Not far from Tha Pae Gate, this eccentric little place combines the creativity of a variety of artists, architects, designers, local artisans, and astrologers (Feng Shui) while mixing eastern and western cultures through abstract ideas and concrete techniques. Each of the twelve different box-shaped gallery rooms features an individual artist’s interpretation of their Chinese zodiac sign _ Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. None of the rooms are labelled so the only way of knowing which sign has inspired your room is through your own interpretation. They also serve all kinds of Thai cuisine and do nice fusion dishes at Toru’s Stomach Bar and Restaurant on the second floor of the front building. Facilities include: swimming pool, internet service, concierge service, Thai medical doctor on call, laundry, elevator, and airport transfer.
263/1-2, Tha Pae Road
Tel: 053 280 789
info@morooms.com
www.morooms.com
Without doubt At Niman is the hottest new venue in the sizzling Nimmanhaemin zone. Conceptualised by Rachen Inthawong of Dhara Dhevi fame, this Moroccan slash Himalayan styled 8 route boutique hotel is full of surprises, each room is unique and brimming with character; antiques from Asia and beyond sit stylishly next to modern décor accessories, making guests feel chic, sexy, but most of all very snug and loungy. The At Niman Bar and Restaurant features new owner and host, DJ Mee, resident DJ for seven years at Zuk Bar, Sukhothai Hotel, Bangkok, and recent resident of Chiang Mai. Chill out with lounge, house or soulful music, or dance the night away with deep house and great original mixes. Prices are very reasonable (two for one cocktails between 7-9 p.m.), and this is a really exciting new venue to go to with a group of friends who enjoy good music in a seriously chichi ambiance.
37 Soi 9, Nimmanhaemin Road
053 224 949
atnimancm@hotmail.com
www.atnimancm.com
Join in the ranks of Madonna and Sting and get focused, limber and healthy. At Chiang Mai Yogasala you can join yoga classes conducted in English or Thai. They teach two different kinds of yoga; Ashtanga and Yogasana (mixed level hatha yoga for the readers with insight into the Indian arts). Both forms are viewed as a path for spiritual and mental development taking its base in the body and moving towards intellectual growth. Yoga improves freedom of movement in joints, detoxifies internal organs and benefits the cardiovascular system. According to Williams, one of Yogasala’s two instructors, what makes the classes at Yogasala different from other yoga classes in Chiang Mai is that they are quite small. This means that each participator will have personal assistance and guidance. In the near future two of the most recognised instructors in the yoga community, Danny Paradis and Edward Clark, will participate in workshops at Yogasala. So if you feel stiff limbed and mentally unbalanced, this might be just what you are looking for. All ages and body types are suited.
3F 14 Nimmanhaemin Soi 17
Tel: 085 353 8108
www.cmyogasala.com
Sooth your sweet tooth at the new house-garden style Bake & Bite. Bake & Bite is expanding with its new shop on Keaw Nawarat Road and is offering their fans afternoon tea from 2 – 5 p.m. every day (except Sundays) at the price of 220 baht per person, 350 baht for 2 persons. Remember Christmas is coming and Bake & Bite should always be high on your list during the festive period. If you want the best in western fare, real home cooked goodies that will excite your farang taste buds, then Bake & Bite will not disappoint.
Open daily: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Keaw Nawarat Road
Tel: 053 249 689 or 081 882 9545
Authentic Chinese and Hong Kong style dishes are waiting to stimulate your taste buds. Located in the centre of Kad Suan Keaw shopping mall, Hoja restaurant serves you a freshly cooked, mouthwatering selections of dishes…with flair: when you order your dim sum, they will knead it in front of you on the spot. Recommended is the xiao long pao, a savoury soup with steamed pork filled buns. The owner takes great pride in his cooking and enjoys travelling around Asia seeking amazing new ways of making dim sum. He opened his Chinese/Hong Kong style restaurant because he couldn’t find any satisfactory dim sum in Chiang Mai. Prices are very reasonable. Prices are brilliant at 25 – 35 baht per dim sum basket or other excellent dishes at 79-139 baht per plate/bowl. Want some dim sum … go to Hoja.
Open: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Kad Suan Keaw Shopping Mall, 1st floor, Zone b1
A lot of new restaurants have sprung up on the ground floor of Kad San Kaew mall, one of which is Curry Pot. Imagine Indian fast food – or at least food that comes to you in ten minutes – with a slight Thai taste to it. The chicken masala, always a favourite, comes with a rich gravy that tastes a little bit different than other masalas you’ll find in the city. It’s certainly different but it is also very tasty – especially considering the food’s quick arrival. Add to your favourite curry a garlic nan bread and some jasmine rice and you have a complete meal at a very reasonable price. The spice level can be adjusted to your liking ranging from very mild to hot, hot, hot – simply ask.They also serve a large selection of lassis (Indian yogurt drinks) and salads. Curry Pot can be delivered to your home using the mealsonwheels4u service.
Open 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Bottom Floor Kad San Kaew mall
Tel: