Set across multiple levels with minimal architecture and interior design. Fresh air drifts through the open-sided floor overlooking Railway Park.
When we visited it was busy with post-run crews and Instagrammers, but it never felt hectic.
Good coffee, and some cracking merch to take home.
459 34 Charoen Muang Rd, Chiang Mai
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A small, modern museum dedicated to contemporary artists from Thailand and across Asia. The exterior alone is a draw, clad in thousands of tiny mirror tiles that catch the light as you arrive.
Inside, a café and shop sit at the front, with a large gallery space stretching out behind. The exhibitions move between styles and mediums, creating some interesting and unexpected contrasts.
An easy hour of cultural immersion.
122, Moo 7 Tonpao San Kamphaeng District, Chiang MaiWebsite
Right by the university, the place hums with youthful energy and big appetites. Tables spill onto a busy street and prices feel firmly night market.
Ordering is a simple three-step ritual.
Pick your meat. Chicken, pork, beef or wagyu.
Choose your spice level. No chilli, less, medium or very.
Then the eggs. Creamy omelette, fried duck egg, or stack them if you fancy.
I went for “less”. Still punchy. Very aromatic. She went for “very” and paid the consequences.
A final warning. The spice will see you tomorrow. Choose wisely.
Lang Mor Night Market, Chiang Mai
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We cooked together in their kitchen and ate in an open dining space, learning recipes deeply rooted in their homeland. Kim-paung-khaw (spring onion tempura), tea leaf salad, steamed fish wrapped in banana leaves.
If you’re in Chiang Mai, meeting, cooking and eating with Min and May is something special. And if you don’t fancy cooking yourself, they also offer private dinners and catering.
(Address In Link) Chiang Mai, ThailandWebsite
Rabbit Bar 8 is small and unfussy. Vinyl DJs, craft beer on tap, and a couple of cocktails happily knocked together for my beer hating other half.
Super friendly, not cliquey or trying too hard.
165 Su Thep Mueang, Chiang Mai
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Set within a building in Chiang Mai’s old trade neighbourhood, it’s easy to walk straight past. It looks closed. That’s part of the charm.
Inside, the ground floor is stripped back and industrial, nodding to the building’s past. Upstairs shifts gear completely. Museum-like, slightly European in feel, with contemporary artworks dotted throughout.
Even the stairs keep you on your toes. No railings. A gentle sense of jeopardy. Worth seeking out.
177 Charoen Muang Rd, Tambon Wat Ket, Chiang Mai
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A peaceful loop around the reservoir with wide mountain views and plenty of space to slow down. Properly picturesque.
We’ve seen run clubs doing laps on Instagram. In real life it was a relaxed mix of locals, students and visitors sharing the space nicely.
Must be something special to study here and have this on your doorstep.
Don’t worry, if coffee and cake withdrawal kick in, there’s a decent spot right by the water.
Sukhothai 5 Alley, Tambon Su Thep, Chiang MaiWebsite
A beautifully designed, friendly spot right in the heart of Nimman. Cocktails run from 7pm till midnight and they take them seriously. We worked our way through plenty across multiple visits.
I kept drifting back to the infused Old Fashioned, as I often do. It came with a homemade brownie as a garnish. The complimentary bowls of snacks were demolished regardless of how full we were.
Good people. Good vibes. Owned by the Brewginning Coffee crew, which explains a lot.
30/3 Nimmanahaeminda Road Soi 11, Chiang Mai
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The teaching was friendly and patient. The setting calm and tranquil. An outdoor studio, warmed by the November winter sun. Proper fun.
All materials are included. Clay, glazes, kiln firing. No hidden extras. We picked up the finished pieces three weeks later.
Most impressively, after eight flights, we got them back to the UK without breaking a single one.
8, 5 Sirorot Rd, Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiWebsite
Baan Kang Wat is made up of a handful of small houses gathered around a shared courtyard and amphitheatre. Independent shops, studios and cafés sit side by side, and it genuinely feels like everyone is in it together.
You’ll find libraries, art and craft studios, galleries, bakeries, gelato, coffee shops, live music and restaurants. Most things are handmade, local, sustainable or organic. Often all four.
There are workshops too. Ceramics, jewellery, watercolour, woodcut printing, notebook making, indigo. Or you can do nothing at all. Sit, drink coffee, watch people drift through and soak it in.
So many people enjoying themselves it lifts your spirits without trying. An unforgettable pocket of creativity.
191-197 Suthep Rd, Tambon Su Thep, Chiang MaiWebsite
Walk in and you're hit with great scents, a sound system carries everything from electronic to offbeat vocals, and serious interior design. Cement walls, metallic counters, and subtle lighting. Design touches that are really different.
The cocktails have serious depth. The Ylang-ylang infusion was a treat.
This place is for serious design lovers, especially those that like settling in for a session.
33, 10-11 Changklan Rd, Chiang Mai
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Situated opposite the entrance to Baan Kang Wat Village, it’s the perfect stop after exploring the studios, craft stores and galleries nearby. No signage, just follow the scent and see what’s simmering.
When we visited, one woman was running the whole show, cooking and serving a full restaurant solo. Respect. Come with patience, leave full and happy.
QWGX+FM6, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District
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Out back, a beautifully curated lifestyle store features handcrafted objects made in collaboration with Thai artisans. Think mother of pearl, bone, horn, glass, wood and natural fibres.
The coffee is excellent, the juices are refreshing. Sure, it’s a bit of a magnet for YouTubers and Instagrammers, but don’t let that put you off.
Come early, before it hots up.
160/7 Moo5, Tambon Sutep, Ampor Muang, Chiang Mai
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The Secret of Noodles keeps it simple and the results are seriously satisfying.
Set in an open-sided, modern space with bold graphics and traditional soul, this noodle spot serves up comforting bowls with an impressively punchy broth and cuts of chicken done every way, including blood cake.
The menu’s in Thai, but the staff are kind and ready to help. The owner came over to chat and made us feel instantly welcome. We’d heard her friends sometimes roll through for impromptu DJ sets. We didn’t catch one, but we’ll be back.
We came for lunch, then came again. And again.
A fresh, youthful take on a local classic.
31, 1 Thipanet Road, Chiang MaiWebsite