Aydan Stuart

Not even the rain can put a damper on Chiang Mai’s vibe. From concerts to parties, motor shows to theatre performances, the city promises a packed lineup of events that are powering one regardless of the weather. And while we’re all secretly praying for sunshine, pack a rain coat and dive in regardless. Early monsoon never looked more fun. 

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.

Much like its thriving coffee culture, Chiang Mai’s bakery scene is flourishing, with artisanal pastry shops and cafes on nearly every corner. Whether it’s flaky, buttery croissants paired with a perfectly brewed coffee or eye-catching cakes adorned with sugar-laden icing, the city has an undeniable sweet tooth. With so many options to choose from, narrowing down the best can be a challenge, so we’ve done the work for you.  Here’s our list of the must-visit bakeries this year – a growing list of both beloved classics and exciting newcomers that are worth checking out on your next trip to Thailand’s northern capital.

While the majority of The White Lotus series three takes place in the albeit geographically questionably ‘southern islands’ of Thailand, the country’s buzzing capital is soon to take its turn in the spotlight. With episode four now aired, the anticipation ramps up as the series dangles a carrot of mystery in front of some inevitable twists and turns in the deepening plotline. Rick Hatchett (Walton Goggins) has alluded to his intentions after overhearing that resort owner Sritala (Lek Patravadi) has to travel there to visit her sick husband back in episode two. Now episode four exposes the reason why, although we’ll let you find that one out on your own. As the drama intensifies, The White Lotus is poised to continue its tradition of spotlighting each destination's finest qualities, even as it delves into the shadows of less-than-honourable intentions. And while we wait for the big Bangkok reveal, there’s no better time to take a whistle stop tour of the capital to see all the series’ confirmed (and a few rumoured, yet still unconfirmed) must-visit filming locations. From exclusive clubs and Michelin-starred restaurants to gilded temples and ultra-exclusive villas, Bangkok is the perfect spot to set-jet to the locations of The White Lotus without having to fly south.

People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now🌎 The best things to do in the

Beyond the all-star cast of actors and razor-sharp satire, The White Lotus has always had one constant, scene-stealing presence: yes, its hotels. These opulent resorts are more than just backdrops – they are living, breathing entities that shape the fate of their guests, whether its poor old Tanya McQuoid-Hunt (Jennifer Coolidge) or you, the reader, on a set-jet adventure.

Presented by Lanyim Theatre, this semi-political theatre performance focuses on the endless renovation, repair, digging and patching of the roads around the city. Following workers on a night shift, the story explores themes of personal struggle, memory, labour rights and the complex issues that remain hidden across the city. Presented in the form of movement performance art using materials sourced from the venue’s recent flood damage and other flood-damaged items washed up across the city. Due to the nature of the themes presented, photography and recording is not allowed. May 23-25. Free, pre-registration here. Suan Anya. 6pm.

Vinyl lovers rejoice for another weekend of good music, cheap vinyl and chilled out vibes. For the first time in Nimmanhaemin, the Rabbit’s Record Market comes to town, bringing with it a flea market of new and used records, accessories and other gadgets, live vinyl DJ sets and a fun atmosphere for all who enjoy music. Popular stores like Franc Haus, Hifi.day, Prachezz Shop and Thirty Records are all making an appearance alongside six DJs spinning from afternoon to midnight. Come for the records, stay for the fun. May 24. Free. Rabitbar8, Think Park Shibuya Chiang Mai. 11am-8pm (after party at the bar until midnight)    

Visit Ban Tuek Art Centre for the opening of Slow Life: Rural Thailand on Film – a group exhibition by Luke Erickson, Will Langston, Javed Ahamed and Owen Fisher shot on 35mm and medium format film. The show brings together four photographers connected by their love of film and their admiration for the countryside of Northern Thailand, showcasing their most iconic and impressive shots of life in rural parts of the country. The opening night brings with it free food, drinks, live music and a few special things for sale, as well as a chance to meet the artists and understand their thoughts behind slow life, quiet landscapes and everyday beauty of Thailand.  May 24 (exhibition runs until June 7). Free. Ban Tuek Art Centre. 4pm-7pm (general exhibition 10am-6pm)

