After our stroll through Chiang Mai’s Wat Kate area, we needed a place to cool off and rest. We happened upon the Vieng Joom On Teahouse and decided to pop in for a refreshing drink. What a wonderful surprise! The decor is beautiful and the selection of teas and drinks make for a perfect afternoon treat. It was a bit on the pricey side (for Chiang Mai), but that’s not surprising considering the location and the setting. We felt that it was definitely worth the splurge. Continue reading Vieng Joom On Teahouse in Chiang Mai
All posts by meanderingfamily
Exploring Chiang Mai’s Wat Kate Neighborhood
We decided to head over to the east side of the Ping River for lunch today. Afterward we decided to stroll through the Wat Kate area, south of Kaew Nawarat and east of Charoen Rat.
If you spend most of your time in or near the moat or in the Nimman neighborhood, then this area will seem tranquil and green by comparison. You will find plenty of cute shops and restaurants to visit though. Here are a few things that caught our eye along the way. Continue reading Exploring Chiang Mai’s Wat Kate Neighborhood
An Imaginary Jungle Near Chiang Mai
Some friends took us to Khaomao-Khaofang Restaurant on Ratchapruek Road between Hang Dong Road and the Canal Road. The restaurant’s tag line is “The Imaginary Jungle” and that’s quite fitting.
Here you will find an open-air restaurant covered with a dome and landscaped with beautiful large trees, gorgeous tropical garden, waterfalls, ferns, streams, a carp pond and even a lake. The bathrooms are even decorated to feel like part of the outdoors. Continue reading An Imaginary Jungle Near Chiang Mai
Koh Samui Sunset, Dinner on the Beach
When we asked a local where to find an affordable and delicious seafood restaurant near our vacation rental on Koh Samui, we were pointed toward Bang Por Seafood (Takho) without hesitation. Like many of the simple family-owned open-air restaurants along the island’s ring road, the decor leaves much to the imagination but it has a certain charm about it. Bang Por Seafood (Takho) not only provides some of the freshest, most authentic Thai seafood dishes on Koh Samui, it provides a wonderfully beachy atmosphere and gorgeous sunset views. Continue reading Koh Samui Sunset, Dinner on the Beach
Wat Phrathat Haripunchai in Lamphun
A couple of our Thai friends offered to take us on day trip. We visited the beautiful Wat Phrathat Haripunchai in Lamphun, just outside of Chiang Mai. This temple is one of the most famous temples in Northern Thailand. The chedi is said to be built on the site of Queen Chamadevi’s palace. Construction on the chedi probably began in the late ninth century, but it was enlarged at the beginning of the 12th century. Continue reading Wat Phrathat Haripunchai in Lamphun
Kalasea on Koh Samui
While spending two weeks on Koh Samui recently, we stayed at a great vacation rental on the quiet northwest corner of the island, not far from the Four Seasons resort. We were directly across from Bang Makham Beach. We discovered a delicious eatery, called Kalasea, within a 5 minute walk of our place. The food was tasty, the prices extremely fair, and the atmosphere was truly charming. We enjoyed it so much that we ate lunch and dinner there several times, we also ordered takeaway more than once. Be sure to seek this little gem out. Continue reading Kalasea on Koh Samui
A Day at the Beach on Koh Samui
We recently spent two weeks on Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. The plan was to relax and spend time on the beach. That’s pretty much all we did… and it was fantastic.
Most people that visit Koh Samui stay in or around either Lamai or Chaweng, the two most popular beaches and the biggest tourist areas. Both beaches are lovely, but we also wanted to explore the islands “less visited” spots. Continue reading A Day at the Beach on Koh Samui
Afternoon Snack in Chiang Mai’s “Chinatown”
It was very hot and humid today as we were exploring Chiang Mai’s “Chinatown” district, so we were on the look-out for ice cream. We happened upon a really charming little spot, called Thamel Coffee & Restaurant.
Continue reading Afternoon Snack in Chiang Mai’s “Chinatown”
Chiang Mai’s “Chinatown” and Warorot Market
Warorot Market, locally referred to as Kad Luang (big market), is located in Chiang Mai’s Chinatown district. It’s comprised of a sprawling 3-story covered market as well as a series of street markets that spread out on both sides of Chang Moi Road and cover an area roughly between Ratchawong, Tha Pae Road and the River. It’s just north of Chiang Mai’s famous Night Bazaar. Continue reading Chiang Mai’s “Chinatown” and Warorot Market
For Geologists, Life is a Field Trip
Way back in 1990, Lisa Rossbacher, then-editor for GeoTimes magazine (now Earth) published a list of the top places every geologist should visit in their lifetime. It has been revised and modified several times over the years. A copy of it can be found here, or presented a little differently here. And a nice variation on the list is here. There are many more around. Continue reading For Geologists, Life is a Field Trip
Meandering Family: Beyond the Nest 