Aydan Stuart

The FIFA World Cup is back, and this year's tournament is bigger than ever. Hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the 2026 edition is the first to feature 48 teams and a whopping 104 matches. That's more football, more drama and unfortunately for us in Thailand, a lot more late nights. Whether you're planning to watch every game, follow Thailand's favourite teams or simply want somewhere lively to catch the final, here's everything you need to know about watching the World Cup in Bangkok. Who's qualified? A record 104 matches will be played in 16 host cities across this World Cup. The expanded format means 48 nations will compete for football's biggest prize, with debut appearances from teams including Jordan, Uzbekistan, Cape Verde and Curaçao.  Traditional powerhouses such as Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany and Spain will all be there, alongside hosts USA, Canada and Mexico. Sadly, Thailand did not qualify this year, dropping out after a very close head-to-head tiebreaker following a 2-1 defeat to China. Photograph: UnsplashThe FIFA World Cup 2026 What time are the world cup matches in Thailand? With matches being played across North America, Bangkok viewers will be dealing with some fairly anti-social kickoff times.   Expect most matches to fall into one of these windows:   Host city time Bangkok time Afternoon games Midnight-3am  Evening games 5am-8am Prime-time games 9am-11am That means some fans will be heading to bed at sunrise, while others

Every year, Time Out publishes the results of its international survey ranking the world’s best cities. Our team then dives deeper into the data to uncover other fascinating insights, like the world’s best cities for culture, the coolest neighborhoods and—the one I look forward to most—our ranking of the world’s best food cities. To get there, we surveyed thousands of city dwellers and asked them to rate their city’s food scene across 18 different criteria, including quality, affordability and diversity. Then we tapped our global network of chefs, editors and food critics to provide local insight into what makes their particular cities such wonderful places to eat—and not just right now. Our global network of food writers shared knowledge about the history of food in their cities, the dishes each place is known for, and the influence of different cultures on the local food scene. We’re serving up all this delicious intel in the tastiest list you’ll read all year, filled with nuggets from folks who frequent the bars, are restaurant regulars and know their city’s food scene inside and out. Ready to dig in? Here are the greatest cities for food on the planet.

Northern Thai cuisine has never enjoyed quite the same spotlight in Bangkok as Isan food, seafood or the country's famous central dishes. But that's exactly what makes finding a great northern restaurant feel so rewarding.  From rich bowls of khao soi and fiery nam phrik dips to herb-packed salads and seasonal delicacies that rarely venture beyond the mountains, the north's culinary traditions are among Thailand's most distinctive – and increasingly, some of its most exciting. Not long ago, tracking down truly authentic northern food in the capital required a fair amount of luck, local knowledge or a plane ticket to Chiang Mai. But how times have changed.  As diners have developed a taste for the region's bold flavours, several of northern Thailand's most respected restaurants have expanded south, opening Bangkok outposts  while keeping their northern counterparts still open and operational. This list celebrates these few, so whether you're craving a steaming bowl of khao soi, a full tweel of spicy sai ua or some of the north's more adventurous specialities, these are the places in Bangkok that bring a legit taste of northern Thailand to the capital.

Bangkok isn’t always known for drab office wear. In fact, it’s one of the more colourful and creative cities I’ve worked in over the years. Yet behind the corporate machine, the suit and tie matchup still stands strong – a demonstration of fitting in.  But one, rather arty fellow, is pushing for the exact opposite. Why settle for a plain silk tie when you could rock up to a meeting wearing a sardine dangling from your neck? Or a lobster? Or a monkey mid-swing?  Tie A Knot founder, Thai designer Kanatach Intarakaow – better known as Tortarn – asked just this. Launching his own necktie brand that breaks the rules with truly ‘bonkers’ designs, he’s now behind one of Thailand’s most delightfully absurd and fastest-growing fashion exports – making it to Selfridges and collabing with Disney in a matter of months.  Photograph: Tie A KnotThe Thai designer making officewear wonderfully weird   It started with a sardine At first glance, the ties look like novelty gags dreamed up after too many office coffees. But with Thailand’s love of the avant garde, there couldn’t be a better time for Tortan to, quite literally ‘tortan’ (resist in Thai) the office fashion rules.  It started when I was going to a party, and needed to dress up as a robot. Tortan explained as he opened a sack of his neckties in the Time Out office for us all to try on. ‘I had no top to go with my robot trousers so I made a robot-themed necktie.’  The tie was a hit with his fashion-forward friends, but was that just

