Travel to Lanna ล้านนา

Chiang Dao: Mountains, mystic caves and spledid temples

2011-12-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

See the locations on Chiang Dao Google Map

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Doi Chiang Dao, the third of the highest mountains in Thailand

Chiang Dao lies 72 km north of Chiang Mai above the Menam Ping gorge on the green slopes of Doi Chiang Dao mountain. The name means "City of Stars". Limestone peaks reaching a height of 2186 m make Chiang Dao an impressive area. Every Tuesday morning the town has a market with hilltribe people.

Chiang Dao is famous for its cave complex Tham Chiang Dao ถ้ำเชียงดาว, that is believed to stretch for many kilometres into Doi Chiang Dao. Tham Phra Nawn (360m) and Tham Seua Dao (540m) are illuminated by electric lights. You can explore Tham Phra Nawn alone on a good path. You will see many stalagmite and stalactite formations and buddha images (see gallery by Lek). Inside there are signs pointing to the entrances of the longer and darker caves Tham Maa (7365m), Tham Kaew (477m) and Tham Naam (660m). Women with lanterns are waiting here and offering guided tours.

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The entrance top many hundred meters of caves

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Inside the main cave

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A fish pond outside the cave invites for meditation

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Only good eyes discover something in the middle of the green vegetation: A lying stone Buddha image

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Medicine from the nature is offered nearby the cave entrance by women form the hilltribes living in the region

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Wonderful roof: Wat Phare Rachsamjammadhevesrnechai near the cave. And a very special Chedi:

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More to see

Wat Tham Pha Plong: This temple lies on the end of the road, which goes past the caves. It's 500 steps up the mountain. The highly estimated monk. Looang Boo Sim Buddhacaro spent over ten years teaching here. Under the stupa there is a big cave. See gallery on tripadvisor.com. See more pictures on lochstein.de

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Wat Tham Pha Plong

Chiang Dao National Park: The area is popular for trekking and bird watching, there are many Lisu and Karen hill tribe villages in the park. Doi Luang Chiang Dao is a limestone mountain (2,195 metres from sea level)m third highest mountain in Thailand. The park covers also the area of Pha Dang mountain. Read more about birdwatching on thaibirding.com.

Srisangwan Waterfall: See video on youtube

Pang Tong Waterfall: The Khun Mae Ngai river is its origin. Read more

Where to stay in Chiang Dao

Malee's Nature Lovers Bungalows: From 350 Bath. Situated 5km outside Chiang Dao and 1km beyond Chiang Dao's cave complex.

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Chiang Dao Nest 1 and 2: From 695 Bath. On a dead end road, which terminates about 1km further at Wat Tham Paplong Temple. 20 bungalows and two restaurants across two sites within 1km of each other. One is Wicha's Gourmet kitchen.

Nature Home Guesthouse: From 450 Bath. 233 M.12 Ban Rong Vua. 2 km from the town center and rather close to the famous Chiang Dao Cave. Phone +66 (0) 89 913 3911. Five Bungalows.

Chiang Dao Hut: From 300 Bath. Three bungalows, own by a Thai couple, who came up from Chiang Mai.

Royal Ping Garden & Resort: From 1800 Bath

What to see near Mae Taeng

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Exciting: Wat Ban Den

Wat Ban Den วัดเด่นสะหรีศรีเมืองแกน: A very attractive and unusual temple. Abbott Kruba Tuang took over the temple in bad condition in 1988. He arrived to raise funds of several millions Bath and rebuilt Wat Ban Den in an extraordinary way. He built also 12 Chedis. Each of these is dedicated to one of the 12 Animals of the Thai Zodiac. According to Thai mythology, when people die their spirit stays in the Pagoda of their birth sign. sOME Thais believe they should make at least one pilgrimage during their lifetime to the designated temple. With creating the 12 Chedis Abott Kruba Tuang lied the fundament for attracting many visitors.

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After all: A wonderful outlook

Wat Thung Luang:

Mae Taman Elephant Camp:

MWat Doi Mae Pang วัดดอยแม่ปั๋ง: On Route 1001 to Phrao: Luang Poo Waen Sujitnoh was the famous monk, who lived in this forest temple until he died in 1985. Read more about his life. The temple consists mainly of wooden buildings. Read more in the blog "Thai Forest Tradition".

ore attractions here

Your Guide to Chiang Mai

2011-12-04T13:48:00.000-08:00

You discover Chiang Mai through the eyes of people, who have been there. This blog collects their voices from blogs and travel-related forums like tripadvisor.com or travelfish.org and their pictures from flickr.com and other sources. Google Maps help you to create your own tour. Links give you background. Welcome to Chiang Mai!

Guesthouses: Cheap or not too expensive beds, some very charming locations like Pak Chiang Mai. Click

Boutique Hotels: Small hotels with traditional architecture like Bury Gallery House. Click.

Hotels: Big and splendid ones like Rachamankha. Click.

Restaurants: Where food is created with love and where vegetarians get mouthwatering stuff. Click.

Temples: Chiang Mai's Old Town counts more than twenty temples with spledid architecture. And Doi Suthep on a nearby mountain is famous. Click.

Markets and Walking Streets: Shop and eat with the locals and don't miss Wualai Walking Street or Ratchadamnoen Walking Street. Click.

Massage: Enjoy a massage by well trained people - for exampla at a shop with connections to the female prison. Click.

Nightlife: Pop, rock and jazz in music clubs, for example at the riverside. Click.

Loy Kratong: Enjoy the full moon festival in Chiang Mai or Mae Jo. Click.

Doi Inthanon: Take a day-tour to the highest mountain in Thailand and discover rainforest and birds. Click.

Institute for elephants: Take a day tour to the National Elephant Institute near Lampang, where some elephants even know how to play music in an orchestra. Click.

The Mae Hong Son Loop: From Chiang Mai through the rainforest and the mountains to Pai and Mae Hong Son Click

The Footprints of four Buddhas: A sanctuary in the mountains near Chiang Mai with four footprints on one stone. Click

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Kan Air - a new bird in the sky over Northern Thailand

2011-11-26T05:13:00.000-08:00

Kan Air: Who goes to Check-in in Chiang Mai airport will notice this new name. Kan Air started in february 2011 and flies from its homebase Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Nan, Pai, Mae Hong Son, Mae Sot and Phitsanulok. The company bought a brand-new Cessna Grand Caravan 208B, a single-engine turboprop with 14 seats. It has taken over the Chiang Mai-Pai route from SGA Airlines, which operates as Nok Mini. Nok Mini now operates from Chiang Mai routes to Nan and Udon Thani and many more routes from Bangkok. Read more in Bangkok Post.

The Palace of Princess Dara Rasamee and Wat Pha Dara Pirom

2011-11-24T07:06:00.000-08:00

See the location on Mae Rim Google Map

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One of the hidden treasures in Chiang Mai: The Dara Pirom Palace Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์พระตำหนักดาราภิรมย์, also Tamnak Daraphirom Museum) in Mae Rim. It lies inside the Dara Rasamee Military Camp. It has been built by Princess Dara Rasamee. She has been born in 1873 as daughter of the 7th Lord of Chiang Mai. During a visit in Bangkok she met King Chulalongkorn, who took her as one of his concubines in 1886. After the king had passed away she returned to Chiang Mai and built her residence: Phra Tamnak Darapirom (Darapirom Pavilion). She was also interested in farming and had a farm for experiments, called "Suan Jao Sabuy". She planted also roses, a pink one got the name Chulalongkorn. After she had died Chulalongkorn University purchased the palace.
During a renovation the outside and the inside of the palace were repainted in original colors. Also the garden was restored. Today in the museum you will see the living quarters, textiles, furnishings and musical instruments. The museum is open from 9am to 5 pm.

