Chiang Mai

 November is the perfect time of year to explore Thailand. Jill Nash reviews the very best of Chiang Mai.

 Stay
Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city, has a striking backdrop of Doi Suthep (one of Thailand’s holiest wats), over 300 temples, national parks and a quaint historical aura. It is also a modern, friendly, internationally flavoured city with much to offer: food, chic places to stay and market shopping. A stay of five days should be sufficient to get the most out of this area, although a longer stay would enable you to extend your visit to the Golden Triangle. For those looking to splash, then stay at ‘The Chedi’ which is the epitome of luxury and style, with its local décor and minimalist and post- colonial architecture. All rooms have private terraces, huge bathtubs and river views. The weary traveller could spend days in its lush spa and the incredibly equipped fitness centre, with yoga classes to boot, you won’t want to move, visit www.ghmhotels.com for more information.  For those watching their pockets then stay at ‘D2’ a chic boutique, hip hotel, right in the centre of it all. Billing itself as a 'lifestyle hotel', the 130-room D2 has renovated a building formerly occupied by the Chiang Inn and transformed it into a comfortable, eye-pleasing fusion of modern minimalism with Thai colours and textures. Not as plush as the Chedi, but a great location right in the centre of the night market. D2 is trendy and attracts a young hip crowd, with an outdoor pool and Devarana spa, visit www.d2hotels.com.

Dine
Thai Cuisine is known for being hot and spicy, and a balance of five fundamental flavours - hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty and bitter. It is usually quite aromatic and is known for its enthusiastic use of fresh (rather than dried) herbs and spices as well as fish sauce. Rice is a staple component of Thai cuisine, and the highly prized, sweet-smelling jasmine rice is indigenous to Thailand, and is usually served with every meal. Dining out can be a quick noodle affair sitting on a bench or a full dine out buffet which can last for hours! The ‘Galare Food Centre’ right in the middle of the night market is probably the first place you’ll stumble upon in Chiang Mai. This is a big indoor/outdoor cluster of permanent vendors, selling Thai infused dishes washed down with local beer. Its opposite the main Chiang Mai night bazaar building so you can’t miss it, and there are usually free Thai classical dancing is nightly. ‘Heuan Phen’ is a trendy classy restaurant, specialising in northern Thai food. Among the house specials are jiin haw (Chinese Muslim) dishes, such as lâap khûa (northern-style minced-meat salad), náam phrík nùm (chilli sauce made with roasted eggplant), situated within walking distance from the west and south direction of the Wat Phra Sing also has a unique display of various arts and crafts from all over Thailand.

Drink
As daytime falls, Chiang Mai comes alive. The night market sprawls the streets with local vendors selling everything from jewellery to incense. Although alcohol (particularly beer!) is very popular, so are non-alcoholic drinks such as energy drinks and coconut water. Coconut water (naam ma-phrao), iced and drunk directly from a fresh coconut is a cheap and healthy way to cool the body - available at restaurants and also from vendors that specialize in fruit juice. Fruit juices, freezes and milkshakes of all kinds are very popular with Thais and visitors alike. Most cafés and restaurants charge 20-40 baht, but a bottle of freshly squeezed Thai sweet orange juice (naam som) can be sold on the street for 10 baht or less. Elephant Café, Half Moon Pub, Number One, Café Souvannaphoum and are popular spots for drinking in Chiang Mai, which are all located centrally.

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