One of the greatest advantages of living in a city is having world-class art and culture right on your doorstep. On any given day, you can spend the morning seeing world-famous works of art, the afternoon browsing bookshops and poking around indie galleries, and the evening at a comedy night (or the theatre, or a gig). Then there’s all the other stuff, like neighbourhood cinemas, street art, traditional festivals and museum lates. The best bit? In many of the world’s best cities, you can experience all that wonderful human creativity for free.  Every year, Time Out sets out to find today’s cultural capitals, where enviable art collections, brilliant theatre, music and cultural celebrations are accessible and affordable to locals and visitors. To create the list this year, we asked 24,000 locals in over 150 cities to rate the quality and affordability of the culture scene where they live, and to tell us exactly what their city does best, from comedy and carnivals to live music and literature. We then combined their responses with the insight of Time Out’s culture panel – editors, writers and local experts – who voted for the cities they think are particularly exciting places to visit for culture and the arts right now. To ensure the list reflects the best cities for culture globally, we included only the highest-scoring cities for each country. In every city on this list, you’ll find legendary arts venues and absolutely jam-packed cultural calendars. Time Out’s local experts a

Stepping off the ferry onto the firm ground of Koh Phangan, I couldn’t help but notice the change. Last time I was there, I was just 18 – sunburnt, eager and chasing the island’s infamous Full Moon Parties with a kind of reckless enthusiasm only young backpackers possess. Back then, the island felt untamed. Dusty roads. Cheap buckets. Half-broken beach bars stitched together from driftwood and optimism. Around me, travellers and foreigners who had made the island home, all with the same wide-eyed stories to tell – all convinced they’d somehow discovered the island in its ‘better days’. Seventeen years later, the island feels a lot different. Wellness cafés sit where old traveller joints once stood. Boutique resorts climb steep hillsides once hidden behind jungle. The parties remain, but they no longer feel like the whole story. And that’s why I came back. With just a few weeks to go before Julian Marley & The Uprising lands on the island’s sandy shores, I arrived, knee deep in water, flip flops in hand, to meet those who are bringing him here: a tight-knit mix of reggae scene veterans with decades of experience in the UK’s reggae events and festival scene, working alongside a family of Thai rastas who have called Koh Phangan home for more than 20 years. This is the story behind the show Reggae Rumble, a massive, reggae event held across Koh Phangan, Phuket and Bangkok. Headlining is Julian Marley, the son of late, great Bob Marley, playing alongside local legends Job 2 Do, Ma

Updated April 2026: We revisit this list to make sure our modern wellness stays, well, modern. A new addition to this year’s content is YingYang Wellness Clinic, a cool spot in Asoke that proves traditional medicine doesn’t need to be old.  Bangkok may be famous for its buzzing streets, late-night energy and constant motion, but beneath all that noise lies a softer, more grounded side – one that’s quietly growing. Beyond its food scene and fitness studios, the city has become a place where wellness isn’t just about what you eat or how hard you sweat, but how you take care of your whole being. Because let’s be honest: balance isn’t only about kale salads and spin classes.  True wellness weaves together body, mind and everything in between – the emotional, the spiritual and even the social. It's both new and data-driven, yet somehow still rooted in traditional practice. Sometimes that means slowing down enough to hear your own thoughts in a sound bath, or testing your limits in an ice-cold plunge. Other times it’s simply choosing not to spend another hour scrolling through TikTok in bed, convincing yourself it counts as ‘rest’ (we’ve all done it, and no, it’s not the reward we think it is). What’s exciting is how holistic wellness is finally stepping into the spotlight here. It’s not about extremes or quick fixes – it’s about reconnecting with yourself in ways that go deeper than the surface. Whether that’s with an acupuncturist's needle or the mystical under-skin warming of an

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. Sure, the diesel shortage may hinder some of the more 'drivable' circuits (the Old City moat is of greatest concern), but word on the street is no crisis will stop the inevitable.  Chiang Mai Municipality has confirmed a whopping 12 days of official Songkran festivities this year, from April 6-17, making it one of the most expansive Songkran celebrations the city has seen.  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 week-long event; there are a few key spots where the fun levels really peak.  Officially, Songkran runs from April 13-15 but with things starting early this year, things really kick off around the 10th or 11th – depending on how eager you are. 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. Click here to find the best Songkran parties in Chiang Mai this year.

