The Ada House journal

Stories from Chiang Mai

Local culture, hidden corners and practical tips — from the people who actually live here.

Lanna-style illustration of Songkran in Chiang Mai, joyful water-splashing by the old city moat and Tha Phae Gate in bright sunshine

Local culture · May 29, 2026

Songkran in Chiang Mai: the world's best water fight

For a few days in April, Chiang Mai becomes the happiest, wettest place on earth. Songkran is a city-wide water fight wrapped around a sacred new year.

Lanna-style illustration of a serene Chiang Mai forest temple meditation sala with a golden Buddha, cushions, a candle and a lotus in soft morning light

Local culture · May 28, 2026

Meditation & Monk Chat: Chiang Mai's quiet side

Chiang Mai is one of the gentlest places in the world to be curious about Buddhism. You can chat with a monk, or sit a quiet retreat — both are open to you.

Lanna-style illustration of a Muay Thai fight night in Chiang Mai, two fighters in a lit ring with a traditional band playing at the side

Local culture · May 27, 2026

Muay Thai in Chiang Mai: watch a fight or train

The reedy music, the ritual dance, the crack of a shin on pads — Muay Thai is everywhere here. You can watch it most nights, or learn it yourself.

Lanna-style illustration of the Grand Canyon at Hang Dong near Chiang Mai, turquoise water below warm ochre quarry cliffs

Things to do · May 26, 2026

The Grand Canyon at Hang Dong: a hot-season cool-off

When the hot season bites, the flooded quarry south of town is the most fun way to cool off. Here's the playful version and the safety version.

Lanna-style illustration of the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai, an ornate all-white temple and naga bridge against a deep blue sky

Things to do · May 25, 2026

A day trip to Chiang Rai: the White & Blue temples

Three hours north sit two of Thailand's most jaw-dropping temples. They make a big day out of Chiang Mai — here's how to do it well.

Lanna-style illustration of a winding northern Thai mountain road toward a distant border, a river bridge, travellers with passports and misty hills

Move here · May 24, 2026

Visa runs from Chiang Mai: borders, options & the honest truth

Visa rules in Thailand change often and depend on your passport. Here's an honest orientation to your options from Chiang Mai — and why you must always verify.

Lanna-style illustration of Chiang Mai's Arcade bus terminal with colourful long-distance coaches, travellers and green mountains behind

Practical tips · May 23, 2026

Chiang Mai bus station (Arcade): buses to everywhere up north

From overnight VIP coaches to Bangkok to winding minivans up to Pai, the Arcade terminal is your road link to the north. Here's how to use it like a local.

Lanna-style illustration of a vintage train arriving at Chiang Mai railway station at dusk, rice paddies, misty mountains and bougainvillea

Practical tips · May 22, 2026

Chiang Mai train station & the overnight sleeper to Bangkok

The overnight sleeper to Bangkok is a small adventure in itself. Here's how Chiang Mai's charming little station works — classes, booking and the slow-travel magic.

Lanna-style illustration of Chiang Mai International Airport with a small plane, Doi Suthep mountain behind and palm trees in warm evening light

Practical tips · May 21, 2026

Chiang Mai airport (CNX): your gateway to Thailand & Asia

Small, modern and barely 10 minutes from the old city — CNX is one of Chiang Mai's quiet superpowers. Here's where it flies and how to get to the house.