Punch Sethapanichsakul

If last weekend was about slowing down, this one moves fast. Chiang Mai leans into festival mode with a durian buffet at Makro Chiang Mai and Lotus Kham Tiang for the brave, while Chiang Mai International Jazz Day turns the whole city into a stage.  Elsewhere, Graph Warehouse hosts a plant-filled market focused on sustainable living, Chiro Flowers runs an ikebana workshop and Chong Chong Festival brings the city’s café scene together at One Nimman. For something more grounded, Get Rotate Maa Get connects you with local growers and food traditions. Pick one or drift between them – or finally give durian a proper go.

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. 

Whether you’re looking to refuel after a Songkran water fight or sweating it out after some merit-making at the temple, a smoothie or cold-pressed juice is the perfect way to stay refreshed. What used to be simple refreshment stops have evolved into spots that mix wellness with creativity, popping up across the city and adding a functional twist to every sip. These health-conscious drinks now include everything from protein and spirulina to other superfoods and vitamins, making every smoothie or juice a refreshing, nutrient-packed boost. We’ve rounded up the city’s standout juice bars – from creamy cashew milk blends to antioxidant-rich acai cups and photogenic cold-pressed drinks – all delivering flavour, freshness and a little extra goodness.. With seven spots to try, a smoothie a day might just keep the doctor away.

For Chiang Mai (and most of Thailand) breakfast is no afterthought – it’s a proper meal. While the west tends to reach for cereal or a slice of toast, mornings here are built around something more substantial (usually rice) and oftentimes a lot more interesting. A traditional Chiang Mai breakfast often starts with patongo – a puffy, airy fried dough eaten with a creamy custard dipping paste, or dunked into a bowl of jok, the thick rice congee that anchors the northern Thai morning table. Kai kra ta is another staple – egg fried in a small metal pan with Chinese sausage and minced meat, topped with scallions and best eaten while it's still sizzling. And while both of these have foreign origins, they’ve evolved to match the Thai palate with spice and salty zings that put a kick in your step from the earliest hours of the morning. All of this washed down with warm tofu milk, Thai tea or a cup of locally sourced coffee, and you’ve got yourself a very good start to the day. But that’s not to say a more western approach is any less valued. Bacon, croissants and yogurt all make a strong appearance in the morning menu too, as do the everyday classics like pad krapao and fried rice – because rice is suitable any time of day. Craving some sustenance? Here are our top spots in Chiang Mai that do classic breakfasts best.

Chiang Mai is one of the top spots to spend Songkran in Thailand and this year the government has made it official – celebrations run for 12 days straight. Which means quadruple the fun and quadruple the parties to choose from!  The epicentre of it all is still the old faithful  Old City moat, where water fights run from morning into the evening and pickup trucks circle with buckets of ice cold water (although the jury is out how it’ll go this year with the current diesel shortage). Tha Phae Gate is the municipality’s cultural anchor – parades, ceremonies and opening events all pass through here. Nimman brings the more polished side of Songkran, with pool parties, live music and crowds that treat the whole week as more of a music festival than a traditional one. And scattered across the city, venues from shopping malls to garden bars are throwing their own parties every night of the week. Whether you're after the full chaos of the moat, exclusive riverside pool parties or eight hours of underground bass music in a hidden garden venue, Chiang Mai serves a Songkran smorgasbord for every kind of person this year. Here's where to be and where to get wet.   Prefer to roam? Check out our list of areas that do Songkran best and flow like the water.

