Aydan Stuart

Chiang Mai’s event calendar this week is buzzing with flavour, rhythm and spirit. From the cultural charm of Japan Night to metal legends Hin Lek Fai’s lighting up Ruamchok Cafe, the city’s got your nights covered.  Football fans can cheer the return of CMFC at the season’s kick off day, while grape connoisseurs can swirl and sip through refined wine tastings, organic longan chef’s tables and market music performances. And for those in need of alignment, a number of healing sessions will leave you feeling revived under the warmth of the full moon. 

Rooftop bars can be often overlooked by visitors to Chiang Mai who assume our low-rise cityscape has little to offer above eye level. But look up and there’s a lot of fun to be had atop our taller hotels and Old City townhouses. What’s better than sitting above it all, cocktail in hand, enjoying the purple hues of sunset over Doi Suthep? Answer: not much. So with that in mind, let’s elevate your weekend (or week, we’re not judging) with a cocktail or two at the city’s best and most eclectic rooftop bars. 

Chiang Mai may be laid-back by day, but after dark the city reveals a more mysterious side. Tucked behind unmarked doors, winding alleys and quiet staircases are some of the city’s most intriguing watering holes – places where the cocktails are serious, the lights are low and finding the entrance will require a bit of detective work. From speakeasy-style lounges with live jazz to minimalist hideaways in heritage buildings, these hidden bars are where Chiang Mai’s creative energy and nightlife scene quietly thrive. You won’t find big signs or flashing lights – these spots may appear on Google Maps, but good luck finding your way in. If you don’t know the secret, you could be pushing bookshelves or following mysterious red lanterns like moths to a flame. We’ll give you a hint, but it’s the whisper of music down an otherwise empty alley that will be your beacon call.  Once you eventually find your way inside, cocktails laden with the best liquor available to man are to be found – from rare international reserves to our favourite locally distilled spirit, Sonklin, from Choeng Doi Distillery just up the road. With a bit of planning (and some comfortable shoes), it’s entirely possible to turn these tucked-away gems into a weekend-long bar crawl – or even squeeze into one night if you’re feeling brave. Instead, we’d opt for a relaxed weekend of shaken drinks, sultry jazz and mysterious discoveries made by candlelight.

Pizza. It’s a staple among almost all cultures. From questionable 2am slices from delivery chains that hit just right after a few towers of beer to artisanal, hand-crafted sourdough pies that practically demand a knife and fork they’re so fancy, there seems to be a love for this food that transcends social status. Uncles, aunties, politicians, teens, kids, tourists and locals – they all love a pizza pie and, honestly, so do we.  So, without further ado, here’s our best list of pizza spots in and around Chiang Mai that hit the spot on many levels, from that gloriously gooey grease-topped New York special to the crispiest of thin crusts topped with a whole burrata. Whatever form your pizza craving comes in, these are the slices that deliver the goods.

Ok, full disclosure, I don’t frequent nail bars too often. Although, with a wife, daughter and mother at home, I do probably visit them more than many other cisgender males. Either way, for the sake of accuracy, I’ve teamed up with my most informed nail bar addicts to bring together a list of Chiang Mai’s best nail bars this side of 2025. And while this list is not exhaustive, it is growing every day, so bookmark and revisit every time those ten shimmering finger ends need a little colour or pizzazz. 

If there’s one thing Chiang Mai does better than most, it’s markets. From indie design pop-ups to full-on street takeovers, the city comes alive every weekend with stalls, snacks and surprises to suit every kind of shopper.  Whether you're after stylish homemade threads, organic veggies, vintage vinyl or a steaming bag of sai-oua saussage, there’s a market with your name on it somewhere in the north. To help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up the best in one handy list. Now all you need to do is prepare some cash, sling on a tote bag and bring your best bargain-hunting energy.  

