There are a ton of places to eat and drink along the riverside in Chiang Mai, it is a very popular place to do precisely that. Some or more popular than others but every now and then we find one that no one appears to use and this doesn't make sense to me.
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Centrally located and near a great many downtown hotels as well as 2 of the city's night market, it isn't like location can be working against these guys. For us, it is a tremendous spot for "warm up drinks" before we head out to the other areas nearby that are definitely going to be more happening than November is.
There's our table of us, and nobody else in the entire massive establishment
It's not like the prices are excessive either. The cost for beers and other drinks were about the same here as they are anywhere else. At 100 Baht for a large Leo or Chang, it is actually a better value than a lot of the places around.
While i was in the exceptionally clean and massive restrooms I noticed this sign. I have no idea who that is but I asked my friend who is a DJ (we all have at least one friend who thinks they are a DJ) and he knew who she is. Perhaps November functions as an event venue. They must be able to pull in some people during those sorts of things or they wouldn't be able to afford global talent right?
Well, either that or my Canadian DJ friend doesn't really know who this person is but just wanted to sound like he did. I dunno.
A few people started to turn up as we were leaving (maybe it was us that was the problem) but at that point there was only 1.5 hours of legal drinking time remaining so this was not the evening rush since places on the river always abide by the law since that is the first place the police will check.
They did have a relatively massive menu there that was filled with the usual Thai bar food such as bits of meat with dips, spring rolls, and spicy salads called "Yum."
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I didn't try any of these things but it has been my experience that this stock standard menu doesn't really differ much in terms of quality. It's all pretty much the same and that isn't necessarily a bad thing. These items must be easy to make and that is why everyone has them.
So the bottom line is this: This place is scenic, has great prices, and a wonderful view of the Ping river that is so important for a lot of people that are living here and for travelers. The staff were friendly and quick and the place had a overall nice ambiance. Also, it is always a good sign in my mind when bathrooms are spotlessly clean.
I simply don't understand why this place isn't more popular than it is. I was there before the Corvid-19 hysteria was happening also so we can't blame it on that. When I am visiting Chiang Mai in the future, this will definitely be a place I return to for "pre-game drinks" at the minimum.
It looks so comfortable
What's all that about... You can drink for only part of the evening and then the cops seek you out?
Don't remember any restrictions while in Bangkok.
no you can drink until late-ish but in Chiang Mai the midnight cut off point is enforced. Technically this is the law everywhere in the country but it is rarely enforced. In Chiang Mai it is quite strictly enforced although I have heard that they are talking about reversing this because it affects tourism negatively, so they think.
Thanks for the tip. We are thinking about going to Chiang Mai soon. My concern about Chaing Mai is that I've never experienced field burning season. I believe now is the middle of it. Do you know how bad it really gets?
My girl and I are in DaNang now. Got a nice place. We really like this city. Much better than anything in the Mekong Delta. This is certainly the right spot to be in Vietnam. I see why you moved here.
So were just resting here for an undetermined about of time. We are editing the videos of our amazing motorbike adventure through the country. In fact with my new girlfriend Gaby and how we are editing things it's on another level of quality for me. If you have a minute, go and check it out and let me know what you think.
Also if you want to hang out here in town let me know.
My Viettel number is 033-738-0401
Hope you are doing well,
Dan
The pollution gets really bad. A friend of mine who is still there posted that it is routinely the worst in the world beating out much larger cities in China and India even. Ah, you are here. I'll give you a call soon!
Then to the islands it is. Thanks for the tip. I knew it was not good, but I didn't know how bad it got. Give me a ring any time or email me too [email protected]
Will be fun to hang out. Thanks for the heads up on Chaing Mai.
That is pretty crazy. A place like that would be jam packed around where we live. Especially if the weather was right. There is a place on the river around the corner from the house that we used to live in and it was always packed. They would often have special events and the seating on the patio was awesome. They even have docks that run out to the river so people can park their boats and hang out at the bar/restaurant. It is a pretty cool place. They have live music on the weekends. I wonder what might be going on that this place isn't busier.
yeah, it was strange to me for sure... but to be fair, I didn't even know it was there until someone who has lived here longer than me pointed it out to me. I think the fact that it is located behind a massive hotel might be part of the problem.
That's a very interesting situation sir gooddream, I mean the place looks amazing to me. I love the location right on the river! What is the time for legal drinking cut off?
it's odd. There is a dead zone in the middle of the day from 3-5 pm where booze can't be sold but some places do it anyway because it is an antiquated law that was intended to prevent school kids from having alcohol access that they are too young to get anyway.... and then the cut off arrives at midnight but again, this is only enforced in certain areas. Chiang Mai is the only major area in the country that I have ever been that actually enforces this.
Oh I get it, thanks for the explanation!