Availability and pricing confirmed for the 2026 season. Not all restaurants list specific service windows, so always call ahead or book through official channels – several require advance reservations and operate limited daily quantities. For those who don't know khao chae, it's a Thai summer delicacy historically enjoyed by royals and those in more, high-society positions. Originating from the Mon community and popularised during the reign of King Rama IV, khao chae is deeply rooted in Thai culinary heritage. In essence, a bowl of jasmine rice is cooled and then submerged in jasmine-infused water and (more recently) topped with ice – served alongside an array of savoury fried sides including crispy vegetables and meats.  Today, the dish is enjoyed by all, but many don’t know about it or have simply never had the chance to try it. To help you on your quest for some royal cooling, we’ve picked out a few spots in Chiang Mai that let you try this historic dish for yourself.  Before we get into the list, here's how to eat it properly so you don't offend everyone else at the table. First, pour the jasmine water and ice onto the rice. Then, use a soup spoon to scoop up the rice and water. But here’s the important bit – do not use the same spoon for the fried sides and do not mix the sides into the rice. The sides are deep fried and oily, and mixing them in defeats the whole point of the dish. Use separate utensils for the fried food, then follow with a scoop of rice. This way the w

Most holidays are really just about the food and Easter is no exception. Not widely celebrated in Thailand, the Christian festival still finds a way into the calendar – we suppose any excuse for a buffet, party or meetup is good enough for Chiang Mai. Of course there are more elements to it than just the food, but a good Easter egg hunt and a few drinks to go with it are usually what people look forward to most.  Chiang Mai knows this well, which is why the city pulls out a surprising number of stops every year with brunches, buffets and feasting spreads that give you every excuse to book a table and celebrate – regardless if it's your culture or not.  Whether you're after a family day out at Shangri-La complete with pool access, a five-evening buffet at U Nimman, a drive out to Four Seasons in Mae Rim or a blowout at InterContinental where the menu is more than impressive – Chiang Mai has an Easter table for every kind of person this year.

InClay Studio was founded by a local ceramic artist who draws inspiration from nature and has shown his work across multiple exhibitions. Now a bit of a city legend, he now opens the studio to keen clay enthusiasts with two course options – hand building and wheel throwing – both designed to take you from beginner to finished piece. Whatever you make goes into the kiln (even the mistakes!) and are ready to collect roughly two weeks after the workshop, which means you leave with the experience and come back for the result. If you’re not around for the collect, postal delivery options are very available.  From B1,090. Book here. InClay Studio, 8/5 Sirorot Rd, Suthep, Muang Chiang Mai. Friday to Saturday from 10am-3pm

Craft your own signature scent at one of the most well-stocked perfume workshops in the city. Artistic Lab has a wide variety of scents to choose from and the whole setup genuinely feels like a stylish laboratory – knowledgeable staff in lab coats guide you through the process without making it feel overly technical. Walk-ins are welcome and the session is quick enough to slot into a busy day. Beyond perfume, they also offer incense making and herbal inhaler workshops for those who want to explore different forms of scent. A creative and practical workshop with something tangible to take home. From B390. Walk in welcome or book ahead here for more in-depth sessions. Artistic Lab, The Kannas Mini Mall, Muang Chiang Mai. Open 10am-7pm, closed Wednesday

If you’ve been to Chiang Mai before, you've probably done a candle workshop – but trust us, it’s not the same at Kajao. Throwing out the standard cylinder candle entirely, they favour molds that mimic shortcakes, matcha lattes, teddy bears and even wheels of cheese. The candles are so well made (even by your hands) that they will feel forever difficult to actually light – but they do look incredible on a shelf. A fun, quick and very photogenic afternoon that requires zero prior experience and produces something worth bringing home. Prices start from B599 depending on class level. Book ahead here. Kajao Studio, 13/16 Moo 2 Soi 11 San Klang, San Kamphaeng. 10am-4pm

You don't have to be good at painting to enjoy this one – but that's somewhat the point. Pawmade is part café, part creative space, with easels set up across the floor, paint-splattered tables and a drinks and snacks menu designed to keep you comfortable for a full afternoon. Free painters can work from their own imagination while those who need a starting point can choose from a selection of examples to work from. Staff are on hand throughout and genuinely helpful when things go sideways. Whatever ends up on the canvas, you're going home with something made by your own hand. Prices depend on canvas. Walk-ins welcome. Thong-urai Cafe & Paw Made Painting, 48 Suan Dok Rd, Suthep, Muang Chiang Mai. 9.30am-5pm

