What is it:
Anyone in Chiang Mai long enough will remember the Jai Thep Festival era. Gaia Beats is its spiritual successor, with many of the team behind that legendary era back with this new, more grown-up version that is the closest you’ll get to a Glastonbury-atmosphere anywhere in Thailand.
Why we love it:
Kicking off last year with a one-day test-run event (which was great fun if you missed it), organiser Tom is going full force into this three-day festival that ‘gives more than it takes’. It’s community-focused and the biggest not-for-profit fest in the North. And while the focus is definitely on music, things kick-off early with workshops, kids’ zones and immersive performances that last all day and night. Festival heads can pitch a tent free of charge and head to Synergy Stage for electronic beats that err on the side of downtempo or The Bunker for those heavier rhythms of UK bass and sound system culture.
There are also love bands playing from midday to well past sundown, with big names like Echo Resort, Vega, Rasmee, Apichat Pakwan and No Know headlining the weekend alongside newcomers Bangkok Reggae Massive and Kiki to name just a few. And then there are the workshops – Kindred Caravan hidden deep in the woods sees everything from tantric continuums to crazy kid takeovers, Workshop Yard is all about getting hands-on, and the Shala is where you go for energy. And if that’s not enough to tempt you, check out our latest Time Out Podcast as we talk with the founder Tom and get the lowdown straight from the horse’s mouth.
Time Out tip:
The festival is set at Sense Hot Spring Wellness & Spa in Mae On – yes, it’s a bit of a trek (but we’re talking 30 minutes, not an expedition), but better still, the spa stays open throughout the weekend, so if the dancefloor leaves you aching, a proper soak or massage is right there waiting.
23-25 Jan. B3,300 online, B4,000 on the door. Details here. Sense Hot Spring Wellness & Spa, Mae On.