Punch Sethapanichsakul

Chiang Mai's nightlife has a personality all of its own. It's not trying to be Bangkok and it doesn't need to be – the city has carved out a scene that mixes Thai live music clubs where the whole room ends up dancing at the stage, underground electronic venues that go all night, a new generation of stylish Nimman spots attracting the city's best-dressed crowd and the legendary chaos of Zoe in Yellow anchoring the Old City after dark. Whether you're after a table with a bottle, a proper dance floor or a rave that runs until sunrise, here's where to find it.

The evening thunderstorms have arrived and that means the rainy season is officially here. But staying dry doesn't have to mean scrolling your phone in a mall or hiding at home waiting for the clouds to pass. Chiang Mai has a genuinely good range of indoor activities to keep you occupied – from contemporary art museums and jazz bars to trampoline parks, padel courts and pilates studios.   

We are well into durian season and the hype around the fruit has been higher than ever in Chiang Mai this year – largely thanks to Pimrypie’s live selling sessions flogging durian for B100 a fruit (and the drama that ensued) that has been taking over everyone's feeds. But if you're ready to step beyond the fruit in its raw form, Chiang Mai has a surprisingly wide range of quirky and interesting durian finds to really commit to your love of the king of fruits.  Love the fruit or hate even the smell of it, there’s something for everyone this season, from the fresh fruit to trinkets and goodies. What we’re saying is, some of these are genuinely good entry points if you find the whole fruit a bit daunting – a durian milk chocolate or a durian caramel fresh milk is a much gentler introduction than cracking open a husk for the first time. Either way, durian is an iconic Thai fruit and this season the city is leaning all the way in. Here's where to find the best of it.

Pride is rolling out across Thailand and Chiang Mai's chapter officially starts this weekend, although most events take place next week. Last year, we interviewed the main players in the ‘Pride 2025: Beyond Celebration’ fest, and this year they’re back with a new theme: Chiang Mai Inclusive City.  Last year's conversation with Ton gave a glimpse into the history of pride in Chiang Mai and the years of perseverance it took to get here. And in truth, the fight for equality in Chiang Mai has never been just about one community, nor just about one day.  As Ton put it, how can anyone shout for equality when not everyone is receiving the same treatment to begin with – the movement here has always been bigger than the parade. Photograph: Chiang Mai Pride   That breadth shows in what Chiang Mai Pride has achieved off the streets too. Since last year, Chiang Mai became the only province in Thailand to establish a formal cooperation – not yet law, but a real commitment – with businesses, many agreeing to provide free sanitary products for employees and allow menstrual leave without pay deductions.  It sounds like a small thing until you consider that it took a sustained, unified push from the Pride movement to make it happen. This is what coalition building looks like in practice. This year the focus sharpens around the Gender Recognition Act – legislation that would give people the legal right to define and have their gender identity recognised under Thai law – alongside broader pus

We're on the last curve before the rainy season and the sun is not letting up without a fight.  If anything the heat feels worse than ever right now – blazing, unforgiving warmth that makes you dread stepping outside your air-conditioned room. The good news is Chiang Mai has plenty of ways to deal with the summer sun, from rooftop pools and ice baths to air-conditioned cafés with shaved ice mountains and creative ice cream that makes the whole ordeal feel less like survival and more like a summer well spent.  If you want to enjoy the last stretch before the rains arrive, here's where to do it.

So you've done the Doi Suthep hike, had your drinks in Nimman and now you're ready to discover your next neighbourhood gem. Well, we have a secret for you, and it’s called Sanpakoi. If you've exhausted the obvious spots, want to get under the city's skin a little more and go where the locals go, cross the river and find a small hub of independent shops and eateries that feel like a step back in time.  And by many accounts, it genuinely is. At the centre of it all is the 90-year-old Anusarn Building – renovated and reinjected with new life by a new generation of cafés and shops that have spread outwards into the surrounding streets, making the whole area remarkably easy to wander through. Join us, as we take you on a tour of a lesser-known but very much loved communities beyond the river.   What is Sanpakoi best known for? Two things: Anusarn Building and Sanpakoi Market. The former, a photogenic row of cafés and restaurants worth spending an afternoon in. The latter, a early morning market where those in the know flock to for warm sticky rice and first pick of the fried chicken. Why do locals love it? It combines old and new seamlessly. Anusarn Building was recently renovated and is now packed with really interesting independent craft, food and fashion shops, the whole area is purposefully built for wandering – one stop flowing naturally into the next and an afternoon disappearing faster than expected. How do I get there? Sanpakoi sits just outside the Old City walls on the e