Read more about the Palace on chiangmai-chiangrai.com and see a video

Nearby you will discover Wat Pa Dara Piron:

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Read more about Mae Rim:
The footprints of four Buddhas
Hotels and Resorts in Mae Rim แม่ริม: Holidays next to the ricefields and in the hills

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Pak Chiang Mai - a little heaven

2011-11-23T11:50:00.000-08:00

So many hotels and guesthouses there are in Chiang Mai. But this one has cought this bloggers heart. Why? It's just around the corner of Chiang Mai's daily live inside the moat, inside the old town. It's not in a street with guesthouse after guesthouse, massage shops, internet cafés, pizzerias and steakhouses. Pak Chiang Mai lies in a quiet soi - but not many footsteps from the smells of Gate Market and from its food stalls and from the beautiful temples.

It has very carefully done design like this sitting area on the first floor with the doors to the rooms:

Take a close look and you will discover other details of the architecture as glass in assorted colors:

There is also a corner for massage, seating and playing. Let the owners organise the Traditional Thai Massage or a Foot Massage for you - and you will be treated by very experienced hands, feet, ellbows and what else belongs to a classical Thai Massage, surrounded by the green courtyard, listening to the water of the small waterfall above the fish pond. Relax and dream!

Pak Chiang Mai is not only a guesthouse, but also a restaurant to discover. You will learn, that Noon and her family serve organic food. And her kitchen offers more than just what's on the menue-card, because Noon likes to create food, let the guests test it and to learn from their comments. So try the dinner she offers on request. You will eat with your eyes as well.

Of course you will not miss a good wine and a dessert. But this blogger was too delighted with the food. He ate the dessert, before he thought about taking a picture... But you can also imagine, how pleasent the breakfast is, you will get next morning. There is a wide choice from Müesli to Wonton Soup, whole bread, juices, different stiles of egg and of course fruits.

Organic food is not the only thing. The owners of Pak Chiang Mai care for the nature. So you won't find the usual plastic things with shower gel in your bath but small pots, that are refilled every day. Oh yes, the bath: You can take a look at its design and also the design of the rooms on tripadvisor.com , where you will also see, that Pak Chiang Mai is already top rated among the B&Bs of Chiang Mai. This blogger can tell you, that the beds are very good and lovers of cushions get enough.

Well, you know now about the location, the design, the food, the rooms. But there is more: The homepage of Pak Chiang Mai says: "Come as guests, Leave as family". When you leave, you will know, that this is not just a slogan. Noon, her brother Nat and everybode else of the family will let you feel.

Not enough. Pak Chiang Mai allows you to go on discovery with not many steps. Go just around the corner of Soi Ratchamankha 6 into Soi Phra Pok Klao 2 and you stand in front of a door, that leads into a little secret garden full of terracotta arts:

You move on some footsteps and find yourself inside Gate Market with its fruits, vegetables and meat. Fried skin of pigs and sausages are the specialities of Chiang Mai you should try! Then you move on again and you will discover many temples along Phra Pok Klao Road. And if you are here on a Saturday evening, you should cross the street outside the moat to the also close Wualai Road, where Walking Street takes place. You can also borrow bikes from Pak - a nice way to discover the sois of the old town.

Discover more:
Your Guide to Chiang Mai

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Taxi Service in Chiang Mai

2011-11-21T19:14:00.000-08:00

We had the pleasure of the service by Mr. Thirachip Poopuangchant, Tel 089-5528176, 089 2667199, choocheep_tours@hotmail.com. He offers privat taxi service in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun and Lampang.

Temples in Chiang Mai Old Town

2011-11-19T23:51:00.000-08:00

See the locations on Chiang Mai Wat Google Map

You like to plan a walking tour? For that i list the temples in Chiang Mai according to the roads inside the walls of the old town. Ideas for walking tours you find on templecd.com

Ratchadamnoen Road

Wat Sum Pow วัดสำเภา (also: Wat Sam Pao): One of the Buddhist temples built during the reign of the Mang Rai dynasty.

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Entrance from Ratchadamnoen Road

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"Our massage make your body sing"

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Viharn at Wat Sum Pow with Burmese style lions in front

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Inside the Viharn

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Door of Ubosot at Wat Sum Pow

Wat Phan On วัดพันอ้น: Built in 1501 the original Wat, Chedi Khwan, has been built. Wat Phan On was erected later, then both temples were combined. Inside you finde two golden sitting Buddhas.

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Sareerikkatartsirirak Pagoda, named by His Majesty King Bhumipol on 9th June 2550 B.E.

See the Buddha inside Wat Phan On by photos.3scape.net, it's a copy of Phra Buddha Chinarat in Phitsanluak. And see a video on youtube.com.

Look at the ubusot which sits above the viharn. You see there stucco work, done by the Buddhist monk Phra Bun prasert, read about Thai wood carving here.

Wat Tung Yu วัดทุงยู:

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Viharn

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Kuti Building

Phra Pok Klao Road, from North to South

Wat Phan Tao วัดพันเตา: The name means "The Monastery of a Thousand Kilns". The building was originally constructed as a royal palace building (ho kham) for Chao Mahawong, the ruler of Chiang Mai. The front gable end is decorated with the image of a peacock standing over a sleeping dog. The dog is the symbol of Chao Mahawong's birth year. Read more on orientalarchitecture.com.

Does the dog know, that he is the symbol of the birth year of the former ruler of Chiang Mai?

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Wat Chedi Luang วัดเจดีย์หลวง: Also: Jedi Luang. King Saen Muang Ma, 8th ruler of the Mengrai dynasty, began building it in 1391. He planned to enshrine the ashes of his father Ku Na, but the construction was only finished by King Tilokaray in the mid of the 15th century: 82 m high and 54m large at the base, then the largest building of Lanna. In 1545 the upper part collapsed during an earthquake, in the 1990s the Chedi was reconstructed, about 60 m high. Have a look at the massive tree to the left of the entrance. A legend says that if this tree should fall, a catastrophe will happen. A small building near the tree enshrines the "Spirit of the City" (Sao Intakin). Read more and see pictures at orientalarchitecture.com and read the guide of chiangmai1.com.

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The Viharn was constructed in 1928 and renovated in 1999.

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Wat Chang Taem วัดช่างแต้ม : It is the home to The Sacred Bronze Buddha of Chiang Mai Province, the Fon Saen Ha Buddha (one hundred thousand drops of rain). He was brought to Chiang Mai by King Tilokaraja after a war with Lamphun. Every year in may it is transported during a parade on a chariot to the City Pillar at Wat Chedi Luang, where it stands for 7 days and 7 nights. During this time the locals come to pay respect. They guild the image with gold leaf paper, pour water over it to bath it and present flowers to the City Pillar. The Fon Saen Ha Buddha is believed to bring wealth and happiness to the people of Chiang Mai. The Inthakin City Pillar was made by King Meng Rai, when he built Chiang Mai city in 1296. It is in front of Wat Chedi Luang, inside a small temple and made from a giant tree, fixed underground. See a picture of the Fon Saen Ha Buddha and read more about the Inthakin ceremony. See also a video.

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See more pictures by brickroadcafe.

Wat Fon Soi วัด ฟอน สร้อย: Wat Fon Soi is mentioned in The Chronicle of the Lan Na Thai Legend as a temple dedicated to Phra Tera, a high-ranking patriarch between 1562-1601. See gallery by Azchael

Wat Muen Toom วัดหมื่นตุม:

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On the wall of the compund. See more pictures by brickroadcafe and by wat9chiangmai.com.

Wat Chedlin: Also: Jet Lin. Go out on the back and you will discover an old pond with bamboo huts around, where monks live. See pictures of the pond with the huts.

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One of many huge gongs in a line.

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Looks ancient: The stone Buddha in the courtyard. More photos by brickroadcafe.

Phra Pok Klao Road Soi 4

Wat Pan Waen วัดพันแหวน: See video of chanting monks. Oui Come, meaning “granny Come,” is one of the most famous songs sung by Lanna music singer Charan Manopeth. Its lyrics depict the story of a lady, who lived near Wat Pan Waen. Read more on compasscm.com

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Special: Vor faces on top of the Chedi

Moon Muang Road

Wat Dok Kham วัดดอกคำ:

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Ratchaphakinai Road

Wat Chiang Man:

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Viharn

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Chad Galloway Photo

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Under the full moon

Wat Ban Ping: See night-pictures by JChris F and hlchen1220 and a gallery by Fred.