If you've ever felt the sadness of watching a beautiful bouquet wilt after a few days, this workshop has the solution. Posie crafts paper flowers with such attention to hand-painted detail that they're genuinely hard to distinguish from the real thing. You can choose from a few workshop formats – depending on how much time you have – each one letting you ‘pick’ and arrange individual stems. Quicker sessions use pre-made paper flowers, while longer ones let you sit down and make your own – from mini hydrangeas to full bouquets that are packaged in beautiful wooden boxes. Even then, most workshops take under an hour, leaving plenty of time for everything else on this list.  Workshops start from B250. Walk in or message ahead here. Posie Flowers, 41/1 Taiwang Road, Chang Moi, Muang Chiang Mai. Open 9am-6pm

This is one for those who prefer their workshops outdoors and surrounded by greenery. It is Chiang Mai after all. Head north out of the city and you’ll find Araksa Tea Garden, a local tea producer set in the wilderness. This experience takes you directly into the forest – learning from the farmers themselves about how the leaves are grown before picking your own. For an additional cost you can extend the session to learn how to process and brew those same leaves into tea, finishing with a tasting of what you've worked for, alongside a snack included in the package. Needless to say, the kind of afternoon makes you appreciate your next cup of tea considerably more. From B650. Book here. Araksa Tea Garden, 87 Moo 1, Ban Chang, Mae Taeng. Tour times at 9am, 11pm and 2pm

Learn silversmithing from an instructor with over 30 years of experience and come away with a ring or pendant made entirely by your own hands. The full-day workshop covers piercing, sawing, filing and silver polishing – a proper introduction to the craft rather than a surface-level taster. Ring makers also get the chance to torch and set their piece before leaving, while those with some time can keep coming back and improving their skills. Come with a rough idea of what you want to make and bring lunch or fuel up beforehand – it's a long, but very rewarding day. From B3,500 per person. Book here. NOVA Artlab, 179 Tha Phae Road, Chang Moi, Muang Chiang Mai. Monday to Friday from 10.30am-4.30pm

Satee is for those who want their ceramics a little more fun and a little less predictable. Forget standard bowls and plant pots – here you're working with quirky shaped pieces including fox and pig-faced bowls and avocado-shaped trays that reflect the studio's playful personality. You can throw, shape and paint your pieces depending on what you want to make – just contact them directly to discuss what you're after and make a reservation at least one day ahead. Sure, it’s one of those workshops where you're genuinely not sure what you'll end up with, but that’s most of the fun. Prices vary. Contact them here for booking and more information. Satee Ceramics, 14/2 Soi Tantawan, Chang Phueak, Muang Chiang Mai. 10am-5.30pm

This peaceful oasis in the heart of the city is where you’ll find many traditional (and less traditional) workshops and activities happening throughout the week. Find your inner calm with sunset yoga and meditation, or join a khuatong (brass ornament) workshop every first and second Saturday. On those same weekends, you can also create your own Lanna flower hairpin and spend a moment admiring the various art exhibitions on display. Other activities include fingernail and umbrella dance, mini loom weaving and biodiversity workshops. Check their website for dates and details. Prices vary starting from B490. Book here. Kalm Village, 14 Phra Pok Klao Rd Soi 4, Phra Sing, Muang Chiang Mai. Open 9.30am-6.30pm, closed Wednesday

Get Roate Maa Get returns for its third edition with a focus on indigenous food culture and community exchange. Growers, cooks and makers share regional dishes, seasonal produce and stories rooted in local knowledge. It’s the kind of place where you try something unfamiliar, then end up chatting with the person who made it. Come for a quick taste, stay for the music, conversation or both. A solid pick if you want something genuinely local and independent.  May 1-2. Free entry. Get Farmily. 4pm-9pm

Chiro Flowers teams up with Bangkok-based Ciao Flora for a one-off ikebana workshop – the Japanese art of flower arrangement that’s as much about process as the final result. Expect a calm, focused session where small details matter and the pace naturally slows. It’s the kind of afternoon that leaves you feeling noticeably lighter on the way out. Seats are limited, so booking ahead is essential. May 1. B1990 per person. Book via LINE at chiro.flowers. Capa Dance Studio. 11.30am-1pm

