I Found a “Japan Town” in Chiang Mai 🇹🇭 (Otaru Vibes?!)
subtitled in local language
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I visited a “Japan town” in Chiang Mai… and it completely surprised me.
This place—known as Mae Kha Canal—is often called the “Otaru of Thailand.” Once a polluted and neglected canal, it has now been transformed into one of Chiang Mai’s most photogenic hidden spots, with walkways, cafés, lanterns, and a vibe that feels straight out of Japan
But is it really like Japan?
Or just a glorified night market?
In this video, I explore:
The REAL vibe of Chiang Mai’s “Japan Town”
Day vs night experience (big difference!)
Street food, snacks, and local life along the canal
Honest thoughts on whether it’s worth visiting
This is not a perfect place. The canal still has its flaws—but that’s exactly what makes the transformation even more fascinating.
Sometimes travel isn’t about perfection…
It’s about seeing how a place evolves.
📍 Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
🎥 Filmed during New Year trip
timecodes
00:00 a Japan town in Thailand Chiang Mai
00:36 How to go for Bangkok to Chiang Mai (by flight)
01:20 How to go from Chiang Mai airport to Chiang Mai city centre [สนามบินเชียงใหม่]
02:47 I check into Family Home 2 Chiang Mai hostel
04:02 Chiang Mai during New Year’s eve – prayers, Lanna sky lanterns
05:51 Chiang Mai New Year countdown
07:03 From Chiang Mai South Gate to North Gate to take songthaew to Doi Suthep
08:29 Doi Suthep temple to pray and view point of Chiang Mai [ดอยสุเทพ]
10:27 Traditional Thai porridge at Jok Sompet [โจ๊กสมเพชร]
11:03 the charm of Chiang Moi Road [เกษตรเมืองใหม่]
11:59 pad thai at Chiang Mai Ghia Kitchen
13:00 Traditional Thai desserts at Kanomwan Chang Moi [ขนมหวานช้างม่อย]
14:05 taking the IG video at Tha Phae Gate [ประตูท่าแพ]
14:43 how to get to Mae Kha Canal [คลองแม่ข่า]
16:16 how Mae Kha Canal is created? [คลองแม่ข่า]
18:25 Mae Kha Canal retro vibe [คลองแม่ข่า]
19:30 Mae Kha Canal food [คลองแม่ข่า]
20:20 When is the best time to visit Mae Kha Canal? [คลองแม่ข่า]
21:42 dinner at Chiang Mai South Gate – Pratu Chiang Mai [ประตูเชียงใหม่]
22:33 I check out from Chiang Mai hostel and walk to the airport
23:28 I must visit Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom [ข้าวซอยลุงประกิจกาดก้อม]
24:18 Central Chiangmai Airport for Thai Khao Soi noodle [เซ็นทรัล เชียงใหม่ แอร์พอร์ต]
25:02 Leaving Chiang Mai from Chiang Mai International Airport [ท่าอากาศยานนานาชาติเชียงใหม่]
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