New Year Countdown In Chiang Mai

[seany]

My wife and I are planning to spend our time in Chiang Mai over the new year. I tried to google for a nice place to dine at but have only been able to find a few, namely:

Le Coq d'Or

http://www.lecoqdorchiangmai.com/monthly.html

The Gallery Restaurant

http://www.thegallery-restaurant.com/rest.html

The Riverside

http://www.theriversidechiangmai.com/

Been to any one of theses restaurants before? Any recommendations on any other nice romantic restaurants to spend our new year?

[JeffreyMcCollum]

Living in Chiang Mai now many years, what new years are your talking about ?

The biggest is the Thai new years, April 13th and the huge Water fight that everyone should do once in their life.

The second largest seems to be the Chinese New year usually in February but changes due to the moon.

Or the less celebrated Western calander January 1 New years ?

Of the 3 you say, I only know the Riverside. Good view next door is OK too. usually full with the hip younger set and music that is loud

For me at my middle age to say it nicely, I like the Shangri La. Nice garden to stroll. Wonderful lighting, not too loud, good service. and International as well as Thai food at the Buffet

Edited September 17, 2012 by JeffreyMcCollum

[kilt]

Lots of very nice restaurants in Chiang Mai BUT... and I assume you mean Western New Years eve... BUT the best way to spend the night is just to wander around the city, especially at Thapae Gate. Usually a large stage with Thai bands playing and tons of food, drink, music and lanterns that light up the sky. And of course fireworks. It's been the best new years celebration, for me, anytime I've had the opportunity to be there. Unless you like siting in a restaurant with a "complimentary" glass of champagne ... New Years Eve in Chiang mai is not like what you're used to in the west. I would suggest you don't do the restaurant thing and check out the celebration at Thapae Gate. It will be something to remember...

[seany]

Living in Chiang Mai now many years, what new years are your talking about ?

The biggest is the Thai new years, April 13th and the huge Water fight that everyone should do once in their life.

The second largest seems to be the Chinese New year usually in February but changes due to the moon.

Or the less celebrated Western calander January 1 New years ?

Of the 3 you say, I only know the Riverside. Good view next door is OK too. usually full with the hip younger set and music that is loud

For me at my middle age to say it nicely, I like the Shangri La. Nice garden to stroll. Wonderful lighting, not too loud, good service. and International as well as Thai food at the Buffet

Yes, it will be the least celebrated western new year =)

I'll have a look at Shangri-La. We prefer some sort of countdown party without any loud music or rowdy crowd. Fireworks will be a huge plus though..

Lots of very nice restaurants in Chiang Mai BUT... and I assume you mean Western New Years eve... BUT the best way to spend the night is just to wander around the city, especially at Thapae Gate. Usually a large stage with Thai bands playing and tons of food, drink, music and lanterns that light up the sky. And of course fireworks. It's been the best new years celebration, for me, anytime I've had the opportunity to be there. Unless you like siting in a restaurant with a "complimentary" glass of champagne ... New Years Eve in Chiang mai is not like what you're used to in the west. I would suggest you don't do the restaurant thing and check out the celebration at Thapae Gate. It will be something to remember...

I wanted to have something like Thapae Gate, but my wife prefers something more peaceful.. heh

[daoyai]

The River market may be what you are looking for, don't know what they are planning but most likely fireworks there or nearby. They are a sponsor so you will find a link to their website on this page. There are also some rooftop restaurants that may be a romantic option. The Riverside has two parts on either side of the road, on the river is basicly for under 30yo and across the street over 30yo, not really special though.

[uptheos]

I wanted to have something like Thapae Gate, but my wife prefers something more peaceful.. heh

You will regret it if you want a great (western) NYE. Don't spend it sitting in some restaurant, you can do that any time of the year. Get the wife to Thapae Gate and join in with the Thai's and you'll be most welcome and they're a lot of fun. If you do need to eat or drink there are loads of places in that area. It's crowded but certainly not rowdy

[DaamNaam]

River market restaurant for sure.

