City Guide

 |  September 27, 2013

For this new feature, we will select a different neighbourhood in and around Chiang Mai each month, along with a resident expert to show us all the best spots. Interested in being featured? Email: hilary@chiangmaicitylife.com with your name 

and neighbourhood and we will send you a survey!


Neighbourhood
:
Don Keaw (Lower Mae Rim)

Resident Expert:
Donjai  Srivichainanda, 46, Manager of Mae Rim Ceramic Studio

Tell us about your neighbourhood. What makes it special?
Don Keaw is a subdistrict of Mae Rim, what makes it unique is the location which is very close to town. You can also find almost everything in Don Keaw: a hospital, park, lake, restaurants, fresh markets, sports complex and stadium, Olympic size swimming pools, pet shops, etc.


Why did you choose this neighbourhood?
 

What do you like most about it?

I did not choose it but I was born here and I’m very happy.

What do you like least about it?

The army shooting range, which was stupidly placed next to the hospital.

Who lives here?

Mostly Thai, all sort of occupations but more army-related as it’s close to the base camps and doctors and nurses since it’s also close to the hospital.

Best cheap eat: 

Krua Chalong, opposite Lanna Golf Course. They serve very delicious Thai meals in extremely generous portions. Tel. 088 399 9006.

Best special occasion restaurant: My Secret Café for lunch – nice setting and very lovely food. Tel. 081 499 9911. Try Baan Suan for a romantic dinner by the river. Tel. 053 854 169-70.

Best drinks:
At home for alcohol (there aren’t many places to booze around here) and My Secret Café for iced cocoa.

Best night out:
Nothing, we always go to town.

Best daytime activity:
A morning walk or bicycle ride by Huay Tung Tao Lake.

Best place to shop:
Mae Rim Ceramic! (www.maerimceramic.com) Just kidding. Sabu Sabu (www.sabu-sabu.com) for lovely natural body and home care products.

Best tip:
Do not stay next to a temple, the microphones and temple fairs will drive you insane.

Best secret:
Cannot tell, it’s a secret!