Singharat Road

Wat Pha Bong วัดผาบ่อง:

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Viharn

Wat Dap Phai วัดดับภัย:

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Viharn at Wat Dap Phai

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The door of the Viharn

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Details of the door

Sam Lan

Wat Phra Singh วัดพระสิงห์วรมหาวิหาร:

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Murals and bronze engraved windows

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Naga detail

More temples in Chiang Mai:
Phra Doi Suthep
Temples outside the Old Town

More to see:
Chiang Mai Markets and Walking Streets

Where to stay
Chiang Mai Guesthouses through the eyes of guests

Discover more:
Your Guide to Chiang Mai

Looking for a house or an apartment in Chiang Mai

2011-11-17T00:49:00.000-08:00

An overview of links to home-sellers in and around Chiang Mai:

Introduction

About Property in Thailand by retireinchiangmai.com

Buy Home Buyer's Guide Chiangmai

Classifieds

Read the classifieds of chiangmainews.com

Houses for sale

Buy or rent

Baan Nonnipa:

Baan Rinrada:

Baan Sirirak 2:

BuyHome-DD: Baan Pachoke

Century 21:

Chayayon Boulevard:

chiangmaihabitat.net:

Chiangmai Lanna Village:

Chiang Mai Properties:

Chok Varee Home:

Green View Home:

homechiangmai.co.th:

House & View:

H. T. Property Management:

Karnkanok Property:

Koolpunt Ville:

Mitchai Property

mychiangmaihome.com:

Parker Estate Agency:

Ping Property: Home in Town

Phufah Garden Home:

Pradtana Plus:

realtyworld.co.th:

Roong Ruang Quality Home:

Sahapanowan:

Sansaran House:

Somwang Group:

Supalai Ville:

Thailand Home Guide:

Thippirom.com

Wongsawang Home:

Construction service

Thai-style woodhouse construction: Contact teakwoodhouse@yahoo.com, phone 087-173-5529. They offer a complete Thai-Style House and services from concept to completion, with work from professional carpenters in Central and Northern of Thailand. See their gallery.

Nan น่าน - beautiful nature and wonderful temples

2011-03-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

See the locations on Nan Google Map
See the Thai Meteorological Weather forecast for Nan
See Your guide to Nan น่าน

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The hills of Nan

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Did you ever hear about Nan? No? You are among many tourists, who believe they know Thailand well - and have no idea of this provincial capital with around 25000 inhabitants in a quite secluded valley in Thailands remote north, flanked by mountains, near the Lao border. So you cannot imagine the treasures you will discover here. Who visits Nan is rewarded: by a spledid nature, formed by rivers and evergreen mountains, and by cultural riches as superbly-crafted Buddha images, vibrant murals and elegant temple architecture. Nan has long been a crossroad of cultures, with people from nearby lands — modern-day Laos, Myanmar and China — arriving here to trade their goods for the local salt, which is still mined near the headwaters of the Nan River to the east of town. A local historian dated the founding of the town to the mid-14th century. Nan has been strongly influenced and sometimes controlled by the nearby kingdoms of Sukhothai, Lan Na, Lan Xang (Laos) and Burma - and by the ethnic group Tai Lue: people, who immigrated from southern Yunnan in China, somtimes forced, sometimes voluntarily. This immigration continued until the 1950s. Read more about the ethnic groups in the province of Nan on nantouring.com. See also the video Unseen in Nan แอ่วน่าน

Does all this sound promising to you? Then follow my litte guide to the treaures of Nan.

The National Museum

You start by looking at the beautifully restored colonial building in the centre of Nan, erected in 1903 by Phra Chao Suriyaphong Pharitdej (Nan’s then independent ruler). Inside you find textiles and household implements of local ethnic groups like the Tai Lu, Htin and Khamu as well as a variety of Buddha images. And a black elephant tusk is thought to be over three centuries old; it is held aloft by a garuda and has become Nan’s principal icon.

Temples in Nan

Wat Chang Kham วัดช้างค้ำวรวิหาร: Built from 1406 onward. The "Monastery of the the Relic Supported by Elephants" stands near the National Museum. The first building was the chedi (behind the viharn). Below a guilded upper part you discover a square base with six elephants on each side. "In Buddhist cosmology this represents a the structure of Mount Meru, the central world-mountain whose base is supported by elephants", explains orientalarchitecture.com. Inside the viharn you find a massive gilt Buddha showing influences from Chiang Saen, Sukhothai and China on a platform between richly-decorated pillars. He is flanked two bronze Buddha images from 1426-1427 (Sukhothai period). To the east of the viharn stands Thailand's largest ho trai (library) with two garudas on the front facade.

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View from the ground of the National Museum

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Wat Hua Khuang วัดหัวข่วง : Across from the museum. This name means "The Monastery North of the Plaza". The main buildung functions as viharn and ubosot. "Its most attractive feature is the front gable with a richly carved eyebrow-shaped pelmet that hangs in front of the portico", notes orientalarchiceture.com. There is a small chedi and a wooden ho trai (library), serving as monks quarter today.

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See also picture by D33montri.ka

Wat Phumin วัดภูมินทร์: Opposite Wat Chang Kham, Nans most famous temple. The monastery was foundexd in 1596. But its present dates from 1867-75, when it was renovated during the reign of Chao Anantaworaritthidej (more about the history on orientalarchitecture.com).Viharn and ubosot are in one building. Very special is the cruciform shape of the wat. Inside you discover four buddhas sitting back to back and famous mural paintings, covering the interior walls, depicting not only scenes from Buddha’s life, but also battle scenes, festival celebrations, the arrival of foreigners in town and locals flirting. Several sections of the murals, which were painted in the late 19th century, have faded, but what remains "shows a high degree of artistry", notes E-Magazine. Read also article on cnngo.com

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Wat Phumin Wihan

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Murals at Wat Phumin.

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See also picture by D33montri.ka

Wat Ming Muang วัดมิ่งเมือง: Just 100 metres west of Wat Phumin, in the heart of the city, with Lak Muang City Pillar, read more on orientalarchitecture.com. Wat Ming Muang is a modern temple with freshly painted murals. The City Pillar has faces carved on it, and is known as Mukhalinga.

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Wat Phra That Chae Haeng วัดพระธาตุแช่แห้ง : Now you cross to the east of Nam River to get deep into history. Wat Phra That Chae Haeng was built from 1354 onward on another location and then moved two times to the present location (read more on orientalarchitecture.com). On a hill beyond Nan River southeast of Nan. A broad stairway is guarded by two huge nagas. Then you cannot overview the slender, 55-metre gilt stupa, built in the Haripunchai style. Have also a look at the mondop and its roof in rustic style. See pictures on baekpae.blogspot.com

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Wat Phra That Khao Noi วัดพระธาตุเขาน้อย : From here, a couple of kilometres southwest of the town, you have the most stunning panoramic view of Nan - and you share it with a huge image of a walking Buddha, who seems to guard the valley. And sunset can be overwhelming here!

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Standing Buddha

Wat Phayawat วัดพญาวัด): Here you find a chedi in Mon style, but constructed after the occupation by the Mon, during the 17th or 18th century. "It is nearly identical in appearance to the Chedi Mahapol at Wat Ku Kut in Lamphun", knows orientalarchitecture.com. See picture by Pisanu

Wat Suan Tan วัดสวนตาล: "The Monastery of the Sugar Palm Grove". Behind the not so old viharn you find a Sukhothai-style chedi from the 14th century. More pictures on orientalarchitecture.com. See picture by martinsilverston

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Wat Hua Wiang Tai วัดหัวเวียงใต้:

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The King of Nan's Teak House

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The Teak House of Nan’s King (Mahaprom road, opposite the rear entrance of Wat Phra That Chang Kham) was built in 1866 with pure golden teak. It has been renovated in 1941.Today it is the home of Chao Sompradhana Na Nan, a woman and her husband. Inside you find various antiques, ancient weapons and original photographs of King Rama V. For visiting contact the owner (Tel. 054 710 605). Read about the history of the kingdom of Nan.

