The Best of Chiang Mai

I've wanted to get back to Chiang Mai ever since I visited with students for a school trip. A friend who moved there a couple of years ago and an awesome professional development workshop (Proficiency Models in the Foreign Language Classroom!) finally gave me the reason to return.

I flew out on Myanmar Air on a Friday evening.

You walk out on the runway to catch this plane!

My window seat.

Pretty dusky views... BUT that colorful haze is pollution. Yangon is one of the worst cities in SE Asia. :(

My friend, J (yes, of Laneway fame), picked me up at the airport and off we zoomed on her scooter. We enjoyed gluten free, vegan pasta and duty-free Spanish wine with her boyfriend, cat and three dogs and we set our plan for the weekend...

The Best Coffee: Ristr8tto - great selection of beans and beverages, artfully crafted. Coffee should be treated like art, in my opinion.

...with soy milk and water to stay hydrated. 

The Best Wrap: Food for Thought - Being gluten-free, I don't eat a lot of wraps, but Food for Thought makes their own and they are amazing!

Avocado wrap and sweet potato fries

Best Place to Wander: Downtown - While Chiang Mai may not be as pedestrian-friendly as parts of Europe, it is a much more walkable city than Yangon. Parts of downtown are closed from traffic, there are great night markets, plenty of massage parlors and loads of shops.

A temple near downtown

There are pedestrian paths along these canals for miles.

Best Saturday Night: Wine and art! We cleaned up our mess, promise Mom.

My kitten painting amidst the craftermath...

Best Boutique Hotel: Kate and Hasu - Located just outside of old town, this hotel is a find. It's modern, clean and great value. Staff are friendly and helpful and breakfast is included. There is also a roof deck with loungers and a pool! I stayed with J the first two nights, but needed to be nearer my conference on Monday and Tuesday so this was my home. 

My little room - probably the best bed I have slept on in Asia.

Pre-conference coffee poolside

Iced coffee, coconut milk yogurt and thai sticky rice dessert (made blue by natural dyes from the peaflower)

Best Place for a Conference: The Shangri-La! This is probably the best swanky hotel as well, but it has the price tag to match.

We attended the conference in style

Best Street Statue: These rats!

Best Yoga Studio: Namo is a little studio near old town. Classes are held on the second floor studio, there are plenty of props and knowledgeable teachers. 

Best All-Around Vegan Restaurant: While many places in Chiang Mai offer vegan options, Vegan Heaven boasts a 100% vegan menu with many tasty Thai, Asian and even a few Western options. I ate here twice, but didn't snap a picture.

Best Chocolate Cake: Amrita Garden has a lovely outdoor seating area, many delicious vegan and gf food options, including this decadent chocolate cake.

Best Comfort Foods: Butter is Better has many classic diner options. They cater to those with food challenges as well, but it is tricky if you are gluten-free and vegan, as many of their gluten-free options contain eggs and many of their vegan options rely on wheat.

Best Baked Goods AND Veggie Thai: Blue Diamond is another little oasis in Chiang Mai. It has a beautiful patio, gf and vegan muffins, cookies and cakes and amazing Thai food.

Best friend in Chiang Mai goes to this one. :)

Just Finished Reading:

A History of God by Karen Armstrong - This book delivers what the title promises. A fascinating and educational read.

Just Finished Making:

Vegan and gluten-free Mac-n-cheese! Whether you have food challenges or not, this is a healthy take on my childhood favorite.