Chiang Mai has played a larger role in cinema than you might expect. With its stunning temples, charming streets, picturesque villages and sweeping mountain ranges, this northern gem is a favorite for filmmakers seeking the perfect backdrop. Often, Chiang Mai has doubled as a stand-in for its tropical neighbors like Laos, Cambodia, or Myanmar – likely due to enticing tax incentives and affordable accommodations. But here, we set aside those ‘stand-in’ roles to spotlight films where Chiang Mai takes centre stage, proudly showcasing its unique beauty and character. Whether you're reminiscing about a recent trip or simply looking to channel that Leo DiCaprio whistle-point meme from your couch, here’s a list of some of the best films that capture Chiang Mai in all its northern splendour.

Aside from its physical charms of temples and cultural spectacles, Chiang Mai boasts a distinctive culinary culture – one that spans both local, northern delights and an eclectic take on almost every international cuisine.  Add in influences from border states such as Myanmar, Laos and, culturally at least, China, the local food takes a unique approach to the more traditional Thai flavours found in Bangkok.  Khao soi, the rich coconut curry noodle soup, is a common forerunner for northern food fans, alongside sai oua (northern spicy sausage), gaeng hanglay (a rich pork belly curry imported from the Shan state) and laap krua (a cumin-rich take on the Thai spicy meat salad).  Yet beyond the local favourites sits menu upon menu of exceptionally good food that celebrates cuisines and creations the world over. Over the last few years, Chiang Mai has boomed as a destination for good food, with both fine-dining restaurants and roadside gems garnering international acclaim from the likes of Michelin, Tattler and Thailand’s Favourite Restaurant Awards.  To celebrate Chiang Mai’s burgeoning food scene, we’ve rounded up the best places to eat across the city. Yes, there’s more to life here than just khao soi – but don’t worry, we’ve got that covered too. From street-side staples to low-key fine dining, this list proves you don’t need white tablecloths to eat well in the north.

Chiang Mai doesn’t just celebrate Songkran – it owns it. With the Old City moat as the main splash zone, you’ll find temple ceremonies and cultural parades dominate the formalities while open-air DJ sets and street-wide water fights let you go full party mode.  This year, we’re ditching the tourist dos and don’ts and going full throttle into what really matters – a hit list of the best events, parties, parades and moat-side chaos that makes Songkran in Chiang Mai so iconic. Here’s everything you need to know about where to go, what’s happening, and how to celebrate Songkran in Chiang Mai this year – be it loud, local or absolutely drenched. If you have an event and want us to add it to the list, email aydan@timeoutthailand.com to get it added! 

It’s that time of year once again to dig out your old floral shirt, buy a new water gun and hit the streets of Chiang Mai for another round of water splashing fun – said to be the city’s biggest yet!  Often topping lists of best cities to ‘do’ Songkran, you’ll find water fights happening on just about every street in Chiang Mai during the almost week-long event; there are a few key spots where the chaos levels peak.  April 13-15 are the official dates for the festival but Chiang Mai usually starts early, with people getting wet and parties to be found from as early as April 11 this year. So take your fun to the absolute next level with our top picks for free places to jump into the action this year, Chiang Mai style.   

The legendary Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes is back this weekend for its 35th year, bringing a lively mix of amateur and semi-pro cricketers from across the globe to the city for one of the world’s most iconic amateur cricket tournaments. From March 30 to April 5, the historic Gymkhana Club will be transformed into a buzzing blend of big hits, boundary cheers and a fair few icy beers at the event’s very own Boundary Bar. But for those who’ve never been, or simply have no clue about the complexities of cricket, things can get a little overwhelming. So whether you’re here to swing a bat, cheer from the sidelines or just soak up the festive vibes, this is our go-to guide for everything you need to know about the Chiang Mai Cricket Sixes 2025 – from match schedules and team intel to where to grab a bite between innings or do a vodka slammer with the teams.

