After traveling in Asia for the last eighteen months, I have to admit Thailand is my favorite country. I love visiting new places, but I think I could live in Koh Samui or Chiang Mai. I hope that you have the chance to explore Chiang Mai!
Are you wondering where to sleep in Chiang Mai, Thailand? There are so many choices for hotels near or inside the old city walls. While we are traveling I often search on AsiaRooms.com to filter properties and discover gems for where to stay. If you are looking for luxury, art, culture and a view, my recommendation is Le Meridien Chiang Mai. The food at Latest Recipe is tasty and the café is open all day! I loved the pool, Plunge, and the Spa is very inviting! The view of the city from the 11th floor was fantastic and I enjoyed the specially selected music around the property.
We went for dinner and drinks with friends and enjoyed the live music at Riverside Bar, which has a bar, boat and annex. There is always a space for you on one side of the road or the other. Our large table under some trees was a perfect spot to chat with traveling friends and listen to music on a Saturday night. Another night, we went to the mall to see a movie, which was a great treat!
You can get nearly everything done in Chiang Mai. We applied at the Indian Consulate for visas and went to the dentist. I enjoyed the shopping and the food at the Sunday Night Market. There are many streets to explore and discover all the Wats. I enjoyed visiting Doi Sutep, which George called, “Thailand’s Shwedagon Pagoda.” There is culture, shopping and many other towns nearby to explore. We have visited Chiang Rai, Pai, Mae Hon Son and Chiang Saen. I can recommend them all to you after you have had time to explore Chiang Mai.
I can recommend a few spots for great food: The Hut on Soi 6 has big portions and reasonable prices. Peppermint on Soi 5 is a lovely place with great food and very friendly service. If you are looking for great vegetable dishes, fresh baked bread and cookies go to Soi 9 for food at Blue Diamond.
We are always looking for a great fruit shake and found the Shake Lady on Soi 7! And Nice Kitchen on Soi 6 (which is closed on Mondays) has an excellent and large breakfast!
Speaking Thai is challenging. Languages with tones are not easy for me. When I try to speak Mandarin in China, often someone will look at me and say, “Sorry I do not speak English” and George will say, “She is not speaking English.” I am making progress in Thai and George has learned so much that he recently impressed our new friends in Koh Lipe with his ability to have a conversation although it was mainly to order dinner!
Wherever you decide to travel in Thailand, I am certain you will enjoy your explorations! Let us know what favorites you find! We thank Le Meridien Chiang Mai and AsiaRooms.com for inviting us to enjoy a wonderful time in Chiang Mai!