Cafe de Siam is a newer style restaurant with modern decor and a refinished exterior.  It is conveniently located a few blocks from the night market and happen to be right next door to my hotel.  I stopped by when I arrived in Chiang Mai after checking in to my hotel.  Service was very fast.  I ordered the Pad Thai with chicken to keep in simple.  The food was good and hit the spot.

They open early each day, 6:30am, which is rare by Thai standards of breakfast.  Usually restaurants open later but since they are near a large hotel, they may get tourist looking for an early start.

Good place for a quick lunch.

Address:  119 Loi Kroh Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

Phone: 66 53 207 258

Hours: Monday through Sunday, 6:30am to 9:00pm

The House by Ginger is an upscale restaurant not far from Tha Phae Gate.  They are formally known as Ginger and Kafe.  They changed the name after expanding into another separate building but within the same compound with private parking.  The decor is very nice and the wait staff are attentive with decent English skills for tourist.

The menu is extensive and I was actually given 4 or 5 menus for drinks, specials and main course.  I started the night with an imported Laos beer called what else, Beer Lao. For a starter, I ordered the Chicken Satay, a standard on most Thai menus.  For the main course I ordered the Slow-braised Beef in a lime-coconut  cream sauce with lemongrass, mint and coriander.  Everything was very good, even the beer!

The House by Ginger is a very nice place to dine with family and friends or alone, as I was. I would definitely eat here again.

Address: 199, Moonmuang Road, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50200, 50200, Thailand

Phone: 66 53 419 011

Hours: Monday through Sunday, 9:00am to 11:00pm

I was surprised to find a tea house of the quality that is Vieng Joom On in Chiang Mai.  Unfortunately I did not have much time in Chiang Mai and squeezed a visit to this tea house about a half hour before they closed.  The seating is in the rear and is nicely decorated and very comfortable. The entrance of the tea house is dedicated to tea sales and other related products.  The staff were very kind in seating me so near to closing time.

Their selection of tea is impressive.  Several caught my eye but the one that jumped out was the Silver Needle White Tea so I ordered that.  I did not have to wait long.  Vieng Joom On knows how to sere tea!  The tea leaves are placed in a strainer and hot water is added as you like, unlike some places that serve the tea leaves already in a pot of water creating too strong of a steeping by your second and third cup.

Unfortunately I ran out of time.  I should note they also have an extensive list of iced teas that sound tasty and unique.  Vieng Joom On is a must when visiting Chiang Mai to relax and enjoy some tea in their comfortable atmosphere.

Address: 53 Charoenraj Rd. T.Watgate, A.Muang Chiang Mai

Phone: 66 53 303 113

Hours: Monday through Sunday, 10:00am to 7:00pm.