Chiang Mai citizens are burning with excitement as IKEA finally opens its doors to the people of the north. This Swedish furniture shop is a beloved brand here in Thailand, and whether you like it or not, this new addition is saving locals from the once-essential pilgrimage (read: expensive flight) to Bangkok just to get their hands on a Billy Bookcase.  While this might just be the tiniest IKEA in the world (or at least in Thailand), its presence hasn’t stopped die-hard fans from queuing up every morning since it opened at the end of February this year. But here’s the thing. Whether you’re a flat-pack fanatic or think Swedish furniture is just a bit... meh, IKEA has a way of making a visit fun for everyone. Because, let’s be honest, we’re all really here for the meatballs.  So, if you feel like joining the queues of cars and people to celebrate Chiang Mai’s most momentous opening of the year, here are six things to do at IKEA that have absolutely nothing to do with furniture.

Take a seat and dine on this exclusive chef’s table experience featuring the prized organic longan as the menu’s hero ingredient. Celebrating the season (and as one of Chiang Mai’s most famous local products) tuck into a medley of flavours brought to you by talented chefs – chef Denvers Rattan, Executive Chef at InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping; chef Supoj Suwanwong, Executive Chef at Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel; and chef Suksant Chutinthratip, Executive Chef at Meliá Chiang Mai. The menu covers seven courses, including blue swimmer crab spring rolls, river prawn ceviche and pithiviers of duck. Aug 9. B1,500 per person, reservation here. The Gad Lanna Restaurant, InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping Hotel. 5.30pm onwards.

Designed and created by chef James Noble out of a need to eat better and communicate well, Ikigai Restaurant’s ‘Long Lunch’ is a recurring dining project aimed at getting people to enjoy blue zone food around a table once again. Buffet prices will get you a seat and an unlimited service of creative, seasonal dishes designed using the qualities of the world’s five blue zones – Japan, Italy, Greece, Costa Rica and California. Completely curated and customised for the diner, just tell the chef what you can eat and food will keep coming until you can’t eat anymore. Every weekend is a different lineup of dishes, and you can stay for as long as you like, with many still dining and chatting at sundown.  Aug 9 and every Saturday. B900 per person, no corkage fee. Reservations here. Ikigai Restaurant. Midday onwards.

Le Crystal – Chiang Mai’s oldest French fine dining restaurant – is hosting a series of national wine experts, starting with Vanichwathana Company this Saturday night. Sign up and enjoy an engaging presentation by national wine sommelier Professor Thira Weerawan, guiding you through six carefully selected wines from different countries, and as a special treat, each wine will be paired with a curated selection of canapés and reception-style dishes. Aug 9. B1,200 per person, reservations here. Le Crystal. 6pm-9pm. 

Football’s coming home to Chiang Mai with a kick-off celebration packed with matches, games, and pitchside fun to welcome the new season in style. Getting started in the early afternoon, the event stars VIP guests, football icons and sport influencers on stage followed by live performances from The Phe and a meet and greet with some of Chiang Mai’s top players. As the night draws in, Chiang Mai FC and Phrae United get ready for a 7.30pm kick-off that’ll lead us back into the northern footy season once again.  Aug 9. B100 west stand (CMFC), B80 east stand Phrae United). Chiang Mai Football Stadium. 2pm-10pm.

Get down and headbang with rock legends Hin Lek Fai (Stone Metal Fire) as they thrash metal and perform hit songs including Faith, Nang Maew, Yom, Power of Love, Pue Tur, Long Kon and Too Easy. And if that list wasn’t extensive enough, expect more besides – all served up with a generous helping of beers, whisky, food and familiarity at Ruamchok Cafe this Sunday. This classic rock band is one not to be missed, frequenting Chiang Mai only a few times each year.  Aug 10. B800 for standing bar up to B4,500 for the best table and whisky promo. Book here. 5pm-midnight.

