The locals’ guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand – from where to eat, to what to do
Sample local delicacy khao soi – recommended by Anthony Bourdain’s Thai food guru, hike to the temples of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, or catch some Muay Thai or live music
“We do all sorts of things: visit the lady-boy cabaret show at Ram Bar or watch Thai boxing at Loi Kroh Boxing Stadium,” says Faii Suporn, an ethnic Akha who leads residents of the Family Home 2 hostel to sample the best nightlife Chiang Mai, Thailand, has to offer.
For visitors keen to have a go at Muay Thai, she recommends The Bear Fight Club, a gym in the old city that has “good coaches who work you hard”.
“I go there to train when I have time,” says Faii, who sells locally made silverware by day.
And “everyone wants to visit The North Gate Jazz Co-op at least once”, she says of a venue so popular that crowds trying to get a glimpse of local musos jamming often spill out onto the road. “Roots Rock Reggae is also good for live music. The house band regularly tours Thailand, although I usually end up in Zoe in Yellow,” a hedonist spot opposite the reggae bar where everyone seems to know everyone else.
“Chiang Mai is really just a big village,” she says.