If you are ever here, eat there #22: Chiang Mai (again)

A krathong prepared for launch (Wikipedia)

One day we'll visit Chiang Mai during Loi Krathong. It's a festival held on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar (usually in November). Thousands of people set containers made of banana leaves (krathong) and decorated with flowers and candles to float on the waterways of the city in honour of the Goddess of Water. They also launch "sky lanterns" (hot air balloons made of paper) and decorate streets and houses with them to banish troubles.

Sky lanterns during Loi Krathong (Wikipedia)

We first heard of Loi Krathong at The Riverside. The restaurant is set, as the name suggests, on the bank of the Ping River. But to get to the beautiful and peaceful outdoor dining terrace, you need to pass through a gallery (local art and textiles) and pub featuring live western music. You also pass photos of VIP guests releasing their krathongs from the restaurant's little dock during the festival. It looks cool.

Chiang Mai is in the heart of what used to be the Lanna Kingdom ("kingdom of a thousand rice fields") between the 13th and 18th centuries. While you will find many of the classic Royal Thai soups, salads and curries on the menu (as well as a range of international favourites to keep the jaded tourists happy) at the Riverside, it's a nice opportunity to try some northern specialities, like sour minced pork (tastes better than the name suggests), chiang mai sausage (spicy and lightly lime-flavoured) or burmese pork curry. Alcohol is on the menu, but in the heat - even late in the evening - we opted for iced coconut water in whole coconuts and fruit shakes. 

Yes, one day we'll visit Chiang Mai during Loi Krathong and we'll certainly eat again at The Riverside.

The Riverside is at 9-11 Charoenrat Road, Chiangmai, Tel +66 5324 6323