For one day only, Chiang Mai gets a taste of Fukuoka as we dive into a world of street food, workshops and performances that share Japan’s vibrant soul with the city. ​A celebration of cultural connection between Chiang Mai and Fukuoka, you’ll find interactive workshops, local performances and a taste of Japanese street life – all brought to life in the heart of the city. Expect origami, furoshiki wrapping, kendama, live music from Ichi-San, taiko drum shows, Japanese street food, and a sparkling fireworks finale – plus a peek into innovative Japanese ‘TERApy’ if you feel like it. A delegate from Fukuoka will also be present to introduce their initiatives and foster connection.  Aug 7. Free, register here. Anusarn Building, Sanpakoi. 6pm-9pm. 

Another Chiang Moi rooftop, this time framed by trendy concrete decor and a bar that lives up to its name. Packed almost every night, people rightly come here to mingle under elegant lighting and panoramic views that stretch over Chiang Mai’s eastside moat. The drinks are more classic than others – beers, whisky and the odd contemporary surprises of smashed gin and tea-infused rum mixers. Stylish but not too flashy, it’s a great starting point for any weekend out in the Old City, suitable for both pre-drinks and post-dinner hangs. A reliable favourite among many in the area.  301-305 Chiang Moi Road. More details here. 5pm-midnight.

Towering at 22 storeys with 360-degree views of Chiang Mai and the mountains beyond, Meliá Chiang Mai isn’t just the city’s tallest hotel – it’s one of the few with a pulse. Where other properties feel indistinct, Meliá delivers a potent mix of Spanish vitality and continental elegance to Chiang Mai's hotel scene, setting a new benchmark for an exciting city escape. Why stay at Meliá Chiang Mai? It’s fun. That’s the word that sticks with us after a stay at Meliá Chiang Mai – a hotel that quite literally raises the bar on sun-kissed sophistication in the northern capital. Not polished to the point of stiffness, not so boutique it forgets to breathe. Meliá brings a welcome buzz that’s more reminiscent of Bangkok than the sleepy streets of Chiang Mai. But dig a little deeper still and you’ll find a global brand that is genuinely committed to balancing its Spanish flair with local traditions, flavours and cultures.  Sitting comfortably in the mid-range price point, it may set you back a few thousand baht per night but for what you get; it’s excellent value. Upgrade to include The Level Lounge, and things only get better: panoramic views from the 21st floor private lounge, complimentary afternoon cocktails and canapes, personalised concierge services and a number of other thoughtful additions that enable you to experience Chiang Mai without breaking a sweat.    What are the rooms like at Meliá Chiang Mai? A full-throttle reboot of the 1970s-era Porn Ping Hotel, Meliá’s 250-somethi

Officially Chiang Mai’s highest rooftop bar, MAI The Sky Bar sits as the crown atop Meliá Chiang Mai with a 360-degree, double-decker dose of sophistication and uninterrupted views. Split across two levels, this rooftop retreat offers a rare taste of Bangkok-style elegance upcountry – executed with just the right balance of northern Thai charm and Spanish flair belonging to the hotel’s parent brand. The bar itself closes for a few weeks every rainy season to undergo a stylish revamp, ensuring things stay fresh alongside a rotating menu of cocktails, beers and a very decent selection of Spanish wine.  Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish roots, the bar menu plates up a variety of tapas and pinchos, grazing boards and desserts. Local sustainable and organic farming underscore a variety of dishes. Open to all, it’s widely considered one of Chiang Mai’s best rooftop bars, with a vibe that shifts effortlessly between laidback sundowners and DJ and live band parties on the weekends. And with beautiful sunsets behind Doi Suthep almost guaranteed, it makes for an ideal spot for dates and larger celebrations. Rooftop of Meliá Chiang Mai. Upcoming events here. 6pm-midnight.

