, loud and fast lifestyles – the north’s ever-expanding festival scene included – Marshmallow Restival is a rare thing – a spacious exhale that focuses on the joys of downtime. Sure, the music still happens (with bangin’ sets from Friday, P.O.P and ETC. alongside the Marshmallow Symphony Orchestra and other local bands), but here it’s delivered in a way that invites wandering and absorbing the scene, rather than jostling for a space at the front of the crowd. 

Interspersed between the stage performances are tactile experiences – from coffee, tea and wine tastings to postcard-writing calligraphy, scent workshops and a ‘bookshop on the hill’ curated by Passport Bookshop – all designed to slow the heartbeat without numbing the senses. Here the rest isn’t an afterthought, it’s the headline.

Time Out tip:

Think of this less like a festival and more like a doctor’s permission slip for rest and relaxation all weekend long – no work emails allowed. Show up ready to drift between sounds and sessions, bring layers for cooling evenings in the mountains and don’t be afraid to try and let your life stay unhurried for a change.

Jan 30-Feb 1. B1,990 per day. Details here. Abonzo Yama Mitsu, Chiang Rai.

What is it:

Pai World Rhythms is exactly what you think it is – a three-day celebration of world music with that telltale helping of immersive Pai-style art and community. An evolution from last year’s Pai Pan Gathering – this one’s leaning into the multi-sensory side of festival life, through music, movement and particular handpan instrumentalists.  

Why we love it:

Pai World Rhythms has a distinct rhythm that’s undoubtedly Pai. Over the weekend, you’re just as likely to find yourself in a yoga class or crafting circle as you are caught up in melodic handpan sets or sunset DJ sessions under projection-mapped visuals. 

The vibe is laid-back without being lazy, while lines are purposefully blurred between spectator and participant. This new evolution tries to make sure every corner feels built for connection, whether that’s through collaborative jams on the open stage, shared meals from the vegan restaurant or soaking up the valley views with new friends. It’s inclusive rather than indulgent, experiential rather than frenetic – yet somehow still holds onto that typical festival feel, remixed for the new era of punters who look for a bit more hippy-retreat woven in for good measure. 

Time Out tip:

The heart of Pai World Rhythms is in its daylight moments: wandering between workshops, joining impromptu circles, or simply lounging in Dreamscape’s spaces with the soundtrack of global instruments as your backdrop. Camping on-site is shaded, cool and keeps you close to the action, but there are tons of comfy Pai stays if you still prefer a soft bed and a proper morning coffee.

Jan 30-Feb 1. B1,100 per day, B3,000 for a weekend pass. Details here. Dreamscape Pai, Mae Hong Son. 

What is it:

Analogue music (all live, no DJs) and a oneness with nature might be Shambhala’s calling card today but its roots in the peace-loving No Nukes movement are the foundation stone of this Thai-Japan collaboration that’s spanned, grown and blossomed over three decades in the Chiang Mai region.

Why we love it:

So often in Thailand we’re sold events that are good for the soul, but at a chonky price. Not Shambhala. Unassuming, genuinely pure of intention and just B300 a day to enter (or B2000 for the full 10-day pass) this festival is the real deal. Run by a close-knit group of volunteers from Japan and Thailand, who humorously refer to themselves as ‘ageing hippies’, Shambhala is so much more than a music festival – in fact, the music is just the half of it.  

Beyond the uplifting sounds from reggae, folk and rock bands are singer songwriters from across the world (the attendees arrived from 86 countries last year too), it’s taking part in conscious workshops, the moments around the campfire and blissing out in the fields and hot springs of Chiang Dao that will leave an indelible mark in your core memories forever. They love nature. We love Shambhala.

Time Out tip:

If you don’t have the steam (or annual leave) for 10 days in the campsite, you can dip in for weekend one and if you have such a merry time that you can’t stay away – head back for the second weekend at the close of the festival.

6-15 Feb. B300 per day, B2,000 for the 10-day pass. Details here. Chiang Dao Farm Stay.

What is it:

Over the past few years, Thantawan Festival has been quietly positioning itself as Chiang Mai’s most ambitious DJ-forward, music lifestyle festival. This year, they’re mixing it up with a lineup more rooted, communal and Chiang Mai-minded, swapping DJ lineups with local live acts.  