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The House of Chao Fongkham โฮงเจ้าฟองคำ

8 Soi 2 Ban Phra Kerd, Sumon Devaraj road. Museum open daily from 10am to 5pm. A large teak house in classic Northern Thai style set in a beautiful garden, built about 150 years ago. Chao Fongkham was a descendant of Chao Anantaworarithidej, the 62nd Lord of Nan and the father of the last two Lords. In the oldest parts of the house you see planks formed by axe and knife. It is probably the best preserved such noble house in the province of Nan. Read more and see pictures on The Noble House โฮงเจ้าฟองคำ on Facebook. See the gallery by visanu_euarchukiati

More temples in Nan Province

In Tha Wang Pha:

Wat Nong Bua วัดหนองบัว): The "Lotus Pond Monastery", built by the Tai Lue people from 1862 onward, around 40 km north of Nan. Wat Nong Bua is well known for its mural paintings. The Tai Lue people emigrated from southern Yunnan in China, read about the history on orientalarchitecture.com. In the village around the wat you find Tai Lue textiles, which are produced at a cooperative.

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In Pua ปัว:

Wat Ton Laeng วัดต้นแหลง:

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Wat Prang วัดปราง : Here you find Ton Dik Diem (also called Di Diam, Dip Diam or Dik Doi). If you touch this tree, its leaves will shake. See also this video on youtube.com
See more pictures by sunshinethailand

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Wat Phrathat Beng Sakat วัดพระธาตุเบ็งสกัด: The main Buddha image in the local style resides on the so-called Chukkachi base. The back of the Buddha image is decorated with a mirror. That comes from the belief of the Thai Lue people. The Phrathat and the Viharn were completed in 1283, but the current Viharn is not that old. It is located on a hill. The arch on the main doorway shows an image of the god rahu, holding the sun in his hands. See picture by encyclopediathai.org

Picture supercar

Rafting on Nam Wa ล่องแก่งน้ำว้า

You can go for white-water rafting on Nam Wa River from September to February, but be aware, that this can be difficult and dangerous. There is even a Nam Wa Rafting Club. Read more on nantouring.com, siamrivers.com and thailandtraveltours.com. See galleries by Jiffy Gnosty and nantrip.com

See videos by mrkatchai, somchai153 and moohinvideo

Picture pleroma
Nam Wa River

Other attractions in Nan Province

Phu Fa Palace พระตำหนักภูฟ้า: Residencve of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Silaphet Waterfall น้ำตกศิลาเพชร: You find it southeast of Pua, just off the road between Pua and Ban Nam Yao.

Picture นักล่าน้ำตก
More pictures: See Pong's Site

Doi Phu Kha ดอยภูคา National Park:
Khun Nan National Park ที่ทำการอุทยานแห่งชาติขุนน่าน: Forest on limestone mountains, the source of several streams which flow into Nan River, highest elevation around 1,900 metres above sea level. Doi Phu Kha is one of the tallest mountains in Thailand. Its height allows a wide range of forest types to exist

At the shrine of Chao Lung Phu Kha you find a very rare tree, threatened from extinctiont: Chomphoo Phu Kha (Bretschneidera sinensis), whose pink and white flowers bloom in February and March. (See the flowers on tatnews.org and on youtube) Once this tree was found in Southern China and the northern part of Vietnam. Then it was disappeared, until the Thai botanist Tawatchai Santisuk discsovered one of these treets on Doi Phu Kha. Studies show that this tree can prosper in hilly evergreen forest at heights above 1200 metres, it needs high humidity and low temperature throughout the year. Read more on dnp.go.th

There are also several scenic waterfalls.
Read about Ban Mani Phruek Security Development Projekt.

In Bo Kluea บ่อเกลือ you can observe tha traditional salt gaining process. According to a legend a hunter obeserved wild animals drinkinh from the stream. He tasted the water himself and learned, that it was salty. Chao Luang Phu Kha and Chao Bo Luang heart about this discovery and founded a community here. Today an annual ceremony is held to remember the two founders. Today the salt production is still done in the traditional way: It starts with an offering ritual, when saline water is drawned from the pit. Then the water is boiled in woks during four hours. The gained salt is put into baskets to dry. After boiling the woks are immersed in the river for three weeks. The lime stone is now scraped off.

Mae Charim National Park:

Nunthaburi National Park:

Si Nan National Park: A good place to see the mountain mists is Doi Pha Chu Viewpoint, where you get a cliff-top view and see the Nan River winding its way in the valley below.

Tham Sa Kern National Park:

Map of the Northern National Parks here

Ban Pak Nai: A fishing village on the bank of the fresh-water lake above the Sirikit Dam. There are restaurants and accommodations on Rafts.

Travel Agents in Nan:
Lanna Touring
Nan Amazing Tour
Nantouring.com

Read more about Nan:
nanvisit.com: Guide for Nan in Thai
The Treasures of Nan
Markets in Nan
Bo Kluae salt
Pua and around
Backpacker's Secret Guide: Nan
Nan's Cultural Riches
Tourism acitivities in Nan
Festivals in Nan
A trip from Lampang to Nan

Travel Agents in Nan
nan-travel.com
GT Riders Touring Guide to Nan
Map of Nan Province
Nan Thailand Map
Map of Caves in Nan
Nan HoboMap

How to get to Nan

Three airlines are flying to Nan: Nok Air Mini from Chiang Mai (daily), Happy Air from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) on Fridays and Sundays and Solar Air from Bangkok Don Mueang on Fridays and Sundays from 3. December 2010.

Boarder crossing from Nan to Laos

Possible between Ban Huay Kon (Thailand) and Muang Ngoen. Visa on arrival for Laos seem to be available. Read more on travelfish.org. And annainasia.com describes, how she got visa at the boarder, wanderingstraycat has informations about the transports to the boarder and into Laos on lonelyplanet.cpm/thorntree.

Discover more:
Your guide to Nan น่าน

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The Footprints of four Buddhas

2011-03-11T07:47:00.000-08:00

See the location on Wat Phra Phutabat Si Roy Google Map

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Up in the mountains: Stairs up

Wat Phra Phutabat Si Roy วัดพระพุทธบาทสี่รอย : A long winding way through the hills leads up to this sanctuary in the mountains: By a long stairway you reach a viharn giving shelter to four Buddha footprints. The legend says, that Lord Buddha Kakusantha (also Gooksantha) left the first 6 meters long footprint on the stone called Silaprade, he was followed by Lord Buddha Konakamanomana (also Gonakomna, 4.5 meters long), Lord Buddha Kasapah (Gassapa, 3.5 meters) and Lord Buddha Kotama (Gotama, 2 meters). The last of them made the prediction, that the next Buddha, named Buddha Pra Sri Ariya Mettrai, would come here, erase the previous footprints and put his footprint in place.

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The Viharn with the four Buddha footprints

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In 1928 Princess Dara Rasmi, the consort of King Chulalongkorn, built the wiharn over the footprint. Later Pra Kruba Sriwichai renovated the place. Again in 1993 Pra Kruba Pornchai, who led a group of monks and novices, renovated the temple.

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Picture doilopete
The four footprints. See also picture by Empty Hands

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The ordination hall

Picture marhas

Nearby you find a meditation center. Read more by Brooke.

The recently built ordination hall, where there are portraits of the past and the current kings and famous Thai monks, has four entrances.

See a video by thaitravelguide on youtube

How to arrive: Turn left from highway 107 on the Saluang entrance. The way to the temple takes about 32 kilometers.

