Lucie Grace

We have well and truly entered rainy season, the ponchos are purchased, the umbrellas are up. And if you haven’t stocked up on waterproofs, take our friendly reminder, because this is not the weekend to stay home.  We’ve got international talent in town for Fête de la Musique with Danish afrobeats champ JJ Paulo and Parisian electronica duo Ojos turning it up on Friday night. Of course football fans know this is the weekend the World Cup kicks off and there’s a viewing party BBQ to get involved with. There’s a lot of creative arts to dive into too, the Pride party at Hong’s has performance galore, or try your hand at some new eco-loving crafts at Free Bird. Oh and the city’s got a new wine and cheese night. So Wellington boots at the ready and lets get involved.

Is rainy season Thailand’s answer to cuffing season? We think so. Is Chiang Mai the most romantic corner of Thailand? Again, yes, we think so too. And while we’re the city’s greatest advocates for going out no matter the weather, staying in and cosying up to your crush sure is cute. So why not both? Go out, to a hotel, and stay in.  The city is awash with hotels perfect for romancing – we’ve got elegant treehouse love nests, boutique retreats, incredibly pretty timewarp stays, arty boltholes, mountainside idylls and even a cheeky love hotel. Whatever floats your love boat. So treat yourself, your partner(s) or the latest situationship and book a weekend at one of these romantic hotel spots in Chiang Mai.

The southernmost point of Thailand’s Muay Thai triangle — with Bangkok and Chiang Mai completing the circuit — and easily the beachiest, Phuket is now home to nearly 40 Muay Thai gyms and camps. With that much choice and plenty of quality, narrowing it down can feel a little overwhelming.  Before we get into the heavy hitters, a quick nod to the island’s smaller family-run gyms, which are often the best places for beginners to find their footing thanks to smaller, more personal classes. Keh Muay Thai, Pasak Muay Thai Gym and Surin Beach Muay Thai Gym are all solid picks, and there are plenty more tucked across the island if you know where to look.  That said, when ‘Eye of the Tiger’ starts playing in your head, these are the big names worth stepping in the ring for.

Chiang Mai has long worn the crown as Thailand’s unofficial vegan capital – and after living (and eating) here for the past few years, I can confirm the title isn’t just hyperbole.   When I first moved north in 2021 as a dairy-free vegetarian, I genuinely couldn’t believe my luck. What started as relief quickly turned into curiosity, and while researching a piece for a UK newspaper, I found myself digging into the city’s plant-based roots.   Aside from the ‘jay’ vegan eateries clustered around the city’s bigger temples – shout-out to Ming Kwan, Suan Dok’s long-running vegan favourite now relocated to Moon Muang Soi 6 – fully fledged plant-based restaurants were once a rarity. Rewind all the way back to 1982 and you’ll find Chiang Mai’s first, Aum Vegetarian, one of Chiang Mai’s original meat-free pioneers. Back then, the scene here already felt generous – especially when every other tofu dish still came with minced pork. But since those early days it's snowballed, with almost 400 restaurants now listed with vegan options on Happy Cow, every travelling vegan’s go-to restaurant resource, aside from Time Out that is.  So, in the interest of research (and with the loosest trousers I own), I hit the streets again to track down the very best in town. Some are new and some stalwart, but all are absolutely delicious.   Check out Chiang Mai’s best farm-to-table restaurants Keep up the health fix with a visit to Chiang Mai’s best yoga studios

Spend the day outside at this special edition of art in the park, a joyful melody of movement and creativity. Bring your skates, sketchbook and curiosity. There’s light art supplies available to share, music in the background and a space that welcomes all levels whether you’re a seasoned skater, a casual doodler or just craving a little more play in your day. 14 June. Donation based. Chiang Mai Railway Station Park. 2pm-6pm

