THAILAND
Destination | Chiang Mai
Country Code: +66
Currency: Thai baht
FROM THE AIRPORT
 Taxi: The airport is only 3 km from the city centre. Airport taxis to anywhere in town cost 120 baht for up to four passengers, while the new metred taxis will likely cost a bit less, depending on where you are headed.
Bus: Alternatively, you can hop on the brand-new air-conditioned city bus #4 to the city centre for only 15 baht.
TABLE TALK
Cheap chic: Khun Churn This vegetarian buffet is not only amazing value at 65 baht, but you will not find a healthier feed elsewhere in Asia. Th e wide variety of northern Thai dishes on offer are scrumptious and the menu changes daily. Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 11
Mid-range magic: Mi Casa Discover delicious, masterful Mediterranean fusion cuisine, served in a warm, homely atmosphere. The attention to detail is superb. Also noteworthy is the festive Jazz Brunch which they host every Sunday. 60/2 Moo 14, Soi Wat Pa Daeng, Suthep Road, tel (0)53 810088
Gourmet: Le Coq d’Or This unforgettable fine dining experience is good enough to render you immobile and incapable of speech. Never fear: free taxis can be arranged. A new signature ingredient is featured each month, with which the French chef always manages to create something delicious. 68/1 Koh Klang Road, Soi 2, tel (0)53 282024
AFTER DARK
Cocktail Hour: The House Wine and Tapas Bar Although justifiably celebrated for its fantastic cuisine, The House restaurant also features an adjacent Moroccan-themed outdoorsy tapas lounge – just the place to while away a few hours sipping its signature lemongrass-infused martinis and smoking flavoured tobacco from real hookah pipes. A truly civilised bit of delectable decadence. 199 Moon Muang Road, tel (0)53 419011
Late Nights: Fashion House With its funky upbeat, double personality (hip hop in one room, electronica in the other), Fashion House is the place to shake it up (or down) with party-minded youth and those who are young at heart. Level 1, Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Centre
HOT SPOTS
The Riverside: This venue has it all – romantic riverside location, great atmosphere and good live music. Look out for two bands playing nightly on either end of this lengthy establishment. 9-11 Charoenrat Road, tel (0)53 243239, www.theriversidechiangmai.com
Nimmanhaemin Soi 1: Featuring a slew of fashionable boutiques, this lane has grown into a mini SoHo in recent years. Check out the lovely candles at Meo Jaidee Shop, antique furnishings at Fai Ngam, and excellent canvases at Gong Dee Art Gallery.
INSIDER TIPS
Thai barbecue: Thais love doing things in big groups, and they also love to eat. Moo kata, or “pork skillet” is a low-brow take on Swiss fondue: a sizzling dome-shaped pan sits in the middle of the table over hot coals, and everyone covers it with various meats, fish and vegetables. A variety of spicy sauces completes the tasty mix, coupled with plenty of festive drinking. To add a bit of class, bring your own wine, as there’s rarely a corkage fee. After all, at about 70 baht per person for the dining, you can spend a bit more on the wining!
BODY & SOUL
Oasis Spa: Although located right in the middle of town, this little village-like spa feels a million miles away. Making it all even more charming is the fact that your rejuvenating treatment takes place in the privacy of your very own garden villa. 102 Sirimangkalajarn Road, tel (0)53 815000
BOUTIQUE BEDS
The Chedi: The former British consulate by the riverside has been transformed into an elegant hotel where retro stylings meet traditional Thai textures, resulting in a calm, Zen-like elegance. Indulge in a night or two at this unbeatable location. 123 Charoen Prathet Road, tel (0)53 253333
Tea Vana: At this unique hotel, each room is designed to evoke the spirit of various kinds of tea. Aside from the special décor, one of the highlights is their distinctively Asian take on English aft ernoon tea. 75 Chiang Mai-Lumphun Road, tel (0)53 302805
DAY TRIPPING
The Chedi: The former British consulate by the riverside has been transformed into an elegant hotel where retro stylings meet traditional Thai textures, resulting in a calm, Zen-like elegance. Indulge in a night or two at this unbeatable location. 123 Charoen Prathet Road, tel (0)53 253333
Tea Vana: At this unique hotel, each room is designed to evoke the spirit of various kinds of tea. Aside from the special décor, one of the highlights is their distinctively Asian take on English aft ernoon tea. 75 Chiang Mai-Lumphun Road, tel (0)53 302805
IN THE KNOW
Talking to the monks is is a good way to find out everything you wanted to know about Buddhism but were afraid to ask. Some temples (wats) encourage outsiders to come and chat about the religion with English-speaking monks. They are friendly and often quite funny. Wat Suan Dok (Suthep Road) or Wat Chedi Luang (Th Phra Pokklao) are some good ones to try.
Updated by Oliver Benjamin
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