One of Nimman’s classics, Hotel Yayee has been quietly welcoming patrons for decades as the go-to rooftop for laid back cocktails. More cosy than luxurious, it balances a fine line between classic Chiang Mai vibes and a boutique hotel culture – it sits on top of the Yayee hotel, owned by Thailand’s celebrity heartthrob, Ananda Everingham. Peeking over the top of Nimman’s skyline, the Doi Suthep sunsets help set the tone for easygoing evenings with a menu of craft cocktails, bar bites and a few wines, but – by design – the offering isn't overly complicated.  Rooftop of Hotel Yayee. Details here. 5pm-midnight.  

Part rooftop bar, part underground secret, HIDELAND is a stylish rooftop hangout found atop a lowrise in the Chiang Moi area. The entrance to the bar is easily missed, through the back of a townhouse building just off the main road, but once inside you’ll find a spot that makes for a great low-budget date. Sultry lighting, picture-perfect views of the city’s winding roads (best photographed during golden hour) and a menu of ‘confusion food’ and Japanese izakaya nibbles, cocktails and typical Thai drinks make for a fun place to start your night on the town.  159-199 Chiang Moi Road. More details here. 5pm-11.30pm.

A backpacker classic that’s been around for decades, THC Rooftop Bar is all about relaxed reggae beats, floor and bean bag seating, beers served by the bottle and a mess of UV paint graffiti on the walls. Historically it used to overlook Thapae Gate but has since moved just down the road on the inside of the mat, although still offering the same unpretentious service to a steady stream of budget travellers, hippie nomads and general chill-seakers. It may not be high-end, but THC captures a vibe that’s getting harder to find in our increasingly stylish city, and for that it deserves a spot of recognition as an original gangster in the rooftop bar scene.  9 Mun Mueang Road. 5pm-midnight.  

Last week, a clever and wildly popular venture that saw young Thais selling fresh hot coffee at traffic junctions in Chiang Mai hit a red light after police abruptly shut down the operation. However, undeterred by the setback, Chef James Noble, the founder and creative force behind viral sensation Rocket Coffee, is channeling his inner ikigai to reimagine the project and ensure ongoing success for his fast-growing network of empowered entrepreneurial baristas. Photograph: Chiang Mai News The Rocket Coffee phenomenon For the last few months, Rocket Coffee has appeared at red light junctions in Chiang Mai, serving fresh, hot coffee from a rocket-like backpack barista setup to drivers stuck in traffic, straight through their car windows.  As the queues grew, so did the craving for coffee – inspiring Noble and a team of empowered young Thais to join fellow doughnut and Yakult vendors at red lights through a brand new worker-first franchise that generates real income for those otherwise without work.  While Thais took to the streets with their very own equipment, behind the scenes Noble was working hard to maintain quality – importing equipment from Germany and working with local farmers to source and perfect their blend of single origin northern Thai coffee beans.  For under B100,000, anyone could buy and launch their own Rocket Coffee franchise. A price that includes barista training, the branding, portable backpack equipment and the support of a purpose-driven community roote

Chiang Mai is slated to become the entertainment capital of Thailand, and possibly Southeast Asia following a landmark film partnership memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between Hylife Group and the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).  Northern Thailand has always been a popular destination for Thai and International filmmakers thanks to its diverse setting, natural surroundings and cheap rates. We covered Chiang Mai on the silver screen in a recent top 12 film list, and that’s just the movies that directly reference the city in their script. Other films like Rambo, American Gangster, Twilight over Burma and Into the Sun were also filmed in our northern province with their stories set elsewhere. So, in a bid to decentralise big industry and capitalise on the popularity of Chiang Mai among filmmakers, Hylife Group – Chiang Mai’s leading conglomerate in real estate, asset management and manufacturing – has struck a deal with Korea’s BIFF, signing an MOU to join forces as key industry partners to position Chiang Mai as a premier entertainment hub in Asia.  Other signatories included K Wave Media, Solaire Partners and Lewis Pictures – three more big industry players that will help solidify this powerful alliance and advance the regional film industry. Under the broader citywide ‘Creative Chiang Mai’ campaign, this historic agreement aims to attract more international film investment, develop training platforms for local professionals and drive job creation.  The firs

