rovingroger

Been a while since this thread was last added to.

Any updates we should be aware of or new places to eat?

I personally would love to know a good place to eat Tom Yam Gai and Pad Keap Pow Moo ;-) Not sure if some of the older suggestions in this thread still hold true.

You could try Gekko Garden - see new forum entry on "Cheap Bar & Restaurant (no Bar Girls)." Don't know if they have exactly those dishes, but there are over a 100 dishes (mostly Thai) on the menu. Beer is currently selling 129 for 3 large bottles of Chang or 139 for 3 bottles of Leo. If you prefer shots - they are 40 bahts during Happy Hours 7:00 -9:30 pm

You'll find Gekko on the corner of Sri Doncha and Kamphaeng Roads - The Mae Ping Imperial Hotel overlooks it. There's a map on the new forum entry.

Roger

Anyone have recommendations for Valentine's Day dinner in Chiang Mai?

Well, you could try the Gekko Garden - just wrote blog on it on here. I don't think they will be doing anything special there, but the food and drink is good (not expensive). It has nice atmosphere and the rose sellers are sure to be around if you need to surprise a lady friend with your generosity! My wife and I loved it there. Say hi to Rudi Goodman (owner) and say you were recommended by Roger who just left to go home to UK - maybe he'll do something special??

We have just left Chiang Mai, but want to say that this is probably the best bar/restaurant to go to in Chiang Mai if you are just regular tourists and not looking for anything more than a great, cheap place to go for an evening of drinking and eating and be able to listen to a conversation (no bar girls!).

Gekko Garden Bar & Restaurant

Gekko Garden in the heart of Chiang Mai, can be found near the Klong Canal at the intersection of Sri Doncha and Kamphaeng Din Road. The Imperial Mae Ping Hotel overlooks it and the Night Market is very close. Open hours are 11:00 am to 04:00 am late-closing.

The Menu is both Thai and Western and the excellent Chef will amaze you with his tasty creations that cost so little, you'll be able to afford a feast! A good Western breakfast costs only 79 bahts at the time of this writing.

The Restaurant is somewhat hidden from the street behind foliage and banana plants, giving patrons a shady, cool place to sit and enjoy a comfortable visit. It's a really fun place to visit with friends. No bar girls to hassle you here! Rudi Goodman, the owner, is usually on hand and will make you feel welcome in this little oasis. The decor is an old world Thai/Japanese charm with an American touch. The Central bar is good for chatting to others, or pick one of the numerous, solid wood, wagon wheel tables for a more secluded setting. The Music is upbeat and the TV plays either the BBC world service or football or any big sports events. You can ask, if there is something special you want to watch. Or just spend some time looking at Rudi's pet fish. The staff are all friendly, speak some English, and serve you quickly with a smile!

We whiled away lots of fun hours here, while on our visit to Chiang Mai. It is near to the Old City, The Go-Go bars, The Night Market and some of the bigger hotels like the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel that overlooks Gekko Garden. All drinks are very cheap! The all day beer price is such a good deal that it is almost the same cost as in the local Supermarket and not to be missed. Happy hour is 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm every night when you can buy Vodka, Gin or Rum with any mix for just 40 bahts for a decent-sized glass. Served with a tropical flower, they are attractive and tasty. Try the Daiquiris, Pina Coladas or Margaritas which are also very cheap. If alcohol is not your thing, try a soft drink or ask for a young fresh coconut – they are delicious. The coffee is good too! There is something for everyone here.

Roving Roger, Visitor to Chiang Mai, Thailand - January 2009

PS - An Elephant visits most evenings. You can buy sugar cane to feed it if you want!