If you put Lalisa ‘Lisa’ Manobal in front of a camera, the world pays attention. And not to just her, but everything around her too.  You’ve probably seen the Thai rapper and singer who shot to fame with South Korean girl band Blackpink plastered on billboards, featuring in ads, standing atop mountain tops or walking wistfully through glowing moss-covered forest trails.  That’s the ‘Lisa effect’, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand is tapping into the actress’s seemingly endless allure. As the newly appointed official ambassador for Thai tourism under the banner of the ‘Feel all the Feelings’ campaign – a glossy, fast-moving series that follows Lisa across 12 destinations nationwide – she is starring in her own tribute to Thailand. Postcard moments with celebrity glam – a familiar playbook but that doesn’t make it any less effective. Each one a fleeting, cinematic moment. Each one an invitation to see Thailand in a different light.  From mountain peaks to centuries-old Lanna temples and wide natural scenes, it leans surprisingly into northern Thailand’s beauty, so naturally, we’re zooming in.  If you're curious to follow in her footsteps – fancy outfits and all – here’s all you need to get started as we trace the northern locations featured in the campaign. Where to go, what to see and how to experience each one in classic Lisa style.    Check out the eight flavours that Lisa put on the map

Right now, it feels like a great time to celebrate our cities. What cities do best is bring people together – everything we love about urban life, from the galleries and bars to the neighbourhood parks, exists thanks to the communities that make it all happen.  That’s why, every year, we raise a toast to the city with our definitive annual ranking, created on the back of a comprehensive survey of city-dwellers worldwide. Our survey asks not only what people love about their cities – the food scene and nightlife, the shops and museums, the parks and people – but also how it feels to live there. We asked you about happiness, affordability and quality of life, among a variety of other criteria. And, in order to dig deeper into the everyday lives of locals, this year we expanded our survey to cover aspects like love, romance and community feel. Time Out’s Best Cities with Intrepid Travel spotlights the destinations that offer the best of both worlds: an endlessly exciting catalogue of reasons to visit, as well as all the good stuff that makes a place feel like home. The 50 cities that made the list this year did so thanks to the insights of more than 24,000 people across 150 cities worldwide. To determine the final Best Cities ranking for 2026, we combined their thousands of responses with the votes of more than 100 Time Out city experts. Then we tapped up our network of local writers to tell us exactly what makes their city worth a visit right now. The result? A rundown of the m

While we all love a bit of theatre, we also know that student-led shows can be a funny thing. Sometimes they’re gloriously rough around the edges; sometimes you catch a glimpse of people who will end up running the city’s creative scene in 10 years’ time. Often it’s both. To Find The White Elephant, staged this weekend at WEAVE Artisan Society, firmly sits in that intriguing middle ground. Created entirely by final-year students from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Chiang Mai University, the production is the culmination of their studies – and a chance to see what happens when a group of young theatre-makers are handed the keys to the whole process. Photograph: Lakorn White Elephant Project Brought to audiences this weekend by Lakorn White Elephant Project, with 7pm showings March 13-15, the story centres itself around two curious folks wrestling with some rather large questions: what is truly good, what is true beauty and simply ‘what’ could all this mean? View this post on Instagram A post shared by ละครเวที ช้างเผือกอยู่ในป่า (@lakorn.whiteelephant.project) Their answer (or perhaps their escape) is a quest to find the mythical ‘White Elephant’ – a vague, possibly unreachable concept where truth and fulfilment collide. A topic that feels particularly fitting for a final-year student. Almost half philosophical search, half emotional unloading. While the performance is delivered primarily in Thai, international audiences haven’t been forgotten, with English

This list is from 2025. Our latest ranking for 2026 is live here. 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 n

A major highlight of green season in the north, the musical fest takes over multiple stages and mixing desks across Pai’s town centre – changing the soundtrack from sleepy hippy hangout to an international, multi-venue jazz affair. Jazz of all shapes and sizes is humming from street corners, for three full days and nights packed with talent from Thailand and beyond. But fear not, it’s still the same small scale, intimate event it ever was – and that’s just how Pai likes it.  Read our full guide, featuring an interview with the founder and timetable here July 3-6. Free entry. Jazz Up & various venues around Pai, Mae Hong Son. 4pm-10.30pm

Techno fellows Cheeky Mountain Festival are back at it again, this time in the cooler climbs of Mon Jam. With a melting pot of international DJs and producers playing afrobeat, house, techno and psytrance (which does sound better with your shoes off), this open-air knees up should be pretty special. This sunset until sunrise party surrounded by Mon Jam’s gorge mountain views is bound to be memorable. Practicalities wise, there will be BBQ for when hunger strikes and transport to and from the venue is provided with your ticket.  6 June. From B500. Amazing Mountain, Monjam. 4pm-6am

