Open for less than a year, River Market has already earned its place as one of Chiang Mai’s most beloved dining establishments. The huge Thai-Burmese colonial-style building, located on the shores of the Ping River just next to the iconic Iron Bridge, was built from 95% recycled wood using traditional construction methods, with a huge open garden in the front and a green space in the back by the river for private parties. Inside, the restaurant’s high ceilings, breezy layout, and open kitchens (there are three) make it an exceedingly cool and pleasant place to settle in with a large group or an intimate twosome for lunch, dinner, or a round of cocktails. The fanciful menu is separated into sections such as “Little Bit of Heart” (small plates), “Inviting the Ancestors” (salads), and “Heavenly Spices” (curries), and also includes a separate page for sushi and raw bar specials. The Rainbow Roll was fresh and flavourful, topped with tuna, salmon and white fish that tasted like they had just been caught. The rest of the menu is largely made up of Northern Thai fusion dishes, including the zesty pomelo salad with crispy fried tilapia, the giant Hin Lay curried pork leg, Thai-style devilled eggs, fried chicken (which features a 12-ingredient seasoning that more than beats out KFC’s 11), and plenty of traditional nam prik dips to be shared, family-style. Accompany your meal with a glass of red or white from the extensive wine list or a spirited bevvie from the same cocktail menu offered at The Dukes, which just so happens to be owned and operated by the very same American food-lover that started River Market. The chefs also offer full-service catering for private parties and events both in and outside the restaurant.
Open Daily, 11 a.m. – Midnight
33-12 Charoenprathet Road
053 234 493
On the banks of the Ping River, tucked away behind the Ping Nakara Hotel, there is a secret garden called Nakara Jardin. Just a few months old, this French patisserie and bistro is already making a splash amongst locals and tourists alike, with its picture perfect looks, mellow atmosphere and delicious food. Open mainly for brunch and lunch, Nakara Jardin is the kind of place you’ll want to spend at least a few hours with a pot of tea and a good book, soaking up the quiet Parisienne calmness that permeates the place. Grab a spot on the riverfront deck under the gazebo, in the garden next to the bubbling fountain or beside the lush green wall, beset with hundreds of live plants. The menu is short and sweet, with a selection of French soups, salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes made by master chef Pomme, a Chiang Mai native who spent years studying the art of French cooking in Bangkok before returning to his native city. Highly recommended is the thick and hearty French onion soup, which comes with a generous topping of brown bread and gooey cheese and a crispy slice of bacon on the side; the Nicoise salad, made with fresh lettuce and veggies, olives, perfectly seared tuna and a light and tasty vinaigrette dressing; and the rich and nutty spaghetti sauté with greenshell mussels, walnuts and fresh pesto. For dessert, don’t miss the crème brulée, which has a unique flowery flavour and comes topped with fresh fruit. To draw out the afternoon, order from a range of beverages including Italian sodas, coffee drinks, fruit smoothies, wine, beer and specialty loose leaf Singaporean teas. Also available is the Afternoon Tea Set, which includes a pot of tea along with chef-selected scones, pastries and sandwiches for two, just 550 baht. The restaurant closes at 6 p.m. daily, but every Friday night there is a special Chef’s Dinner for those who book in advance, featuring a five-course meal for 1,400 baht per person.
Open Mondays – Sundays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Closed Wednesdays)
135/9 Chareonprathet Road
053 818 977
Searching for a wide range of TV channels at a reasonable price? DTV is the service you need. And right now, they are offering a very special deal for all new customers: for only 2,799 baht, you can get a cable box that will allow you to access a plethora of exciting new TV content without any monthly fee. We’re talking about more than 70 channels, with a huge variety of programming that guarantees something for each and every family member to enjoy. For the film buffs, there is a channel that broadcasts hit movies 24/7 in high definition, with a special 3D show scheduled on the last Saturday of every month. Current affairs afficionados can soak in the content of several different up-to-the-minute news channels, including Spring News. As for the TV series addicts, the hit drama and series channel is here to help keep them up with all their favourite characters and shows. And for those that just want to lie down on the couch in front of the tube after a hard day’s work, there are plenty of variety channels available to clear the head. Want more? DTV has got you covered. With a small additional service fee, you can access an even larger selection of TV entertainment. From Euro Sport to Live World’s football league to National Geographic Wild, these paid channels are all in high definition, and if they don’t feed your entertainment hunger, nothing will. The DTV cable box can be purchased at Homepro, Big C, The Power, IT City, The Future and other participating dealers throughout the country. So sit back, relax and enjoy the shows!
029 505 005
Looking to make a bold new statement? Want to celebrate a personal milestone, proclaim a testament of love, or just create a special symbol or picture to express who you are? You might be in the market for a new tattoo. But as many of us know firsthand, tattoos are permanent, so it is wise to be a bit choosy when it comes to selecting the artist and location that will turn your body into a walking work of art. If you’re in Chiang Mai, look no further than @Nim Tattoo, which has over 19 years of experience in the field. Select your favourite image from their extensive collection, bring your own sketch, or work with an individual artist to design something together using their personal and individualized consultation services. @Nim Tattoo specialises in portrait designs with smooth, natural lines and wonderfully unique dimensions of light and shading, and customers can select the specific colours used. Additionally, all the top quality inks are imported directly from the USA. At @Nim Tattoo, you can feel comfortable knowing that you are in good, clean hands, as hygiene and safety are top priorities and the studio is diligent about changing their instruments for each new customer. For the best in quality, design and peace of mind (with a highly convenient location to boot), @Nim Tattoo is a top destination for clean-skinned newbies and tatted-up old hands alike.
Open daily 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Nimmanhaemin Soi 11
053 223 778