Had a wonderful meal at Benjarong. Thanks, Hanuman, so much for the recommendation. It may rate as the best meal of the trip so far and we've had some fabulous meals. We had banana flower salad, shrimp in tamarind sauce, salted crab dip with fresh veggies and pork with crispy herbs. Ended with banana fritters with vanilla ice cream. delicious!

any recommendations for Chiang Mai????

Happy to hear that you had a good meal at Baan Benjarong. I've eaten there a few times and Enjoyed everything. Very hard to find such a restaurant any where in Thailand!

I will need to consult my wife for a Chiang Mai restaurant recommendation but she's away for the weekend. Will try to give you a suggestion ASAP.

Thanks, but we leave CM Monday am, but any recommendations will certainly help others. We head South to Ao Nang for the week. any thoughts on that area? Places to c, places to eat? Much appreciated. Enjoy your day! It's cold here in Pai this am.

OK for Chiangmai there's a unique place but very, very hard to find unless you're driving yourself and speak a bit of Thai. The name is "Food For You" and it's located in the owner/chef's house in a housing estate that has no signage!

Usually you would have to prebook the restaurant at least 1 day in advance so that the chef can prepare as he's cooking from his own converted house/restaurant. Very few tables but the food is tasty and well cooked.

We have not eaten there in over a year so can't really give current information on it but it's unique. The other restaurants in Chiangmai are rather typical, good food but nothing that will surprise you IMO.

Link to a blog in Thai but with a map of the place: http://www.gindee.com/board/aspboard...on.asp?GID=185

As for Ao Nang - I don't go down South that much anymore so I cannot really give you any good recommendation. Perhaps someone else can help.

FYI it's getting hotter and hotter in Bangkok in case you want some warm weather!

Just remembered another favorite but this one is about a 45 minutes drive from town - Mon Cham. Check out this blog that I found from Google: http://cm-eat.blogspot.com/2011/01/mon-cham.html

Again good food and in a rustic but scenic setting. We enjoyed everything there as well including the home made scones!

We turned our car in so will be walking, but thanks anyway. Perhaps others will be able to,use your recommendations.