In keeping with their vegan menu and eco-conscious store that sells second hand items and has a refill station for all your toiletries, the lovelies at Free Bird Cafe are hosting sustainability minded, green friendly creative workshops this weekend. Pop along on Saturday to try soymilk painting and food waste dyeing workshop from 10am to 1.30pm or the intriguing and probably quite intricate rust printing and dyeing workshop on Sunday June 14th, from 12:30pm for just over three hours. Wear something you don’t mind getting messy, you’ve been warned!  13-14 June. Various costs. Free Bird Cafe. 10am (13 June) and 12.30pm (14 June)

Tucked away on the second floor of The Goodcery Space, new bar and live performance spot Doplace is already turning heads as the place to go for the best alternative music nights in the city. This Friday the self proclaimed ‘Peculiar Hangout’ is hosting Songs From Home, a packed schedule of Burmese Indie featuring Nyay Maung, Myaing, Shushu, Orpheus Revival, Shwe (funband) and saxophonist Freeze.  12 June. B350. Doplace, 71 Ratchawong Road. 7pm-midnight

Ahead of globally renowned World Music Day, Institut Francais and Alliance Française are bringing fresh European talent to the north this Friday to warm up for their respective festival appearances in Bangkok. Up-and-coming Parisian alternative pop duo Ojos (singer-songwriters Élodie Charmensat and Hadrien Perretant) open the night with their moody electro jams layered with French and Spanish vocals, before Danish-Tanzanian rising star JJ Paulo brings his afrobeats caravan to Chiang Mai for one night only. Miss it and miss out (or fly to Bangkok on Saturday and catch the bigger foreign-style fête down there). 12 June. Tickets B250 via Tablecheck or via LINE Official Account: @maitheskybar. Mai the Sky Bar, Melia Chiang Mai. 8pm-late

Hong’s Sky Bar (one of the highest rooftop bars in the city, may we add) is hosting a glamorous affair this Friday, all in the name of equality. That’s right, their Pride month party ‘Peace Pride Paint’ celebrates love and all that is creative by welcoming dancers from Ram Bar to perform, inviting Krynkana Kongpetch to showcase their art and DJ Yada to spin Afro House and chart beats while signature Saneha Gin cocktails are on the menu for this fabulous night. 12 June. Free. Hong’s Sky Bar, InterContinental Chiang Mai the Mae Ping. 5pm-midnight

Inspired by the beloved illustrated fable The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by British author and artist Charlie Mackesy, Brilliant Drama presents HOME — an original bilingual stage production exploring friendship, belonging and the courage to find your place in the world. Through storytelling, shadow puppetry and visually rich performances, a talented ensemble of actors aged nine to 30 brings this heartfelt tale to life. A charming alternative for am-dram lovers looking for something a little different this weekend. Friday is already fully booked! Sat-Sun seats going fast. Also, if you only speak one of the two languages, don’t worry, there’s subs in both throughout. 12-14 June. B350. Green Asia Production. 7pm (June 12 - SOLD OUT), 2pm and 7pm (June 13 and 14)

Everyone’s favourite football screening spot, Radost Czech-German Sports Bar, is throwing an opening party this Thursday to celebrate the World Cup commencing. Okay, it doesn’t ‘kick off’ until 2am but Mexico versus South Africa promises to be a banger match to watch on Radost’s nine 4k televisions. The team are also hosting a free BBQ for early birds, cooking up some suckling pig from 8pm, so get down there early and prepare yourself for a long night in front of the big screen.  11 June. Free entry. Radost Sports Bar. 1 Changphuak Soi 1. 8pm-late

The only thing we love as much as a rooftop bar is cheese. So the anticipation for the launch of Meliá Chiang Mai’s ‘Artisan Thai Cheese & Wine Pairing’ is bubbling this week. Thursday sees MAI The Sky, the hotel’s 360-degree rooftop bar on the 22nd floor, serve artisanal cheeses by Chiang Mai producer Jartisann, paired with Thai wine from Monsoon Valley in Hua Hin. The Thursday launch event is worth heading over to, but if you miss the opportunity, then fear not. Many more nights follow where the same wine and cheese will still be served.  11 June (then daily). Free. MAI The Sky Bar, Meliá Chiang Mai. 5pm-midnight

