Region: Northern Thailand> Province: Mae Hong Son> Location: Mae Sariang

Mae Sariang

Unless we missed something, Inthara Restaurant is undoubtedly the finest restaurant in Mae Sariang. There's a huge menu of all sorts of Thai dishes; from well-known plates through to lesser known delights. The food is prepared exquisitely, with an abundance of herbs and flavourings, and to top it off the prices are extremely favourable with most dishes coming in between 60-90B. Opposite Inthara, Renu Restaurant has a similar menu with some extra Chinese offerings. It is popular with the local business fraternity who pack it out at lunchtime, a sure sign of something good.

While the name Rim Yuam Seafood implies that it is on the bank of the river, this is a bit misleading, as you can't actually see the river from the open wooden balcony. It is however, a relaxing place to sit and watch the sun set over fields and distant mountains. Their specialty is, unsurprisingly, seafood, and they serve a huge variety. Your choice of fish is cooked any way you like: grilled, steamed, fried or boiled, with a selection of other dishes involving crab, squid, prawns oysters and other shellfish. They also do a range of stir-fries, curries, hamburgers and sandwiches.

Chick chick is a one-trick pony -- a KFC wannabe that serves tasty nuggets of chicken deep-fried in batter, served in various forms. Choose from boneless or on-the-bone nuggets, or a burger, all served with French fries. This is worth a look if you're after a very quick snack.

Come the evening, head down beside the bridge, and on the left side (before you cross), you'll spy Khrua Biman -- a small wooden structure that hosts some local folk musicians on weekends and during high season, or simply whenever the management feels like it. It's just off the main road about 20m along a small riverside lane and certainly the appearance is well suited to the area, lots of spindly wood and jungle fauna encapsulating a small deck with a handful of tables. A very local place but foreigners are made welcome. A small amount of food is available.