The Night Market
Most visitors stroll
through the Night Market to souvenir shop. It's really a mini-version of the more
famous and much larger market in Chiang Mai. Shops clustered along Paholyothin
Road near the Wiang Inn, and around the two lanes leading off it to the Wangcome
Hotel, stay open until 10pm.
Nightlife isn't big in Chiang Mai with most
people visiting for the trekking and culture but there's a small nightlife district
near the Clock Tower along Punyodyana Road, with a few local clubs like Lobo,
La Cantina, My Way, Mars Bar, and Butterfly. You can also hit the disco or karaoke
bar at the Inn Come, across from Little Duck on the superhighway, or have a draught
beer and darts at the Cellar Pub, at the Dusit Island Resort. Located at Trairat
and Tanarai roads, northwest of Clock Tower.
The
Night Market/Food Stalls
The cavernous, tin-roofed Municipal Market,
south of the Rama Hotel comes alive with dozens of chrome-plated food stalls every
night after 7pm. Steamed, grilled, and fried Thai treats. The hygiene leaves a
lot to be desired, but the food is generally freshly cooked. (About a 10-minute
walk northwest from the souvenir Night Market)
Local
Restaurants worth a look...
Cabbages and Condoms
Sister
restaurant to Cabbages & Condoms in Bangkok, this northern branch was opened
by the Population & Community Development Association to help support population
control, AIDS awareness, and a host of rural development programs in the north.
The extensive Thai menu, with local catfish specialties, is excellent. Popular
with tour groups, who also come for the exhibition upstairs, but don't let that
keep you away - good food for a good cause. Thai Cuisine, Open daily 10am-11pm,
620/25 Thanalai Rd, 5371-9167.
Prices: 70B-200B Credit Cards Mastercard,
Visa.
Golden Triangle International Cafe
The interior with artifacts
and photos reflects old Chiang Rai. The owner Yun, grew up in Chiang Rai. The
menu, gives lots of useful info. about the ingredients and preparation of the
dishes which make a full Thai meal. The choose-your-own noodle dishes give you
the chance to experiment with various tastes. Regional treats, especially the
curry sweetened with local lychees. Open 8am-10:30pm. Location: Golden Triangle
Inn, 590 Phaholyothin Rd, Phone 5371-1339. Prices from 80B-250B, Credit Cards
Visa, Mastercard.
Islands Cafe
Overlooking the Kok River, this
casual restaurant has an excellent selection of quality food. An extensive lunch
buffet accompanied by a cool and relaxing atmosphere. The excellent service normally
associated with Dusit Hotels. Location: In the Dusit Island Resort Hotel, 129
Kraisorasit Rd. Tel 5371-5777. Open daily 6am-11pm. Price from 60B-300B. Credit
Cards AMEX, Mastercard, Visa.