If you’re a fan of Thai music artists, then head to the new Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation Park for a weekend of street food, live music and big name performances all weekend. The event starts with a lineup on Friday including artists such as Polycat, The Toys, Ink Waranthorn and Tilly Birds, followed by weekend performances by Bowkylion, Nont Tanont, Pun, Paper Planes, Proxie, Slot Machine and Jeff Satur, to name just a few.  May 23-25. Free. Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation Park (Chalermprakiat Park). 4pm-11pm

Glom Glom is back this weekend with a free kid’s picnic event that features five incredible children’s performances, hands-on workshops and the amazing ThunderBug! Pop-Up Playground. Much like their children’s day festival, this mini-taste of their unique style is sure to amaze kids and adults alike, with interactive musician shows, sing-alongs and wild science experiments performed right before your eyes. Workshops include Forest School activities and Moving Parts play area where kids can make their own adventures. After the show, a kids’ open mic will take the event to sundown, just off the side of the amazing Sunday Walking Street market in town.  May 25. Free (donations welcome). Lanna Architecture Centre. More information here. 4pm-7pm  

The Northern Bike Fest is back again this year with a larger and even better selection of vintage rides to see, trade and test ride. Meet clubs and motorcycle camps showcasing the latest models and vintage bikes for you to experience in person, including rare custom bikes, classic cars, low riders, and dedicated swap and meet zones. Additionally, Thailand’s most popular motorcycle brands will also make an appearance, where you can shop for bike accessories, spare parts, decorations, helmets and a load of vintage clothes and kicks to make your look complete. From 5pm, enjoy a huge vintage car and motorcycle show including Mario Maurer’s favourite ride even making a celebrity appearance and enjoy mini-concerts and other activities throughout the day.  May 24-25. Free. Central Chiang Mai Airport. Midday-9pm.  

Tucked away along the side of One Nimman, White Market is where Japanese minimalism meets Lanna charm. A highly curated affair, this single row of stalls showcases some of the best handicrafts, ceramics, handmade clothing and delicate jewellery this side of the city – all crafted by Chiang Mai’s creative community. This one is less about haggling and more about discovering that perfect, one-of-a-kind artisanal product. The atmosphere is relaxed and connects into the cobbled shopping and food courtyards of One Nimman.  Time Out tip: Chiang Mai’s creative crowd isn’t known for early starts, so don’t bother showing up at opening hour as half the stalls will still be closed. Instead, aim for late-afternoon when things are in full swing, the sun’s a little softer and the vibe pairs perfectly with a glass of wine in the courtyard. Friday-Sunday. One Nimman, Nimmanhaemin Road. 3pm-9pm.

If you want to check out the Chiang Mai student scene and find out what kids these days are doing after class, look no further than Kad Na Mor – Chiang Mai University’s night market that’s equal parts street food haven and Gen-Z fashion runway. As classes come to a close, hoards of uniformed students descend into this sprawling market of fried food, boba tea and endless stalls selling bargain clothing and accessories. Here you’ll find everything you ever wanted when you were eighteen – from oversized tees, Korean cosmetics and over-the-top accessories. It’s loud, chaotic and very fun for all ages, with some serious bargains to be found if you look hard enough. Time Out tip: Arrive hungry. There's an entire zone dedicated to food, and while the prices are student-friendly, the flavours punch well above their weight. Follow the student crowds as the longest queue usually leads to the best bite. Every night but most lively Thur-Sun. Huay Kaew Road, opposite CMU. 5pm-10pm

A special entry due to its charitable nature, Bamboo Family Market is quaint, small but absolutely worth a visit. In a surprisingly green area just off the Sankampeng Junction (ring road three), the market makes a point of providing meaningful employment for refugees and ethnic minorities. The market is zero-waste and a haven for those who enjoy Myanmar food, local crafts and shared cultural activities. The bamboo amphitheatre is packed with stalls selling everything from vegan treats to eco-friendly goods and natural products all crafted by local artisans. In the centre, a stage hosts acoustic performances in Thai, Myanmar and Laos – each one celebrating heritage in a safe and friendly space.  Time Out tip: Bring your own bags as this market is strictly no-waste, no-plastic. Even their free water is served in big glass cups that you’re encouraged to carry around with you as you explore.  Every weekend. Sanggadee Space, 121 Highway Road, San Kamphaeng. 9am-4pm.

