The Best Meal We Have Ever Eaten – Chiang Dao, Thailand

During our 2006 trip to Thailand Lindsay and I hired a local tour guide to take us around the mountains surrounding the beautiful city of Chiang Mae, Thailand. Our guides name was “Jay” and he was only about 18 years old but spoke perfect English. We spent the entire day with him and it was absolutely fascinating. We toured the Indian villages, rode an Elephant, and rafted down a river. However, what I want to write about is the incredible meal that was cooked for us at lunch time. Although I assumed they were going to include food I thought it would be very light. Around noon “Jay” informed us we were going to stop for lunch and the beautiful resort village called Chiang Dao. This spectacular complex is built in the heart of the jungle/mountains and although they call themselves a “resort” it is actually just a set of rustic style huts surrounding a kitchen/lounge. We pulled up to Chiang Dao and were greeted by some very friendly Thai women who guided us out to a covered deck area where there was a table set for two people. There was a light rain/mist and the view from the deck was breathtaking. There was a dense green jungle with large rock cliffs that rose above the trees. There were numerous flowers, animals and birds which gave the area a truly exotic feel. Just as we were getting used to the view the wonderful Thai women that greeted us began to bring us food…and it felt like it never stopped. :) Each dish was incredible and just when we thought we had found our favorite they would bring out another dish that was even better. There was soup, curry, vegetables, rice, meat, etc, etc. Imagine the best Thai food you have ever had and then times it by 10 and you will get a sense for how good this food really was. :) Not only was the food incredible but sitting in the middle of Thailand while eating it really added to the experience. Although we expected a cheap/light lunch we actually ended up getting a home cooked Thai meal for two. To this day Lindsay still goes crazy talking about it and we both consider it the best meal we have ever eaten. If you ever find yourself in Northern Thailand make sure to stop in for a quick meal at Chiang Dao!