Why we love it:

Thantawan feels refreshingly confident in what it is, blending international DJs, Thai-led live music, art, wellness, food and family-friendly fun into one big, sunflower-hued playground. This year’s ‘Groovy Bloom’ theme leans heavily into the trends of ‘60s and ‘70s flower-power nostalgia but, with a strong modern twist that still shouts ‘electronic music is king’ from the stage. That being said, we’re excited to see how it evolves this year as it tries to adapt to a more Thai-focused audience, with names like Carabao, Da Endorphine, Burin and Kong Huayrai headlining throughout the weekend.

They’re also leaning toward creating a more immersive experience than years past, with playful twists of art, AI-driven visuals and retro-futuristic stage design that bring a new dimension to the experience – or so they say. But either way, throw in some wellness sessions, a dedicated high-zone for green smokers, optional glamping, a proper kids’ area and a dedicated afterparty stage for those late-night energy owls and you’ve got a festival that’s proper groovy baby, yeah!

Time Out tip:

For folks who don’t want to bother with the commutes and shuttles, the festival is a full 24-hour camping-friendly festival, but you’ll need to buy a package. B250 for a pitch pass (bring your own tent) all the way up to B6,000 for VIP glamping for two. They also have a ton of local hotel packages too if you prefer your walls to be solid. 

20-22 Feb. B1,600 for a weekend pass. Details here. Pangfan Rock & River, Doi Saket.

What is it:

Yok Yek Party may last just one night, but given its a self-described ‘12-hour dance ritual’, we thought it just about fit the bill as one of the north’s more alternative ‘festival’ events this season. In short, it brings together eight DJs and live acts for a non-stop run through of techno, house, minimal, breaks and electro – from midnight to midday.  

Why we love it:

Although it’s their first event, those in the scene will recognise Nerd Party and their lineup of artists such as DJ Nobita, Chalo, DJ Casper, April and Lsyndrome. Add on the unusual hours and we’re extra curious – the party starts at midnight and continues through the night, stopping at midday the following day. 

Yok Yek brings a strong regional lineup with a lush jungle setting and a serious sound system from Miki Vection, ensuring every bass beat lands exactly where it should. It’s also happening on Valentine’s Day, a perfect date night idea for that techno-head you’ve been trying to party with for the last year. 

Time Out tip:

This is an endurance party, not a sprint. Sure it’s in Chiang Dao but you don’t even need a hotel for this one if you plan to dance through the whole night. We recommend bringing a warm layer (it can definitely get hold in those jungles), comfy shoes and a little goodie bag of carbs, sugar and energy shots to keep you going all night long. 

Feb 14. Midnight-midday the following day. B400 early bird, B800 on the door (20+ only). Tickets here. Tiger Jungle Art Camp, Chiang Dao.

What is it:

This gentle, market-forward rendezvous hidden in the woods at Baan Samadhi in Doi Saket is technically a festival, although it’s certainly on the fringes. Sure, it comes with music, workshops, food, drink, camping and the like – but it’s also free and a stone’s throw from one of Chiang Mai’s best natural hot springs. 

Why we love it:

Moon World Gathering sits comfortably in its own space. It’s unhurried, welcoming and open-handed. Local bands and wandering musicians keep the atmosphere alive, while arts and craft workshops keep people busy and reward curiosity. Think clay, art, tarot, tattoo and drum circles after dark.

It’s also just minutes from Doi Saket Hot Springs, one of the province’s best locations for a warm soak, with regular shuttles that keep the two spots connected. If you haven’t cottoned on yet, it’s one of those events led and enjoyed by the art community, so expect less scheduled programming and more organic, acoustic music that just flows. Basically, it’s a big campfire in the woods with friends and beers… and we can’t deny that’s a great idea. 

Time Out tip:

Homemade food, cold beers and warm cups of tea feel like part of the ritual rather than add-ons, but phone signal can be spotty so bring enough cash to see you through the weekend. And while camping at Baan Samadhi keeps you in the fold, arriving fresh in the morning and heading home late feels just as right.

March 1-2. Free entry (donations welcome). Baan Samadhi, Doi Saket.