Read more about Mae Rim:
The Palace of Princess Dara Rasamee
Hotels and Resorts in Mae Rim แม่ริม: Holidays next to the ricefields and in the hills

Recommend this blog on Facebook and Twitter:

Hotels and Resorts in Mae Rim แม่ริม;Holidays next to the ricefields and in the hills

2011-03-11T05:57:00.000-08:00

See the locations on Mae Rim Hotels Google Map

In Mae Rim

Away Susansawan Resort: See gallery by Astudothailand

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai:

Picture Reno Dal
View from the main building

Picture Reno Dal

Picture Tony Westheimer
The upper pool

Mae Rim Lagoon Resort: See picture by megdewindt

Sukantara Cascade Resort:

Picture David Z.
The lobby. See also gallery by sapalmer

The Spa Resort Chiang Mai: See gallery by NatpichaiD

Around Mae Rim

Lan Dao Resort:

Picture marhas

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The view from Landao Resort

Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort:

Picture crehfp

Picture crehfp

Proud Phu Fah Resort: See gallery by Emily

Read more about Mae Rim:
The Palace of Princess Dara Rasamee
The footprint of four Buddhas

Recommend this blog on Facebook and Twitter:

Where to eat in Nan น่าน

2011-02-07T11:40:00.000-08:00

See the locations on Nan Google Map

Restaurants Nan Town

Da Dario's Pizza. 37/4 Amnuai Road.

Hot Bread: 38/1-2 Suriyapong Road. Bakery and vegetarian food. "Their Khao Soi, sandwiches, and western style breakfast cannot be beat", writes Mr. Jaime

Huean Hom: 11/12, Suriyaphong Road (near National Museum). Noodle with chicken, beef or pork in curry (khaosoi), papaya salad (somtam mueang), northern style sour soup (kaeng som mueang nuea), minced meat salad (lap khua), noodle dish with pork blood (khanomchin nam ngiao) or with fish curry (nam ya).

Just Jazz: 124/1 Ananta Woraritthi Det Road. Thai and Western food, wine.

Khao Tha Lu Chumporn Coffee: You get Robusta coffee as well as highland Arabica coffee, reports Calypso Island Chronicles

Nan Steak House: 15/7 Sumon Thewarat Road. Only Western food, with pizza and spaghetti.

Ruean Kaeo: 1/1 Sumonthewarat Road

Suriya Gargen: 9Sumonthewarat Road.

Ton Nam: 38/1-2 Suriyapong Road.

Tony's Place: Thai and Western food. English breakfast.

Thanaya: 75/23 Anantaworaritthidet Road

Ya Chai: 34/2 Sumonthewarat Road

Discover more:
Your guide to Nan น่าน

Your guide to Nan น่าน

2011-02-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

You discover Nan น่าน through the eyes of people, who have been there. This blog collects their voices from blogs and travel-related forums like tripadvisor.com or travelfish.org and their pictures from flickr.com and other sources. Google Maps help you to create your own tour. Links give you background. Welcome to Nan!

Nan น่าน - beautiful nature and wonderful temples

Hotels and Guesthouses in Nan น่าน

Restaurants in Nan น่าน

Hotels and Guesthouses in Nan น่าน - seen by people, who have been there

2011-02-07T11:26:00.000-08:00

See the locations on Nan Hotel Guesthouse Google Map

Where you stay in Nan

Amazing Guest House อเมซิ่ง เกสท์เฮาส์: 23/7 Thanon Rat Amnuay. Fan-Rooms from 200 Bath. 10 minutes away from the centre, near Nan-River. Read review on travelfish.org

Pictures Nanthiya Bufe
See more pictures of the rooms inside

Apirata Resort อภิรตา รีสอร์ท: From 1100 Bath. Phone: 054 774 823, 087 176 3206
. See pictures on nanvisit.com

Picture Apirata Resort
More pictures on nanvisit.com

City Park Hotel โรงแรมซิตี้ปาร์ค: From 700 Bath. No. 99 Moo 4 Yantrakitkosol Rd.,Tambon Dootai.Phone: 054-741343, 081-7831140. Critical reviews on tripadvisor.com. See a picture by Nicole

Dhevaraj Hotel โรงแรม เทวราช: From 8oo Bath. 466 Sumonthewarat Road. Phone: 054 751 577, 054 710 212, 054 751 106-9. With swimming pool. Good location in the centre of Nan town. In walking distance from the most beautiful temples. Read the review by travelfish.org. "Good basic hotel", not more, according to reviews on tripadvisor.com. See picture on horapa.com (the big new building on the left) and from inside.

Picture marhas

Doi Phukha Guesthouse: From 100 Bath. Aranyawat Road. Next to Aranyawat Temple. Basic rooms acording to travelfish.org. 20mn walk from old Bus Station, turn left and follow Mahawong Rd down to find the street then turn left.

Eurnkgum Guesthouse เอื้องคำเกสต์เฮาส์:

Fah Place ฟ้าเพลส: From 350 Bath. 237/8 Sumonthevaraj Rd. Phone: 054 710 222

Fahthanin Hotel โรงแรมเวียงแก้ว
: From 700 Bath. Anantaworarittidet Road. Phone 054-750573, 084-6121968. Seven floors.

Grand Mansion Hotel โรงแรม แกรนด์ แมนชั่น: From 230 Bath. 71/1 Mahayot Road. Phone: 054 750 514-5, 054 711 505. See picture on board.trekkingthai.com, from inside and rooms

Picture sluj78

Huen Mai Hom Homestay เฮือนไม้หอมโฮมสเตย์: From 1000 Bath. 644 Moo 4, Chaisatan. Phone: 086-7226386,054-775483.

Picture nanvisit.com
More pictures: nanvisit.com

Huen Mai Ruay Homestay เฮือนไม้รวย โฮมสเตย์: Phone: 054 771 497, 080 672 8312.

Picture nanvisit.com
See more pictures on nanvisit.com

Huen Muan Jai Homestay เฮือนม่วนใจ๋: From 300 Bath. Opposite Wat Mongkol (through the old town wall). Run by a couple, very cute. Phone: 082-3302517, 081-7658730, 054-711658.

Picture nanvisit.com

Picture nanvisit.com

Picture nanvisit.com
More pictures on nanvisit.com

K1 Modern Art Hotel โรงแรมเควัน : From 550 Bath. 4/27 Voravichai Road. Phone 081 8825373

Picture K1 Hotel

Nan Boutique Hotel: From 1100 Bath. 1/11 Kha-Luang Road. Phone: 054 775 532. Very good reviews on tripadvisor.com. See pictures by T. F. Rhoden and Juntira.

Picture T F Rhoden
See more pictures on nanvisit.com

Nan Fah Hotel โรงแรม น่านฟ้า: From 400 to 500 Bath. 436-440 Sumonthewarat Road. An old wooden house, next to the Devaraj Hotel. Ask for a room at the back, because the street can be noisy, advises travelfish.org. Bikes fore hire. Good review von tripadvisor.com. See pictures.

Picture Cherrytok@bloggang.com
More pictures by Santi.chotkaew and by tigernutch

Nan Guest House น่าน เกสท์เฮาส์: From 350 Bath. 57/15 Mahaphrom Road. Phone: 054 771 849, 081 288 8484, 089 451 3416. They rent bicycles. Read the review by travelfish.org and very good reviews on tripadvisor.com. See pictures on nanvisit.com

Nansabaidee Mongkolsiri น่านสะบายดี: From 400 Bath. 4/1 Chao Fa Road. Phone: 054 772 958, 097 183 3888.

Picture Nansabaidee. More pictures on nanvisit.com

Nan Valley Resort น่านวัลเล่ย์ รีสอร์ท: 229 Moo 4 Nan-Thung Chang Rd., Tambon Pha Sing. Phone: 054 682 251, 054 682 286.

P. K. Guesthouse: See pictures by fabiatta

Risasinee Spa & Resort ริสาสินีสปา&รีสอร์ท: From 1500 Bath. 215 Mahayot Road.

S.P. Guest House เอส.พี เกสท์เฮ้าส์: From 300 Bath. 233 Sumon Thevarat Rd. Phone: 054 774 897, 086 654 9002. Read the review by travelfish.org

Picture nanvisit.com
More pictures on nanvisit.com

Sri Nuan Lodge ศรีนวลลอดจ์: From 400 Bath. 40 Nokam Rd. Phone: 054 710 174, 0 5477 2956.

