Whether you are a boho traveller or seeking a city skyline backdrop to your first evening sip of martini, here are a few great venues, hidden from prying eyes.
Lost Lounge
Just on the edge of the north part of the moat, Chiang Mai’s latest boho, psychedelic hangout, has opened; serving a range of vegetarian food, ethnic atmospheres and refreshing drinks day and night. The owner, Sai, is an artist who has expanded her home to accommodate lovers of boho vibes. All the chairs, cushions, cloths and decorations are made by Sai herself, as is the food. All the rice is a mix of plain rice and rice berry, and the menu has a healthy vegetarian focus. Try the magic mushroom set – holy basil stir-fired with mushrooms served with rice and other nibbles. Every morning from 8am there is a mediation and yoga session for those wanting to broaden the mind and tighten the body. The trippy atmosphere expands in the evenings when flickering candles beckon and unique cocktails lure. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events of a special kind too, such as digeridoo concerts and painting sessions.
Open 11.30am – 12pm (8am for meditation and yoga)
126 Manee Mopparat Road
081 1798181
Facebook: LostLoungeVegetarian
Thamel Coffee
Tucked away in the China Town sois of Warorot Market, there are all sorts of colourful shops selling a variety of goodies such as Lanna costumes, plastic flowers, fabric and gold. One particular shop, Nai99 has been open for years selling a kaleidoscope of imported materials, accessories and home décor, mainly from Nepal. However, a gem can be found up a small hidden stairway made of creaky timber in the back of the shop that leads to Thamel coffee. You will feel as though you are sitting in Pokhara (just a difference of a few dozen degrees in temperature), surrounded by Himalayan fabrics and art, as you sip coffees, smoothies, teas and beers while you take bites of delicious cakes and other goodies. Interestingly, most of the clientele are tourists, with a good mix of backpackers and Chinese.
Open Daily, 8.30am – 5.30pm
45-47 Kuang Men Road (Lao Jow Street)
053 232 228
thamelcoffee.jimdo.com
Facebook: Thamel Coffee
Yayee Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars with views of Doi Suthep are all the rage in a city which adores its outdoors living; and even though the mountain may be obscured by a miasma of smog right now, you know it’s still there! Yayee Hotel is owned by sometime-Chiang Mai resident and super handsome superstar Ananda Everingham (photo’d rather
glamorously here). A wrought iron ye-olde lift takes you to a beautiful lush rooftop lounge bar where, until further notice, they are offering a special Rooftop Bar Marathon — from Fridays to Sundays you can buy two drinks and get two for free all night long! And on Thursdays, pop on by for Cocktail Marathon of only 550 baht net between 6-10pm. The cocktails are en point for the classics and well designed for the originals. They also serve inventive and delicious bar snacks as well as generous portioned Thai and international dishes ranging from juicy burgers to a gourmet rice or noodle dishes.
Open all day ’til late
17/5 Suthep Road
099 2695885 / 084 5950999
Facebook: hotelyayee
www.hotelyayee.com