One of our picks of Chiang Mai’s best art exhibitions this month, perfectly timed for Pride Month, is photography exhibition In-Between: Behind the Mirror that invites us to step behind the curtain of Chiang Mai’s drag cabaret scene through a series of black-and-white images by David Gentil. Opening night this Saturday, the space welcomes three live drag performances, making this opening feel closer to a show than a standard exhibition launch. 6 June. Free. Alliance Française Chiang Mai, Chang Khlan. 5pm-9pm

The best neighborhood for arty markets and make no mistake, Pong Noi’s the place to head on this Saturday as LANDIN cafe relaunch their rather lovely Joy Market. Expect artisans selling their homemade clothes and textiles, paintings, photography and crafts, plants and local souvenirs, which you can grab after chowing down on one of Landin’s irresistible cakes and pastries. Some vendors even run impromptu workshops so give yourself more time than you’d think.  6 June. Free. Landin Cafe, Pong Noi. 9am-5pm

Chiang Mai’s thriving Latin dance scene is back with a bang this weekend, with Pura Vida hosting two nights of Fiesta Latina on their pulsing dancefloor. Whether you’re craving dancehall, afrobeats, reggaeton, Latin pop or some good old fashioned salsa, the high energy DJs are guaranteed to get you moving. But which night to pop in? Friday welcomes Mimao and DJ Baby Paper to the decks while Saturday is going hard with Beth Stone in residence, supported by DJ 2Guys. Vamos! 5-6 June. B250 per day. Pura Vida, Top Floor One Nimman. 7pm (Friday) 9pm (Saturday) 

Global broadcasters and celebrators of all things printed, Hello, Print Friend Studios present a new exhibition titled ‘Monsoon’, opening this weekend as one strand of their Chiang Mai residency. It’s all part of their exchange programme between local artists and Southern Graphics Council International, showcasing cross-cultural dialogue through printmaking. Local curator Kitikong Tilokwattanotai has put together an exciting show of different perspectives and techniques, so do pop by, or give them a shout to find out more about their tours and artist residency programmes. 5 June. Free. Light Bulb, Santitham. 6pm-late

This weekend’s top gig is one for all the indie fans – the squad at Yoda’s have bagged what promises to be a dreamy show from Tokyo’s psychedelic pop outfit Xiexie, who are out on the road for their first ever South East Asia tour. Think cascading world building riffs and you’re probably half way there. Bringing up the helm, support comes from local heroes Me and My Sandcastle, Echo Resort and Tichu, so absolutely one not to miss.  5 June. B250 (inc one drink). Yoda’s CNX Gallery. 7pm-late

Whether you’re a seasoned lens wielder or an aspiring clicker, the good folks at the Lifelong Learning Payap Centre want you for their group, Chiang Mai Photographers who are relaunching and focusing on ‘The Elements’ this season. Join their meet up this Thursday to get busy on a photography roam of the city and make plans for future creative challenges and useful workshops on equipment, techniques and post processing. They promise a supportive and non-judgy environment to swap tips and improve your skills. All you need to bring is your camera.  4 June. For free tickets book here. Lifelong Learning Payap Center. 10am-12pm

What is it: Chiang Mai has a number of farm-to-table restaurants that are of big-name, and Ginger is probably the most colourful. Known for home-style veg-forward food, it has spent decades gaining a loyal following in the north before seeking new audiences in the capital.  Why we love it: Serving up a generous range of northern and Thai-adjacent dishes (alongside some Western favourites) that take heavily from their own farm supplies in Saraphi, the menu is bursting with flavour and some healthy goodness besides. Popping up in malls across the city, it’s one you can take the whole family to and keep everyone happy, while also fulfilling your need for some northern favourites without the expensive air fare. Fresh veggies are obviously abundant, with pages of stir-fry and soups to choose from. Although if you want your taste buds tingled, go for the salty crab paste or young jackfruit ‘soups’ for a proper punch of nostalgia.  Time Out tip: While their menu serves a lot of the usual fare you’d expect, some of their more off-piste dishes are actually worth the risk. Take the chicken taco for example – not something you’d expect from a northern farm restaurant, but it dances around Mexican and Thai flavours in a (good) way that’s hard to explain.  Eight outlets across Bangkok. Usually open 10am to 10pm

