Try the superb La Fourchette (french), Chez Marco (mediterranean) and Prego (Italian & Thai) restaurants inside the moated, old city walls and the inviting Yokka Dok bar/restaurant/. Mandalay Disco is a favourite with night owls.

The two main gay centres are outside the moat. The Chang Pueak area, north of the moat is where you will find Adam’s Apple Club- sensational show and a collection of beautiful guys. Across the road is Lotus Hotel & Garden Bar, the first gay hotel in the city and an established Chiang Mai institution. On the Changpueak Road, The Circle Pub has hunky guys on stage and The Playhouse Theatre is Chiang Mai’s gem with famous pieces from  international musicals, performing art, and dance shows. Gemini Massage and Marn Mai Chai Kha Massage have regular promotions and are recommended. Ram Coffee & Bar is set on the river, close to the Nawarat Bridge.

Nimmanhaeminda and Santitham have some of the most expensive real estate outside of Bangkok and a hip and happening scene of bars. Check out Sangdee Gallery & Cafe and on Huay Kaew Road, you will find the excellent Soho Bar and Guesthouse who serve incomparable New Orleans food. For a work out or chill out, go to The House of Male, from midday to midnight with pool, steam room, gym, private rooms, bar and food. Tuesday and Thursday are ‘Buddy Nights’- very popular with students from the local university. Nearby is the long established PJ’s Place guesthouse, renowned for sweet and personal service. Club M Karaoke is a favourite. Santitham is not far away, with many new eateries, guesthouses, bars and coffee shops.

On the east side of the city, on the bank of the River Ping, Club One Seven has superb accommodation, bar, sauna, pool and gym in a complex comprising two traditional Thai teak houses. For a great massage and more, The Blues Club, Mystic Orient, and Sanctuary Spa are all worthy of a visit or three! XS & JK Solutions is your one stop solution for all national and local real estate and legal issues. Independent Travel provides a trusted, price-integrated service. In San Sai you will find The Podology Centre, specialists in medical foot care.