Just like every other Night Bazaar you’ll find in Thailand, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is the city’s OG tourist trap, in all the best ways possible. Open most nights and sprawling across a few city blocks near the Ping River just east of the Old City, the market presents a dizzying mix of elephant trousers, tools and trinkets, tailors, electronics and toys, as well as a fair few vendors peddling knock-off bags, shirt, trainers and accessories. If that’s not your thing, duck down one of the many side alleys and find the real ‘gems’ of the market – art, antiques, bizarre decor and a number of hidden beer gardens. Kalare and Anusarn food courts also serve up a tasty selection of papaya salad and grilled meats with occasional pairings of boxing, cabaret or live music performances. Needless to say, this market is a fever dream of commercialised culture, but hey, it wouldn’t be a Thai city without one.  Time Out tip: Most vendors overprice their goods with the expectation of haggling. However, people in the north are less aggressive in the markets than those elsewhere, so haggle politely with a smile for best results.  Every night, busiest at weekends. Chang Khlan Road. 5pm-11pm

As the other main walking street market in the city, it may not get the same fanfare as the Sunday market but ask any local and they’ll say this is where the charm lies. Set along the former silversmith district just south of the moat on Wua Lai road, this market is less frantic, more neighbourly and full of goodies that don’t bear that typical ‘made in China’ hallmark. Vendors here sell a fair share of souvenirs, interspersed with street food, silver jewellery, handmade soaps, indigo dye clothing and the occasional stall selling mystery gadgets that you’ll absolutely never need to use but always find yourself buying. Although it remains busy (especially in high season) the vibe is generally a little more laid-back, local and with a little more space to stop, browse and munch down on some grilled pork sticks in peace.  Time Out tip: Market vendors take up the main street and often block views of the shophouses behind. These remain open and often have some more genuine Chiang Mai items for sale – anything from locally mined silver to old vinyl records and bespoke ceramics.  Every Saturday. Wua Lai Road. 4pm-10pm

First opened as a market some 700 years ago, Warorot Market (also known as Kad Luang) is Chiang Mai’s oldest and most historical market district. Sprawling in all directions off the banks of the Ping River east of the city, it's one of those market spots where aunties reign supreme. Supplying most of the city, you can buy anything from fresh meat to dried squid, sparkly hair clips and giant funeral wreaths. Butting up against the city’s tiny Chinatown, it’s easy to get lost in the labyrinth of indoor and outdoor sois, packed to the brim with fabrics, hill tribe embroidery, fresh flowers, classic Thai kitchen utensils and snacks that look like they were packaged in 1993. This market is where the locals shop, and it shows.  Time Out tip: The earlier you arrive, the more you’ll find. Most vendors here start early and go home once their wares are sold. However, a few big names like Chiang Mai Plastic, Thamel Coffee and Thana Ocha Noodle serve customers all day.   Open daily, busier at weekends. Chang Moi Road and Wichayanon Road. 6am-6pm.

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

Before the Samui-centric third season of The White Lotus unfolded onscreen, it bloomed quietly in the capital’s Bangkok Noi district. Within this densely populated area with over 300,000 residents, a single canalside villa helped set the story in motion. As the home of fictional resort owners Sritala (Lek Patravadi) and Jim Hollinger (Scott Glenn), Siri Sala appears in the series as the Hollinger House – a lush, layered setting that takes centre stage in the penultimate episode, where Rick (Walton Goggins) finally confronts the man that he believes killed his father. As the world tunes in for the grand finale of The White Lotus (no spoilers here, but you should see it, it’s intense), we pause and rewind to a time when a tucked away Bangkok villa sparked something in Mike White.  A single visit, a passing view of a temple or an inspiring conversation on a canal – any of it could’ve been the catalyst. From conversations with those close to the shoot and the clues left on screen, it’s clear that Siri Sala left its mark. Not only did it play a part in shaping this season’s story, it became one of the most magnetic places for those keen to trace its creative origins.  Photograph: streamonmax The story behind the story ‘Siri Sala was one of the places Mike White visited when first coming to Thailand in 2023, scouting for the show and seeking inspiration for his yet-to-be-conceived storyline,’ villa owner Irma Go revealed to Time Out. ‘During his visit we took him to see Wat Suwan