What is it: Known as Chiang Mai’s resident khao soi rebel, Chef Win has made a name for himself by piling the northern classic high with wild and wonderful toppings, often borrowing ideas from Japanese cuisine along the way. After building a controversially loyal following in his hometown, Khao Sō-i eventually made the move to Bangkok as hungry demand continued to grow. Why we love it: Sure, it's another khao soi entry, but we really just can’t get enough. And also, when people in Bangkok think of northern food, it’s usually this dish that cures the craving. Serving soup in both regular and oversized bowls, you can top it with whatever you like – our faves being Chef Win’s ultimate beef khao soi, topped with braised beef, shank, chuck, rib eye and tongue – all served with the restaurant's rather unique noodles underneath. You can also snag some stir-fried Lanna noodles if you want less soup and no meal is complete without a side serving or two. We usually go for deep fried tofu (with its strong Shan influence) and freshly steamed dumplings with a special, slightly spicy sauce.  Time Out tip: Although it’s not your classic khao soi, they’re arguably some of the best when it comes to toppings. Just ask and you can double, or even triple up your toppings. Throw on a scallop or prawn to make your next bowl surf and turf – it’s heavenly.  Find your fill at Convent Silom and Siam Paragon. 10.30am-9pm (10pm close at Paragon)

What it is: Thung Chiangmai has, for a long time, brought the best of Northern food to mouths across Chiang Mai – mainly from their A-frame restaurant Han Teung Chiangmai, just off Suthep road. Earning countless accolades over the last few years, they eventually spread wings and brought their flavours south to Bangkok.  Why we love it: With their unapologetic approach to Northern Thai cuisine, you can now get your most exotic fixes right here in Bangkok. Dine on the finest ant egg omelettes, gorge on rich and creamy hung-le curries and sample spicy sai-oua at four locations across the capital – Central Dusit Park, Suan Luang, Phaya Thai and lakeside at Saphan Sung. For bigger meals, head east out of the city for grand sit-down meals in restaurants that set the scene perfectly. For quick craving fixes, head to Central Dusit Park with the smaller, but equally exciting food-court corner that goes heavy on the khao soi.  Time Out tip: Thung Chiangmai is one of the few spots in Bangkok that does the soupy, tomato-rich broth of nam-ngiew the right way. A great midday filler poured over fresh vermicelli noodles.  ‘Arrive’ at Chiang Mai by visiting Central Dusit Park, Pattanagarn 38 (Suan Luang), Phahon Yothin 7 (Phaya Thai) and lakeside on Soi Mu Ban Sammakon (Saphan Sung). 11am-10pm (opens 10am at Dusit Park).

Ever opened TikTok to see those random K-pop dances popping off on the streets of Seoul? Well, if you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to be in one, this Sunday is your chance. The format, lifted straight from Seoul, is simple – forms a wide circle with the rest of the crowd and a song plays. If anyone knows the choreography, they rush in and perform it until the song cuts and a new one begins. The most popular K-pop, T-pop and TikTok dance hits make up the playlist and even if you’re not fully versed in the dance, nobody stops you from trying. High energy, completely free and impossible not to enjoy once you're in the middle of it. May 31. Free entry. The Backyard Mahidol. From 6pm-8pm

The northern capital is burning! But not with fire this time, but awards! Adding another notch to the bedpost, Chiang Mai has just been ranked as the third-best city in the world in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2026. The annual readers' poll saw Chiang Mai finish behind only San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Kyoto, Japan, while beating tourism heavyweights including Hoi An, Oaxaca, Siem Reap, Tokyo and even Bangkok (which still came sixth, mind you).  And while many awards come and go (some more reputable than others), this annual award is one of the big dogs, with 31 years under their belt reviewing and ranking the best of the world.  Travel + Leisure’s annual awards are based on over 661,000 reader votes across destinations, hotels, airlines, cruise lines and travel experiences around the globe. Cities are judged on criteria including their landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping and overall value. Votes are impartial and from real people, so these rankings tend to track real-world opinion over other more ambiguous awards. Sitting firmly within the top three, Chiang Mai earned an impressive reader score of 91.88, placing it among the world's elite travel destinations. Interestingly, out of the top 10 cities in the world, six are in Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia), with Mexico and Israel claiming the remaining four.  Bangkok also secured a place, ranking sixth, while Koh Samui claimed the title of Best Island in the World, proving that Thailand still

