Local restaurants
Above the quiet, torch-lit banks of the Ping River, with outdoor tables arranged around a traditional sala, Baan Suan (+66 (0)53 854 169), at 25 Moo 3 San-Phi-Sua, is a magical dining destination – matched only by its moreish menu of northern Thai delicacies, such as sweet pork curry with sticky rice balls. Another riverside restaurant is the Gallery (+66 (0)53 248 601), at 25–29 CharoenRat Road. Its tree-shaded terrace is ideal for a sunset cocktail, or try the laab plan (minced fish with spices and herbs) – a regional favourite.
Local bars
Laid-back drinking hole the Writers’ Club & Wine Bar (+66 (0)53 814 187), at 141/3 Rachadamnoen Road, initially opened as a meeting place for journalists and writers – and the scribes in town still congregate here on Friday nights.
Local cafés
Not far from Puripunn at 291 Thapae Road, Art Café (+66 (0)53 206 365) is more of a diner than a café. Go for the fantastic breakfasts, or the only decent Mexican food in town, as well as its tempting choice of local dishes. Supermodels and Hollywood stars are often spotted at casual eatery Mango Tree Café (+66 (0)53 208 292), hidden in the heart of the city’s expat enclave at 8/2 Loi-Kroh Road. The pad thai and coffee are especially good.
Worth getting out of bed for
Chiang Mai is a hub for the intrepid: zip across the jungle canopy with Flight of the Gibbon (www.treetopasia.com); scale a few mountains or explore caves with Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures (www.thailandclimbing.com) – they have equipment to hire. Raid local markets, then learn to turn your ingredients into tasty northern-style curries in a traditional Thai home, with Baan Thai Cookery School (+66 (0)53 357 339; www.baanthaicookery.com). The Sunday Walking Street Market runs the length of Ratchadamnoen Road from Tapae Gate in the Old Town and is the perfect place to people-watch among stalls selling crafts, bric-a-brac and Buddhist mementoes.
Diary
Mid-February Pale petals and glossy leaves provide a blooming marvellous display for the Orchid Festival. April Chiang Mai is the place to celebrate the Thai New Year’s orgy of water-throwing for Songkran. December Chiang Mai Food Festival sees folk flock to the city to taste tempting traditional treats.
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From the Guestbook…
If want to stretch your legs after arrival and chase away the jet lag, why not take in the flower market near the hotel and grab a bite to eat on the river bank afterwards?
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