This isn't a list of elephant pants and herbal inhalers. You already know those are must-buys and can be found at any corner of Chiang Mai. Look a little harder down the woven sois of Worarot Market (aka Kad Luang, the city’s oldest market)   and you'll find things that will actually impress your friends back home. As someone who’s just moved back after six years living abroad – and a Chiang Mai local – I’ve had plenty of practice figuring out what actually makes a good souvenir. Not the throwaway kind, but things people use, keep and ask about. With that mix of perspectives, these are the pieces I’d bring back for friends overseas – thoughtful, specific and far from tacky. Everything on this list can be found at Kad Luang or nearby.

It’s late April in Chiang Mai, the heat is at an all-time high and the water buckets have all but dried out. If there’s one way to make summer more bearable, it’s a wardrobe reset. You might not be able to avoid sweating, but you can certainly look good while doing it. Thai brands are in the spotlight this year, with Bangkok leading the way in style and local craftmanship, but look north and Chiang Mai shouldn’t be overlooked. True to the city’s indie spirit, these upcoming labels focus mostly on sustainable materials and local production. And in this weather, fabric is everything – think linen and breathable cottons that actually let you survive the heat. If you’re in the mood for some new, local threads, these are the brands bringing style and comfort together, so you can still be the best dressed – even in 40-degree weather.

If it feels like everyone’s suddenly queuing for a photo booth again, it’s not just nostalgia talking. After a decade or more dominated by front-facing cameras and endless doomscrolling, the selfie era has since peaked – once the most dominant visual language on our feeds, since replaced by increasingly creative ways to grab attention.   Enter the photobooth. It might be the sweaty rush to think of poses in a cramped space, the panic of making sure everyone gets in the frame or, most likely, the ’90s nostalgia of it all that’s absolutely in-trend. But we’re all here for its revival.  These photos can't be recreated and that's what makes them worth having. Whether that’s as a souvenir of a moment in time or a specific location where you took the photos in.  Today photobooths come with all sorts of creative filters, accessories, digital QR codes so you can post immediately and enough variety to justify visiting more than one in a day. Finding the best ones can be tricky – many don’t even show up on Google Maps, let alone have an Instagram presence. So we've done the work, found the best ones in the city and put them to the test ourselves – every strip you see here is ours, snapped, printed and claimed on the spot. Viva la vintage!

Across Chiang Mai, yoghurt is quickly replacing sugary bubble tea and Thai tea. Cafés and mall kiosks are blending thick yogurt smoothies, piling bowls with fresh fruit and granola and turning this probiotic staple into the city’s latest café craze. As more people cut back on sugar, yoghurt lands middle ground – sweet enough for dessert but still light enough to feel healthy. In true Chiang Mai fashion, cafés aren’t doing it halfway. Expect creamy bowls, tangy smoothies and fruit-loaded yoghurt treats that cool you down without the guilt. From drinkable smoothies to thick Greek-style bowls loaded with toppings, these Chiang Mai spots prove healthy treats can still feel indulgent.

The water guns are (mostly) away, the waterproof pouch is back in the drawer and all that's left is the hangover and a touch of existential dread about returning to normal life. What this calls for is a proper recovery itinerary – one that helps you feel like yourself again after a blurry, soaking wet few days of water fighting fun.   Go traditional with a spa visit or try something different – a calming book café, an inspiring art gallery or a full day retreat at The Cocoon. Pick tea leaves at Araksa Tea Garden, sip matcha at Magokoro Teahouse or eat your feelings at Adirak Pizza. And if none of that works, Surr Bar is always there for one last calm, thoughtful drink with a bartender who will happily listen to all your watery stories, Songkran or otherwise. 

