The fabulous Samyan Seafood, named for its original location in Bangkok’s Samyan Market, now has four locations throughout Southeast Asia. Its Chiang Mai branch features an enormous open-air dining area next to a lovely old banyan tree on the banks of the Ping River. Here, a string quartet performs oldies hits nightly on the large stage and dance classes are held regularly through the Vivo Danza studio upstairs. Samyan is perfect for large group gatherings and can host groups up to 300 people. The Chinese and Thai style seafood dishes are cheap, huge, fresh (you’ll know by the live fish and crabs in tanks by the entrance) and delicious, from the spicy sea perch steamed in lime sauce to the deep fried prawns with gingko and kale.