The Ada House journal
Stories from Chiang Mai
Local culture, hidden corners and practical tips — from the people who actually live here.
Bo Sang & San Kamphaeng: a Chiang Mai craft day trip
Out east of the city, almost every shopfront turns out to be a workshop. Come watch painters add peacocks to paper parasols — and maybe to your phone case too.
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Where to splurge: Chiang Mai's best restaurants for a special meal
There's an anniversary, a last night, a 'we made it' moment that deserves more than a market stool. Here's where we send our guests to dine beautifully.
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Chiang Mai's art scene: galleries, murals and slow creativity
For such a small city, Chiang Mai makes a remarkable amount of art. Here's how we'd help you find it — from a mirrored museum to back-alley murals.
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Adventurous Eating in Chiang Mai: Insects, Offal and Local Oddities
Bamboo worms, raw larb and a fruit banned from hotel lobbies? The Ada House team's loving guide to Chiang Mai's boldest bites — start small and eat brave.
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Wiang Kum Kam: the lost city just south of Chiang Mai
Five kilometres south of the city lies a capital that came before Chiang Mai — flooded, abandoned, and forgotten underground for centuries.
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Wat Umong: the forest tunnel temple of Chiang Mai
No gold, no crowds — just brick tunnels, a quiet lake and trees that whisper. Chiang Mai's most contemplative temple is hiding in the forest.
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Wat Ban Den: Chiang Mai's most dazzling temple, an hour north
It's the most spectacular temple most people never see. An hour north of the city, and almost no tour buses.
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Volunteering in Chiang Mai: how to give back without doing harm
Wanting to help is the easy part. Helping well takes a little more care. Here's how to give back in Chiang Mai without doing harm.
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The Vegetarian Festival in Chiang Mai: nine days of going jay
For nine days each autumn, much of Chiang Mai quietly turns vegan. Here's what the Vegetarian Festival is, and how to eat your way through it.
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Understanding Thai Buddhism: a gentle primer
Once you understand the belief, the temples and rituals around you stop being scenery and start making quiet sense.
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Travel & health insurance for a long stay in Chiang Mai
It's the boring purchase you forget about — until the day you very much don't. Here's how to get it right.
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3 days in Chiang Mai: the perfect long-weekend itinerary
Only got a long weekend? Three well-paced days that cover the old city, the mountain and one proper day out — without ever feeling rushed.
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