12 days in Thailand 1/7- 1/18/2025

Day 8-Old Town/Lunch at Baan Landai-1/14/2025

We made a brief stop at Wat Chedi Luang, but since we had already explored it earlier, it felt more like a quiet revisit, just a short walk around familiar grounds before continuing on.

View of the iconic Chedi with the Elephant terrace 

Our final stop of the tour brought you to Tha Phae Gate, one of the most iconic landmarks in the old city.

In front of the gate, the circular bronze map represents the layout of Chiang Mai’s historic walled city, which was founded in 1296 by King Mangrai. The city was originally designed as a square, surrounded by moats and defensive walls, with gates on each side controlling access in and out.

Tha Phae Gate served as the eastern entrance and was one of the most important gateways into the city. It was the main point of contact for traders, merchants, and visitors arriving from other regions, especially from what is now Laos and beyond. Because of this, the area around the gate became a lively hub of commerce and cultural exchange. Over time, the original walls and gate fell into disrepair and were partially lost, but in the late 20th century, they were reconstructed using historical records and old photographs to restore their appearance.

Today, the gate and the open square in front of it act as a gathering place rather than a defensive structure. It’s where locals and visitors come together, whether for festivals like Yi Peng Lantern Festival, casual meetups, or simply to take in the atmosphere. The pigeons, the wide open space, and the backdrop of the old brick walls give it a sense of both history and everyday life blending together. It’s a symbolic threshold between the old city and the modern world beyond.

After saying our goodbyes to tour guide, and the nice couple in our group, we wandered into the old town in search of lunch and ended up at Baan Landai Fine Thai Cuisine, a spot recognized in the Michelin Guide. The restaurant is known for elevating traditional Thai dishes while still keeping their authentic flavors intact.

The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, with a cozy, slightly modern take on traditional Thai design.

Getting a table on the patio was a lucky break, it’s one of the best places to sit, surrounded by greenery and shaded from the heat, giving you a calm break after a full morning of exploring.

Our meal unfolded in that relaxed patio setting, making it feel both casual and special at the same time. Hoa and Mind went for a cold beer, perfect for the warm Chiang Mai afternoon, while me and Loan chose something more delicate: a hot pot of chrysanthemum tea.

The tea was served in a clear glass pot, it was as much visual as it was refreshing, with the blossoms slowly opening and floating in the water, giving off a light, floral aroma that felt calming after the morning’s exploration.

The food that followed was a beautiful mix of comforting and bold flavors.

The morning glory sautéed with chopped pork and garlic had that signature smoky, slightly crisp texture, with the garlic adding a deep fragrance.

The khao soi brought a rich, creamy curry base layered with spices, balanced by the soft noodles underneath and the slight crunch on top, a classic northern Thai dish done right.

The stir-fried eggplant with minced pork and shrimp paste carried a deeper, more intense flavor profile, slightly salty and umami-rich.

Close view of the Eggplant dish.

While the chicken sautéed with basil added that familiar Thai comfort, savory, aromatic, and just a little bit spicy, with the basil lifting the whole dish.

Dessert was the perfect ending. The mango sticky rice, paired with a scoop of ice cream, balanced warm, sweet coconut rice with the freshness of ripe mango and the cool creaminess of the ice cream.

We also ordered a bowl of green sticky rice in coconut sauce added something a bit more traditional and unique, slightly chewy, subtly sweet, and rich with coconut flavor.

Altogether, the meal felt satisfying without being overwhelming, a mix of textures, temperatures, and flavors that reflected the heart of Thai cuisine. Sitting there on the patio, with good food, drinks, and your group, it was a relaxed and memorable way to close out your day in Chiang Mai

NEXT... Day 8- Dinner at Favola

Filed under: Restaurants