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RESTAURANTS
The Riverside Bar & Restaurant is deservedly popular – not only for its great food and impeccable service, but also for its unrivalled views over the river and lush cityscape. Another local favourite is Italics Restaurant, which serves Thai-Italian fusion food. And vegetarian cuisine is having a moment too, with places like Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant tapping into the trend for farm-to-table produce.
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CAFÉS
There are plenty of places in the city to sip a drink and while away an afternoon – including Graph Café, which specialises in aromatic cold brews and lies in a whimsical, fairytale house in the old town.
At Woo Cafe, Art Gallery & Lifestyle Shop, you can combine coffee with culture and a spot of retail therapy. Or enjoy an upscale afternoon tea at the splendid 137 Pillars hotel – the best tables are tucked away in its lush tropical gardens.
Also worth checking out is Daddy’s Antique Café & Restaurant, the small but perfectly formed Khagee, or the glass pavilions of No. 39 Café – where Chiang Mai’s bright young things come for iced coffee, delicious desserts and plenty of al fresco people-watching,
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NIGHTLIFE
There’s a real buzz about Chiang Mai by night – and the best place to observe it is from up high. On the rooftop of the Maya Shopping Complex, you’ll find Myst, a hip hangout where you can drink molecular cocktails and smoke shisha pipes. Or head to the Oasis Rooftop Garden, with its laidback feel and amazing views of Doi Suthep mountain.
Jazz fans should also pay a visit to North Gate Jazz Co-Op in the old town – the décor is unassuming, but the crowd is fun and the music not to be missed.
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SIGHTSEEING
As a top tourist destination, Chiang Mai has plenty to keep you busy – from museums and temples, to attractions like the Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium. For fresh air and fantastic scenery, take a trip to Mae Sa waterfall and the national parks of Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon. Or for more man-made beauty, visit Phu Ping Palace – the opulent winter home of the Thai royal family.
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SHOPS
You’ll find shopping malls and supermarkets all over the city. But for a more unique experience, head to Chiang Mai’s Walking Street, Wualai Walking Street, Maya Shopping Complex or the Night Bazaar, where you’ll find a wide selection of handcrafted trinkets and locally-produced delicacies.
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HOSPITALS
Chiang Mai is well-served for health centres and hospitals – Chiang Mai Ram Hospital, Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai and McCormick Hospital all come highly recommended.
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SCHOOLS
Parents are spoilt for choice with 10 international schools on their doorstep. Top of the class are Chiang Mai International School, Singapore International School of Bangkok Chiang Mai and Unity Concord International School, which offer high-quality teaching for all age groups.
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TRANSPORT
Getting around Chiang Mai is relatively easy – you can drive, ride a bike or take a handy ‘Song-Taew’ taxi. Outside the city, the local railway is the most scenic way to travel. And if you’re venturing further afield, Chiang Mai International Airport has daily connections to Bangkok and the wider region.
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BUSINESS
For modern office facilities, check out Regus Icon Park Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Business Park and Airport Business Park.