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Chiang Mai Bakeries and Dessert Spots - Kata Bella's Picks 2026

11 Aug 2026 by Bella

Chiang Mai Bakeries and Dessert Spots - Kata Bella's Picks 2026 Image

Chiang Mai Bakeries and Dessert Spots

Chiang Mai may be known for its temples, mountains, and cafe culture, but there’s also no shortage of amazing Chiang Mai Bakeries and dessert spots to discover. From buttery French croissants and freshly baked pastries to creative pies, cakes, and sweet treats, the city has plenty of places to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a quiet morning coffee, a cosy afternoon dessert stop, or simply a little treat after exploring under the tropical sun, these are some of my favourite spots to indulge in Chiang Mai.

You may also like this article: 7 Days in Chiang Mai – Interesting Things to Do, See, and Eat

PASTRIES, DONUTS, PIES, AND MORE

Day by Day

They had only just opened (at the time of me writing this), but the queue was already pretty long – and it’s there for a reason. This little spot mainly does donuts, and they’ve definitely nailed it. The toppings are delicious with all my favourite flavours like pistachio, hazelnut, matcha, and raspberry, but the donuts themselves are really good! Light, fluffy, and have that perfect texture. A little heads up though, they only accept cash, so make sure you come prepared. If you’re getting a few boxes to take away, their clever packaging is a nice touch too! The donuts stand upright, making them easier to carry around.

📍Google Map: Day by Day
⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9.30am-6pm

Chiang Mai Bakeries - Day by Day

Victor’s French Bakery

For those days when you wake up craving a simple, buttery French croissant for breakfast, this is the perfect spot to visit. The place is actually located on the main street, but tucked away behind a little alley, which makes it nice and quiet. Their coffee is good too, I usually order a piccolo latte. If you come a little later in the afternoon, they might not have many pastries left, though. But there will be some sweet treats in the fridge display. I love their tartlets with fresh blueberries, and maybe you will like them too!

📍Google Map: Victor’s French Bakery
⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 8am-6pm

Image credit: Victor’s French Bakery Google page

You may also like this article: Chiang Mai Cafes – 6 Cute Places with Great Coffee and Bites

Chouquette

Another French bakery not far from Victor’s, this one feels like it has a wider selection of pastries and desserts to choose from. But somehow every time I visit, I always end up ordering from their breakfast menu instead – usually their croque madame or quiches, which are always a good choice. The space is bright and air-conditioned – a nice little escape if you need a break from walking around in the tropical heat.

📍Google Map: Chouquette
⏰ Opening Hour: Tue-Sun, 8am-6pm

Image credit: Choquette Instagram page

Charin Pie

Charin Pie does exactly what the name suggests…pies, lol. And lots of them! They have a wide variety of flavours, from classic favourites like apple pie to more unique creations like their Dubai chocolate pistachio pie. I think it’s best to come with a few friends and order different pies to share so you can try a little bit of everything. They also serve coffee, and for a fun little touch, you can get your photo printed on the coffee foam. The place itself is really cute too – you can sit in the garden that feels a bit like visiting your grandma’s backyard.

📍Google Map: Charin Pie
⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-7pm

SMOOTHIES AND FROYO

Joost

If you see a small smoothie bar in Nimman with a long queue, that’s it – that’s Joost! One word: their strawberry yoghurt smoothie: bomb! For only 70 baht, you get a tall glass of creamy, refreshing goodness that, for me, is enough to replace a meal. I’ve tried their other flavours too, which were also so nice, but the strawberry yoghurt is still the best one so far. It’s simple, delicious, and definitely worth waiting in line for.

📍Google Map: Joost Smoothies drink healthy
⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 8am-11pm

Image credit: Joost Google page

You may also like this article: Where to Eat in Chiang Mai – From Thai to Western Cuisine


Gapple

Not far from Joost, there’s another smoothie spot that’s a little more on the fancy side. They use dates as a natural sweetener instead of added sugar. They also offer protein smoothies – and by protein, I mean…blended chicken breast! Whoah! Apparently, it doesn’t taste like chicken at all (I’ll take their word for it!), so if you’re feeling adventurous, this could be the one to try. But I’ll stick with my matcha strawberry smoothie. Ps. bonus point – they have a kids’ size option, which is perfect if you’re like me and can never finish a full tall cup of smoothie in one go.