Pull on your best two-piece gym set and head to Libi for yoga, mat pilates or reformer pilates depending on what your body needs that day. Classes are focused across different goals including core mobility, office syndrome and full body workouts and private sessions are available for anyone who prefers a more one-on-one experience. If you happen to suffer from seasonal attitude disorder, the red light therapy sessions are just what you need,  said to help with mood, improve active performance, reduce inflammation and speed up muscle recovery. A productive way to spend a rainy day that also counts as self-care. 8/25 Super Highway, Muang Chiang Mai. Open 7am-7pm

Vinyl spinning in the background, coffee brewing and a good book in hand – not a bad way to spend a rainy afternoon. Rare Finds lives up to its name with a collection of vintage and obscure books, old copies of classics and titles you've genuinely never come across. Houseplants fill the space so it never feels stuffy and the quiet atmosphere makes it easy to actually finish something you've been meaning to read for months. Let the rain patter outside while you work through a chapter or three. 18, 2 Chang Moi Kao Road, Chang Moi, Muang Chiang Mai. Open 11am-5pm

Another spot for those who like to stay active, but prefer to be sweat-soaked rather than rain-soaked, is 50FLY!. Step inside and you’ll find a thousand square metres of trampolines, foam pits, ninja courses, basketballs, dodgeballs and laser tag to keep you well and truly busy. An excellent option for getting some energy out when going outside isn't appealing – equally good for kids and adults who refuse to act their age. They even have augmented reality games for those looking for bright skies, even if they’re artificial.  132 Moo 10, Pa Daet, Muang Chiang Mai. Open 11am-8pm, opens at 10am on the weekend

Board games are an easy way to make friends or, depending on how competitive things get, enemies. They get better when it’s raining, because more people want to play. Among the many board game cafes in the city, Game Mezz has an exceptionally friendly range of options for every kind of player – from easy party games like Exploding Kittens to longer strategy games that will genuinely bend your brain. Drinks and snacks are available to order throughout, just wipe your hands before handling the cards. A few hours here passes faster than you'd expect and the background noise of rain hitting the pavement only helps you concentrate more. 25/5 Arak Road, SI Phum, Muang Chiang Mai. Open 10am-10pm

Sometimes the best way to distract yourself from the clouds is to learn something new. Kalm Village, if you’ve not been yet, is quite like Baan Kang Wat, but it’s covered, more targeted and considerably less busy. A calm oasis in the heart of the Old City,  the space dedicates itself to keeping Lanna traditions alive through workshops, exhibitions, shops and special events. Learn to fingernail dance or make a traditional Lanna flower hairpin – there’s lots to do and a full itinerary can be found on their website. Needless to say, a rainy afternoon here can move very naturally, from workshop to art exhibition to shopping to lunch – all under one roof. The open-air central square is also a good spot to sit and watch the rain fall while the plants get thoroughly watered around you. 14 Phra Pok Klao Road Soi 4, Phra Sing, Muang Chiang Mai. Open 9.30am-6.30pm

You can't mention art in Chiang Mai without talking about MAIIAM. The city's most prominent contemporary art museum – founded by Jean Michel Beurdeley alongside his son and late wife – the building proudly houses the family's private collection built over more than 30 years. In addition, bold, colourful installations and works come and go as fluidly as the rain, with local and international artists all exhibiting (often together), exploring all kinds of topics, themes and ideas. These rotating exhibitions mean there's always a new reason to go back – and a good chance you'll notice something different every time you do. A rainy afternoon here goes faster than expected, good for when the rain stops any chance of driving home. 122, Moo 7 Tonpao San Kamphaeng. Open 10am-6pm, closed Tuesdays

While there’s a lot of cafes out there, and strong competition for a good cup, there’s no place quite like Blue Coffee – a towering wooden café on the CMU Agriculture campus with floor-to-ceiling windows that promise the most dramatic mountain storm views from the warm safety of dry socks and warm lattes. The wooden panels arranged in rows mirror the planting lines of the fields just outside, making for some striking views and, if you’re into it, some great insta check-ins too. While the clouds roar outside, the vibe inside is quiet and focused – students and locals come here when they need a change of scenery – and the coffee is purposefully strong. If you prefer to colour coordinate your drink, the soft matcha is a worthwhile deviation, with a creamy and indulgent take on the Japanese drink that pairs perfectly with the monsoon mood. 239 Suthep Rd, Su Thep, Muang Chiang Mai. Open 7am-6pm, opens at 7.30am on the weekend

Who says the rain should keep you from your exercise routine? When the usual outdoor courts are flooded, these four stylish indoor padel courts make a very good alternative – available for private booking or drop-in sessions throughout the week. Padel CNX runs a regular schedule of matches across different player levels with a wallet top-up prize for winners to use towards their next booking. They occasionally host free morning yoga classes too – yes, free. All equipment is provided so just show up, get your heart rate up and let the rain do its thing outside. 79 Chang Phuak Road, Muang Chiang Mai. Open 8am-10pm