Chiang Dao may not be the first place you think of when it comes to fine alcohol production. Its towering mountains and backwater vibes give off more ‘moonshine’ than ‘micro-distillery’ – but hidden just outside of town is a small-batch operation that, despite very strict Thai alcohol production laws, is creating contemporary spirits that exceed all expectations. What better way to spend a weekend than to see it for myself – from planting rice to bottling the final drop of Sonklin, their signature spirit crafted entirely from Sanpatong sticky rice. The result? A boozy, belly-laughing trip that showed me a new side of Chiang Dao where we spent days fermenting, distilling, condensing and popping corks in more ways than one. Photograph: Time Out Step one: Fermentation Any good spirit starts with some fermentation – a bubbling, transformative process that brings that which is inside, out. The same could be said about travelling, which is why a quick soak in the Chiang Dao hot springs helped ease myself into the trip, like an overripe plum preparing to pickle. Spirit lifted and pores open, I made my way to Choeng Doi Distillery for another, more uplifting experience – and not just because of the boozy vapour in the air.  Unlike other distilleries I’ve visited in Thailand, there were no fires burning over blackened stainless steel pots or shelves of old sticky rice bags and questionable permits collecting dust. On the contrary, it was a clean, meticulously planned operation that

Chiang Mai Zoo is gearing up to welcome two new pandas later this year, gifted from China to mark the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.  In a bid to ensure the pandas are safely and comfortably enclosed, the The Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand is investing B110 million to construct expansive, nature-inspired enclosures designed to meet the pandas' needs. This time around, it is hoped that animal welfare will be just as closely watched as the pandas themselves. Chiang Mai Zoo has historically been the host for Chinese-gifted pandas over the years, namely Xuang Xuang and Lin Hui who captivated over seven million visitors and even produced a cub in 2009.  For many, the love for Lin Hui reached fever pitch of Moo Deng-like proportions and became a furry symbol of Thai-Chinese relations. Born at the Giant Panda Research and Conservation Centre in Sichuan, China, she arrived in Chiang Mai in 2003 as part of a high-profile ten-year loan agreement worth one million dollars annually.  However, just before she was set to return to China in 2023, Lin Hui tragically passed away at the zoo following a sudden nosebleed. A joint investigation by Thai and Chinese experts later confirmed her passing was due to age-related complications. Since then the panda enclosure has remained eerily quiet, so the upcoming arrival of the new pandas is expected to incite panda-monium in Chiang Mai, boost tourism and further re

A little bit frisbee, a little bit golf – disc golf is catching on fast. This low-pressure, highly-addictive sport blends precision, power and playfulness in equal measure. And while it’s growing across Thailand, Chiang Mai is quietly becoming the country’s disc golf capital – home to one of the most passionate and well-established communities around. Photograph: Kingsley Flett What even is disc golf? If you’re imagining golf with frisbees, you’re not far off. The game essentially follows similar rules to the great game, aside from players throwing discs (smaller, denser versions of your beach frisbee) towards a standing metal basket in the fewest number of throws possible. Depending on how serious you get, most players carry around with them a hefty number of discs, all slightly different in size and weight, acting as drivers, midrangers and putters. The scoring system mirrors traditional golf, but the vibe is far more laid-back.  The terrain matters too. Unlike golf’s pristine fairways, disc golf thrives in forests, fields and unusual natural settings – in Chiang Mai this means wild parks, dense woodlands and watery mountain foothills. Outside of Chiang Mai, disc golf can be found on almost every continent. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, Ed Headrick is widely considered the father of disc golf and founded the sport in the United States some ten years after patenting the first-ever frisbee in 1966. Today, 85% of all disc golf courses are in the US, Fi

Helmet wearing on motorbikes has been the law for decades in Thailand, but there are still a significant number of people who choose to ride without protecting their heads. In a bid to reduce the number of helmetless wearing bikers, the Royal Thai Police have announced new, higher priced fines for those who flaunt the rules. From June 1, people riding a motorcycle without a helmet will be liable for a fine of up to B2,000 as part of a new ‘Safe Roads Project’ implemented across the nation. Fines can also double to B4,000 if both rider and passenger are not wearing a helmet.  To ensure public safety and confidence in the project, the Traffic Police Hotline is available day and night at 1197, ready to answer questions or receive reports on traffic-related issues.