📍Google Map: Gapple Chiang Mai
⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-9pm

Image credit: Gapple Thailand Instagram

Rob’s Berry

Froyo has always been one of my all-time favourite desserts, and Rob’s Berry definitely hits the spot. It’s light and not overly sweet. You can customise it with your choice of toppings, so you can make it exactly how you like it. Besides froyo, they also offer smoothie bowls if you’re in the mood for something a little more filling. The place itself is super cute, and it’s conveniently located right next to a lovely bakery, Groon – the perfect little stop for a sweet treat.

📍Google Map: Rob’s Berry
⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-9.30pm

Image credit: Rob’s Berry Thailand Instagram

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From Privet Drive to Gringotts: A Magical Day at Harry Potter Studio Tour London Image

05 Dec 2024 by Bella in United Kingdom

From Privet Drive to Gringotts: A Magical Day at Harry Potter Studio Tour London

My journey into the Harry Potter world began 24 years ago, when my uncle gifted me the first book when I was 12. He worked in a bookstore at the time and gave me the first book – it was considered quite a luxury back then, so I was eager not to miss out. After finishing the first one, I was hooked and wanted more. But the only copies available at that time were in English - so as the books got thicker, reading in my second language became more difficult. But luckily they started turning them into films, haha! Fast forward to today, and when I finally landed in London for the first time, I convinced my husband to visit The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros studio tour. I’ll tell you what - I was one lucky Muggle! There was no way we could get tickets during the high season, but two people decided to cancel, and that’s how we got ours. The tickets are not cheap, especially when you convert them to Indonesian rupiah – it was over IDR 1 million each *crying in parseltongue*. But boy, was it worth it! It was a dream come true for me! And in this article, I'll share everything you need to know: ticket tips, costs, and why this magical London attraction is worth every Galleon. You may also like this article: 48 Hours in Amsterdam - A Quick Trip, Big Memories Unfortunately, the expense didn’t stop at the tickets. We also had to take a train out of London, which cost £20 per person. But the tickets did include a bus pick-up from the train station to the studio. On the bus, Draco Malfoy greeted us on screen, which definitely added to the excitement! (Not sure why him though, where’s Harry!). The tickets have time slots, and since we arrived early, we headed to the cafeteria for some soup served in a cauldron! We were also given a passport with interactive tasks, like collecting stamps and finding golden snitches. You can choose to use an audio guide, available in several languages - and I wonder why I didn’t ask for mine in Bahasa Indonesia, just for fun, lol.  You make also like this article: A Playful Stay in Copenhagen - My 25hours Hotel Experience So, we started the studio tour in the Great Hall, and then it took us through everything you could possibly imagine from the films! From Harry’s cupboard under the stairs, to Gryffindor’s common room, Hagrid’s hut, Professor Dumbledore’s office, and even the Forbidden Forest! I got to meet Aragog and the Hippogriff (and I wasn’t surprised to see all the nerdy Potterheads bowing to it, haha). There’s also an outdoor area where you can visit Harry’s aunt and uncle’s house on Privet Drive, and the plant room where they grow Mandrakes! It was raining and cold, but that didn’t stop anyone - certainly not me, from exploring. I treated myself to some Butterbeer. You can clean the mug and take it home! Then, I continued my journey through Platform 9¾, Diagon Alley, and Gringotts. No wonder the website says it’s at least a 3-hour tour! You may also like this article: Brazil and Indonesia - Fun Finds in Similarities It was one of the best days ever! It brought back so many wonderful childhood memories. If you're ever in London and are a Harry Potter fan, I can't recommend the studio tour enough. It’s totally worth the splurge. Just be sure to book your tickets well in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly!  Harry Potter Studio Tour London Summary Planning Your Visit Ticket Price: More less IDR 1,000,000 each How to Save: Book 3-4 months early – slots sell fast! Getting There: Take a £20 (approx. IDR 400,000) train from London + free shuttle bus Magical Highlights The Great Hall: Walk under floating candles and house banners Privet Drive: Recreate Harry’s iconic cupboard-under-the-stairs moment Butterbeer: Sip the creamy drink and keep the souvenir mug! Diagon Alley & Gringotts: Walk through the dragon-guarded bank and Ollivanders’ wand shop. Is It Worth It? Absolutely! For Potterheads, the Harry Potter Studio Tour London is a nostalgic journey through Hogwarts, Dumbledore’s office, and the Forbidden Forest. Just budget for tickets + train fares. Bella's Tips Skip the audio guide (you will be visually pleased the whole time - and save money) Arrive early for cauldron soup at the cafeteria Wear layers in autumn/ winter – the outdoor Privet Drive area gets chilly! Click here to buy the tickets. Isabella - Hufflepuff