Satisfying durian cheese pie at Daily Delight  Cheesecake is already a good thing. Now imagine a generous slab of fresh durian draped over the top – more to love in every sense. Daily Delight's durian cheese pie has a crumble base, a light creamy cheese layer and fresh durian covering almost the entire surface with no shortage of fruit per slice. If you want something even sweeter, the durian custard cake swaps the crumble for a layer of custard that takes the whole thing in a richer direction. Two very good options for a very committed durian dessert. 122 Charoen Muang Road, Chang Moi, Muang Chiang Mai. Open 8am-5pm

Did somebody say durian pizza? Durianism is taking the love for the creamy fruit up a level with a sweet-savoury pizza that sounds horrible, but is actually quite good.  Two savory durian dishes have hit the menu, the durian pizza and a spicy shrimp salad – combinations that sound wrong on paper and work surprisingly well in practice. The classics are also there – durian sticky rice and ice cream to name a few – while equally adventurous drinks round it all up with cups of durian espresso a popular choice for those who simply can’t get enough.  There's nothing this spot won't try with durian and if you love the fruit, then this is your season’s fresh fruit Mecca.  3 1-2 Samlarn Rd, Phra Singh Mueang Chiang Mai, Open 8am-8pm

Bboy Jammy James brings his expertise from the UK and is offering a free breaking class for complete beginners at Chotana Mall this Saturday. Breaking is a dance form built around dynamic body movements – yes, it's the one with the floor spins, but don't worry, this class sticks to the basics. No experience necessary, no pressure and no judgment. A fun, low-commitment way to try something completely new, get some unexpected exercise in and learn about one of the most athletic dance styles around from someone who actually knows what they're doing. Register ahead to secure your spot here. May 23. Free entry. Scan to register here. Chotana Mall. From 5pm-6pm

Chiang Mai never really stops opening cafés, bars or creative spaces – but every now and then somewhere arrives that feels less like a venue and more like a scene waiting to happen. Opening from 4pm this Friday, Do Place launches as a new space for the city’s creatively curious, blending music, art, food, micro-screenings and community under one roof. To kick things off, Tempo.wav will be broadcasting live from the venue with a pop-up radio stream, while Rovescio Del Giardino and DJ Butter & Cheese soundtrack the evening with eclectic selections and left-field sounds. Behind the bar, expect sato-inspired cocktails alongside Burmese dessert milkshakes – a regional speciality that deserves far more attention than it gets. May 22. Free. Do Place, find it inside The Goodcery. 4pm onwards.

A cluster of 400-year-old Lanna ruins has been found hidden deep in the forests of Mae Hong Son – and the discovery started, as many things do these days, with a Facebook post. Villagers, teachers and local residents from Ban Mai Hung village began sharing images of the ruins online earlier this month, prompting the Mae Hong Son Governor to lead a delegation to the site for a proper look.  What they found was more than a few scattered stones in the undergrowth. In fact, it was a whole temple complex, hidden in the jungle for over 400 years. The complex includes two Lanna-era stupas – named Doi Kong Mu Ban Mai Hung and Doi Kong Mu Kham Soeng – plus an ancient building structure, with additional ruins scattered along the trail between the two main stupas. Everything is still visibly intact in shape and form, which is remarkable for structures that have been sitting undiscovered in a forest for at least four centuries. Photograph: Mae Hong Son Provincial Public Relations Office400-year-old Lanna ruins On the same day, a separate team headed to Khun Yuam District to survey a second site – a series of stone circles that locals call Wong Tee Kai, which translates roughly as ‘the cockfighting rings’.  Multiple circles were found scattered across the area, the largest measuring around 12-metres across. Nobody is entirely sure what they are yet but researchers believe they may be traces of ancient communities that lived in the region long before Mae Hong Son Province was formally es

