The best things to do this weekend in Chiang Mai (April 16-19)

A collab between Central Chiang Mai, Central Chiang Mai Airport and the Poy Friends  team behind POY Festival, VINYL AND WINE brings the first of two  record fairs to the city. The first takes place at Central Chiang Mai on April 18-19, where you can flip through vinyl, sip wine and soak up the tunes and sunny vibes. Part record fair, part lifestyle hangout, it’s the perfect spot to discover new artists, sample local drinks and tap into some community energy. From spinning records to chatting with local makers, this weekend is all about letting music set the mood and making your summer soundtrack a little more unforgettable. But if you miss this one, the following weekend has you covered with Chiang Mai Vinyl Weekend at Central Airport. 

April 18-19. Free entry. Central Chiang Mai. The mall is open from 10am-10pm

Celebrate 730 years of Chiang Mai at CIMAC 2026, the Chiang Mai International Music, Art and Culture Festival. But this two-part festival is not all about Chiang Mai of old. It brings together music, art and culture from around the world, with live international music performances, art exhibitions, cultural showcases and hands-on workshops where you can get creative and learn from global artists. Local vendors are also on hand with souvenirs, crafts and tasty bites, so you can support the community while exploring the festival. Whether you’re a music lover, art enthusiast or just curious about Chiang Mai’s cultural heartbeat, CIMAC 2026 promises a weekend full of colour, sound and local creativity.

April 18-19. Free entry. Three Kings Monument. From 9am-7pm

Songkran may be over soon but the good food stays, especially with the Songkran Set Lunch at InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping. Start with miang kham, a zesty betel leaf wrap that wakes up your taste buds, then move on to yum som-o, a refreshing pomelo salad topped with perfectly grilled tiger prawns.

For mains, pick between pla neung manao, steamed seabass with lime and chili, or gai yang isan – smoky grilled chicken served with a sticky rice croquette. Round things off with jasmine-scented coconut panna cotta; a light, floral and the perfect finish to a festive Thai meal. And at B980 per person, it feels like a perfect end to the Songkran spirit.

April 13-19. B980 per person. Book your table here or call 052 090 998. The InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping. 12pm-3pm

Drinks at the ready, because Surr Bar is playing host  to Vietnam’s top bartenders for one unforgettable night. A team from Ho Chi Minh’s STIR – ranking on Asia’s 50 Best Bars – takes over the rooftop bar for inventive cocktails and high-energy vibes that easily move from ‘just one drink’ to ‘how did we end up here?’ before you know it.

Perched atop Art Mai Design Hotel in Nimman, Surr Bar is a surreal escape from the everyday. Every drink is carefully crafted and the bartenders are pros at keeping the energy flowing, so even solo visitors are in for a good time. Come ready to sip, laugh and leave with stories that will keep the conversation buzzing long after last call.

April 19. Free entry. Surr Bar. From 8pm until late

It may be after the official holiday, but from April 18-19, Central keeps the Songkran party going with the city’s first ever modern-style wan lai celebration. That’s because Chang Music Connection’s Saad Sud Festival promises a weekend of continuous live music and EDM, perfect for anyone who wants to ride the energy past the usual water fights.

Head straight for Central Airport’s  Lan Muan Jai hall and find a festive playground that brings together all the Songkran styles, but with maybe a little less water. That’s not to say there’s no splashing, mind you. Think drenched dance floors, thumping beats and lights that make you think the week has only just started. So let loose, and enjoy one final day of Songkran before it’s all over. 

April 18-19. Central Chiang Mai Airport.

Hotel bars are not uncommon, but what is uncommon is when they have something extra worth visiting for. The Marriott’s Wang Bar is one of these spots, where the bar is less about the drinks (although they’re still very good) and more about the experience. Inside, you’ll find three zones that are all about the fun, packed with massive-size golf simulators, private karaoke rooms and e-gaming setups that are a blast – all starting at just B750 per hour. At the bar, golf-inspired drinks make up the menu, served in a plush yet authentic Lanna-heritage style setting. A great start to the long holidays, or a nice filler after the splashing is over next weekend. 

Now open. Free entry, B750 per hour of activity. Wang Bar, Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel. Open Wed-Sun, 2pm-midnight.

This exhibition at Deja Gallery invites you to sit with a question most of us have asked ourselves at least once: what if a different choice had been made? Featuring works by Jood Jung, Ignat Martynov, Chae Sengkwon, Jessica Chen, Kotaro Yokomizo and Christine Cho, the exhibition explores how we carry our past and the quiet weight of decisions left behind. Each piece approaches that theme differently, making the experience feel personal rather than prescriptive.

Feb 13-May 22. Free. Deja Gallery. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 8.30am-5pm