What is it? As if staying in tree-house bungalows in the foothills of Doi Inthanon wasn’t romantic enough, this gorgeous riverside ecolodge includes breakfast with their rescued elephants as standard. That’s right, wake up and live your Northern Thailand dream. It’s out in leafy Mae Wang, an hour’s drive from the city centre so making a sweet weekend of it. Book one of their glamping style bungalows made from and kitted out with handmade bamboo furniture for one of those ‘best life’ trips. Why we love it: Aside from the locale – which is stunning by the way – everything about this spot is about doing good. For yourself, and for others. Staff are all locally-hired and behind the scenes, Daughters Rising empowers women employees through safe work and education opportunities in abundance. It’s also one of the only truly ethical elephant experiences in Chiang Mai, Chai Lai Orchid hosts visiting elephants, providing income and care for elephants owned by local Karen families. This prevents elephants from being rented to harmful or abusive environments. Legends. Time Out tip: Stay for a couple of nights and book one of the experiences with local Karen guides who take you out hiking or foraging. From B1800 per night. 172 moo 5 Mae Sapok sub-district, Mae Wang.

What is it? Probably the best 4-star bolthole in Chiang Mai, this hotel is pure comfort and charisma, right in the middle of the old city. Yet somehow, after sloping through the iconic bamboo corridor and emerging inside their huge, mega sabai courtyard, you forget you’re in the heart of town – it’s got rural estate space and pace.  Why we love it: Popular with honeymooners, it’s hard to believe Tamarind Village isn’t a five star – the extremely dedicated staff pamper you from arrival to departure. We’re also fans of their commitment to sharing Lanna culture. The rustic design and local decor of hilltribe artisanal crafts and textiles adds to the countryside ambiance of this peaceful romantic stay. Time Out tip: Join their free guided ‘village walk’ of the old city if you can bear to pry yourself away from your room.  From B4900 per night. 50 Rachadamnoen Road, Old City.

What is it? A countryside eco-stay out in the rolling Mae On hills, many have tried to open a ‘bungalow with a private outdoor bath-tub that looks out at the mountains’ resort but none have got it as right as this. It’s a real get-away-from-it-all retreat and an extremely serene place to unwind for a weekend. Why we love it: The ‘tree-house’ villas and suites are rustic lux, most of which come with an en suite jacuzzi or pool to float around in after a roll around, but it’s the remoteness of this idyllic stay that really does it for us. Lan Na Wild is so secluded that you’re entirely catered for because there’s not much nearby – the staff bring your dinner to your room, so you don’t need to leave. Or wear much but your robe. Lovely. Time Out tip: It’s the perfect stay to coincide with a morning in Mae Kampong, which is only 20 minutes drive away, so you can beat the day tripping crowds and have the village high street to yourselves.  From B4100 per night. Huai Kaeo, Mae On district.

What is it? 20 minutes north of the old city on the banks of the Ping, Raya Heritage regularly wins awards for best stay in the city for a plethora of reasons. Above all, this place oozes elegance in an entirely subtle and unshowy way – the minimalist architecture puts the popping greenery and artisanal crafts to the forefront.  Why we love it: It’s like staying in the Gardens of Babylon, but crisp, sleek and much more luxurious. Kicking back on the bedroom balcony’s lounger and staring out over their quiet stretch of the Ping is truly special. It’s a quiet place (no kids under 6, thank you very much) and this hushed atmosphere gives it a sultry vibe, as do the huge bedrooms and suites with loads of space for slow dancing in. Time Out tip: Go all out and book yourselves a couples treatment at Ai Waan Spa, it is one of the best spas in Chiang Mai, make no mistake. From B11,000 per night. 157 Moo 6, Donkaew sub-district.