If you’ve yet to check out The Bottle Club, there’s no better time than now. As one of Chiang Mai's few dedicated all-day drinking destinations, The Bottle Club has quickly made a name for itself by combining a bottle shop, cocktail bar and community space under one roof.  Inside, walls are layered with bottles of wines and spirits – all sold at retail prices – as well as a buzzing bar energy that mixes cocktails to match with an almost fine-dining style menu of bites, meals and bar snacks.  But aside from the drinks and the food, the space aspires to be one of the city’s coolest collaborative spaces, making it an ideal host for SEII's latest Bites & Neighbours takeover. Teaming up with SEII, this Saturday the club is taken over for an evening dedicated to life's greatest pleasures.  Taking over the bar for one night only, Bites & Neighbours pairs The Bottle Club's signature drinks menu with exclusive pours from SEII, featuring Bumbu rum at the heart of the experience.  To match the drinks, chefs Blackitch and Blackano have created a specially curated menu of eight sharing dishes and a dessert, each designed to complement the night's pours. Beyond the food and cocktails, expect a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere soundtracked by vinyl all evening, with OG Street Coffee Crew behind the decks alongside Fangnary.  Whether you're dropping by with friends or looking to meet a few new ones, this is one of those nights where the conversation flows as easily as the drinks.   July 11

On an unassuming street corner in Wat Ket, Fringe cafe and restaurant launched their Coffee Rave a year ago and the (pretty much) monthly event is going from strength to strength.  ‘It started with a small crowd, maybe one or two tables of people at the first event’ manager Kay Pimmada Somthana tells us, ‘but as word spread and the months go on it's getting bigger and bigger’ she smiles. At Time Out Chiang Mai, we are big fans of Fringe; its unpretentious and laid back atmosphere give it an effortlessly cool ambiance, only added to by the decor. Flooded with natural light, dotted with cool mix and match sofas and armchairs in the chunky space of exposed concrete, Fringe is always occupied by people socialising, working or reading, on any given visit. Throwing a party in here makes sense. It’s somewhere you want to hang out. Photograph: Fringe.thCoffee Rave So what do they mean by Coffee Rave exactly?  Well their signature brews are impressive. Trust us on the ‘TiraLatte’ – as much tiramisu as it is coffee – or go big with the matcha caramel pudding if you're into the green stuff. And of course the menu features just about every regular coffee, tea and cocoa incarnation under the sun.  But do people have to stick with the caffeine programme? ‘It's up to the individual,’ Kay laughs. ‘Some people order a few coffees, others want to get a bit tipsy and order a beer or two, I'd say it's pretty equal. Everyone's here to dance.’ As we say, this cafe is perfect for a party thanks t

Updated July 2026: The Rainbow Cave is once again opened after it was closed for renovation in March. Upgrades includes new parking areas, improved access roads and a new walkway throughout the tunnel. Known to some, new to many, Chiang Mai’s newest (or maybe oldest) natural wonder has had a makeover fit for explorers. Mae Sap Cave – better known as Tham Sai Rung, or Rainbow Cave – has officially reopened after a transformation from dark and dingy hollow to dazzling geological wonder. Once submerged in water, the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites have frozen mid-drip, a dramatic time capsule millions of years in the making. What is new, however, is the visitor-friendly spruce-up: safe pathways, lighting and a proper chance to admire its natural spectacle without a miner’s helmet.  Inside, you’ll find four chambers – Rainbow, Chapel, Emerald and Diamond – each with its own otherworldly formations. Think towing columns, heart-shaped stones and imaginative shadow casting outcrops that form shapes of animals and ghosts.  The star of the show, though, must be the rainbow of colours that ripple across the walls and ceilings, where layers of white, grey, ochre and brown-yellow limestone bands tell their own story of time. Stretching 144 metres in length, the cave can be found inside Samoeng’s Khun Khan National Park, some 90 minutes west of Chiang Mai city centre. While far from the city, entrance is just B100, making it the perfect excuse to swap strawberry picking for subterran

With long-haul leisure travel to Europe and other points West very much up in the air at the moment, you might be better off looking closer to home for your next well-earned break from Bangkok. The region has plenty of exciting destinations to head for but Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City is a great option when you’re looking for a convenient R&R fix with an artistic difference.  Just a short flight from Thailand – direct flights from Bangkok are plentiful and inexpensive – Ho Chi Minh is a charming metropolis packed with history, great food, superb coffee and bustling streets that will impress even the most hard-bitten Bangkokian. And those from the Big Mango looking to be impressed will love spending a few days at ANIMA Saigon Boutique Hotel, where a setting inspired by contemporary Vietnamese art helps guests switch off, regain inner equilibrium and revitalise before they embark on new adventures.  Opened in 2025, ANIMA Saigon is shaped by art, architecture and emotional depth. The name – derived from a Latin word meaning ‘soul’ – is perfect. It speaks of privacy, of room to breathe, and is indicative of a more reflective form of hospitality, one possessing a quality of stillness and introspection that promotes emotional resonance in a way that few other hotels can. In fact, ANIMA Saigon doesn’t just surround guests with soulful art, it cocoons them, inviting them to live in it and thereby experience Saigon from a much more intimate perspective. Photograph: ANIMA SaigonArtful I

