Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

Yesterday we visited the restaurant Baan Suan to celebrate a special Birthday! 

Baan Suan lies nestled in a bend of the Ping River, 6 km north of Chiang Mai and offers a mouth-watering range of Thai and fusion food, well worth the extra distance from town.  The restuarant is owned by Chulathat Kitibutr, a Thai architect who is also responsible for the design of the Four Seasons near Mae Rim - another fantastic place to visit if you're ever in the vicinity.

During the off-peak season you can often have Baan Suan almost to yourself and spend time wandering around the garden admiring the river and beautiful yellow bamboo.  If you visit during high season though, be sure to book a table in advance as the restaurant fills up pretty quickly! 

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai from above!

For me, much of Chiang Mai's charm comes from the lush mountains surrounding it.  Driving up Doi Suthep is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, and of course there are plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the view.  Near the summit of the mountain lies a temple, Wat Prathat Doi Suthep and a little further up, the King's Winter Palace (Phu Ping Palace).  This is also well worth a visit, especially during the the cooler months of December - February when the roses are blooming.  A perfect outing!   

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

You can't have to much cakes can you? I would definitely suggest a visit to Mont Blanc for some treats. There are several branches of Mont Blanc in Chiang Mai, and two (!?) in Nimmanhaemin, I prefer the one on soi 2. It is packed with delicious cakes and ice cream and  also some really cute vintage furniture. A perfect place for a loong "fika".

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

If you ever feel the urge to go for a little trip when in Chiang Mai, I would definitely recommend a visit to the lovely Sala Café outside Mae Rim (about 15 km from Chiang Mai). This is a true oasis for just relaxing and enjoying the amazing mountain views while eating good food and divine dessert in the lovely garden!

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

I'm a vegetarian which is hardly a problem in Chiang Mai but sometimes it can be very nice to be able to choose anything from the menu. Fortunately there are a lot of all vegetarian restaurants here as well. Khun Churn  on Nimmanhaemin Soi 17 is a really nice one. During lunch they offer a huge buffé whit a lot to choose from. However I prefer visiting at the evening when it is less crowded and you can order vegetarian Kah Soy noodles!

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

I like food, or I like good food. In Chiang Mai there is plenty of choices for really good food and a great dining experience. If you care for some Tapas (I do!) I suggest a visit to Jagajee in Nimmanhaemin. This is a small restaurant where you choose and eat your Tapas at the bar and if you care for some Prosecco, (I do!) this is also available! This is a place to get back to and there is no worries about getting tired of the menu because it changes daily and what ever you do just don't forget to try their cashew nut hummus. I'm still dreaming about that one!

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

Almost everywhere you turn in Chiang Mai (or probably the rest of Thailand) you either see a Seven Eleven  or a S & P Simply Delicious. OK, you probably see ten Seven Eleven per S&P but any way.
  
One day the Squirrels had to rest their paws a bit and decided to give it a try and in retrospect we come to the conclusion that their brownies are okay, but what your really want to buy here are ta ready packed cookies. Not for the cookies we may add but for the cute tin packaging, good for storing pretty much anything. S & P also get some credit for cute napkins :)

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

If you care for a real food experience in Chainag Mai don't forget to visit the restaurant at Tamarind Village . Walk through the gorgeous bamboo tunnel and just relax at a lovely table just beside the pool. The food here is divine and the service is excellent. If you're not on a tight budget staying at the hotel or visiting the SPA  is also a great idea. If you are just passing by and don't have time for dinner just a quick visit to the lobby and one of the exhibitions they usually have there is also well worth a visit.

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

Photos from a visit to the cool and misty Doi Ang Khang 1400 metres above sea level. We had fantastic almonds, fruits, tea and avocado! This is a wonderful area to visit if you have the chance.

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

Here are some more photos from NAP that I had forgotten in my camera. Now they are already from last year, but I still think they deserve an post :) I must say that it was quite an successful event and there was real quality design displayed there. This little Squirrel also fell for the cute mini hand painted wood Totoro. Also the packaging is worth mentioning even though a little wrinkled from the walk home in my bag.    

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

There is no news that I'm really in to my coffee and I am happy to say that I think I might have found one of the best places in the world for that lovely cup of java. At Ristr8to every cup is carefully prepared by award winning baristas. They also have their own special blend that is just divine, so just head on to Nimmanhaemin (15/3) for a cup!

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

There are so many good restaurants here in Chiang Mai. If you are in the mood for Indian food we would recommend a visit to Hinlay. The food is nice and the tables are surrounded by a lovely garden that provides well needed shade. I would strongly recommend their pumpkin curry and be sure to save some room for their home made ice cream for dessert :)

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

A really nice place her in Chiang Mai is The House - Asian lifestyle stores. For some peculiar reason I totally forgot to take any photos of the food or the building it self. I think I have to get back to you with that, because it is a really beautiful space.

The House consist of several branches: Ginger (fashion), Ginger & kafe (food), The House (kitchen-wear) and Nomad (furniture). I must say that the food here is really great and you can choose from both Western style dishes and Thai dishes. And after dinner you can go and have a look in one or all of the stores. There is a lot to choose from and it is also very inspirational to just wander around the colourful and fairytail like things!

I did get some small dipping sauce bowls which is something we really need a home and this gorgeous pillow case. I try not to overindulge in shopping, thinking both of the planet and my wallet, but I could not resist this sweet pillowcase with squirrels on it. All income from the sale of it goes to the Kids Ark Foundation that supports education of disadvantaged children, which is something I really like to support!

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

If you still haven't ha enough good food here is an other great restaurant in Chiang Mai. I really like the restaurant at U Hotel ( 70 Ratchadamnoen Road). Prices are a bit higher than average but it is well worth it. I particularity like their veggie green curry. The actual hotel is also very nice and I would love to stay there some day :)

Squirreling about - Chiang Mai

In the mood for Mood Mellow
I think I just found myself a new favourite café here in Chiang Mai! You find Mood mellow tucked away in Soi 3, Nimmanhaemin Road. First of all I really like the interior and the design of the menu, things I always look at when coming into a new place ;) The food and cakes are really, really great as well. It is very hard to choose between just having lunch or having lunch with desert when visiting. Most of the times I just have to get both. And YES I have already visited quite a few times.