Chiang Mai’s busiest neighbourhood is about to get a significant upgrade – or is it  about to get even more congested?  On May 14, a public consultation forum was held at Chiang Mai University to gather input on the Smart Nimman project – an infrastructure overhaul of Nimmanhaemin Road that forms part of the broader Chiang Mai Smart City initiative.  In work since 2019, plans have finally emerged, giving us a first look at what Nimman may look like in not too many years from now. And while most of the changes look very positive, some people think the new, single-lane road will only bring more traffic to the already congested district.    Here’s what’s changing:  All road cables will go underground (no more messy telegraph poles!)  Wider pavements lined with trees and greenery A middle barrier down Nimmanheamin Road Designated drop off zones for cars and buses  Cycling lanes Wooden benches, Lanna-inspired street lamps, artistic manhole covers  New wayfinding signage throughout Photograph: Chiang Mai MunicipalityChiang Mai Municipality The catch – and there is always a catch – is that construction will most certainly affect traffic in the interim. And with two new, thinner road layouts in the works, things could be equally busy even after construction is complete.  A middle barrier is reportedly part of the plan – one of the two proposed designs effectively reducing Nimmanhaemin to one lane of traffic in each direction.  Photograph: Chiang Mai MunicipalityChiang Mai Munici

The Sacred Inthakin Pillar Festival 2026 runs May 13-19 and if you've never caught it before, this is the year to change that. Not only because you can ride a free tram right up into the temple itself.  For those unfamiliar, the Inthakin Festival is one of Chiang Mai's most important annual celebrations – a week-long series of offerings, merit-making and prayers centred around the Inthakin Pillar, a spiritual symbol of protection for the city found within the grounds of Wat Chedi Luang.  Throughout the week, traditional Lanna cultural performances, Thai dancing, live northern music and food markets fill the temple grounds, making it as much a cultural event as a religious one. Photograph: TAT Chiang Mai This year the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has added something special – a free evening tram ride running May 14-18, departing from the Three Kings Monument, takes you past some of the city's most iconic landmarks before dropping you off at Wat Chedi Luang in time for the worship ceremony.  Registration in advance is required – there’s only 40 seats per day – and sets off at 6pm sharp from Three Kings Monument. The route winds through Chang Moi and past Warorot Market, the oldest market in the city, before detouring through the iconic Tha Phae Gate before arriving at the Wat Chedi Luang.  If you’re lucky enough to get a seat, you’ll also receive a floral offering set to use during the ceremony, which is both a practical and meaningful touch. Photograph: Kantary Hills

As part of Chiang Mai Pride 2026, the GEN ACT RUN: Run for Recognition officially kicks off the first of many events this May 17 – and this one is about a lot more than a 5km around the PAO Public Park. Photograph: Chiang Mai Pride Before the run, let’s get into the details. GEN ACT is the citizen-led campaign advocating for the proposed gender identity recognition bill – legislation designed to protect every person's right to define and have their gender identity recognised equally under the law.  True to what pride stands for, everyone is invited regardless of who they are, whether they're part of the LGBTQ community or just an ally. The bill concerns the rights and dignity of every person and this run is a chance to show up in support of that. You can even read the drafted bill and add your signature, via this link here. Now onto the run. An easy 5k makes it very accessible, and the costumes… well, they’re optional.  If you do love a bit of a glam up, the GEN ACT costume contest encourages everyone to dress creatively and express their authentic selves through their clothing – making this one of the more colourful runs the city has seen.  And if the fun of it wasn’t enough to get you going, if you do opt in to the costume contest when registering, you’ll be up for a chance to win the top prize of B3,000. It’s a no-brainer!   Photograph: Chiang Mai Pride   Registration opens at 2:30pm at the Chiang Mai PAO Public Park, May 17, with a group warm-up at 4:10pm and the rac

Baan Kang Wat needs little introduction at this point. The beloved artist village tucked just outside the city centre has become one of Chiang Mai’s most visited spots for good reason – a labyrinth of indie boutiques, artisan workshops and cafés that has blown up online and become a firm favourite for anyone wanting to explore the city's creative side beyond the temple trail. Photograph: Baankangwat Next week, May 12-14, the village is hosting its usual yard sale, but this time with a houseplant theme – and the timing couldn't be better. The smog season may be easing but a houseplant never hurts – they filter the air, they look good on a shelf and they give you something to tend to. Expect stalls selling potted greenery, houseplants and plant-adjacent décor alongside the usual rotating mix of secondhand items and pre-loved goods that make Baan Kang Wat's yard sales worth showing up for. Photograph: Baankangwat While you’re there, don’t forget to also browse the usual secondhand stalls, grab a coffee from one of the cafés and leave with more than just a potted peace lily. The market runs from 9.30am to 6pm across all three days so there's no rush to get there early, though the best plants tend to go first. May 12-14. Free entry. Baan Kang Wat. 9.30am-6pm

