Yummy Pizza
Yummy Pizza is a little out of town, but there are a few good reasons why it is worth the short drive. Firstly, it is next to a driving range so if you fancy a spot of golf it is a nice place to eat afterwards, then you have the live music on Wednesday nights, which is really something, of course the food is also very good, and if you live in the moo baan-heavy area of Mae Hia, then this can become your local. We were greeted by Tony, the Australian owner, who charmed the socks off us with his music and banter. The food is somewhat like pub food, which is definitely not a bad thing. Citylife really enjoyed the chunky chips, note not French fries, which had to be some of the best chips had in a long time in Thailand. The pizza was of high-quality, oven baked with generous toppings. A simple, friendly, fun restaurant with good sounds and good food.
On the Irrigation Canal Road near the Night Safari, turn
into Mae Hia Pro Shot Golf Driving range,
next to Empress Dental.
Mondays – Sundays 10 a.m.-10 pm.
080 122 2561
Wednesday night live music starts 6.30 p.m.
Soi 9
This new mini hotel has a numerical theme…located on Soi 9 Nimmanhaemin, holding 9 rooms and decorated with 9s, you see what we mean. Soi 9 is situated in the new shopping, eating, drinking and chilling complex on this street called ‘The Area’, so this accommodation is good for those who like to hang out in this trendy part of town and have lots of amenities on their doorstep. The main building is an old Thai wooden house, which has been re-vamped as a stylish intimate hotel, each room is individual and original parts have been preserved such as the wooden shutters. Inside the hotel, the word texture sprang to mind as the decor synthesises a mix of materials such as coloured glass, wood, smooth cement, brick, metal and mosaic. This is a cosy place to stay on a weekend away up north. We though it was a nice touch that the owner offers to go and buy food from famous stalls or shops in Chiang Mai for guests’ breakfasts.
20, Soi 9 Nimmanhaemin, The Area 3
053 222 400
Kids Fusion
Kids Fusion is an unpretentious handmade toys, décor and accessories boutique. It is proudly owned by a friendly Czech woman, who emphasises that the products are made by Thai handicraft artists with Thai materials in Thailand, though the products are something which would more likely be found in an exclusive gift shop in Europe. Apart from the wooden items, most of the handiwork is created using knitted or crocheted cotton, iconic of this brand. All toys are machine washable and come in some really unique designs. The shop also sells a selection of hemp woven bags which are perfect to use as a gym bag or to carry a yoga mat in. The hand knitted boys’ toys such as the soft toy airplanes, cars and even a detachable carriage train are particularly charming. The items sold in Kids Fusion would make perfect gifts for children and also funky accessories for adults or cute decorations for the home.
Open Daily 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
2 De Marche Project, Corner of Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 5, 2nd Floor
of Nimman Property, above The Box.
www.kidsfusion.com
info@kidsfusion.com
084 807 4566
Splashy Songkran Sounds
Ok, how cool do you want to be this Songkran? Imagine walking the streets of Chiang Mai, water gun in hand, your valuables safely tucked away in anticipation of aqua warfare, while listening to your favourite tunes and sharing them with everyone around you! This uber cool gadget is available now; perfect timing for the wet holiday. This waterproof speaker – tested by rather determined Citylife staff in sinks, ponds and under the hosepipe – can play music from your iPhone, iPod Touch, Motorola Droid and Blackberry at a very acceptable volume while also housing your valuables such as wallet, credit cards, keys, and cigarettes! The device is made from high impact shock resistant rubber and can protect your mp3 and mobile phone from water, dust and even reduce damage when you drop it. So it is ideal for Songkran parties. You can even use it in a swimming pool and have it bobbing alongside you playing your favourite song whilst you swim lengths. Each speaker costs 2,090 baht and comes in pink, green, black, blue, orange and yellow.
Eco Extreme and other similar products are made
available by EasyTunes Asia, go to their Facebook
page to find out where you can buy them in
Chiang Mai: www.facebook.com/EasyTunesAsia/info.
Tel 087 728 4331
easytunesasia@gmail.com
Rio Restaurant
Rio is a Brazilian BBQ restaurant in the Rati Lanna hotel, the first of its kind in Chiang Mai. Rio offers customers a buffet or an a la carte menu. If you come for the buffet make sure you are hungry, there is plenty to try. In true Brazilian style the buffet begins with starters such as pastas and salads, then the chefs will come to your table…and keep coming all night till you tell – beg – them to stop, offering barbecued meats such as chicken, salmon, beef, squid, and lamb. You can dip the meats in a number of sauces and even tell the chef how you want them cooked. And then end the night with a mouth watering dessert, especially scrumptious is the green tea créme brulee, which we will definitely be going back for more.
Open Daily 6 p.m. -12 a.m.
Rati Lanna Resort and Spa, Chang Klan Road
053 999 333
reservation@ratilannachiangmai.com
Zensala Boutique Hotel and Spa
Sitting next to the Ping River, Zensala has 14 rooms and rates itself on its personalised service to guests. Each room is decorated with style; rooms have high ceilings and glass features making them light and airy. Some rooms have Jacuzzis, a real treat for those wanting to spend a night in hot bubbles. There are two restaurants, Deli and Wine Bar and Terrasa. Deli and Wine Bar is right on the riverside so it’s quite a pretty spot, during the day they serve afternoon tea and baked goods. At nighttime, wine is served with many goodies from the deli, such as cold meats and cheese. The spa at the hotel has many traditional and contemporary treatments to pamper and help relax guests.
168 Patan Road
053 225 888, 086 785 4353
Chiang Mai Fest 2012
Earth Wind & Fire and the Tourism Authority of Thailand invite you to be part of the unique and captivating form of art & music festival, the ‘Chiang Mai Fest 2012’ from 23rd March to 7th April at the Three Kings Monument, Chiang Mai. This event is open to the public free of charge and features a food and drinks fair from leading hotels.
The hi-light of event is the 3D Street Painting which is the FIRST time in the Thai art history for people of Chiang Mai and even Thailand to see the amazing 3D street painting from the renown artists from Europe and the USA, who will magically turn the surfaces of the roads at the Three Kings Monument into the boulevards of art as they will turn pavements into canvas and transform downtown Chiang Mai into a contemporary outdoor gallery of original art and masterpiece reproductions. For stage performance on April 6 and 7, the event will feature a unique and talented music performance from international and local artists.
For more information please call 053 292 224 or
info@wind-and-fire.com
Chez 15
Previously the owner’s grandmother resided in this French style house on the Ping River. The elegant property has now undergone renovation while maintaining most of its original features. Chez 15 is a light and airy café and restaurant. There are a range of seating options, either outside next to the river or inside the cool air-conned rooms which have free Wi-Fi, coffee, cakes, wines, Italian and Thai food on the menu. The cakes look particularly inviting. Recommended dishes are BBQ ribs, spicy green mussels with a herb salad, and spicy salad with smoked trout and apple.
Open Daily 8 a.m.-12 a.m.
15 Charoenrat Road
053 240 015
Mugello Motors
This is a new car show room in Chiang Mai which specialises in imported European cars. Unlike in the past, buying a sports car or foreign car does not mean going to Bangkok, Mugello Motors can order any European car and will have it transported to Chiang Mai. Mugello Motors offers car servicing and repair as well. They also look after their customers and have an exclusive lounge for customers to drink coffee and socialise in.
Open Daily 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
4/9 Mahidol Road, Padad, near Central Airport Plaza
www.mugellomotors.co.th
pr@mugellomotors.co.th
www.facebook.com/mugello-motors
053 274 123 #234 # 456