GRAPH Warehouse leans into plants, sustainability and handmade craft with its Urban Jungle weekend. The warehouse fills with houseplants and design-led stalls, while workshops run alongside for anyone keen to make something of their own – pottery, microwave glass casting and terrarium building all in the mix. Even if you skip the workshops, it’s worth dropping in for the plants alone – and with Graph hosting, the coffee and drinks are reliably on point.  May 1-3. Free entry. GRAPH Warehouse Flea Market. 10am-6pm

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

One Nimman is bringing together the best of Chiang Mai’s café scene with a full coffee-lovers takeover of the space during the five-day food festival, Chong Chong Fest. If you’ve ever tried to café hop your way through the city and given up halfway – you’re not alone. With so many to choose from, the traffic and the heat, this is your perfect shortcut. Chong Chong Fest pulls together popular cafés, bakeries and coffee specialists into one space from April 30-May 4, making it incredibly easy to find your favourite without having to adventure across the city. Photograph: one nimman Coffee aside, there’s also something important for the sweet-toothed city dwellers – the ‘Sweet Exchange’ on May 1 – a two-hour window all about free-flow desserts..  Bring a single B100 note and sample your way through over 80 booths of desserts and baked goods, from well-known names to smaller home bakers you probably wouldn’t have found otherwise. Expect everything from pastries to matcha, specialty coffee and even craft cocktails for those looking for something stronger. For those who take their coffee a bit more seriously, there’s also the ‘Drip Coffee Competition’ on April 30. Open to baristas, café owners and home brewers, it keeps things simple. One cup, judged purely on taste and technique. And with prizes totaling over B10,000 up for grabs, why not throw your hat in the ring – or just taste the winning cup. It’s a good chance to watch, learn, and maybe rethink your daily coffee order. P

Chiang Mai doesn’t switch on its jazz scene for a festival – it’s already humming most nights. But come Chiang Mai International Jazz Day 2026 , the volume lifts. Expect three days where the city leans fully into its after-dark rhythm, shifting the city’s energy from Songkran’s chaos into something looser, cooler and just as alive. Running from 30 April to 2 May, Chiang Mai International Jazz Day 2026 turns five of the city’s best-loved venues – Moment’s Notice Jazz Club, The Mellowship Jazz Club, Mahoree City of Music, North Gate Jazz Co-Op and North Gate Spirit – into a connected, citywide stage. There’s no central arena – you move with the music. Photograph: North Gate Jazz Co-Op One minute, you’re in a low-lit room catching a tight modern jazz set; the next, you’re a few streets away in something louder, freer and fully improvised. It’s less about planning your night and more about following whatever sound pulls you in. The Mellowship anchors the weekend with one of the most consistent lineups, moving through fusion, bebop, funk, soul jazz and post-bop across the weekend. North Gate Jazz Co-Op – long a staple for both locals and travellers – keeps things close and unfiltered, with sets that blur the line between performance and jam. Mahoree leans experimental, while Moment’s Notice and North Gate Spirit round things out with a steady flow of local and visiting musicians. Photograph: The Mellowship This is the kind of festival where plans fall apart in the best way. Yo

Those who know Chiang Mai know the moat water circling the Old City is not something you want anywhere near your mouth, or face for that matter. Not ideal when most of the water flying around during Songkran comes straight from it.  But, as clockwork, authorities have come out and declared the moat water ‘safe for Songkran’ – although if you read the comments, it seems like the locals can’t help but notice fewer treatments in the lead-up to the festival.  Either way, there’s some reassurance as the official water testing that took place just this afternoon has declared the water safe for splashing, skin contact and everything external. Just try not to drink it, they ask politely.  Photograph: Chiang Mai News Water testing by the Chiang Mai Municipality recorded a pH of 7.55, which sits within the range for general use. It’s definitely not drinking water, but it is considered safe enough for the full-body soaking that Songkran is known for. And although efforts may be less publicised, the municipality says that efforts to improve water quality have been in action since late March. Fresh irrigation water has been pumped through the moat daily to keep it moving and prevent stagnation, while efforts have been made to reduce contamination and remove rubbish and debris from the city’s major Songkran water sources.  Good news for anyone planning to stick to the classic Old City water fights instead of heading to malls or club events – something we think is a tradition worth holdin

