Centrifugal to the area’s dining scene, as we’ve so clearly established, is Adirak Pizza, whose art lined walls and large kiln oven provide a feast for the eyes and taste buds. There’s more than just Neapolitan fluffy slices on the chalk board menu here though; indulge in their delectable salads and sweet treats to complete the experience before you roll yourself out of the glass doors. The other top fast food joint in town, Roamer Burger Woodside, sits in the corner of Baan Kang Wat arts market, luring shoppers in with the aroma of carnivorous delights that include local beef patties or meaty morsels from Australia. Lunch in the hood doesn’t come finer than Lamour Cafe’s cutesy spot, with premium Thai plates served, but if you’re on a budget pop over to G’day Mates, whose brunch menu (did someone say ‘eggs benedict’) is surprisingly affordable considering how delicious it all is.
Every mighty metropolis needs an artistic enclave, where for one reason or another, creatives elect to live, work and play. Think Paris’ Southbank, or New York’s Brooklyn in its heyday. Chiang Mai is no different and while we could argue that the whole city is a creative hub, one neighbourhood certainly stands out. Enter: Pong Noi, the leafy green village that stretches between Wat Umong and Wat Pong Noi, winding around the roads (pong noi meaning little curve or bend) in the foothills of our majestic Doi Suthep. It’s an easy going little hamlet that’s generally off the tourist trail, and is inherently calming while having a lot going on – so if you’re looking to spend some time in a part of the city that’s a little more calm and rustic, then explore our Chiang Mai neighbourhood guide to Pong Noi below.
What’s Pong Noi known for?
These days, when you first hear of Pong Noi, it’s either an invite to a creative workshop, an art event or because pizza is calling. Adirak Pizza has undoubtedly put the ‘hood on the map in the past couple of years and for good reason.
Why do the locals love it?
Pong Noi folks will happily spend all week in their neighbourhood as it has everything they could possibly need – great coffee, great food, loads of entertainment and nature in extremely close proximity, if not their back garden.
How do I get to the area?
Pong Noi is the furthest west point of Suthep, wedged between Canal Road and the mountain. It’s just a 10-minute motorbike ride west of the Old City, or you can hop on the CMU bus; the route no.97 goes from the western edge of the old city into the university campus, which stretches along the northern flank of Pong Noi, which is pretty walkable. Check out the buses here.
Map
If you only do one thing:
Order the Pesto Ricotta pizza from Adirak. No, we are not sponsored by them. Yes you can thank us later for changing your life.
