The Ping River was the raison d’etre for Chiang Mai, and for over seven hundred years, its lifeblood. So we thought we would scour the river’s banks this month, sharing some of our favourite unique finds with you all.
River Dinner for Two
For a really romantic time, hit the Ping on a boat made for two on a luxurious scorpion tailed boat that seats one couple a night and watch the sun fade as you dine on some of the best dishes from RatiLanna’s Mira Terrace kitchen.
5pm – 6pm (reservation only)
Facebook: RatilannaCM
www.ratilannachiangmai.com
053 999 333
Lers Ros Tai Ton Mafueng
This humble eatery is virtually impossible to find, but if you are lucky enough to get to the rickety wooden stilted restaurant jutting out over the river, you are in for a treat! The freshest seafood is served, Thai style, in dishes exploding with flavours but don’t expect perfect hygiene, it’s a bit scruffy.
Wang Sing Kam Road
(before Co Working Café)
Open 11am – 9pm
053 872 092
Pour a Beer at Bus Bar
One of our deputy editor’s favourites — he did get married here after all — this open aired cheap and cheerful bar by the Iron bridge is one of the best sundowner spots in town; good food, cold beers and glistening views of the ping.
Open 6pm – Midnight
Next to Iron Bridge, Wat Gate
Facebook: Bbusbar.chiangmai
099 894 2488
Huan Soontaree Vechanont
An absolute classic. Soontaree Vechanont skyrocketed into Thailand’s hall of fame in the seventies with her song Sao Jiang Mai. Her daughter followed suit with her hit song Sawasdee Jao a few decades later and the rest is history. Pop into this charming riverside restaurant to hear the two ladies sing, dine on authentic Lanna food and step back in time.
Patan Road (before the Chiang Mai Waterworks Low Pumping Station)
Open 4 – midnight
Facebook: huansoontaree
083 860 8196
Afternoon Tea Sipping
Sip on a perfectly brewed cup of tea at Vieng Joom On, one of Chiang Mai’s more fancy teahouses found right on the river banks. Their herbal and traditional Chinese teas are most popular and they even have tea-infused smoothies.
Open 10am – 7pm
53 Charoenraj Road, Wat Gate
www.vjoteahouse.com
053 303 113
At Khualek Café & Restaurant
Whether you want to sink into a slow and lazy morning with a cup of coffee and a light breakfast, grab a quick bite for lunch or go crazy with some friends, a few beers and live music…all while gazing at the Ping and the iconic Iron Bridge, At Khualek’s got you.
Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road (a bit further down the road from the Iron Bridge)
Open 8am – 11pm
Facebook: AtKhuaLek
Set a Chicken on Fire at Huan Boran
This riverside restaurant has been around for generations, and is still a great place to go get old style local Lanna food. Their signature dish is the chicken volcano, where they bring out a whole (roasted) chicken standing upright and set it on fire right at your table.
153 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road (near the Kawila Military Camp)
053 240 270