Scoot is going Marvel mad this July, rolling out two Spider-Man-themed aircraft that will fly to selected destinations across Australia, China, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand and beyond. And, as luck would have it, Chiang Mai is getting one of two inaugural flights!  On July 1, board Scoot's inaugural Singapore-to-Chiang Mai service and find yourself on a specially themed Airbus A321neo, sporting Spider-Man decals on the exterior, custom headrest covers throughout the cabin and even music inspired by Sony Pictures' upcoming film Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The superhero experience starts before you even board. At Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, travellers can expect Spider-Man-themed installations around the check-in area, turning the airport journey into part of the adventure. Inaugural passengers on board won't just get bragging rights, either. Those lucky enough to snag a seat will receive exclusive Spider-Man merchandise, including a flight tag or foldable eco bag. And if you want to go all out, dressing up in costume is absolutely encouraged.  The Chiang Mai flight is one of two launch services, alongside a Singapore-to-Tokyo (Haneda) flight departing on June 30. If you miss out on the inaugural run, but can’t get enough of Spider-Man themed everything, don't panic. Both Spider-Man aircraft will continue operating on selected Scoot routes through September, with themed flights clearly marked during the booking process on Scoot's website, mobile app and We Chat Mini

One of the world's most iconic club brands is heading to Thailand this month as Ministry of Sound continues its 35th Anniversary World Tour with two back-to-back events in Phuket and Koh Samui. Launched in Dubai earlier this year, the anniversary tour spans 35 cities across six continents, celebrating the brand's enduring influence on dance music culture. And 35 cities is not an accident – the year-long global tour marks 35 years since the legendary London club first opened its doors.  In Thailand, the celebrations kick off at Illuzion Phuket on June 26 before moving to CLUB SEEN Koh Samui on June 27. Both lineups are led by house and techno heavyweight Darius Syrossian, alongside Italian producer and Snatch! Records founder Riva Starr and fellow selector Jesse P. The Thailand shows follow the tour's Bali stop at The Stage in Seminyak on June 25, making it a three-date Southeast Asian run for the Ministry of Sound team. ‘Asia has always been one of the most exciting regions in the world for electronic music culture,’ said Jared McCulloch, Head of Live Events at Ministry of Sound. ‘From Bali to Phuket and Koh Samui, we're bringing the energy, heritage and global spirit of the brand into some of the most iconic nightlife destinations in the region.’ Tickets are still available and start at just B500 – a bargain! – and can be purchased via megatix. Phuket tickets here. Koh Samui tickets here.  More information can be found on the Ministry of Sound official website.

Ahead of the renowned Bangkok World Music Day taking place this Saturday in the capital, Alliance Française and the Danish Embassy are bringing two of the event’s headline acts to Chiang Mai for a pre-event performance at MAI the Sky Bar for a one-night-only showcase this Friday, June 12. Leading the bill is Ojos, a Parisian alternative-pop duo made up of singer-songwriters Élodie Charmensat and Hadrien Perretant. Blending moody electronic production with French and Spanish vocals, the pair have been making waves on the European indie circuit with their atmospheric, genre-crossing sound. They'll also be joined by JJ Paulo, the Danish-Tanzanian artist whose afrobeats-infused sound draws on influences from across Africa and Europe. Fresh from a string of international festival appearances, the rising star brings his energetic live show to Chiang Mai before heading to Bangkok for the capital's larger Fête de la Musique celebrations. The idea traces back to Fête de la Musique, launched in France in 1982 and now marked in more than 120 countries. The premise stays simple: bring music out of concert halls and place it squarely in public life. For Chiang Mai, the event offers a rare chance to catch both acts before they hit bigger festival stages in Bangkok. A rare treat for the city, if we’re perfectly honest. JJ PauloPhotograph: JJ Paulo   How to book tickets Seats atop MAI the Sky Bar are just B250 per person – an absolute steal for a night with these two internationally renown

