Youdin Kindee Farmstay

Food and atmosphere are well-matched at this chill Northern Thai restaurant in Mae Rim. It’s in a two-storey wooden pavilion with regular tables downstairs and cushioned floor seating upstairs; both options offer relaxing rice field views and refreshing breezes. The food here is equally fresh, as well as flavourful and easy on the wallet; the Northern Thai spicy pork salad and the Northern Thai hot and spicy soup with fish and morning glory are recommended.

Khao serves Northern Thai cuisine, along with some dishes from other regions. The chef, a prestigious culinary school graduate with 10 years of luxury hotel experience, brings an international perspective and a modern identity to traditional Thai dishes. The dining room is contemporary and inviting – crystal chandeliers coexist with carved teak panelling – and the terrace offers serene views of rice fields and hills.

This popular spot has been serving Northern Thai dishes in Mae Rim district since 2004. The menu is simple, typical Thai fare that leans towards meat and freshwater fish – the owner-chef will gladly recommend the freshest dishes of the day. Start with the deep-fried chilli minced pork – bold, salty and spicy – followed by tom yam fish. Arrive before sunset for a terrace table or opt for the comfort of the air-conditioned room overlooking the tranquil pond.

Surrounded by rice fields, this stand-alone cement building affords a clear view of the open kitchen. The chef draws on various cuisines and uses a charcoal grill to cook local ingredients. His unpretentious style promotes healthy eating, and each dish highlights the natural flavours of the ingredients. Arrive before sunset to see the beautiful garden.

Café