We booked this show through the local travel agent. It is not something I would recommend. Everything was so rushed, but it could have been a lovely experience.
It was called Old Chiangmai. We were picked up from our hotel in a mini bus.
On arrival we were led through the craft market and into the building. All shoes were handed in and we were given a receipt for them.
We were taken to our seats (well mat on the floor). We were going to eat in the tradional Thai Lana style. We were given the drink menu and immediately our food was delivered. A large bowl of Thai soup. Next a small round red table was set before us full of various small dishes. There was a lovely tender beef in sauce, cabbage, something that tasted like pork scratchings, something resembling orange shredded wheat that tasted very sweet.
As we started to eat, we had a garland of flowers put round our neck as the ‘on site’ photographer took our photo.
More food was served, large chicken legs and seconds on any of the dishes we wanted. While we were eating all this food there were various Hill tribe people performing their national dances on the stage. There was also a sword swinging performance and some traditional Thai dancing all accompanied by the four piece band.
Desert was served. Watermelon. As we ate this the photographer came round with prints of our photos to buy. Also the barman wanted paying for the beer we had drunk. Luckily we had only had time for one each as they were expensive beers.
An announcement from the stage told us to go outside where the final performances would take place. Within minutes the room emptied, shoes were reclaimed and everyone gathered in a circle near the front entrance. More dancing took place, along with flame thrower and the finale of a firework.
It was then back to your mini bus for the trip home.
In total we only spent 2 hours in the restuarant. A shame because the venue was good, food delicious and the entertainment very good. What spoiled it all was the rush in which everything happened. It was very much like a conveyor belt.