The story of Chiang Mai Pride isn’t just about rainbow flags and fabulous outfits. It’s about protest, perseverance and the beginnings of Thailand’s modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. What started as a Mardi Gras parade in February 2009 soon hit the headlines as Thailand’s biggest social flashpoints for LGBTQ+ rights. Local backlash over what was perceived as the ‘sexualisation’ of the streets clashed with a community eager to celebrate its freedom and visibility. Tensions escalated into threats and then politically-driven mobs armed with stones and other weapons descended on the parade organisers and participants who ultimately sought refuge in the Phutthasathan Chiang Mai Monastery.  Shocking some, impressing others, the now-infamous standoff mob leaders demanded the LGBTQ+ participants prostrate in apology and vow not to hold a Pride parade for the next 1,500 years, or they would maintain the siege and threaten more violence. Needless to say, the LGBTQ+ activists didn’t give in, eventually escaping the mobs by jumping the temple walls and seeking refuge in the homes of local allies. Sirisak ‘Ton’ Chaited – the organiser of Chiang Mai Pride from then until now – was the last person standing, letting a single balloon fly as a signal of resistance before the standoff finally ended.  That moment sparked the formation of Sao Saw Et (Thai: เสาร์ซาวเอ็ด which means ‘Saturday 21’ in northern dialect), an organisation founded by the core leaders of Chiang Mai’s first Pride event aimed

It turns out those tourist TikTokers were onto something – Chiang Mai has been named the safest city in Southeast Asia, according to global statistics platform Numbeo.  Outranking even Singapore, Chiang Mai secured the top spot with impressively low crime scores across the board. The rankings are based on data evaluating crime rates, day and night safety, a sense of security reported by locals and visitors, and the severity of property and violent crimes. Numbeo’s safety index compiles five years of data, converting it into a convenient score out of 100. Chiang Mai leads the list with a score of 78.2, narrowly ahead of Singapore and Hanoi. Here are the top safest cities in Southeast Asia, according to Numbeo’s safety index: Chiang Mai, Thailand (78.2)  Singapore (77.4) Hanoi, Vietnam (65.9) Bangkok, Thailand (60.7) Pattaya, Thailand (53.9) While crimes like theft, bribery, and vandalism have seen slight increases over the past five years, violent crimes such as assault and robbery remain classified as ‘very low’ in Chiang Mai. And while we all should remain wary and on guard, this update means we can all relax a little more next time we end up down the wrong alley or forget our phone in a red songtaew. 

In response to the limited warnings following the recent earthquake that damaged homes and caused a building to collapse, the Thai government has developed a nationwide phone broadcast alert system that will send critical warning messages directly to mobile phones nationwide. To test the system, and to inform the public of the system’s existence, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) will test these alarm systems on May 7 and May 13, covering various geographical areas each time.  When tested, your phone will emit an attention-grabbing alert sound along with a bilingual emergency notification on screen that reads: ‘This is a test message from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). No action required.’  Alerts on May 7 will be broadcast at 1pm in the following areas: Muang District, Lampang Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Muang District, Nakhon Sawan Muang District, Surat Thani Din Deng District, Bangkok Alerts on May 13 will be broadcast at 1pm in the following areas: Chiang Mai Province Ayutthaya Province Udon Thani Province Nakhon Si Thammarat Province Bangkok