Sukkasem Hotel โรงแรมสุขเกษม: From 180 Bath. 119 – 121 Ananworarittidej Rd. Phone: 054 710 141, 054 771 581

The City Park Hotel โรงแรม เดอะ ซิตี้ ปาร์ค: 99 Moo 4 Yantrakitkoson Road.

107 Tower Hotel โรงแรม 107 ทาวเวอร์: From 350 Bath. 106/42 Mahayot Road. Phone: 054 71 1727, 054 77 2202.

Where you stay outside of Nan Town

Around Nan

Nan Fah Sai Resort น่านฟ้าใสรีสอร์ท: From 400 Bath. 105 Mu 8 Tambon Pan Kaew Amphoe Phu Phiang. Phone 08 9482 9875. Also camping with your own tent is possible.

Picture nanvisit.com
See also video by garigreo

Nan The Waterside Resort & Camping น่าน เดอะ วอเตอร์ไซต์ รีสอร์ทแอนด์แคมปิ้ง: From 700 Bath. 293 Moo 10 Ban Mai Pha Kwang, Tambon Bo. See gallery on youtube by garigreo

Phupha Nan Resort ภูผาน่านรีสอร์ท: Phone: 054 701 001, 054 798 018, 081 365 0404.

Sasidara Resort ศศิดารารีสอร์ท: From 900 Bath. 9629 Moo 4,Chaisatan. Phone: 054 774 483, 054 773 936, 086-3195488. Twenty minutes to walk to the city center. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com

Picture nanvisit.com
More pictures on nanvisit.com

Sukthai Home and Resort สุขไทยโฮมแอนด์รีสอร์ท: 273 Nan – Pua Rd., Phasing. Phone: 054 600 111, 081 846 5341, 081 583 9853.

Picture nanvisit.com
More pictures on nanvisit.com

More accommodations in and around Nan on nantouring.com

Pua:

Bo Klua View บ่อเกลือวิว รีสอร์ท: From 1650 Bath. 209 Banbaoloung, Tumbon Bo Klua Tai, Amphoe Bo Kluea. Phone: 054 778 140, 081 809 6392.

Picture Hanumann

Picture Hanumann
View from the terrace

Chomphu Phukha Resort: 382 Moo 8, Nan-Tung Chang Rd., T. Pua. See picture by Santi.Chotkaew

Green Hill Resort: From 250 Bath. Pua. See also Greenhill Resort on hi5.com

Juthamas Resort จุฑามาศ รีสอร์ท: Phone 081 735 5322. The resort is surrounded by a river, mountains and forests. Sixteen bungalows amidst a flower garden.

Picture juthamas resort.

Oopkaew Resort อูปแก้วรีสอร์ท - อ.ปัว: 329 Moo 5, T. Wo Ra Na Khon, A. Pua. Phone: 054 756 587-9, 081 764 8685.

Pictures pkarat
See more pictures by pkarat
More pictures on nanvisit.com

Pang Doi Resort ปางดอยรีสอร์ท: From 900 Bath. 339 Moo 8 Ban Prang.
Phone 054-756403, 089-7543713.

Picture nanvisit.com.

Picture nanvisit.com
See more pictures on nanvisit.com

Ban Phusiawkhao Resort บ้านภูเสี้ยวขาว: From 550 Bath. 186 Nan – Tungchang Rd. Phone: 081 850 9744, 081 746 3444, 081 285 2409.

Picture nanvisit.com
More pictures on nanvisit.com

Wiang Sa

Wiangsa Paradise Resort เวียงสาพาราไดซ์ รีสอร์ท: From 900 Bath. 157 Phrae – Nan Rd. Phone: 054 775 742-3.

Discover more:
Your guide to Nan น่าน

Loy Krathong in Mae Jo: Really an Adventure

2010-11-22T12:49:00.000-08:00

Loy Kratong in Mae Jo. Picture fredalix - อาลิกส์

In Mae Jo แม่โจ้ (about 20km North from Chiang Mai) the ceremony is usually hold at the Lanna Dhutanka temple (behind Mae Jo University) on Saturday night of the weekend before Loy Krathong, so this year it was planned for Saturday 13th. But there are reports on tripadvisor.com, that there has been some political pressure. So the date has been changed to Saturday 20th (read more). The result was magical: The full moon rose just in the middle of the round place in front of the wat, where far over tenthousand people gathered for the event.

Picture marhas1
Full moon over the temple in Mae Jo

Everybody sat on the floor for hours, taking part in long Buddhist prayers. Patience was needed, before the highlight of the night arrived:

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Preparing the hot air ballons

Thousands of hot air ballons, called "Khom Loy", were launched at the same time. You cannot imagine this moment of joy shared by thousends of people around you.

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Up they go - all together.

What followed, was not that joyful: Everybody tried to get home through a small street leading out of the temple kompound, for around one kilometer there was no more room between the bodies moving to the exit very slowly. And afterwards of course the streets back to Chiang Mai were full of traffic. One lesson learnt: You should not do this trip without a good guide, who is able to get contact with your driver and get you back to the car in all this traffic. And: We were grateful, that all people on the way out kept calm - it's hard to imagine, what could have happened, if some people would have got a panic attack.

See this video from 2009 by chipoisonphoto.

Loy Kratong in Mae Jo. Picture fredalix - อาลิกส์

Discover more:
Your Guide to Chiang Mai

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Chiang Mai Boutique Hotels

2010-11-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

See the location on Chiang Mai Boutique Hotel Google Map

Amata Lanna อมตะล้านนา From 3500 to 4500 Baht. 222/2 Chareanprated Rd. Guests love to hotel, as you can read on tripadvisor.com

Picture Amatalanna.com

Picture Amatalanna.com

At Niman Conceptual Home แอทนิมมาน From 4400 to 6500 Baht. 37 Nimanhaemin Road. Eight rooms with decor that combines the arts of Burma, Nepal, India, Tibet and China, writes Concierge.com. The rooms are themed after goddesses. The hotel has been designed by Rachen Inthawong. He Says he used the location of a guide: "I felt Doi Suthep reflected the end of the eastern Himalayas. So I decorated At-Niman with a Himalayan feel", he told The Nation. Guests are excited, according to reviews on tripadvisor.com

Baan Thong Luang บ้านทองหลวง: From 2900 to 5900 Baht. 236/10 Wualai Rd. 18 differently styled and designed rooms decorated with Lanna antiques, staff dressedd in traditional Lanna costumes. Lush tropical garden.

Banthai Village บ้านไทย วิลเลจ: From 6000 to 14000 Baht. 19 Tapae Soi 3, Tapae Rd. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com. And detailed description by the Blog Life in Thailand.

Picture Banthai Village

Picture Banthai Village

Bann Tazala Boutique Hotel บ้านท่าศาลา: 8500 to 13500 Baht. 55/5 Moo 1 Sankampaeng Road. Five kilometres outside of the town. Design in Lanna style with Chinese furnishing. "Honeymoon heaven", ist the comment of one of many good reviews on tripadvisor.com. See pretty pictures and read about the French restaurant.

Picture banntazala.com

Picture banntazala.com

Bodhi Serene Hotel: From 6500 to 18000 Baht. 110 Ratchaphakhinai Road. The hotel is very close to homes of local people. "You can see your neighbors even their living rooms and private quarters while you are walking to your room with laundries hanging from windows as welcoming flags", writes one guest on tripadvisor.com and complains about the concert of the frogs during the night. But most of the reviews are good. See video.

Bupatara House: From 700 to 1100 Baht. 12/1 Soi 4 kor, Phra Pok Klao Road. 21 rooms. See video. You find a review on the blog of Evan Roberts.