What started as a light-hearted attempt at gaining publicity – and maybe a little bit of good merit – has unexpectedly transformed into a full-blown spiritual movement. In Bangkok’s Talad Noi, people are now offering prayers, coffees, and even engine oil to a towering two-storey statue of Optimus Prime. It all began at Hypnotized Bar, tucked beside the Khao Laem roundabout just off Chinatown. Business was slow, so the owner made an unconventional move: he offered a cocktail to Optimus Prime in hopes the Autobot might throw a little prosperity his way. One cheeky online post joking that Optimus deserved offerings later, and business boomed. Divine intervention from a Transformer? Maybe. Or, you know, maybe it was the viral post doing the heavy lifting. Either way, news spread fast.  In gratitude, the bar owner staged a traditional Thai dance in front of the statue – part cultural homage, part pop culture tribute – and just like that, Optimus Prime went from saving the world to saving Talad Noi’s nightlife.  Photograph: Boonsom Sriwang, Laotian Times Naturally, word spread, and soon enough, neighbouring businesses got in on the action. Across the street, Sunset Coffee Roaster was also looking for a miracle. The manager made a vow to Optimus: if sales picked up, they’d run around the statue 50 times. A week later, the crowds rolled in – and so did the staff, completing their laps under cover of night to avoid drawing too much attention. Because you have to stay humble when tha

Before she was Sritala – the mysterious, magnetic resort owner in The White Lotus season three – Lek Patravadi was already a national icon. But it wasn’t her decades of theatre and television acclaim that landed her the role in The White Lotus.  According to associate producer Atchariya Pinitsanpirom, speaking at a special screening of Episode seven at Siri Sala in Bangkok, the casting spark came from a little-seen 1992 clip: a funky folk-rap TV performance that caught the eye of series creator Mike White and ultimately helped shape one of the show’s most iconic characters. Photograph: Max A moment of TV magic In episode seven of The White Lotus (no major spoilers here, don’t worry), there’s a moment when Frank (Sam Rockwell) and Rick (Walton Goggins) visit the home of Sritala and Jim Hollinger (Lek Patravadi and Scott Glenn).  While Frank lounges in the living room, a television plays an old clip of Sritala performing on Thai TV in the nineties as he tries his best to maintain the facade of the visiting director and producer duo. But here’s the twist – the footage is real and it’s of Lek Patravadi herself.  In a televised 1992 performance on a Channel 9 show called Normal Not Normal, she performed a remixed traditional lum tad song ‘silapa’ (a Thai folk style call-and-response rap) with jazzy vocals and Broadway flair.  It’s fun, expressive and has the potential to hold a similar meme-cultural significance level to Vitas’ tong wobbling space pop hit. And it just so happens

Eighteen years ago, Walton Goggins sat on a Bangkok hotel balcony overlooking the Chao Phraya River, chain-smoking his way through Buddhist texts trying to make sense of some deep personal trauma. So when he returned nearly two decades later – this time as Rick Hatchett, his character in The White Lotus – the lines between memory and performance began to blur. In the wake of episode five, Goggins recounts his personal full-circle moment when shooting The White Lotus: ‘Our last day of filming I was with someone, and we were filming on the Chao Phraya River that runs right through the middle of Bangkok, and as we were pulling in for the night’s work, I looked up, and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I recognised this dock we were pulling up to and I said ‘well wait a minute, I know this dock. I know this place’. And I looked up and I saw the room that I stayed in that first night I landed in Bangkok for a week, 18 years earlier.’  Tapping into his own past, Goggins has brought an uncanny authenticity to Rick’s search for peace – what many are already calling one of his best performances to date. ‘Here I am filming, you know, pretending to play this guy who’s looking for peace,’ he says, ‘and looking up at this balcony thinking: Oh, man, I just want to hug you, you know? I wish I could tell you that everything was going to be okay.’ They say acting is easier when the story hits close to home – and in Bangkok, it seems personal journeys come with the territory. Whether the h

