Activities to do indoors in Chiang Mai until the intense pollution goes down

The intense pollution has made Chiang Mai become the city with the poorest air quality in the world. Your health is important, and this situation is not helping. Until it goes down, here are some activities to do indoors in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai’s pollution has made photos of the city reminiscent of the beautiful town of Silent Hill. The air quality is damaging to anyone’s health, whether they’d like to admit it or not. People are out with face masks, and stay inside whenever possible. But life goes on, and we can’t stay in our homes everyday. So, maybe these indoor activities will make you call up some company and enjoy some time together, all while avoiding all the pollution in the Chiang Mai air.

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A 101 guide to surviving your trip to Chiang Mai

Activities to do indoors in Chiang Mai until the intense pollution goes down

Surround yourself with creative energy with art galleries around the city

Chiang Mai is where art comes alive, with a thriving contemporary scene and a community of artists that stays close together. The city houses an abundance of workshops, studios, art galleries — many built by the resident artists themselves, and there’s so many to choose from. Maispace provides an exhibition area for international artists as a way of letting them form bonds with the local community. Gallery Seescape focuses on interactibility, erasing the picture that art is to be seen on a wall far away from touch. The Meeting Room Art Gallery is one of the longest-running art community space in Chiang Mai, featuring both local and international artists.

Learn more about Thai food with cooking classes at Asia Scenic

Located in the old city of Chiang Mai, Asia Scenic is a cooking school created and run by a local Thai family. Just bring yourself and your best company, and they’ll take care of everything from ingredients to kitchen equipment. They don’t have a fixed menu, but rather teach you the basics and let you cook what you wish to cook under the guidance of their teachers. Or if you’re already a pro in the kitchen, book a decorative fruit carving course to show your friends at home.

You can find more information at Asia Scenic.

Attend tango, swing, and salsa dance classes at One Nimman

When marimba rhythms start to play, but you don’t know how to dance and sway, One Nimman can help you with that. They have a few dance classes regularly held every week with instructors — perfect for both those just starting out or veterans looking to refresh their memories. Tango classes are on Fridays, swing dance on Saturdays, and Salsa on Sundays, 8pm onwards. Stop by the flea market while you’re there and see what handmade collectibles you’d like to take home.

You can find more information at One Nimman.

Participate in jam sessions at North Gate Jazz Co-Op

North Gate Jazz Co-Op has been a community space for jazz lovers of Bangkok for a long time. After they had to close down for a while during the pandemic, they are now fully back in action including their jam sessions every Tuesdays. If you’re a performer at heart with skills to boot, but can’t seem to find a venue to pour your talent in, ask them to jam for a song or two. Even if you can’t play any instruments, the live jazz they have everyday will certainly fly you to the moon.

You can find more information at North Gate Jazz Co-Op.

Brush up on your muay thai and get physical at The Bear Fight Club Chiang Mai

Muay thai is a great way to stay fit, burn calories, and deal with the anger of the government still not doing anything about all the pollution in the air. Chiang Mai has a few choices for it, and we recommend The Bear Fight Club no matter if you’re new to the sport or already know your stuff. This indoor gym offers trainers to help you train with prices more than reasonable, as well as a community of people who love muay thai. It’s the perfect place if you’re new to the city.

You can find more information at The Bear Fight Club Chiang Mai.

Try local food spots listed on the Michelin Guide (and also the ones that aren’t)

If you’re in Chiang Mai, this means you won’t find yourself in a food shortage anytime soon. From local street food to fine dining, you’re spoiled for choice when in the city. Plus, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to get good food. Khao Soy Maesai and Khao Soi Nimman serve up khao soi like no other — arrive in the late evening so there’s minimal queue. Huen Muan Jai has one of the best hang le curries we ever tasted. Cherng Doi Roast Chicken’s signature roast chicken with tamarind sauce has us coming back again and again. All of those and so many more to choose from.

Bar hop and taste the Chiang Mai mixology scene

Chiang Mai has a vast yet tight-knitted bar scene, and the cocktail bars of the city certainly do not disappoint. Bar veteran Gov Kitibordee said that these bars are only 5-10 minutes between one another, so you can actually try every bar in one night. Since the pollution is still quite intense, maybe spread it out and stay a while longer. Don’t know which to begin with? Bitter Truth boasts a cosy setting with signature drinks paying homage to the city. The White Rabbit is a speakeasy proclaimed as the best bar in Chiang Mai. Before Dawn houses Parbun Bunragsatrakul, winner of Diageo World Class Thailand 2023, and an impressive drinks menu focused on sustainability.