If your idea of Songkran usually involves water fights and street parties, here’s something a little quieter but arguably more meaningful to add to your calendar. Head to the Museum of Broken Relationships for a special ‘Carry Your Intention: A Songkran Ritual Festival’ that brings a more reflective pause amid the splashy chaos of Thailand’s New Year. Running from April 6-19, this contemporary take on a traditional ritual meets turns into an art experience, letting you swap water buckets for something more symbolic: a tung, or the traditional Lanna prayer flag.  Create your own tung sai moo and choose colours based on what you want to carry into the new year – red for courage, green for growth, white for letting go – and inscribe your own intention onto the flag. Whether that’s a bold life pivot or simply to drink more water is entirely up to you. Photograph: Museum of Broken Relationships Thailand The ritual draws from the Lanna tradition of Tan Tung, where offering a flag is believed to generate merit and symbolically release the weight of the past. In other words, it’s a culturally rooted way of saying new year new me.  Once you’re done, you can choose to keep your creation, leave it as part of a collective display in the museum or take it to a temple on April 15 when the tradition of sticking it in a big pile of sand is widely observed across Chiang Mai. True to the museum’s ethos, the experience also opens the door to something more personal. Visitors are invited to do

Everyone’s favourite Rimping is celebrating the weekend (because what’s not to celebrate about two days off work) with free tastings and irresistible deals so clear your schedule and come hungry.  Popping up at their Meechok branch from April 3-6, Happy Weekend brings together the very best of what loyal shoppers already love about the supermarket – and opens the floor to vendors, street food artists and much more besides.  Photograph: Rimping Supermarket Trips to the Supermarket are one of the few fun things we can do right now thanks to the smog, so head to the plaza and eat your way through over 30 food and beverage booths, serving up free tastings of everything from salmon sashimi to fresh smoothies, seasonal fruit and Korean noodles.  Beyond the tastings, Rimping are also offering over 200 promotional items available throughout the four days. Highlights include high-quality beef, frozen seafood, pasta, ice cream and the ever popular mayongchid – ‘tis the season after all.  Photograph: Rimping Supermarket So whether you have a weekly shop planned or are just looking for some fun to be had in an air-conditioned space, Happy Weekend makes it easy to indulge. Sure, there’s some booths on the outside, but you’ll have to walk past them to get in anyway – so why not stop for a second, pop off your mask and grab a free nibble.    April 3-6. Free entry but prepare to cash in on some deals.  Rimping Supermarket, Meechok Plaza. 8am-9pm  

Bangkok summers are brutal. Everyone's either fleeing to a beach or holed up poolside in a fancy resort. But this year, centralwOrld is making a case for staying put – and it's a compelling one. centralwOrld The Summer Club, running March 13-May 10, transforms centralwOrld into something between a community sports ground, an art installation and a very aesthetically pleasing excuse to get off your sofa.  Photograph: centralwOrld The visual identity comes courtesy of illustrator Prang Vipaluk (back for a second collaboration with centralwOrld) whose vivid and imaginative linework turns the mall into something that actually looks like summer feels – chaotic, colourful and alive. The centrepiece is a pickleball playground out front – the sport that everyone swore was a fad and yet here we are, still talking about it (and playing it too). The courts have been built into a full festive experience in partnership with Vaseline, Havaianas, Prebo Pop, Wilson, Hatari and Molly Tea, with check-in spots, rest areas and enough going on that non-players have a reason to show up too. Book a slot through the Central X app or simply walk-in, either way it’s completely free. Photograph: centralwOrld Beyond pickleball, there's a rotating roster of activations designed to shake off office syndrome, including the HOKA SPEEDGOAT 7 FLYLAB – a space showcasing the innovations of HOKA’s footwear that runs April 10-12 and the HOKA x centralwOrld Vertical Run Wilder on April 11 – a similar event bu