The Good View (Chiang Mai) - very popular and reasonably priced

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Located just a few feet from the tranquil Ping River in Chiang Mai, The Good View restaurant is a very popular establishment with both locals and tourists (and this is always a good sign.)

Although I have only been there once I can attest to the fact that you better either get there early or have reservations because although I actually wanted to sit at the bar, that was the only option available to me when I arrived at just before 8pm.

look closely at that picture and you will see that all the tables have "reserved" signs on them

The menu is extremely huge as the section for "Starters and Snacks" was 3 pages long. I ordered a "hybrid dish of sorts" and it was fried larb fritters with spicy vinegar dip.

I suppose you would need to be familiar with what that is for it to be appetizing. They asked me if I can eat spicy - I said "yes" and it still wasn't even remotely spicy. So if you like your food to have some heat, you better be very clear that this is something that you want.

A vast majority of their menu focuses on traditional Thai dishes and whole fish, but there are some western dishes available as well.

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I think one of the main reasons that people flock to this place in droves is not just because of their wonderful location on the riverfront, but because of the actually very talented house band that starts playing every night from 8pm onward.

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While slightly more expensive than smaller venues this place has everything you could imagine and considering what they offer such as strong air-conditioning despite being open-air, a plethora of staff, and a almost never-ending menu, the additional cost is definitely worth it.

I would particularly recommend this place for larger groups but again, get there early or make reservations. I do not recommend this for anyone seeking a quiet or romantic evening because the band kind of makes that impossible.