The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (October 1-4)

Paapu House are not messing around this week. This edition of their weekly Thursday live is a banger and then some. Opening are two maestros Nilimesh and Saurav (who play tabla and sitar respectively) with deep ragas and fiery rhythms. Next up at 9ish, Sanlana Soul takes the mic, inspired by Lanna and Isan music, our favourite. Then headlining, local three-piece Helicopter SecondHand close the night with their psychedelic rock and reggae sounds inspired by Aboriginal, African, South American, Middle Eastern and Lanna traditions. Paapu’s dinner menu is locked and loaded from 5pm and happy hour until 8pm so get down early.

Oct 1. Free entry. Paapu House. 5pm-late

From the crew behind Chiang Dao Punk Fest, this installment of the city’s stalwart hardcore gigs is a big one. Welcoming legendary East Bay noise outfit Fang all the way from the US, it’s one to polish your leathers for. Formed in the early 1980s, Fang are beyond influential; famously covered by Mudhoney and Nirvana. Get down early for riotous local support from Death Systems, Olex and Phased Plasma Rifle. As always, your ticket includes a free bev. 

Oct 1. 350B. Yoda’s CNX Gallery. 7pm-late

Need your funny bone tickled? For one night only award-winning British comedian David Alfie Ward (who’s got quite the CV, having appeared on ITV, BBC Radio 4 and talkSPORT) is taking the UN Irish Bar by storm. Expect razor sharp storytelling and don’t be surprised if his quick crowd work finds you pulled into the gags. You’d expect nothing less from a top East London stand-up comic. It’s the ideal pub vibe venue but a cosy space so grab your tickets in advance lest face disappointment. 

Oct 2. From B450 via Ticketmelon. UN Irish Bar. 8pm-10.30pm

Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel is taking its restaurants, bars and experiences out of the hotel and into Central Chiang Mai for a two-day showcase this weekend. Stop by to discover everything from Italian and Chinese dining to brunches, café favourites and cocktails, alongside wedding inspiration, special event vouchers and other hotel experiences. It’s a handy chance to see what’s happening at the Marriott – without actually having to check in.

Oct 3-4. Central Chiang Mai (in front of Jaspal and Mango). 10am-10pm 

Our local lux weavers up at the Four Seasons Resort have a treat in store for foodies this weekend. A veritable trifecta of culinary talent have been assembled for this Friday’s Super Society. Michelin-recognised Chef Andrew Yeo, former director of culinary at Hakkasan is returning to CNX to collab with executive chef Alvin Dela Cruz and Executive Sous Chef Naruchit Tiangtrong who’ll collectively take you on a journey of courses, stories, landscapes and Thailand’s finest seasonal ingredients. Go ahead and treat yoself. The price tag will be worth it and includes wines at that. Advanced booking is required; drop the team a line on: chiangmai@fourseasons.com 

Oct 2. B6000. Four Seasons Chiang Mai Resort, Mae Rim. 6pm-late

After an unplanned reschedule, Tekno.CNX is back into the bunker for another seven-hour session of hard, groovy techno and deep hypnotic sounds. Nimman Rave #11 takes over the intimate Lounge room at Warmup Café, with four international DJs – NAKARA, SWILL'O, FØSTER and KEV NEVADO – keeping things moving until 3am. Capacity is deliberately capped at just 80 ravers, so this should be a sweaty, close-quarters affair. Tickets include one free drink.

Oct 2. B200 early bird, B300 on the door. Warmup Café (Lounge Room). 8pm-3am

Friday night drinks are getting a local twist at Limeleaf, where SanPatong Distillery’s craft spirits take centre stage for an easy-going evening of cocktails, food and music. Signature and classic cocktails start around B180, alongside alcohol-free mocktails and a menu of bar snacks and light plates to keep you going. Selecta Djingo will be behind the decks throughout the evening, with no dress code and no need to venture into the city for a decent Friday night tipple.

Oct 2. Limeleaf, Nam Phrae. Call 094 654 6846 for more details. 6pm-10pm

Why just eat your afternoon tea when you can paint with it first? Thaew Thaew is putting an artistic spin on the tradition with an edible painting experience created by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Rebec. Get to work on a real canvas with seven colourful, all-natural gourmet dips to paint with plus veg and herbs to add some texture. Once done, admire your masterpiece before tucking into it with slices of homemade sourdough, cheese and fresh local produce, plus a hand-brewed coffee or iced tea. No artistic experience is necessary, and children are welcome to get creative too.

Oct 3-4. B990. Thaew Thaew, Hang Dong. Reservations via Facebook or Instagram DM. 2pm-4.30pm

Swap mountain vibes for island energy this Saturday as Wild Coffee & Bistro hosts Wild Jungle, an afternoon party inspired by the tropical sounds of Koh Phangan. Expect Afro house, deep house and jungle grooves from a funky DJ line-up, with food and drinks flowing throughout the afternoon. Jungle chic is encouraged but certainly not required – come to dance, meet some new faces or simply settle in with a drink and enjoy the music among the greenery.

Oct 3. Free before 3pm, B250 thereafter. Wild Coffee & Bistro. 1-6pm

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.