Beverage: Mont Clair Red Wine

Never underestimate the benefits of a tall glass of red wine! After spending a semester abroad in Florence, Italy, these benefits became all too clear for me. Unfortunately, in Chiang Mai, wine can be an expensive--and absent--commodity.

Luckily, I was introduced to a replacement for my wino days in Europe: Mont Clair Red Wine. Though I'm no wine expert, I know enough to say that the price is right on this wine--especially in Chiang Mai. Despite its qualm of being a boxed wine, this South African wine acts as a perfect table or every day wine for casual wine drinkers. Obviously there are better options; obviously these have higher prices.

A 5L bag of Mont Clair will run you 950 THB, approximately 142 THB per bottle. As far as I know, a glass of wine at most restaurants will be at least 80 THB: for the habitual wine drinker, this provides significant savings. Another advantage is that the box easily can fit in your refrigerator, making it a perfect option if you only want a glass or two.

Though drinking a glass with a friend is advised, Mont Clair makes a glass of wine a night possible even on your own--no need to leave an unfinished bottle lying around. Purchase at 7-11, Tesco, or any local licquor store.

Activity: Namo Yoga

When I am tired of my normal workout routine and am feeling particularly stressed, there's always one place that I know I can turn (no, not iBerry). Namo Yoga is a studio located on Moon Muang on the east side of the Old City. They offer massage and yoga courses, though I have only personally dabbled in the yoga classes.

The classes run at 200 baht each, though a nine-class pass can be bought for 900 baht. Depending on your needs, this could be a worthwhile investment. There are usually two classes a day (10 AM and 6 PM) and each class runs for an hour and a half. I liked Namo yoga because the classroom setting was laid-back and relaxing, necessary requirements for the type of yoga I prefer. Despite being located off of the Moon Muang, the hectic east moat road, the wood-paneled second floor of Namo is dark, quiet, and a great place to collect your thoughts. And the instructors are encouraging no matter your skill level.

Check out the schedule to figure out what works best for you! A must-do in Chiang Mai, even for the novice yogi. No need to bring your own mat, but water is a definite must--it gets a bit warm inside.