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Kathie's next trip includes a stop in Chaing Mai and she needs your recommendations!

Kathie's next trip includes a stop in Chaing Mai and she needs your recommendations!

Old Jun 2nd, 2006, 09:17 PM
  #41  
 
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kathy,,,,,take the "not" out of my last sentence...i love anthony bourdain
and the show
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Old Jun 3rd, 2006, 08:02 AM
  #42  
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divadiva, I've only ever seen one of his shows - laurieco sent me a dvd of the show on Borneo before I went there last year. As HawaiianTraveller said, "That man will eat anything!"

We're going to ask Yui to arrange a custom menu for us, as we already do some Thai cooking. How much in advance did you contact her to make arrangements?
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Old Jun 3rd, 2006, 11:26 AM
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If you are into 17th and 18th century antiques go to Hong Dong-30 or so miles outside of CM. While some of the shops are in the Sunday and/or night market the selection and prices are better. But, real antque Burmese buddha's, swords (called krises),etc. with authentication are expensive-$500-$5000++ but at the uppend they are 1 of a kind.
A vote for good, not gourmet food, are Grand Lanna, House and Whole Earth.
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Old Jun 4th, 2006, 05:33 AM
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Hello Kathie!
We've just returned from a four-day, three-night trip to Chiang Mai and I couldn't resist replying with some newly-aquired information. We found a lovely and easily navigable city and had some very enjoyable experiences. As part of our very inexpensive package, we stayed at the Chiang Mai Plaza. Basic, but I wouldn't give it high marks. The staff tried to be pleasant but when their English failed, they resorted to blank looks and complete inaction. The breakfast buffet was very tired. We were next door to the Yaang Come Village and the Whole Earth restaurant where we had a very nice dinner with great service the first night. Our second night we went to the Galley on the river and had a wonderful time and a fabulous meal. What made it so special was that a crashing rain storm sprang up and as we retreated indoors, the lights went out! Candles were provided and the cooks just went right on doing their thing over a charcoal fire and produced the best grouper I've ever had. Very funny and romantic. The third night we found Rachamankha, a beautiful hotel with an excellent restaurant. They were kind enough to show us the rooms, and if I hadn't pre-paid at the Plaza, I would have moved in an instant. What a lovely property. And the eggplant appetizer in pomegranate sauce - words fail me! As for spas, that was my geatest find. You MUST try Inner Peace. It is very near the Oasis. I tried the Royal Princess spa, but it was closed and they gave me a brochure for Inner Peace. Jack, the manager/driver, picked me up at my hotel (part of the service) and delivered me to a tranquil garden where I had a coffee scrub and aromatic massage for 1200 baht for two hours in my own cottage. They were running a half-price special during May and June. On my way back, Jack introduced me to Rachamankha. He is a great tour guide. The next day I had a hair and scalp treatment massage and on the way back, Jack took us to the Four Seasons resort. Quite the place if you like isolation and rice paddies. Very posh and about 25 minutes from town. I kept thinking it was the kind of place you'd see movie stars escaping the madding crowds. For other sightseeing, we did Doi Suthep, well worth it, and the crafts shops. Didn't buy a whole lot, some silk fabric and a few presents. I like celadon, but my husband thinks it resembles something regurgitated, so no joy there. Hope my ramblings help your decsions!
Mandi
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Old Jun 6th, 2006, 02:26 AM
  #45  
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Kathie, I agree with all of Gloria's recommendations & also everythiing that's been said about Sargeant Kai & Doi Inthanon, Soi Suthep & Rachamankha. I disagree about Mahanaga, however. Although it's a beautiful place we didn't find it pleasant to sit in a room that was so dark that you needed a flashlight to read the menu and see the food. The restaurant was almost completely empty and we thought the food was the worst we have ever eaten - Tod Mun Pla (fish cakes) tasted as if they were old & had been sitting around & had been fried and re-fried. Inedible. Everything else was equally awful. Maybe because they have so few diners and the food gets stale.. Whatever, we thought it was terrible.
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