< Previous90 | BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2023-2024 MARS A place with sassy drinks and desserts that are very Instagrammable. Mars has “outer space” as its theme and given sassy names to its offerings. You can make a toast in space with Global Warming (THB 120), Black Hole (THB 120), and Nebula (THB 120). The Basque Burnt Cheesecake (THB 95) is also divine. Expect a long queue during weekends and long holidays. FOREST BAKE Forest Bake is located away from the main road and perfect for a serene break with its little wooden cabin amidst a garden and fairy tale forest décor. The superb homemade bakeries and pastries are baked daily, and if thinking of heroes and heroines then we say that the Fox Tales Carrot Cake (THB 165) and Double Chocolate Brownie make a perfect duo. To quench your thirst, Passion Sparks (THB 100) will do the trick. Closed on Wednesdays. CHIANG MAIBANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2023-2024 | 91 ROASTE8Y The place to get the best coffee in Chiang Mai, as it’s owned by the champion of the World Latte Art Champion in 2017 and World Latte Art Battle in 2017. Roaste8y takes coffee to another level with a menu divided into five categories: Dessert Coffee, Signature Coffee, Coffee in Good Spirits, World Class and Conservative. Each is described in detail. Of course, the highlight here is the Latte Art (THB 180) with a choice of four patterns. For coffee connoisseurs however, BLVCK & Yellow (THB 110) is the signature black and fruity coffee, and Koffegroni won 6th place in the World Coffee in Good Spirits Signature Drink of 2019 – both are superb. MONSOON TEAHOUSE AND LANNA CUISINE Dedicated to “forest-friendly” teas, Monsoon Tea specialises in wild and free-grown tea indigenous to the forest of northern Thailand – said to possess exceptional flavours from growing in their natural habitat, unlike those grown in commercial tea plantations. This cosy teahouse, near Wat Ket, offers a range of unique teas and tasty Lanna dishes that incorporate tea leaves. We highly recommend a tea tasting, you’ll be amazed by the individuality of each tea (advance booking required). 92 | BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2023-2024 CHANG PHUAK NIGHT MARKET At dusk, the food stalls at Chang Phuak Night Market are really happening places with the variety of snacks, foods, fruits and sweets on offer at affordable prices. The highlights here are Suki Chang Phuak and Zuang Bua Loy, both with long queues of customers all the time. The Suki offers the choice of pork, chicken, beef, fish, seafood or mushroom (THB 55-65) while the Bua Loy (tapioca balls in creamy coconut milk) features assorted tempting ingredients. J-UAN TAB TIM KROB Tab Tim Krob is a Thai sweet of pieces of crisp water chestnuts coated with chewy tapioca flour sitting in creamy coconut milk with other ingredients. It can be easily found everywhere, but finding a delicious version is another story. J-Uan Tab Tim Krob has been serving Chiang Mai locals for over 20 years, who love selecting the ingredients themselves. Price range is THB 40-60. This open-air stall is open 10 a.m. –10 p.m. daily. GO NENG Go Neng has been making Patongo (a Thai-style Chinese cruller) for over 40 years. Today, these are still hand-rolled but are shaped into cute dragons (THB 40), elephants (THB 20), dinosaurs (THB 20), frogs (THB 20) and alligators (THB 20). The pork congee (THB 30) and soya milk here are also delicious, both perfect to eat with Patongo. Go Neng opens 6 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1.30 p.m.– 4.30 p.m. KAO BA KHAM Renowned for its delicious Sai-Ua (herby northern sausage), Kao Ba Kham is a local stall in Mae Hia Fresh Market where the vendors grill them over coal on demand. Stop by to purchase grilled Sai-Ua and sticky rice to enjoy on the spot, and some in a vacuumed bag as a mouth- watering souvenir (it will keep for two days if stored at room temperature). The stall is open 8 a.m.–4 p.m. daily. CHIANG MAIBANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2023-2024 | 93 JING JAI MARKET Jing Jai Market is a big shared space where the local community of organic farmers come to sell their produce on weekends. Apart from the fresh market, the complex features a diverse range of goods which are handmade and/or eco-friendly. In the middle of the complex sits Good Goods, where good design products for good deeds are available to create a better world, better work, better life and better society. Each product is created by a local craftsman and specifies how many recycled items were used to make it (for example, one of the totes can be made with three plastic bottles). There’s an art hall where rotating exhibitions are welcome and at the back lies a row of shops which chic items. Jing Jai Market is really worth a visit whenever you’re in Chiang Mai.94 | BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2023-2024 WAT PHRA KAEW DON TAO Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao once housed the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most important Buddha image, from 1436 until 1468 and hence is the temple of most significance in Lampang. The temple complex is extensive with several interesting structures and statues which show Lanna, Burmese and Shan influences, making it very different from other northern temples such as those in Chiang Mai. The oldest original structure in the temple complex is a stupa named Chedi Phra Boromathat, and its height of 50 metres makes it visible from afar. LAMPANG Located just 100 km from Chiang Mai, Lampang’s retro character and distinct charm waits to bewitch each and every visitor. The alluring vibe of Lampang, embraced by lush nature, can be enjoyed from the seat of a horse-drawn carriage – which has long come to symbolise this quiet town secluded from the passage of time. WAT PONG SANUK NUA This exquisite temple was built in 680 AD during the reign of King Anantayot and houses a distinguished wiharn (sermon hall) that bears touches of