[ProdigalSon]

You might want to try the rooftop restaurant on the top of the Furama Hotel on Huay Kaew Road. You'll have to book in advance as it will likely be a set menu affair. The views of the city are great and you'll be able to see all the fireworks. Avoid Taphae Gate like the plague unless you enjoy disorganized chaos.

[TommoPhysicist]

New Years eve is huge in CM, at least 3 major fireworks displays and Thapae gate area packed solid.

Just wander around, Riverside will be totally full well in advance, top of the PornPing Hotel might be a good eating spot.

But anywhere near the central river bridges or Thapae is good.

I've not noticed the Chinese New year or Loi Kratong to be any bigger or better, about equal really.

Dunno what JMs talking about.

Goodview food is second rate, often cold, poor service, band way too loud.

Riverside (by the river) food is great, but totally packed every night with mainly Thais.

River Market by the Iron bridge may be a good choice, westernized Thai food, but a great spot by the river (their 1st year).

Shangri-la ...... too far from the center, you will miss all the action

Edited September 17, 2012 by TommoPhysicist

[eyecatcher]

Avoid Taphae Gate like the plague unless you enjoy disorganized chaos.

I completely disagree. I would normally avoid crowds on NYE in farangland, but I was really surprised last year how civilised it was here. They tried to ban alcohol, and for 99% this rule was followed.

But as usual the western embarrassment sect came, sitting on the waterside with bottles in their hands flouting the no alcohol rule, and gobbing off everywhere...tossers

But actually, I enjoyed it, lots of entertainment, families, couples, and fireworks.

What i found most odd though, after the NY countdown, literally within 2 minutes, all the lights went off, music stopped....and everyone just turned around and walked home. incredible really.

well done Thapae, hope the next one is as memorable.

[ProdigalSon]

Civilized yes, organized no. It took thirty minutes to get from Starbucks at Thaphae Gate to Brix restaurant ON FOOT after the show had ended. Had to climb over a Channel 7 News van and another car just to get out of Thaphae Gate. Kids were crying and panicking as everyone was trying to get out. Luckily I'm tall so I could breathe okay, but lots of shorter people and young children were freaking out. Not a pleasant experience.

Prior to that though, the fireworks were great.

[seany]

Civilized yes, organized no. It took thirty minutes to get from Starbucks at Thaphae Gate to Brix restaurant ON FOOT after the show had ended. Had to climb over a Channel 7 News van and another car just to get out of Thaphae Gate. Kids were crying and panicking as everyone was trying to get out. Luckily I'm tall so I could breathe okay, but lots of shorter people and young children were freaking out. Not a pleasant experience.

Prior to that though, the fireworks were great.

I guess my wife and i aren't gonna go through that. We've had our fair share of fun when we were younger. Now we need something more serene.

I kinda like Furama Hotel though, I'll probably try to reserve a table that oversees Thaphae Gate.

Thank you all for the insights on a typical NYE at Chiang Mai =)

[hellodolly]

You might want to try the rooftop restaurant on the top of the Furama Hotel on Huay Kaew Road. You'll have to book in advance as it will likely be a set menu affair. The views of the city are great and you'll be able to see all the fireworks. Avoid Taphae Gate like the plague unless you enjoy disorganized chaos.

You could be on to some thing there.

However it is not on Huay Kaew you can enter from Huay Kaew by going all the way through hillside 4. Furama offers a 360 view of the city and mountains. I would imagine it has a set menu. If memory serves me right it is a barbeque restaurant on the roof top.

[eyecatcher]

Civilized yes, organized no. It took thirty minutes to get from Starbucks at Thaphae Gate to Brix restaurant ON FOOT after the show had ended. Had to climb over a Channel 7 News van and another car just to get out of Thaphae Gate. Kids were crying and panicking as everyone was trying to get out. Luckily I'm tall so I could breathe okay, but lots of shorter people and young children were freaking out. Not a pleasant experience.

Prior to that though, the fireworks were great.

.

I kinda like Furama Hotel though, I'll probably try to reserve a table that oversees Thaphae Gate.

Thank you all for the insights on a typical NYE at Chiang Mai =)

High as it is, you will not see Thapae from there without a telescope....maybe fireworks only.