Picture Bupatara

Buri Gallery House บุรี แกลเลอรี่ เฮาส์: From 950 to 2000 Baht. 102 Rachadamnoen Road. 20 rooms with the style of Thai-Lanna houses in a two-storey wooden building. You'll find the finest Lanna handicrafts in every part of the room. Located in the middle of the old city of Chiang Mai, near Wat Phra Singh. Read review on tripadvisor.com

Picture Buri Gallery House

Picture Buri Gallery House

Duang Champa Boutique Hotel ดวงจำปา - Hidden Gem: 2400 to 3800 Baht. 82 Ratchadamnoen Road. A building with ten rooms, every room different, in colonial style and a wooden house with two rooms. See a photoalbum by Fussy the Cat. Guests love it according to tripadvisor.com

Picture marhas1

Picture marhas1
The lobby

Eurana Boutique Hotel ยูรานา บูติค: 1800 Baht. 7/1 Moon Muang Road Soi 7. With swimmingpool. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com. See picture by arion».

Puripunn Baby Grand Boutique Hotel ปุรีปัน: From 7200 to 22 000 BAht. 104/1 Charoen Muang Soi 2,Charoen Muang Rd. 30 rooms. The hotel has excellent reviews on tripadvisor.com

Picture Puripunn

Picture Puripunn
Suite

Picture Puripunn
Baby Suite

RarinJinda Wellness Spa Resort: From 6500 zo 30 000 Baht. The Wellness Spa has an indoor heated hydrotherapy pool, an outdoor swimming Pool, fitness center, Yoga & Aerobics studio, hydrotherapy tub, Vichy dhower, fnfrared sauna, herbal rainforest steam sauna and a whirlpool with Chromo therapy. Thai Massage is housed Housed in a 140 year old antique Thai teak wood home. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com.

Picture Rarinjinda

Picture Rarinjinda

Picture Rarinjinda

Ruen Come In: From 3300 Bath. 79/3 Sirithron Road. Three suites and two deluxe rooms in a golden teak wood house. With a restaurant, where the familiy cooks dishes in Northern style after old recipes, see here. Ruen Come In is a hidden gem according to the excellent reviews on tripadvisor.com. It lies in a certain distance from the old town.

Picture Ruen Come In

Sirilanna Boutique Hotel: From 6000 Bath. 89/3 Ratchapakinai Road. Execellent hotel with pool according to the reviews on tripadvisor.com

Picture Sirilanna
Deluxe room

Smile House Boutique From 700 to 1200 Baht. 3/5 Suriyawong Road, Soi 1. It's surrounded by the silversmith and lacquerware community on Wua Lai stree. See video.

Picture Smile House Boutique

Picture Smile House Boutique

Sri Tara Boutique Hotel ศรีธารา: From 6000 to 12000 Baht. 351/1 Charoen Prathet Road.

Tea Vana ทีวาน่า: From 3300 to 15000 Baht. 75 Lamphun Road. Decorated in modern Chinese style. See pictures on flickr.com. Serves and sells various kinds of tea and tea theme is also reflected by its design. Quite good reviews on tripadvisor.com. Read also review of professionaltravelguide.com

Picture Tea Vana

Tri Yaan Na Ros Colonial House ตรีญาณรส โคโลเนียล เฮ้าส์ 3500 Baht. 156 Wualai Road. The building's character combines influences of Chinese housing, the lifestyle of the native Lanna people and continental architecture. "The courtyard was so relaxing and mystical", writes one guest of many excellent reviews on tripadvisor.com

Picture by Long distance Clara.

See gallery by eoconn and more pictures on pantip.com

Yaang Come Village: From 4900. 90/3 Sridonchai Road. Very good reviews on tripadvisor.com, that point to the quiet location close to the Night Market. Co-owners Khun Chitapong Kuawong and Khun Varee Kuawong have created a hotel in the style of a village of the Tai Lue people of Xishuangbanna, in China's Yunan Province. Read more at chiangmai-chiangrai.com.

Picture leozaza

Picture leozaza

Yantarasiri Boutique Resort ยันตรศิริ บูติค รีสอร์ท From 7000 to 18000 Baht. 24/17 Nimmanhaemin Road Soi 6. Some rooms with luxurious spa baths, all with Lanna décor in earth and forest colour tones. A macro-biotic restaurant serves Thai, Chinese and international cuisine. See video

Picture Yantarasiri

Picture Yantarasiri

Picture Yantarasiri

More places to stay in Chiang Mai:
Chiang Mai Guesthouses
Chiang Mai Hotels

Resorts outside of Chiang Mai:
Hotels and Resorts in Mae Rim แม่ริม: Holidays next to the ricefields and in the hills

Discover more:
Your Guide to Chiang Mai

Recommend this blog on Twitter and Facebook:

Thaton ท่าตอน, the mountains, the Mae Kok River and the hilltribes

2010-08-22T03:34:00.000-07:00

See the locations on Thaton Google Map
See the Thai Meteorological Weather forecast for Chiang Rai

Picture fredalix - อาลิกส์
The little town of Thaton and the Kok river. The river come from Burma and flows to Chiang Rai.

Boat from Thaton to Chiang Rai:
The Mae Kok Boat Service Company departs at Thaton every day at 12.30 pm (350 Bath). The trip takes around three hours. The Mae Kok River runs through dense jungle. You will see hilltribe villages on the banks - for example the Karen village of Ruammit, where the Karen keep elephants and use them for tourist rides or transport to other villages. In the late afternoon the elephants bath in the river. Read blackntan210's adventure on the river. Around 20 minutes up from Ruammit you reach Phasoet hot springs บ่อน้ำพุร้อนผาเสริฐ.
Boat from Chiang Rai to Thaton: Departure 10.30 am
Charter a boat: You can visit Shan or Lahu villages along the river.
Bamboo House Rafting on Mae Kok River:

Picture fredalix - อาลิกส์

Picture Argenberg
Mae Kok River

Picture Electrostatico
Bamboo Boat

Picture Argenberg
Elephants bathing in Mae Kok River

Info about Thaton: Read thaton.info

Map of the Valley: With small villages: iGuideTRavel.

Stay in Thaton

Garden Home Nature Resort: From 200 Bath. Bungalows right on the river. Very good reviews on tripadvisor.com

Ban Suan Riverside Resort: 134 Moo 4. Wooden bungalows with terraces on the river and more rooms in a building and bungalows away from the river.

Thaton River View Resort: Along the banks on Nam Kok River. Basic, as described by Chiang Mai To Thaton

Thaton Chalet: From 1400 Bath.

Old Tree's House: From 1200 Bath. 323. Ban Rumthai
M. 14. Guesthouse with five bungalows and little pool run by Paulo and Nid, a French/Thai couple, who engage with a school project for Chan people, refugess from Burma living nearby. Excellent guesthouse according to reviews on tripadvisor.com

Picture fredalix - อาลิกส์
View from Old Tree's House

Apple Guest House:

Khun Mai Baan Suan Resort: On the banks of Mae Kok River. See video by openchiangmai.com

Mae Kok River Village Resort: From 3250 Bath. On the banks of Mae Kok River. A good place for birdwatching from the resort. With Maekok River Village Outdoor Education Centre

Huai Khum Resort: From 1600 Bath. In the forest, surrounded by Mae Kok River and the mountains, near a traditional village. Bamboo bungalows with straw roof. With swimming pool.

Wat Thaton

Wat Tha Ton (วัดท่าตอน):

Picture Argenberg

Picture fredalix - อาลิกส์

Picture isriya

Picture isriya

Picture isriya
View from Wat Thaton

Hilltribe people around Thaton

Picture Edward
Akha village Ban Lor Cha

Picture All Points East (The South East Asia Specialists
Akha woman weaving in Ban Lor Cha.

Ban Lor Cha Also: Lorcha. Here you find a community-based Tourism Development project in an Akha village. You pay a fee. The income goes into a village development fund. See map of village tour. Read more about the Akha people and this project here. See pictures of Akha women and man and child. See videos of Ban Lorcha. Read a study by Deena Rubuliak about Ecotourism in Northern Thailand.