Lanna, Burmese and Chinese culture, making it the only one of its kind in the country. The middle chamber of the wiharn enshrines four Buddha figures facing the four directions. The temple received the Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation (Award of Merit) from UNESCO in 2008. THAM PHA THAI NATIONAL PARK The range of limestone mountains covered with tiers of forest in this national park reach a height of 1,253 m above sea level and house an abundance of flora and fauna. One of the must-visit sites inside the national park is Pha Thai Cave, accessible only on foot, which contains a large chamber filled with dramatic stalactites BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2023-2024 | 95 DHANABADEE CERAMIC MUSEUM Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum relates the history of the ceramic industry of Lampang since 1965, and includes the story of the legendary “chicken bowl of Dhanabadee” for noodles and soup that became an ubiquitous item in numerous kitchens for decades. The museum demonstrates how the traditional “chicken RATSADAPHISEK BRIDGE The Ratsadaphisek Bridge, aka the “White Bridge” due to its appearance, is the main bridge of Lampang. It crosses the Wang River to connect the inner town to the outskirts. Completed in 1917, the White Bridge witnessed and survived both World Wars I and II, and today is an icon of Lampang that merges the glorious era of train travel with the present. KIN CAFÉ The modern, bright vibe that this café exudes is a warm welcome for everyone who steps through its door. Some ceramic décor adds pops of colour as well as an artistic feel. Our menu favourites are the Spicy Kani Miso Spaghetti, Katsu Set with Fondue Cheese, and Marshmallow Maple Charcoal Toast. bowls” of the past were produced as well as modern production methods, and the local technique of hand- drawing patterns on a “chicken bowl”. There are also workshops for visitors who would like to try hand-drawing patterns on their own ceramic cups to take back home.96 | BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2023-2024 HOTEL IN CHIANG MAI ➜➜ LOCATION Overlooking verdant terraced rice fields and the misty mountains beyond, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is the perfect place to discover the treasures of Northern Thailand on your own terms – whether from a private pavilion perched above the sprawling grounds, the plush interiors of an exclusive Residence, or the crystal waters of a foliage fringed pool. FOUR SEASONS RESORT CHIANG MAI Journey on a path to wellbeing with transformational experiences in the heart of Mae Rim valley. Inspired by 'Lanna' traditions that hark back to the ritualistic way of life in Northern Thailand, this countryside retreat offers holistic programmes led by experts who will guide you to curate an itinerary that best suits your wellness style. 502 Moo 1, Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand +66 053 298 181 reservations.thailand @fourseasons.com Fourseasons.com/chiangmai T E WBANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2023-2024 | 97 ➜➜ DINING The resort's food and beverage concepts are focused on ‘balance’, harnessing the goodness of seasonal ingredients and local produce. Khao by Four Seasons is known for its spectacular Afternoon Tea experience and Sunday Brunch, overlooking the lush paddies. The menu of thoughtfully- prepared recipes, handed down over generations, is inspired by Pan-Thai cuisine, with a generous offering of various culinary styles from across the country. Rim Tai Kitchen Cooking Academy provides in-depth one-on-one programmes in cooking, led by our expert chef instructors. Sundowners are best enjoyed at Ratree Bar, while North by Four Seasons offers hot-off-the-grill cuisine with a focus on sustainability and local produce. ➜➜ RECREATIONAL & ENTERTAINMENT Holistic wellness facilities are available at Wara Cheewa Spa, supported by a core wellness program that promotes living a life in balance are available. The Live a Life in Balance program focuses on physical rejuvenation, mental equilibrium, spiritual renewal, social harmony, and nutritional nourishment, with a combination of rewarding experiences that can be curated to a particular wellness style. A newly-renovated gym that offers up- to-the-moment fitness equipment and classes in Muay Thai, Yoga and Pilates among others, as well as healing and meditative sessions, such as pranayama and crystal sound healing. The cultural center of the resort is Chaan Baan, which offers such unique immersive experiences as rice planting, buffalo bathing, traditional tie and dye, and pottery making.98 | BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2023-2024 HOTEL IN CHIANG MAI ➜➜ LOCATION Awake to the charms of Northern Thailand at Meliá Chiang Mai. Towering over the River Ping, Meliá Chiang Mai stands in the heart of Chiang Mai’s city centre. Close to many tourist attractions, bustling markets and Buddhist temples, the hotel is nonetheless just 6 km from the airport. With a design that pays tribute to Chiang Mai’s charming history and culture with a contemporary flair, the MELIÁ CHIANG MAI hotel comprises a striking 22-floor tower fronted by an adjoining seven-floor podium building. 46, 48 Charoenprathet Road, Chang Khlan Mueang, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand +66 052 090 699 reservation.chiangmai@melia.com www.melia.com T E WBANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE JOURNEYS 2023-2024 | 99 ➜➜ DINING Meliá Chiang Mai’s jewel in the crown is 360-degree rooftop bar Mai The Sky Bar – the highest in the city – on the 22nd floor. Mai The Sky Bar offers spectacular views of the River Ping to the city’s east and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west. ➜➜ RECREATIONAL & ENTERTAINMENT Meliá’s signature YHI Spa with seven treatment rooms, a fully equipped fitness centre, swimming pool, ballroom and three other meeting spaces are also among the hotel’s host of facilities for business and leisure travelers alike.Next >