The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (January 29-February 1)

As one of Thailand’s most respected techno artists, there’s little introduction needed for Nakadia. Back in Chiang Mai for an intimate but impactful night behind the decks, she’s one of Thailand's most famous music exports – a Tomorrowland headliner who, most recently, opened for Carl Cox at Cafe del Mar Phuket. Tekno CNX is behind this special appearance, and while Liquid Room may not be as pyrotechnical, Chiang Mai’s most ‘boiler room’-style venue is arguably a much better setting for real, close-quarters partying among legends.

Jan 30. From B300 via Ticketmelon. Liquid Room CNX. 9pm-4am

Short and sweet, this one-day festival gets as rowdy, grubby and lit as you like, making it all too easy to go all out in the moshpit. 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 year’s 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.

Jan 30. From B700. Tiger Art Camp. 2pm-midnight

The atmospheric, riverside 1921 House is throwing a do in their aptly-themed Brit Bar this weekend. The gorge heritage building was formerly the British Embassy many moons ago, and as chic parties in the city go, there’s nothing finer. With two hours of open bar, we are here for their insanely good wine selection. It’s time to get moderately sloshed while you dance the night away to ‘70s-themed soul and funk classics under the specially erected disco ball. Extra brownie points if you have any Brit-themed outfits at hand.

Jan 30. B1,290. 1921 House, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort. 7.30pm-midnight

One of the top wellness spots in the city, Eudemonia’s Friday reset is rolling out ‘Organic Nights’, a  great programme for anyone still in that post-festival recovery zone – or just for those looking chill after a busy week of work. Eudemonia’s saunas, steam room, cold baths and rolling green gardens turn into even more of a sanctuary than usual, with zen activities welcoming a wind-down from 3pm onwards. Yin yoga, tai chi, sound-healing, sauna rituals and cacao around their bonfire mellow the pace, before ecstatic dance followed by downtempo tribal DJs round off the night. What could be better?

Jan 30. B350. Chiang Mai Sauna Ice Bath Eudemonia. 3pm-late

Miss those uninhibited days of climbing trees? Feel your inner child stirring? This brilliant workshop from Retro Recess is part exercise, part healing, as it tours the Old City like no other gang out there. Bopping around the streets and alleys playing games and tackling challenges are the MO until the whistle blows and the floor becomes lava – which means climb, scramble and hold on to anything that lifts you up off the ground. All attendees get a goody bag because what’s a kid’s party without treats?  

Jan 31. B200. Meet at Rare Finds Bookstore. 3pm-5.30pm

We love a bit of crafts in Chiang Mai but there are always extra points when the chance to make something useful pops up. Enter the good folks at Attika Studio, who are hosting an artisanal soap making session at their lovely space this weekend. Digging into both the science and art behind it, the facilitators from Amara Soap share trade secrets on how to tailor a recipe to your specific needs. Whether you’re into making a shampoo bar, body scrub or face wash, there’s an inviting array of botanicals on hand to brew before you sculpt and shape your cleansing creation.

Jan 31. B490. Attika Studio. 10am-12pm

This Sunday, DemoCrazy! is hosting one of the city’s biggest fundraising events of the year, aptly named No One is Free Until Everyone is Free. A packed schedule of workshops and activities that run all morning and afternoon, the main question is deciding what to attend – will it being a chance to get arty and learn how to make your own zines and comics, learn some self care self massage skills or bliss out at a healing sound bath or cacao ceremony. All activities are priced individually, plus there’s a cafe and thrift stalls to check out so pop in and dig deep – 100% of funds raised go to The Sameer Project in Gaza and Minmahaw School in Mae Sot, supporting kids from Myanmar.

Feb 1. B100. DemoCrazy! Chiang Mai. 9am-6pm