Aydan Stuart

Get hands-on and inspired this weekend with a colourful mix of workshops and artistic happenings – whether you're swirling paint, shaking up cocktails or sipping your way through a coffee tasting. You can even learn to build your own clay brick house or join tribes for a taste of local wisdom if you're feeling earthy. And with Pride events lighting up the city all month long, June is off to a bold and beautiful start – time to get stuck in. 

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.

Spend a day honing your sweet tooth in the kitchens of Yok Intertrade with Chef Joe from Chef Joe’s Bake Shop as he leads an exclusive hands-on workshop on chocolate and cocoa. Using premium products, Chef Joe will teach participants how to craft indulgent desserts including a Tiramisu Mont Blanc Tart, a rich Chocolate Rum Fudge Cake, and one surprise menu that’s only revealed on the day. Limited to just 30 participants per session (must be over fifteen, no children allowed), sign up to either the morning or afternoon workshop and come hungry to learn. June 7. B350, book via LINE. Yok Intertrade HQ. 9am-midday, 1pm-4pm.  

This immersive three-day workshop is set to teach you how to build your own clay earth home from the ground up. Guided by expert eco-builders, you’ll learn every step of the process, from sustainable foundations to natural finishing techniques, while diving into practical permaculture principles along the way. The experience includes a 2-night stay in a stunning hand-built clay house, organic meals and training for everyone, even total beginners. Whether you’re dreaming of an off-grid life or just want to try something radically different, this hands-on adventure will leave you with new skills, new friends and (probably) very muddy feet. June 6-8. B4,900, email support@littleforestchiangmai.com for registration. Little Forest Chiang Mai. 

Raise a glass to a night of vino, flavour and flair at The Wine Exhibition – a one-of-a-kind tasting event for lovers of wine, food and fine living. Set in the elegant Navarat rooms at Mövenpick, this curated experience brings together over a hundred labels from over a dozen global wine vendors serving both old and new world pours selected by expert representatives. Between sips, graze on gourmet tapas, cold cuts, pasta and sample delights at the Lanna gastronomy corner, promising a spicy twist that is bound to compliment the evening.  June 15. B1,200, early bird B950. Mövenpick Suriwongse Hotel. 6pm-9pm.  

What if your identity wasn’t based on what you buy – but what you grow, share and co-create? That’s the guiding question behind this immersive course, hosted jointly by the Pun Pun community in Mae Taeng and the indigenous P’gakenyoa people of Hin Lad Nai, Chiang Rai. Across two sacred sites, explore what it means to reconnect with the land, the self and each other through ancestral practices, community rituals and ecological living.  This in-depth course offers hands-on learning for topics such as seed saving, wild foraging, traditional farming, organic cooking and even forest beekeeping. A rare collaboration between two inspiring communities offers a chance to slow down, go deep and reimagine what natural life could be. June 6-11 and Nov 2-7. B12,000, email punpuncourses@gmail.com for registration. Pun Pun Organic Farm and Learning Centre.

Get a team together and join the longest-running pub quiz in town. Held every Thursday, order yourself a pint and get your thinking caps on to compete with teams of tourist chancers and local legends. Teams can be up to six people, with prizes given to the winning – although the really lucky ones may even win a wooden spoon. So, round up your cleverest mates (or just the funniest ones) and join eager teams vying for success at this legendary night of trivia, beer and banter. June 5 and most other Thursdays. B50 per person. U.N. Irish Pub. 7.30pm start.  

Time to dust off those pencils and paintbrushes and join Chiang Mai Sketchers, back for their first sketch session after a two-month break. Join ‘Phu Khon Phu Gun’ sketching crew for a relaxed art session at Wat Pha Lat, everyone’s favourite forest temple nestled in the forest halfway up Doi Suthep. Try your hand at sketching beautiful temples, lush trees, trickling waterfalls or sweeping city views. The event is totally free and all about connecting through art but they do request to meet at 9am sharp at the temple’s iconic bamboo arch staircase to get in. You can also register in advance via their Facebook page. Artists of all levels are welcome – just bring your gear and your creative spirit. June 8. Free. Wat Pha Lat. 9am-12pm.

Pick your faves and take your ‘bik’ home at this limited-time secondhand market popping up at One Nimman. Serving up stylish pre-loved clothes, bags, shoes and homeware from amateur vendors with a good eye and even better prices – expect Y2K vibes, unique finds, and a photo-ready Pick Point check-in spot perfect for your feed. If you’re not totally shopped out, stick around for the One Night Ground market that’s kicking off every Tuesday and Wednesday this month, where rare collectibles and vintage treasures await under the streetlights of Nimmanhaemin road.June 2-5. Free. One Sala at One Nimman. 3pm-10pm. 

Artists from Studio 88 are teaming up with Chiang Mai bakery darling Artisan Sourdough by Apple Fahey to present Courtyard Chronicles, a charming pop-up exhibition exploring stories of life and labour through the eyes of two rising female artists. The exhibition will feature work created by Koi (Sakunee Nattapoolwat) and Pear (Chatrawee Thongnak) during a residency in Chengdu, China, while they reflected on honest, personal moments of exchange, connection and creativity. Drop by for the opening to meet the artists over a crusty slice of sourdough and be sure to return for the workshop on the final day – spaces are limited, so arrive early to grab a spot. June 5-15. Free. Artisan Sourdough by Apple Fahey. 2pm-4pm.

Alt_Chiang Mai is brewing up another aromatic affair with its fourth curated coffee-tasting experience this year, this time led by Bella Goose Coffee Director, Zach Price. Taste your way through premium single-origin pours while learning how soil, climate and processing methods shape flavour across South America, Africa, and Asia. However, with just fifteen seats available, this one-hour session is seriously ‘hot coffee’, so if you’re looking to boost your bean knowledge and connect with fellow caffeine lovers, you know what to do. Also, your ticket doubles as a cash voucher to spend at the Roastery. I bet you're buzzing. June 7. B100, tickets here. Alt_Ping River. 11am-midday.   

Join Jason Ryer, Thailand's leading breath and cold expert for an invigorating self-healing experience that combines ancient wisdom with modern science. With two events this week, this small-group experience blends ancient breathing techniques with the power of ice baths, sauna circuits and herbal steam rooms. Expect clear focus, reduced stress and a metabolism boost – plus, you’ll look pretty cool too so bring a selfie stick. Limited spots available, so book fast for best results.  June 5, June 7. B1,000, tickets here. The Old City Spa. 9.30am–11.30am.

As Pride kicks off nationwide, celebrate with sky-high vibes (and aspirations) at Hong’s Sky Bar. For one fabulous night, enjoy exclusive cocktails crafted by some of Chiang Mai’s top award-winning bartenders and  live DJ sets, all set against a panoramic city skyline. Expect bold flavours, big energy and plenty of rainbow pride.  June 7. Free entry. HONG’s Sky Bar, InterContinental Chiang Mai. 5.30pm-midnight.

Vijit@Chiang Mai is taking over Sankampang Hot Springs, lighting it up with ten dazzling zones of experience, sound, steam and light. This spectacular event will immerse the hot spring and onsen baths with immersive light installations, artistic dance performances, live classical music and much more, transforming the natural hot spring into a glowing dreamscape of steam, sound and fire. Whether you’re chasing the mist, photographing the lights or just absorbing the atmospheric soundscapes, this free event promises something enchanting at every turn. May 31-June 8. Free. Sankampang Hot Springs. 6pm-10pm  

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

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