A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know Image

29 Jan 2026 by Bella in Asia

A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know

I’ve been in Chiang Mai, Thailand for two weeks at the time I’m writing this, and I already feel at home. So much so that I haven’t really explored much yet. I’ve fallen into a nice routine of jiu jitsu training and working from home - which I absolutely love. So when my two best friends decided to visit, it felt like the perfect time for a proper weekend adventure. At the top of my list was Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Chiang Mai’s most sacred temples. Located on Doi Suthep mountain, it overlooks the city and it’s only 45 minutes drive from the city centre. Known for its golden pagoda, beautiful view, and the famous 306-step dragon staircase, it’s one of those places that feels both grounding and magical. First Thing First: How to Get to Doi SuthepGetting to the Top: Stairs or Cable Car?Temples, Rituals, and Quiet MomentsA 50-Baht Ride Down The Mountain First Thing First: How to Get to Doi Suthep After researching how to get there (the options are a private car, public transport from Chiang Mai Zoo, or a Grab car), we decided to just book a Grab car so we could head up early. And by early, I mean 7am - which, by the way, was a huge achievement for the three of us, considering we love a good sleep-in. I read that the sunrise from the viewpoint is amazing, but let’s not push it right? 7am felt ambitious enough, lol. One thing about taking a Grab car up there: some drivers might be a bit hesitant as they might struggle to find passengers on the way back down. In our case, the driver just asked if we could pay cash instead, which was absolutely fine.  You may also like this article: Swapping Beaches for Mountaintops: A Chilly Christmas in Bromo Outside of the temples - people often pray here too The drive up the mountain didn’t feel long at all, especially with good company. Once we reached the foot of the mountain, the road began winding upwards. On the way up, we passed keen runners and determined cyclists. There’s also the Monk’s Trail if you fancy a hike up, which is popular among locals and hikers looking for a more challenging route to the top. Distance-wise, it’s only around 10km from the city. Technically, I could run to Doi Suthep… but my poor knees would never survive the elevation! Haha. We were dropped off right at the temple entrance, where loads of songthaews (Thai public transport vehicles) were parked. That instantly allayed my worries after all the earlier stress about whether we’d be able to find a Grab car back down.  Getting to the Top: Stairs or Cable Car? Okay, so there are two ways to get to the top: the famous 306-step dragon staircase or the cable car. With a little bit of persuasion, I managed to convince the girls that the stairs were the right choice! It’s totally up to you if you want to take the cable car, but there’s usually a queue. The morning air is pretty chilly too, which makes a huge difference. Climbing the stairs when you’re not hot and drenched in sweat is way more pleasant. So yeah… give it a try 😉 Me and my best friends in front of Doi Suthep's famous 306-step dragon staircase Temples, Rituals, and Quiet Moments Once we made it to the top, there are several temples you can to visit. Just a few things to keep in mind: wear respectful clothing; no tank tops, no shorts, and no shoes inside the temples. You’ll find shoe racks by the entrance where you can safely leave them. Within the temple areas, keep your voice low and your movements calm. You’ll often see people circling the pagoda clockwise three times, and you’re welcome to join in. There’s also a prayer you can recite to worship the pagoda. There are prayer rooms you can walk into as well, and you’re free to pray in whatever belief you hold. I believe gratitude and blessings exist in every religion, so I visited a few of the prayer rooms with my friends - it felt very soothing. And if praying or rituals aren’t your thing, you can simply wander around and admire the beautiful Buddhist architecture. Once you’re done, take some time to soak in the view of Chiang Mai from the viewing point before heading back down. Oh, one interesting thing I found in one of the prayer rooms - which I later read that it is actually a fortune-telling area, is that you can step in and say a personal prayer, whether it’s about life, love, decisions, or anything. Once you’re done, you shake a bamboo cylinder provided there until a numbered stick falls out. That number is considered your sign. You then match it to a paper on the wall that you can take, with a written fortune. People usually make a small donation afterwards. You may also like this article: 48 Hours in Amsterdam: A Quick Trip, Big Memories My friend Jessica in the fortune-telling area A 50-Baht Ride Down The Mountain We wrapped up our trip with coffee at one of the local food stalls near the dragon staircase. We sat outside on the balcony, watching songthaews line up to head off to different destinations. We then decided to stop by the closest national park, which I’ll cover in the next article. By the way, a one-way songthaew ride to the national park (it’s close enough to the city) costs just 50 baht! Super affordable and so much fun. We shared the ride with other travellers - an experience I hadn’t had in years.  The iconic red songthaew (Thai public transport vehicle) lining up by the entrance of Doi Suthep Anyway, that’s my Doi Suthep adventure with my girls. Hope you found some useful tips if you’re planning a trip there or to Chiang Mai in general. I’ll be in this beautiful city for a while, so expect more articles on other spots, restaurants, events, and whatnot. Stay tuned on www.kata-bella.com and follow us on Instagram @katabellamag. Planning your trip to Doi Suthep ⏰ Opening hours: Daily, 6am - 6pm 🌅 Best time to visit: Sunrise or sunset for the magical views 📍Location: Around 10 - 13 km from the city centre, on Doi Suthep Mountain 🎟️ Entrance fee: 50 baht for foreign visitors (for temple maintance) 🚘 Transportation: Grab car, songthaew, private car, or a mountain bike! ;) 🚶🏼 Access to the temple: Stairs or cable car 👗 Dress code: Clothing that covers shoulders and knees 🚽 Toilets: Available downstairs near the cable car entrance (they're clean!) Personal tips: Get there as early as you can - the weather is cool in the morning and there are fewer people. Try the fortune-telling area and do the pagoda loop for the full experience. Go to the toilet before heading up and bring a water bottle. It gets really hot once the sun comes out.

