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
Set in a spacious, double-fronted building with an exposed loft-style interior, it’s minimal by design but full of energy. Behind the bar, a photo of Salvador Dalí watches over the action.
We stumbled across it and ended up returning for just about everything: fresh juices, cold beers, and one of the best duck dishes we’ve had.
The vibe builds as day fades, car lights flash past like strobes, the music rises, and the whole place hums with good energy. The team are full of kindness, and the owners were generous enough to send us off in merch.
One to make your local.
64 Tha Phae Road, Chiang Mai
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Set on Nimmanhaemin Road, L.O.T connects a modern industrial interior with open-air seating via big sliding doors. Floor-to-ceiling windows mean it’s also one of the best people-watching spots around.
We balanced the Greek yoghurt fruit bowl (looks healthy, feels healthy) with a whipped cream ‘soft Latte’ - basically dessert in a cup.
Weekly exotic flower displays bring a massive hit of colour to the minimalist space, while the in-house roaster fills the air with that proper coffee aroma.
Continually busy, but the energy’s great and the staff are swift and friendly. A caffeinated favourite.
8/5 Nimmanahaeminda Road, Chiang Mai
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We moved from pineapple-infused oysters to crispy pig tails with Korean spices, blistered padrons, delicate mackerel, in-season asparagus, before landing on some seriously good steaks.
And yes, the baked Alaska with apple crumble ice cream lives up to James Acaster's hype.
Natural light pours in, the open kitchen glows, and the setting mixes urban edge with soft greenery. Our server made the whole experience feel easy—knowledgeable, friendly, and full of youthful energy.
Thanks to my mate, Craig, for the nudge to come here. We’ll be back.
Headrow House, 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PUWebsite