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1 week ago | 
silverkris.singaporeair.com | Karen Fong
7 min read Published On May 9, 2025 International Museum Day on 18 May highlights the vital role museums play in cultural exchange and societal development.
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1 week ago | 
silverkris.singaporeair.com | Karen Fong
A Chiang Mai institution since 2008, this laidback bar near the Chang Phuak Gate is where the city’s indie music scene comes alive. Despite the name, it’s not all jazz here. You’re just as likely to hear hip-hop, rock or slow jam sessions throughout the week. Catch their open mic nights which highlight experimental sounds. The crowd spills out onto the pavement most evenings, drawn by the free entry, eclectic vibe and rotating lineup of local and international talent.
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1 week ago | 
silverkris.singaporeair.com | Karen Fong
Chiang Mai’s answer to The Commons in Bangkok, this three-storey community space near Tha Phae Gate brings together about a dozen upscale-casual food and drink spots under one roof. Think wood-fired pizza from local favourites Adirak, refined northern Thai fare from Lua and comforting Japanese oden at Kinjo, alongside wines by the glass or bottle, craft beers and spirits.
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2 weeks ago | 
silverkris.singaporeair.com | Karen Fong
This 700-year-old forest temple and meditation centre built by King Mengrai in the Doi Suthep foothills is one of the city’s most unique. Spend an hour or two exploring the arched underground tunnels and prayer rooms, reading words of wisdom posted on trees and saying hello to the resident monks’ farm animals. Then head up the road to Baan Kang Wat, a market full of independent boutiques, craft makers and vintage shops.
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2 weeks ago | 
silverkris.singaporeair.com | Karen Fong
Every local has their go-to spot for khao soi, Chiang Mai’s iconic curry noodles, and Samer Jai – set in a bustling, hawker court-style space beside a temple and the Ping River – is a perennial favourite. The signature bowl comes loaded with tender beef or chicken, springy egg noodles and a rich, coconut-laced curry broth. But don’t stop there.
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2 weeks ago | 
silverkris.singaporeair.com | Karen Fong
Chiang Mai’s answer to Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market, Jing Jai offers a fun, family-friendly community space bridging organic produce, fresh food and boutiques selling souvenirs, clothing, art and more. The market has been in operation since 2006 and has grown by leaps and bounds since then. Now, it’s spread across 44,800m2 of land and puts on concerts, movies and themed shopping events every week. It’s open daily, but it’s at its most vibrant on weekends.
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2 weeks ago | 
silverkris.singaporeair.com | Karen Fong
Founded by coffee expert and influential Akha community leader Lee Ayu Chuepa, this roastery-slash-social enterprise showcases beans grown by Indigenous communities across northern Thailand. Stop by for a single-origin pour-over, a latte made with the excellent house blend or tea brewed from local roses or coffee flowers. There are several branches – including a roastery in Mae Rim housed in a striking wooden barn – but the most convenient is near Wat Phra Singh.
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2 weeks ago | 
silverkris.singaporeair.com | Karen Fong
A bar rarely gets more personal than this. Run by the amiable Namton and Em, this aptly named house bar transforms their downstairs space into a rustic, keepsake-filled spot for craft beer fans. The fridges and tap list spotlight fresh imports alongside IPAs, stouts, wheats, lagers and sours from Thailand’s most interesting microbreweries – including Em and Namton’s own beers made in Bangkok. The food is excellent, the soundtrack always on point and the vibe lively yet low-key.
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2 weeks ago | 
silverkris.singaporeair.com | Karen Fong
This sleek, speakeasy-style bar near the North Gate brings a bit of Bangkok nightlife to the northern Thai capital. The White Rabbit is small and low-lit, built around a black marble bar inside an unassuming wooden house. Their signature cocktails feature local ingredients – from black sticky rice to lychee and makwaen (a lemony, milder cousin of Sichuan peppercorn) – and change monthly. But the bartenders can make whatever you crave.
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2 weeks ago | 
silverkris.singaporeair.com | Karen Fong
For a taste of Thai spirits, head to this small, eclectic bar in the Old City. Every drink features a local twist, whether it’s an ingredient like larb powder or Suea Dam, an aromatic Thai liqueur made with nine herbs. Despite its compact size (it seats just a dozen or so), Nophaburi has a lively energy each night, with DJs spinning sets and bartenders cracking jokes with guests. If you’re after creative cocktails without the frills, this is your spot.