The Cheeky Mountain Festival might be the best kind of city escape you need right now, and now as the smoke improves, there’s little excuse to stay in.  On May 9 the festival takes over a hidden spot in Mae Rim for a full day-to-night party experience running from 4pm all the way through to 6am – starting chilled with a pool party and BBQ before slowly evolving into a full-blown rave as the sun sets on the open-air dancefloor. Photograph: Wild Beats Experience Getting there is half the fun. A party bus picks you up from Top North Hotel – think school field trip except way more boozy. Once in Mae Rim, the afternoon kicks off with water games, a BBQ included in the ticket price and an ice bath challenge for the brave, with a river and waterfall nearby for those who want to wander before the night begins. As the sun goes down the energy shifts and six international DJs take over across AfroHouse, tech house, techno and Psytrance. A full night of music unfolding under the stars in the mountains outside Chiang Mai – very different from anything happening in the city this weekend. Photograph: Wild Beats Experience Early bird tickets start at B300 or upgrade to VIP at B1,000 for two free drinks and dedicated transport that makes sure you arrive and leave in comfort. Capacity is intentionally limited so the party stays fun without getting messy – book ahead. May 9. Tickets start at B300. Book here. Pick up is at Top North Hotel. 4pm-6am  

This weekend, swap your regular Chang and Singha plans for a competitive crafted pint event from one of northern Thailand's independent breweries. The North Beer Challenge rears its frothy head at Nim City Community Mall on May 1-2 with an equal pouring of competition and community celebration. While it’s a good chance for independent brewers across the north to showcase what they've been working on, you can spend your time mingling with fellow drinkers, talking to producers and taking on knowledge about the craft beer scene. Photograph: Mardi Craft Brewing Co. The brewers will be judged on taste scored across a few key areas like aroma, appearance, flavour, mouthfeel and the overall impression of the beer. The competition follows the Beer Judge Certification Program standard – BJCP for short – an internationally recognised qualification used in craft beer competitions worldwide.  All judges either hold the certification themselves or are well-respected within the industry, meaning the evaluation process is as serious as the beers being entered. Competitors are assessed on both technical skill and creativity, with the top prize being a commercial brewing deal – meaning the winning beer is produced as an actual product you can buy. Photograph: Mardi Craft Brewing Co. For drinkers, this is a rare opportunity to get in early on discovering a brewer before they make it big. The craft beer scene in northern Thailand has been quietly growing and the North Beer Challenge exists

The Four Seasons Chiang Mai Supper Society is back for its third edition, and this one raises the bar.  If you’re new to the concept, the Supper Society takes dining out of the restaurant and into the resort itself – moving you through different scenic spots across the property for a progressive dining experience put together by three chefs.  Photograph: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai   The evening begins with a welcome drink at the Yoga Barn, sipping on a crafted cocktail with lily pads and rice paddies as the backdrop, timed perfectly for golden hour. From there, make your way to NORTH by Four Seasons for the main event – a nine-course dinner built around three themes: Things That Grow, Things That Swim and Things That Wander. An apt reflection of the vast nature that Chiang Mai still holds, celebrating seasonal produce alongside the rivers and hills that make the city what it is. The chefs who will be leading this experience include 'Bank' Phongsakorn Jiarasatit, from MasterChef Thailand, Executive Chef Alvin Dela Cruz and Executive Sous Chef Naruchit Taingtrong. Together, they have put their heads and hands together to create something that reads less like a dinner and more like a direct homage to Chiang Mai's nature and beauty – an experience that translates beauty into food, and food into feeling. Photograph: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai The final stop is Khao Bar, where the evening ends on a sweet note from a collaboration between Chef Yanisa Wiangnon and Chef Ba

Aerobics – Thailand’s forever go-to for community workout fun. Now, the workout’s latest iteration lands at Central Chiangmai this Thursday with an Aerobic Dance Party that’s one for the ages.  Once the domain of aunties in the park and evening classes outside supermarkets, aerobics is having a real comeback, with younger crowds picking up on just how fun it really is.  High-pulse, low-pressure is the vibe, letting you work up a sweat somewhere that isn’t a gym. Photograph: Central Chiangmai But if you’re expecting an easy workout, think again. This one will get your heart pumping, with jumping, stomping, flailing limbs, questionable coordination and a fast-paced beat. Luckily, that beat brings a proper party vibe to the session, so while you’ll probably be out of breath, the beat will definitely keep you going. Photograph: Central Chiangmai Hosted by Virgin Active, the session brings big group workout energy to the mall, with some of Chiang Mai’s best-known run clubs joining in, including Escape Runn. Registration starts at 5pm, the dancing kicks off at 6pm, and it wraps an hour later. There are also limited edition gifts up for grabs if your legs still work by the end. Spots are capped at 250, so sign up while you still can here. May 30. Free entry. Register here. Central Chiangmai. 5pm-7pm

