Thanksgiving In Chiang Rai?

[JohnThailandJohn]

Going to be in Chiang Rai over Thanksgiving, anybody have any ideas on a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or celebration ... or even something slightly close with at least Turkey?

[villagefarang]

I'm sure many hotels and restaurants will put on a Thanksgiving dinner. Things really aren't that primitive here. We have enjoyed turkey at the Meridien and my wife has done a turkey dinner for friends in the past. I haven't seen any announcements yet but I'm sure they are coming.

[villagefarang]

Turkey in Chiang Rai, before and after shots.

[JohnThailandJohn]

I'm sure many hotels and restaurants will put on a Thanksgiving dinner. Things really aren't that primitive here. We have enjoyed turkey at the Meridien and my wife has done a turkey dinner for friends in the past. I haven't seen any announcements yet but I'm sure they are coming.

lol, wasn't insinuating you guys up there weren't civilized ... just wasn't sure how many Americans are up there. Been in Bangkok nearly 10 years and never have had Turkey anytime in Thailand. In fact my wife and daughter have never had turkey their entire life. So, I thought it would be a good time thing to do while we are there. We are staying at The Legend, maybe they will have something going on, just want to make sure we actually do something this year for Thanksgiving. This is really going to be a relaxing trip with not much planned but to relax in the surroundings and visit some friends but would be great to experience a Thanksgiving dinner with the wife and daughter.

On a side note, always wondered why Turkey wasn't popular here since so many people don't eat beef. Would give them another meat option.

Edit - another side note, seems like it is going to be busy up there that week. Booked a week ago and very few of the nicer hotels on the river had rooms and wasn't easy getting a car either. Is it now the high season there or is this typical? I have only been once before and it was over X-Mass an New Year and was busy not so busy. We are more the island / beach vacationers but really want to just enjoy a more relaxed rural setting ... it has been a while.

Edited November 16, 2014 by JohnThailandJohn

[villagefarang]

At around 1000 baht, a turkey is a bit more expensive than a free chicken running around in the yard. Not many people have ovens for baking either so that could be a problem.

I would imagine the Legend will have a Thanksgiving special of some sort but there will be several others to choose from. I hope your wife and daughter enjoy it.

I really applaud you on not over-planning your trip. Having a little extra time to be spontaneous and explore without rushing to the next thing is the best way to go in my opinion.

We are indeed entering our high season and things should be busy into the new year.

Edited November 16, 2014 by villagefarang

[ChaangNoi]

We always buy a turkey at Macro and then BBQ it. Not exactly traditional but it is pretty good eating with stickey rice!

[1FinickyOne]

You could always take a day trip to CM and catch the traditional dinner at The Dukes - I think they have 3 different sittings, maybe 2 in the afternoon but you need reservations… it is a pleasant drive through the mtns...

[bobbyd1]

Thanks, yes Dukes has good spread. But this year I want to do Thanksgiving in Chiang Rai

[boomerangutang]

am also interested in a Thanksgiving meal

[JohnThailandJohn]

You could always take a day trip to CM and catch the traditional dinner at The Dukes - I think they have 3 different sittings, maybe 2 in the afternoon but you need reservations… it is a pleasant drive through the mtns...

IMO that is any but a pleasant drive.

[villagefarang]

Sorry to say I called the Meridien today and they said they have a function that day and are not planning a special Thanksgiving Diner for the public. Looks like the wife will be picking up a turkey tomorrow.

I wouldn't want to do it too often but I quite enjoy a drive to Chiang Mai from time to time. It is around 235 km to the ring roads from our house so it ends up being a 500 km day, but in a nice car with good company, the time flies. Driving in Thailand is all about attitude.

[Paul888]

Don used to have a Thanksgiving Turkey dinner and I seem to recall Dusit have in the past also.

I am not American, but more than happy to give thanks for a turkey dinner.

Once a year just isn't enough.

[villagefarang]

If you are in town now, you should try and get to the "Farm Festival at Rai Boon Rawd from the 26th to 31st of November". Rai Boon Rawd is a beautiful place to visit any time of year but right now it is one big party. It can get crowded at night but usually it is not bad during the day.

[tom07]

Somewhat bemused by this talk of thanksgiving and and "civilised". The cultures that colonised nth america don't celebrate "thanksgiving" in their homelands, but I guess that societies with such limited history do need to invent new "traditions".

[JohnThailandJohn]

Somewhat bemused by this talk of thanksgiving and and "civilised". The cultures that colonised nth america don't celebrate "thanksgiving" in their homelands, but I guess that societies with such limited history do need to invent new "traditions".

You should learn the meaning of Thanksgiving instead of making silly comments (unless of course you are making a joke). Cultures that colonized the US do/did have Harvest Festivals including Britain going back to Pagen times.

Edit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving#History

Edited December 11, 2014 by JohnThailandJohn

[JohnThailandJohn]

If you are in town now, you should try and get to the "Farm Festival at Rai Boon Rawd from the 26th to 31st of November". Rai Boon Rawd is a beautiful place to visit any time of year but right now it is one big party. It can get crowded at night but usually it is not bad during the day.

Been to Chiang Rai previously but not here but this time some friends took us and we had lunch at the restaurant -- very beautiful.