A mouthful to say perhaps, but the ‘Thai SELECT Restaurant Capacity-Building and Networking Program’ is the Department of International Trade Promotion’s (DITP) initiative to ramp up Thai restaurant entrepreneurship overseas – and ultimately boost the country’s soft power through world-class Thai cuisine. Busy connecting 15 overseas Thai SELECT restaurant entrepreneurs – stretching all four corners of the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and ASEAN – this new series of integrated culinary activities study Thai food culture at its source, in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, visiting historical sites and delving into Thai culinary science at Dusit Thani College.  Photograph: DITPThai SELECT in partnership with Time Out Bangkok Importantly, participants have also had the chance to network at the THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 event and link up with quality Thai food producers also under the Thai SELECT banner to discuss the evolution of the Thai food industry. The value of this connectivity was demonstrated when entrepreneurs were able to provide first-hand, experiential updates on contemporary Thai restaurant trends overseas and exchange business perspectives with experts and other leading local restaurant entrepreneurs. The Thai SELECT marque, an international standard certification, evaluates taste, quality of ingredients, correct Thai cooking techniques according to authentic recipes, and appropriately reflected Thai-ness in a restaurant’s overall operations.  Photograph: DITPThai S

There are pizza places you try once, enjoy and forget. And then there are pizza places that feel like someone’s life’s work – every blistered crust, every sour edge, every smart decision layered into the dough. Head to Nimman Soi 5 and you’ll find exactly that at Garden Grove. Push open the doors and it hits you instantly: the charred aroma of sourdough bases ballooning in the Neapolitan oven, the buzz of ska bouncing off bright yellow walls, smiling staff ready to guide you through unusual toppings and the owner, Stefanos Karapatis, in the middle of it all – a man both calm and kinetic in equal measure.  This is one serious pizza operation – and the city’s first officially Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana-approved pizzeria. At its heart sits a sourdough culture born from Neapolitan fruit yeasts, dehydrated into powder and transported into Thailand after more than a decade of cultivation through Europe, Brighton food trucks and the UK’s biggest festival fields. Photograph: Garden Grove The dough is alive. So are the decisions Talking to Stefanos over the open kitchen bar, one thing strikes me – he doesn’t really talk about pizza the way most pizza people talk about pizza. He’s not here to hype a crust, name-drop an oven brand or tell you he’s ‘bringing Naples to Chiang Mai’ like it’s a costume party.  When Stefanos talks, it’s full of passion – and he lets that reflect his work. ‘Chiang Mai rewards patience, and it will cripple you if you try to be too chaotic,’ he says

Chiang Mai has done it again – and not to anybody’s surprise. Today, the Time Out world’s 20 best cities for art and culture in 2026 list has dropped, and our city made the cut.  Quizzing over 24,000 urbanites across over 150 cities to rank the best cities on the planet for music, art, theatre and more, Time Out set out to find today’s cultural capitals – places where art, theatre, music and cultural all come together in a way that’s accessible and affordable to locals and visitors alike.  Combined with insight from Time Out’s culture panel – editors, writers and local experts – the highest-scoring cities for each country were selected. And we’re hardly surprised Chiang Mai made it to the list. Sitting at a respectable 19 on the list, Chiang Mai received particularly strong approval for its festival scene from Thai locals. Of those we surveyed, 75 percent gave the city a high rating for the quality of its arts scene, and 73 percent said culture is affordable. Founded some 700 years ago, Buddhist art, temples and cultural evolution frame the city’s identity, but there’s a lot more to Chiang Mai’s ‘culture’ than murals and stupas. Around the city, you can find countless gallery exhibitions, indie studios and creative neighbourhoods – Pong Noi area being one of our faves – all popping up alongside longstanding craft traditions, while initiatives like Chiang Mai Festival City are turning the calendar into a near year-round programme of events. And the timing couldn’t be better. T

Bangkok’s nightlife moves fast. One minute you’re lining up a casual drink, the next you’ve found yourself in a warehouse rave, a secret DJ on the stage and one too many drinks in your belly.  Recently ranking #8 in Time Out’s World's Best Cities list 2026, the city is well-known for thriving after the sun goes down. But finding out what’s on can be challenging, especially if you have specific tastes.  The city is also notoriously last minute, with posts appearing on Instagram sometimes just hours before the event starts and word-of-mouth only making its way to your ears after the night out has begun. Even at Time Out, where we publish a weekly ‘things to do in Bangkok’ listicle, we sometimes miss things as we trawl marketing and posts in search of the best. Feeling our shared pain, a group of friends decided to make life easier for themselves – and for us all – with a new online platform that’s trying to bring some order to the chaos. Enter Bangkok Nights – a free website that pulls together party listings from hundreds of venues across the city into one clean, easy-to-navigate hub of nightlife.  No more hopping between club pages or messaging friends for last-minute tips – everything from DJ line-ups and music genres to entry fees and dress codes is laid out in one place, updated daily. Photograph: Bangkok Nights Parties and club events in Bangkok  As it stands, Bangkok Nights focuses purely on parties and club events (and don’t expect any red-light listings here), with f