GRAPH Warehouse Flea Market is back next weekend with a special green edition of their popular market – and the timing couldn't be better. Urban Jungle Weekend runs May 1-3, offering a chance to swap the city rush for plants, crafts and nature-led workshops. Photograph: Little planet Located just off the Old City, the warehouse transforms into a hub of plants, crafts and home décor all under a nature theme. Slow down and wander properly – browsing new plant varieties, discovering local craft makers and breathing in something that actually resembles clean air for a change. GRAPH is well known for their coffee so expect solid drinks and interesting concoctions to keep you cool in the heat while you browse. That same weekend a cactus tray and terrarium design workshop runs alongside the market, giving you the chance to build your own little green world from scratch and take it home. Book ahead via Little Planet to secure a spot. Photograph: InClay Studio What makes this one extra special is the attendance of InClay Studio, bringing their legendary pottery workshops to the flea market as well. No reservations needed – just walk in, but maybe wear something you don't mind ruining. Or for something less messy, the fused glass workshop lets you make a suncatcher or learn the art of microwave glass casting. Book ahead for this one via Blue Bird Art Glass.   May 1-3. Free entry but workshop prices vary starting from B290. GRAPH Warehouse Flea Market. 10am-6pm

How much durian is too much durian? According to CP Axtra, the only limit is time. Touring the king of fruits across Thailand, ‘Let’s Dorian’ dares you to test exactly how much of this divisive fruit you can actually handle at two, one-day pop-up locations in Chiang Mai. Photograph: Let’s Dorian Love it or hate it, there’s no escaping the inevitable. Next weekend it’s all kicking off at Makro Chiang Mai and Lotus’s Kham Tiang, with the unmistakable smell that announces itself immediately, promising sweet rewards for those who enjoy the creamy, soft and nutty flavours that keeps people eternally divided.  From farm to table, the experience connects you directly with growers and serves up unlimited durian at peak freshness. Not every piece is equal, but here you get it cracked, peeled and served right in front of you – it doesn’t get fresher than this. And at just B599 for one hour of unlimited durian, you’ll get more than your fair share if you act fast. For those of you who can’t stand durian (it’s ok, we know the pain) then you’ll want to steer clear of both locations next weekend, specifically April 30 to May 4 at Makro Chiang Mai and May 1-3 at Lotus’s Kham Tiang.  To keep things fair, the one hour sessions are organised per hour, so get there early to secure a spot. Times include 11am-12pm, 1pm-2pm, 2.30pm-3.30pm and 4pm-5pm. Photograph: Let’s Dorian Whichever attitude you have with the aroma, you can’t deny durian is a big deal in Thailand – the country ranking among

If you want to experience the best of Chiang Mai in one go – the Crafting Joy, Sharing Local market at Ancient House Chiang Mai checks all the right boxes. Shop, eat and discover local gems all in one stop at this three-day community market, bringing together some of the city’s most creative local producers in one easy, breezy setting. Photograph: Ancient House Chiangmai Set on the riverside lawn at Ancient House Chiang Mai, found adjacent to the Iron Bridge, the event leans into everything the city does best – handmade goods, a sabai sabai atmosphere and a strong sense of community. A mix of stalls dominate the house lawns, from OTOP producers championing local craft alongside independent makers selling everything from clothing to souvenirs you’ll actually want to display at home. To fuel your browsing is the food selection – fresh produce and street food plus iced drinks to cool you down and keep you going back for more. You’ll come for a quick browse and end up staying for lunch and then some. Photograph: Ancient House Chiangmai Beyond shopping, there’s also a handful of workshops running throughout the day, giving you a chance to try out new crafts and meet the makers behind your fave products. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming – more hangout than fancy market, but that’s just a hallmark of a good Chiang Mai gathering if you ask us.  April 20-22. Free entry. Ancient House Chiang Mai. 10am-9pm