Luxury resorts, scheming guests, and unforgettable drama – The White Lotus consistently delivers chaos at its finest. From intricate character theories to jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes stories, the cast’s time filming in Thailand proved to be just as unpredictable as the show itself. Time Out joined cast members and dysfunctional on-screen Ratliffe family, Jason Isaacs (Timothy Ratliffe), Parker Posey (Victoria Ratliffe), Sam Nivola (Lochlan Ratliffe), Sarah Catherine Hook (Piper Ratliffe), and Patrick Schwarzenegger (Saxon Ratliffe), as well as Natasha Rothwell (returning season one spa manager Belinda Lindsey) as well as two beloved Thai stars, Lek Patravadi (resort owner Sritala) and Dom Hetrakul (spa manager Pornchai), as they share stories of life on- and off-set. From spending weeks confined to resorts like their on-screen characters to adapting to Mike White’s unpredictable directing style and launching the careers of several actors, The White Lotus season three has no shortage of behind-the-scenes stories. Straight from the cast themselves, here’s a roundup of the most surprising revelations. They literally lived in The White Lotus – resort life and all   Fabio Lovino/HBO   Forget method acting – it turns out that, unlike usual movie shoots where actors are whisked away to fancy five-star resorts in their downtime, the cast of The White Lotus actually lived in the very resorts where they filmed. Given that the best resorts in the area served as the actual filming

Here in Chiang Mai, it’s no surprise to us locals to hear that yet again, our city ranks as one of the greatest cities in the world. Quirky, arty and perfectly combining modernity, tradition and nature, our humble city seems to charm all who pass through its four gates. Of course, we may be biased but today is one to announce from the top of Doi Suthep that Chiang Mai makes an appearance in Time Out’s 50 Best Cities for 2025 list – and we couldn’t be more proud.  With great plans for 2025, Chiang Mai is fast becoming a city of culture, but not the culture you may imagine. Traditional Lanna cultures and festivals still define this northern Thai city, but its the uptick of more modern festivals, events and communities that continue to draw people from across the world decade after decade. Pair that with the city’s people who are as artistic as they are entrepreneurial and you get a city that stands very much its own as a bastion for positive city living. Alongside Chiang Mai, the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, steals an incredible second place, second only to Cape Town. Ranking 28 on the list is no small victory, putting us ahead of other great cities like Jakarta (No. 29), Tokyo (No. 30), and Prague (No. 35).  More than 18,500 people from across the world shared their thoughts on their favourite cities, ranking everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and atmosphere. With livability taking the most important rank overall, cities like Chiang Mai ga

Each winter, as the Chiang Mai skies above clear back to blue, as temperatures drop to single digits across its tallest peaks and as flowers burst into blossom and bloom at every turn, Chiang Mai gears itself up to become a city filled with festivities and activities.  Yet aside from the cool climes and packed lineup of cultural activities, a growing music festival scene is populating the January calendar, flooding the city with locals, tourists and musicians looking to make the most of the glorious weather and festive party vibes. Standout among the crowd is Thantawan Music and Lifestyle Festival, starting its debut music festival last year, treading in the footsteps of the mega successful annual Jai Thep Festival, which folded at the start of the pandemic. Taking place last weekend (Jan 11-12), the festival brought some world-famous performers to the picturesque hills of Chiang Mai, and we were there to check it out.  Photography: Thantawan Festival Chiang Mai’s Biggest International Lineup This year’s festival saw 14 Thai bands and 32 Thai and international DJs perform across three stages dotted around the large garden – said to be the largest number of international artists at any one event in Chiang Mai to date.  Thai and foreigners crowded around to catch highlight performances this year included alternative rock band Musketeers and popular singer-songwriter Phum Viphurit, both performing live to a chorus of applauds and karaoke singing. On the international side, UK