Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center

These events take place each evening from around 7-9.30pm, and while the khan toke dinner is not an ancient tradition (it was invented in the 20th century as a way of entertaining guests), it presents a fine opportunity to sample some of the north’s most famous dishes, such as gaeng hang lay, a pork curry with ginger, and sai oua, a local sausage made with herbs and spices.

Though other places offer a similar evening’s entertainment, this is the most professional set-up in town, and a pick-up service from your hotel is included in the ticket price.

The traditional dances are of a high quality and the costumes are dazzling, so don’t forget your camera or phone to record the evening. Besides traditional Thai dances, there are also dances performed by the colorful hilltribes in a separate building. Typically, visitors are invited on to the stage at the end of the performance to join in a ramwong dance. Reservations and transport can be arranged through any hotel or guesthouse.

However, it’s also worth dropping by in the day to look at the Ruan Saw Hong, a 120-year-old stilted house that is furnished like a traditional northern home, with bedroom, ancestors’ altar, living and cooking areas. It’s open on Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5.30pm and the admission fee is 50B. There’s usually someone on hand to show you round.

Also situated in this large compound is the traditional Northern Thai restaurant Euang Kam Sai, which is open from 11am to 11pm. The atmospheric setting is a great place to enjoy a set lunch or a la carte dinner.