CHRIS AND ANGELA’S PERSONAL TOUR
Favourite shops BAAN TAWAI
Less a shop, more a community of wood-carvers: get lost among the incredible sculptures, home décor items and custom-designed furniture, all made from beautiful hand-carved wood.
Favourite café CLAY STUDIO COFFEE IN THE GARDEN
This ancient-looking garden is actually an art studio filled with terracotta pottery. Enjoy tea and coffee among the cool shade of trees and ferns. Search for ‘Clay Studio Coffee’ on Facebook. Favourite restaurant
HUEN MUAN JAI
This open-air, garden-style restaurant serves authentic Northern Thai dishes. Be sure to order several; portions are small. huenmuanjai.com
Favourite market WAROROT MARKET
Like a modern-day supermarket outdoors. You’ll find everything from fresh produce and fresh cut flowers to handcrafted accessories, home décor items and kitchenware. Off Chang Moi Road, near the river.
Favourite hotel BAAN BOO LOO
For a unique experience, spend a night in a traditional stilted bungalow. baanbooloovillage.com
Places to see by night
The Iron Bridge that crosses over the Ping river, and the Silver Temple, which is just off the Saturday night walking street market of Wulai Road. Both are lit up at night with beautiful rainbow lights.
Favourite way to spend an hour
Hands down, it has to be a Thai massage! Massage prices are so affordable here that anyone can enjoy one in Thailand. Try Daracha Thai Massage, a minute’s walk from Chiang Mai Gate.
Best view
The view from the Wat Phra That temple. From its grand marble balcony on the mountainside, you can see the Old City in the valley below. It’s enchanting in the morning as the sun rises, when you can hear the monks chanting.