Apart from the obvious – Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon, et all – our team came up with this eclectic bucket list for 2019.
Gateway Bugs at Blackitch
A dish full of worms, crickets and bugs is probably not what you whip up at home on a Monday evening. But Chef Black has been turning heads and wining international recognition and awards for his skillful, if bizarre, creations, even developing cricket soy sauce for world famous Noma restaurant. This isn’t any typical fried crickets in the market type experience, but splendidly creative, fine dining dishes which just happen to feature little bugs and critters.
Nimmanhaemin Soi 7, T. Suthep
Open 11am – 2pm, 6 – 10pm
Tel. 081 881 9144
Facebook: blackitchartisankitchen
Hiking to Mon Chong
It’s a new emerging destination for nature enthusiasts who might have already conquered Doi Luang Chiang Dao. The view is breathtaking with vast fields leading up the mountain that looks like a scene from a fantasy movie like Lord of the Rings. While no gentle stroll, it’s not too extreme, so give it a try!
Ban Musoe Pak Thang Moo 5, T. Mon Chong, A. Om Koi
Tel. 092 559 7201
Flying with Chiang Mai Sky Adventure
Feel the wind on your face while looking down at the lush views of Chiang Mai’s mountains and forests! Imagine the views of a golden sunset and the scarlet skies stretching out to the horizon… wouldn’t it be magnificent?!
T. Nong Yaeng, A. San Sai
Tel. 053 255 588
www.skyadventures.info
Posh-est Dinner at Rice Barn, Four Seasons Resort
An exclusive, private dinner under the romantic candle-lit and the shimmering moonlight with the view of lush rice fields and lake, dive into an exquisite wine pairing five-course menu prepared by Four Seasons Executive Chef. Snap your finger and a butler is at your disposal. Want some entertainment? Performances like dance show and the delicate khim player are available on request. Prices start at 8,500 baht per couple, all in the utter privacy of the lone rice barn.
T. Rim Tai, A. Mae Rim
Open hour on request. From 6.30pm onwards recommended
Tel. 053 298 181
www.fourseasons.com/chiangmai
Facebook: FourSeasonsResortChiangMai
Erotic Garden
It’s always good to get out of your comfort zone, so head over to this very special garden and let go of your inhibitions and learn about the birds and the bees with some naughty art and frisky plants. It is fun, it is educational, and it is a great afternoon out.
T. Huay Sai, A. Mae Rim
Open 10am – 4pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Tel. 083 318 4855
Facebook: eroticgarden
Pong Sa Yaen Coffee
It’s a whopping eight hour ride from the city. This isolated village produces one of the best coffee in the country in spite the lack of accessibility to basic facilities like electricity. This village in Mae Chaem is surrounded by abundant nature, so much so it is the habitat of the rare hornbills bird. The Karen villagers take great care of the nature and by supporting their coffee it means you support the natural habitat of wildlife too.
Ban Pong Sa Yaen, T. Mae Nachon, A. Mae Chaem
Tel. 080 689 3362
Elephant Care Giver for a Day
Elephants are social creatures who have lived alongside man for millennia. We all are aware of the challenges to their survival both in the wild as well as in captivity. With so much information out there about parks, sanctuaries and camps, we can highly recommend Patara Elephant Farm, where you can take care of an elephant for a day knowing that elephants here are very well cared for and the place is run with great integrity.
T. Ban Pong, A. Hang Dong
Open 8am – 6pm
Tel. 098 549 3644
www.pataraelephantfarm.com
Facebook: pataraelephantfarmchiangmai