For authentic, good value and delicious food, head to the top floor of the Chiang Mai Airport Plaza. There's an excellent food court where you can get light meals freshly cooked for 30-50 THB ($1-$2) in addition to a range of quality restaurants which are very popular with the locals. Most tourists eat around the night bazaar or downtown but the food is more authentic and it's much better value where the locals eat - at the Airport Plaza.

www.centralplaza.co.th
Pa Daet, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Google map: bit.ly/oh3g2c

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Although I love Thai food, by the end of two weeks I was ready for something else and La Fontana was a godsend. Fabulous salads, homemade pasta and grilled meats and fish. They also do pizza but I didn't get round to trying it despite going three times in as many days! Very reasonably priced wine which is very unusual in Thailand. Sebastiano the owner speaks several languages and makes you feel very welcome. All round excellent!

39/7-8 Ratchamankha Road.
200m from the moat / walls (on left) opposite side to Wat Pakao.
Tel: 053-207091

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What a breath of fresh air this place is, a really laid back, cool and hassle free bar in the pulsating heart of the Chiang Mai city.

Designed by renowned UK designer 'Simon somebody' (sorry I forgot his surname) The What Bar is super easy to relax and unwind in.

As a play on words, The What takes its name from The Thai word for Temple (Wat) and like a temple to cool, it welcomes travelers and expats in to the warmth of its embrace.

The food is excellent, the atmosphere tolerant and arty, it really is worth stopping in for a meal or one of its famous pool tournaments. I highly recommend checking this place out if you are within 50 km of Chiang Mai.

The What is located on Loy Kroh road, within walking distance of the Night Bazaar and Thapae Gate. Look for the sign which is a play on the symbol used by the UK band The Who.

Well worth a visit.

Take any Tuk Tuk to Loy Kroh road, 'The What' is located near the 7/11.

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Tuskers is a great pub and restaurant in Chiang Mai. I was recommended it by the Elephant Nature Park as they give a 10% donation to elephant conservation.

It is a huge place with a great open bar, big garden, pool room and a separate sports bar so something for everyone. I had a relaxing meal listening to music in the garden while a big crowd was watching rugby upstairs.

The food was excellent, they have a western and Thai menu and serve cocktails. The staff were very friendly and gave advice on where to go in Chiang Mai.

Really recommend highly!

tuskersbar.com/

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Great burgers, steaks, Tex-Mex food. Cold beers, efficient service, pool table, free monkey nuts, free pop corn ... yeah you've guessed I'm not talking about the Sheraton!

Definitely a 'saloon' atmosphere. Friendly owners as well. All topped off with free wifi. Or if you're not carrying your mobile device there's a computer you can use.

On Rajvithi Road, down from UN Irish Pub.

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It is a bar/restaurant on Loi Kroh road, the menu is superb taste- and pricewise (i recommend the gammon steak, a bargain at 190 baht). The staff is Thai and Western friendly,which is standard in the entire country.

They have a big screen for football and a wide selection of beers (Thai and Western). This is the sister bar of the Queen Victoria which is on Propokklao road (bad location) and also a great place.

Near the end of Loi Kroh road, on the left if you are coming from the night bazar.

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Trekking around Chiang Mai can work up a hunger, and here's a place to satisfy it. Not necessarily the best falafels outside Israel, but a pretty good bet for a lazy lunchtime in Chiang Mai. Mains from around 120 Baht

35/3 Moonmuang Road
Tel: +66 53 27 0208

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