Good news for anyone tired of battling the Old City traffic or sprinting to catch a flight – the Wing 41 bypass is now open to the public, no special pass required. However, it's only during peak hours, so plan accordingly! For the uninitiated, Wing 41 Royal Thai Air Force Base sits right in the heart of Chiang Mai, between Nimmanhaemin Road and the airport. In fact, Wing 41 is actually the airport, originally a military base now shared with commercial airlines.  Until now, the shortcut through the base was strictly off-limits to civilians unless you had a special pass or serious military credentials. But with downtown traffic getting messier by the minute, Wing 41 is finally throwing us a lifeline. The bypass is now open from 6-9am and 3-6pm to anyone who wishes to use it, perfect for commuters and airport-goers looking to dodge the moat’s one-way maze and Huay Kaew’s endless traffic queues. However, if you’re dreaming of zipping through at any other time, you’ll still need to apply for a pass (applications usually open every October for a small fee and must be made in person at the base’s main administration office). Photograph: Chiang Mai Ambassador And yes, if you're passing through during rush hours, there are a few house rules: helmets on at all times if you’re on a motorbike, stick to the 50km/h speed limit, and follow all entrance and exit instructions like your shortcut depends on it.  So for now, shortcuts are secured. And while there’s no word on how long this of

Given the surge of fine dining establishments in Bangkok, it's surprising how few spotlight one of the city's most prominent ethnic communities. Despite Bangkok's significant Indian population, only a handful of the city’s Indian fine dining restaurants have achieved international acclaim. This scarcity makes Haōma’s presence all the more notable, offering a unique culinary experience that bridges Indian heritage with Bangkok's colourful dining scene.​ Photograph: Haōma Freeform expressions of neo-Indian cuisine While Indian food is deeply embedded in the capital’s cultural fabric, Haōma stands nearly alone at the fine-dining level – and it’s not just serving modern Indian cuisine, it’s redefining it. Tucked down an elegant alley off Sukhumvit soi 31, this isn’t your typical fine dining affair. Step through the entryway and you’ll be greeted by Director of Food and Beverage, Vishvas Sidana, who’ll entertain you through a curated selection of ‘imperfection’ cocktails that help set the scene, and settle your stomach.  Led by chef Deepanker ‘DK’ Khosla, the restaurant’s ethos is rooted in regenerative sustainability, which in this case is far more than just menu-speak. From cocktail to table, you’ll pass through the restaurant’s garden – showcasing how the restaurant operates on a closed-loop system. Photograph: Haōma At both the restaurant and farms in northern Thailand, sustainability takes center stage. The team raise their own chickens, grow fresh vegetables and breed fi

On Saturday April 19, Chiang Mai made history after hosting the biggest Thai dance in the world. And yes, Guinness World Records was there to make it official. Over 10,000 dancers participated in a mass ‘fon leb’ dance, a Lanna performance featuring shimmering brass fingernails and graceful hand movements to the tinny sounds of traditional instruments.  Officially only 7,218 dancers were recorded as taking part, twirling their way around the city moat and deep into the heart of the Old City. However, according to organisers and unofficial head counts, the real number was closer to 20,000 – a sea of swirling skirts and flashing fingertips, staged in celebration of Chiang Mai’s 729th anniversary. Photo: Anurak Chairut / Time Out The dance, performed in the style of Princess Dara Rasmi, a royal consort of King Chulalongkorn (also known as King Rama V), was a spectacle like no other the city has ever seen, with thousands of onlookers lining the streets to see performers donning traditional dress and moving in unison to choreography that had to be spot-on – Guinness doesn’t mess around. ‘Thailand is wonderful, and the people should be proud that they have another Guinness World Record title under their belt,’ said Sonia Ushirogochi, the official Guinness adjudicator on-site, who confirmed the record after recounting three times. Photo: Aydan Stuart / Time Out However, no attempt goes without issue. Waranya Lertworakitpipat, head of the Women’s Association of Chiang Mai said th