Thannatee Boutique Hotel is one of the most interesting new spots we’ve looked at in a while in Chiang Mai city, or anywhere else for that matter. It boasts an excellent location and highly imaginative decor, and though firmly in the upper midrange, it’s good value for money and, we reckon, well worth a splash … read the full post

Tops supermarket’s food hall at Chiang Mai’s Huay Kaew mall has had a bit of a makeover recently and while you still might not go there for the ambiance or decor — think canteen-esque — it’s a great spot to taste some cheap, varied and well-prepared local specialties. Here’s what you can expect. For those … read the full post

Chiang Mai’s Tam Jai Sung is an unassuming restaurant serving up a short but sweet collection of Burmese curries, salads and soups, Shan dishes and Thai classics at affordable prices. One slight problem with the menu is that it isn’t at all clear which are which, especially to those not so familiar with the cuisines. … read the full post

Opinions vary somewhat over just how delicious Lao, Burmese, Khmer or even Vietnamese food is, yet when it comes to Thai cuisine you’ll rarely hear a bad word said by any visitor. Everyone loves the varied, often fiery, yet still somehow delicate and sophisticated Thai dishes. One of the added bonuses of Thai cuisine is … read the full post

We’ve covered eateries in Chiang Mai’s chic Nimmanhemin district so now it’s time for a few suggestions on places to stay in this upcoming area of town. Our first pick: cute, garden-set Bunthomstan Guesthouse, which offers tasteful rooms at a reasonable price. We’ve heard that a boutique hotel is supposed to be one where each … read the full post

Chiang Mai’s new museum district — as we’re calling it — offers not only the new Lanna Heritage Centre and the Chiang Mai Historical Centre but also the freshly upgraded Arts and Culture Museum. The museum is located in the splendid setting of the old provincial hall on Phrapokklao Road right behind the Three Kings Monument … read the full post

With the recent opening of several new museums in Chiang Mai, the part of the old town around the Three Kings Monument and along Phrappokklao Road is fast becoming something of a historical hub. This was formerly the administrative centre for the city, (and indeed location of the now disappeared palace of the kings of … read the full post

Don’t let the somewhat austere frontage of Seven Suns Residence put you off; the interior is cosy and welcoming and this recent addition to Chiang Mai’s midrange options, though still a work in progress, is already a commendable one. Formerly the Seven Suns Guesthouse, the place has received a complete facelift from new Lao-US owners, … read the full post

Visitors to almost any northern Thai temple won’t help but notice the numerous wooden poles propping up branches of the temple’s bo tree. What are they? Why are they there? Well, please read on. The bo, or bodhi or pho tree (ficus religiosa) is the Buddhist holy tree par excellence, since it’s the species under … read the full post

Along with the Lanna Folklife Centre, the excellent Chiang Mai Historical Centre is another brand new museum in the northern capital. Here’s a rundown on what goodies to expect inside. Chiang Mai and the North’s history is a long one. The Lanna and Thai period dates back a mere 700 years or so, but before … read the full post