12 Things to Do in the Scottish Highlands - The Kata Bella Guide Image

13 Aug 2026 by Bella in United Kingdom

12 Things to Do in the Scottish Highlands - The Kata Bella Guide

Things to Do in the Scottish Highlands I've been seeing many posts on social media lately about Edinburgh becoming one of the favourite destinations for Indonesian travellers, and it has also become a popular conversation among my circle of friends. It's easy to understand why. With its historic streets, fairy-tale castles, charming little tea rooms, stunning architecture - all wrapped in its dark and misty atmosphere -Edinburgh is a city that feels magical no matter how many times you visit. And for Potterheads, the city is filled with Harry Potter connections and spots that feel straight out of the wizarding world, from winding cobbled streets to old buildings that look like they could belong in Hogwarts. But while you're there, don't stop at the city centre. Go on a road trip and head north, where the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands are waiting to be explored. Driving in Scotland should be easy for us as they drive on the left side of the road too, so get your international driving licence ready and start planning your journey. I was lucky enough to have a local as my tour guide, who showed me some beautiful spots along the way, so I'm sharing this list with you to inspire your own Scottish Highlands adventure. Things to Do in the Scottish HighlandsLunch and snack stop at the House of BruarExplore Dunrobin CastleWalk around InvernessWhisky distillery tour at GlenmorangieShop at AntaPlay a round of golf at Royal DornochSeafood feast at La Mirage, HelmsdaleWatch the salmon leap at the Falls of ShinDrive to John O' GroatDrinks at the Crask InnA walk along Oldshoremore beachTake a scenic drive through any part of the Scottish Highlands You may also like this article: 48 Hours in Amsterdam - A Quick Trip, Big Memories Lunch and snack stop at the House of Bruar If you're driving from Edinburgh to the Highlands, the House of Bruar makes the perfect first stop. More than just a place to stretch your legs - it’s a destination in itself. Inside, you’ll find shops filled with classic British country wear, from cashmere to tweed. There are also restaurants serving comfort meals, including their must-try steak pie, along with gift shops packed with local treats like biscuits, chocolates, fudge, cheese, and wine. To top it off, there’s also deli with a tempting selection of ready made meals like Scotch eggs, as well as ham, cheese, jam, and other local produce. Explore Dunrobin Castle Looking like something straight out of a fairytale book, Dunrobin Castle was originally the home of the Earls, and later the Dukes, of Sutherland. Today, this beautiful castle is open for visitors to explore its grand interiors, perfectly manicured gardens, and views stretching out towards the North Sea. Dunrobin is considered one of Scotland’s most enchanting castles, located in Golspie, Sutherland, on the northern coast of Scotland. Walk around Inverness Known as the capital of the Highlands, this charming city is a mix of history, nature, and cosy corners. Take a stroll along the River Ness, wander through the historic streets, and go to Inverness Castle for beautiful views over the city. And don’t miss the iconic Leakey’s Bookshop - a dream for any book lover. With its train station and airport, Inverness is also a great starting point for your Highland adventures. You may also like this article: From Privet Drive to Gringotts - A Magical Day at Harry Potter Studio Tour London Whisky distillery tour at Glenmorangie Located in Tain, Scotland, Glenmorangie offers whisky tours ranging from 45 minutes to two hours, where you can see how their whisky is traditionally made and learn a bit about the distillery. You don’t need to book to visit the Visitor Centre, Shop or Tasting Bar, but you need to book ahead if you want to join a tour or tasting. Just make sure to check their website before you go, as opening hours change throughout the year and they close for around two weeks over Christmas and New Year. Shop at Anta It’s a lovely little stop for Scottish-inspired ceramics and other beautiful crafts. Founded in the Highlands, Anta creates timeless homeware, textiles, and hand-painted stoneware inspired by Scotland’s landscapes and seasons. The place itself is