For those of us who get caught up in the inner-city lifestyle, it is hard sometimes to escape the concrete walls and venture into the nature which surrounds Chiang Mai. Here are three places that help you formulate that perfect excuse to escape town, be it to enjoy the views of the mountains with a fresh coffee in hand, or to do a bit of unique shopping at an organic garden market.
Maeping Garden Market
From the owners of Ice Cream Boutique, which sells ice creams, yogurts and other dairy products across Chiang Mai, comes the Maeping Garden Market, a market with stalls from a range of popular local producers, offering a range of organic and clean products. This joint initiative has vendors such as Nana Bakery, Monkey Farm, Little Spoon, DoFann, Pang Mao Coffee and many more, offering a wide range of products such as milk, bread, vegetables, herbal juices and teas, German sausages, jam, chutney and some non-edible products such as soaps and handicrafts. Enjoy grocery shopping in a relaxed atmosphere, with your favourite vendors all in one place.
Open daily, 3pm to 6pm every Tuesday
Soi 3, Moo 5, Wat Pa Ngio, Pa Daet, Saraphi
Facebook: maepinggardenmarket
081 8845670 / 082 4563108
Baan Suan Muan Jai Kafae Sod
Before just assuming that all coffee shops are the same, take a trip to Baan Suan Muan Jai Kafae Sod and experience something truly special, all down to the owner Eat’s special flair and love of cooking and of coffee. The cafe is located in a really peaceful spot in San Sai, surrounded by nature with views of big lakes and beautiful flowers. Eat cooks for her customers just as she does for her family, sharing her wonderful flavours with everyone. All food is guaranteed MSG and citric acid free. Try the papaya salad with roasted salmon or the turmeric fried chicken – fascinating takes on traditional Thai dishes. Besides all of her amazing food, she also serves coffee and other drinks made fresh to order. She even has a selection of cakes to finish it all off.
Open 10am – 8pm (closed Tuesdays)
9 Soi 9, Ban Huai Kilang, San Sai
Facebook: barnsuanmuanjai95
080 4159195
Lilies Cafe & Restaurant
In a serene plot of land in Mae Rim rests the minimal but intricately designed Lilies Cafe. Owned and built by Ed and his wife who both majored in graphic design, the cafe offers a wide range of coffees, teas, drinks, snacks, and homemade cakes. With a clear, clean, stylistic design, they have injected their unique style into an even more unique location. With the lawn looking out over a small lake and surrounded by lush green jungle and stunning views of the mountains, it is a perfect place to escape to and enjoy the impressive scenes Thailand has on offer. Choose a kiwi soda and tuck into some really tasty deep fried shrimp and squid rings or tender chicken satay before indulging in one of the freshly made homemade cakes, created with Ed’s British flair. A great place for fresh, well priced food and drinks in a beautiful setting.
Open daily, 8am – 6pm
358 Moo 1 Baan Nam Tok Mae Sa
Facebook: Lilies Cafe & Restaurant
097 9709102