humble, quiet, and not too big - the kind of spot where you can take your time browsing and pick up a little piece of Scotland to bring home, whether it’s a cosy wool piece, a tartan mug, or a hand-painted thistle plate. Play a round of golf at Royal Dornoch I'm not a golfer, but even I could see why so many people make the trip to Dornoch, especially in the summer. The town is best known for its legendary golf course, but you don't need to play a round to enjoy being here. Spend some time wandering through the charming streets, take a walk along the beach, and grab a sandwich to enjoy with the sea as your backdrop. There are also some lovely places to eat, including The Castle Hotel, which has a lovely beer garden at the back. You may also like this article: A Playful Stay in Copenhagen - My 25hours Hotel Experience Seafood feast at La Mirage, Helmsdale From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by an eclectic interior filled with quirky décor, unusual lamps, and a police statue that adds to its unique charm. Known as Helmsdale's go-to seafood restaurant, it's famous for its fish and chips, but I couldn't resist ordering the scampi instead - and it didn't disappoint. The portions are incredibly generous, so don't be shy about asking for a takeaway box if you can't finish it all. After lunch, take a short walk down to the beautiful river, which is just steps away from the restaurant. Watch the salmon leap at the Falls of Shin Sometimes, happiness is as simple as sitting by the river and watching salmon launch themselves out of the rushing water. Located on the River Shin near Lairg and Bonar Bridge, it’s an easy stop on a Highlands road trip, with the falls just a one-minute walk from the main car park. There’s also a visitor centre, restaurant and walking trails, so you can grab a bite and have a little wander around while you’re there. The best time to see them is between May and September. Drive to John O' Groat It's a cute little village and one of the northernmost points of mainland Britain. It’s a popular stop if you’re driving around the northern coast of Scotland, with dramatic coastal views, and fresh sea air (by fresh, I mean...cold). It's also a fun landmark to tick off your Scotland road trip list. When I visited John O'Groat, it was in autumn, almost winter, and it was freezing and suuuper windy. So if you’re heading up this way around this time of year, bring your warmest jacket and a beanie, and maybe even a pair of gloves. Drinks at the Crask Inn It's known as the most isolated inn on the British mainland. Dating back to 1815, this little inn started out as a drovers’ inn and has been welcoming travellers for generations. Today, it’s still wonderfully old-school, with a cosy bar, hearty home-cooked food and a few rooms if you want to stay the night. There’s not much around it besides the beautiful, wild Highland landscape, which is kind of the whole point. If you’re road-tripping through the Highlands, it’s definitely worth making a stop here and soak in the peace and quiet. A walk along Oldshoremore beach It’s just one of the many beautiful beaches scattered around the Scottish Highlands, but unlike the beaches you’d find in tropical countries, the experience here is very different. Instead of warm, crystal-clear water and palm trees, you get dramatic mountain and cliff views. It feels peaceful and remote, especially when you’re there with hardly anyone else around. Take a scenic drive through any part of the Scottish Highlands You will find yourself going "whoahhhh" every five minutes. If you're lucky, you might spot cute Highland cows just chilling in a field, or stumble across a charming old castle. Stop at a random little vintage tea room, pop into a cosy pub for some classic bangers and mash, and just pull over and soak up the fresh air and incredible scenery. It’s the kind of road trip you’ll remember forever. I hope this guide inspires you to explore beyond Edinburgh city and discover more of what Scotland has to offer. From charming Highland towns and dramatic landscapes to cosy cafes, there’s so much beauty waiting to be explored. P.S. Since I frequently travel around the UK, I started Kata Bella UK Instagram page to share the places, experiences, and little discoveries I come across along the way. If you're planning your next UK adventure or simply looking for inspiration, feel free to follow along!