How to go to Thaton

Bus vom Chiang Mai to Fang and Thaton: 7 am and 3.30 pm. (From Chang Pheuak Bus Terminal)

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Your Guide to Mae Hong Son

2010-07-17T01:46:00.000-07:00

You discover Mae Hong Son through the eyes of people, who have been there. This blog collects their voices from blogs and travel-related forums like tripadvisor.com or travelfish.org and their pictures from flickr.com and other sources. Google Maps help you to create your own tour. Links give you background. Welcome to Mae Hong Son!

See the Thai Meteorological Weather forecast for Mae Hong Son

Guesthouses and Hotels: Like Princes Guesthouse.on the lake in the centre of Mae Hong Son Click

Charming Mae Hong Son: Old houses and a lake in the city of the three mists Click

Temples in Mae Hong Son: Wat Chong Khlang contains a Vihara housing a replica of the Phra Phuttha Sihing image brought from Burma in 1857. Click

The nightmarket: Art and handcrafts from hilltribe people, for example Lisu and Hmong. Click

The Kuomintang Chinese: Mae Aw near the Burmese Border is a village founded by Kuomintang soldiers and famous for tea cultivation. Click

By boat to a Karen Village: Karen refugees from Burma live in Huay Pukaen on Pai River, making their money with tourism by showing their longneck women. Click

Mud for clean skin: At Phu klon the mud comes out of the earth between between 60-140 C hot. It's good for your skin and blood circulation. Click

The Mae Hong Son Loop: From Mae Hong Son through the rainforest and the mountains to Pai and Chiang Mai Click

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Your Guide to Pai

2010-07-17T01:11:00.000-07:00

You discover Pai through the eyes of people, who have been there. This blog collects their voices from blogs and travel-related forums like tripadvisor.com or travelfish.org and their pictures from flickr.com and other sources. Google Maps help you to create your own tour. Links give you background. Welcome to Pai!

See the Thai Meteorological Weather forecast for Mae Hong Son

Hotels and Guesthouses: In the centre of Pai like Baan Pai or outside Click

Impressions of Pai: In the streets of Pai Hilltribe women are selling their handicrafts Click

Amazing Temples: Like Wat Klang Click

The Mae Hong Son Loop: From Chiang Mai through the rainforest and the mountains to Pai and Mae Hong Son Click

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Temples in Chiang Mai - outside Old Town

2010-07-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

See the locations on Chiang Mai Wat Google Map

North of the old town

Wat Chiang Yuen วัดเชียงยืน:

Picture by Flying Pharmacist

See a gallery by ludwig_zwei

Wat Khu Tao: There is a very special Chedi. It is thought to have been built in 1613 to hold the ashes of Prince Saravadi (1578-1607), the first Burmese overlord of Chiang Mai. Tao is the name for melon in northern Thai. "The unique design of the pagoda is probably derived from prototypes in Yunnan Province, China, which were introduced to Thailand from traders and migrants hailing from that area. The series of five diminishing spheres comprising the body of the pagoda represents the five Buddhas of the present age", notes orientalarchitecture.com. See picture on panoramio.com

Wat Pa Pao วัดป่าเป้า: See gallery by ludwig-zwei

Pung Tao Gong: Chinese shrine in Kad Luang, the chinatown of Chiang Mai, constructed during the reign of Rama V., it is believed in 1878. Around 1996 the temple was rebuilt. "Approaching from the main road you walk through (...) colourful arches, columns and pagodas all richly decorated", notes chiangmai-chiangrai.com.

Billy007

Billy 007

Billy007

Billy007
See more pictures on tribudragonthai.blogspot.com

Picture Billy007

Wat Buppharam:

Picture dollopete

Picture dollopete

Picture Ben Cullen-Kerney

Wat U-Pakut:

Picture dollopete

Wat Chiang Chom: Picture by Prince Robert.

Wat Ket Karam:

Picture Boonchar

Picture boonchar

Wiang Kum Kam เวียงกุมกาม: The form,er King Mengrai built his residence from 1287 onwards. He let also build Wat Ku Kham, similar to the Chedi Ku Khut at Wat Chamadevi in Lamphun. Today the Chedi in Dvaravati styke has the name Wat Chedi Liam. Around the beginning of the 16th century Wiang Kum Kam has been devastated by a flood. After 1986 Wat Chang Kam and Wat Chedi Liam วัดเจดีย์เหลี่ยม were restored.
Also part of Wiang Kum Kam: Wat Kan Thom (วัดกานโถม) (also Wat Chang Kham (ช้างค้ำ), built 1291 by King Mengrai. Wat Pu Pia (วัดปู่เปี้ย) has an Ubosot, a Viharn and a Chedi.

Explore Soppong สบป่อง

2009-09-14T04:28:00.000-07:00

See the locations of guesthouses and attractions on Google Map
See the Thai Meteorological Weather forecast for Mae Hong Son

Landscape near Soppong, Picture by Rotgutt

Soppong is on the main road from Pai to Mae Hong Son, also called Nae Hong Son loop. It serves as marketplace for the hilltribe people (Karen, Lisu and Lahu) and lies on Lang River. It belongs to the Pang Mapha ปางมะผ้า district. Each Tuesday morning there is a large market along the street, where the hilltribe people sell their handicrafts, fruits and vegetables.

Picture by Saren. See also this picture.

Around Soppong the rainforest is a good place for watching birds, butterflies and wild orchids. Read more about Soppong.

Guesthouses in Soppong

Soppong River Inn:

Picture by 4x4Adventurers

Cave Lodge Guesthouse:

Picture by 4x4Adventurers

Little Eden Guesthouse:

Picture by Saren

Caves around Soppong

Around 10 km upstream you will find Tham Lot, a cave, where the river passes through (picture), and there are many more caves around. (Read article about caves by Citylife Chiangmai, also second article).

Picture by Toine

Picture by Toine

The Cave in a video:

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Mae Hong Son แม่ฮ่องสอน Hotels and Guesthouses

2009-09-01T02:02:00.000-07:00

See the location of the hotels, guesthouses and resorts on Mae Hong Son Google Map

Ampha House: 3 Padungmuayto Rd. "Homely", says the review on travelfish.org

Baiyoke Chalet โรงแรมใบหยก ชาเล่ต์: From 1000 Baht. 90 Khumlumpraphat Road. The restaurant has live local folk music in the evening. Read reviews on travelfish.org and tripadvisor.com. Rooms overlooking the back are quieter, notes frommers.com.

Baiyoke Chalet, picture by Asean on Wheels

Fern Resort: From 2500 Baht. A twenty minutes drive outside of the town, with shuttle. Bungalows set in a lush garden in a peaceful und quiet green valley with rice fields. Very good reviews on tripadvisor.com. See pictues by pigsy, newleypurnell and andyknoedler

Fern Resort lies between rice paddies

Greenwood Garden Lodge:
Greenwood Garden is an eco-adventure lodge and retreat center located in Huay Unn Valley of Mae Hong Son, on the southern border of Thampla-Phasua Waterfall National Park.

The lodge will have a main building and 5 Bungalow style villas, each designed, build and funished using local materials, including hardwoods, stone, and clay. The interior funishings and decorations of each villa are unique to a specific culture (i.e. Balinese, Shan, Thai, Hill-Tribe, etc.), including funiture pieces, bedding, decor, art, and textiles.

The lodge hosts individual guests and special interest groups, including adventure travelers, naturalists, educators students, mountain bikers, off-road riders, enduro riders, photographers, painters, botanists, entomologists, ornithologists, and zoologists, to name a few. Yoga, meditation, other personal healing and fitness retreats can reserve the lodge exclusively for their groups.

See their homepage Greenwood Garden Lodge and a lot of Pictures in Panoramioand a video on youtube.com

Imperial Tara: From 2464 Baht. 149 Moo 8, Pang Moo, Muang. A few kilometres outside of the city centre, with shuttle service to town. Quite good reviews on tripadvisor.com

Breakfast terrasse

Swimming pool in front of Tara Imperial Hotel

Johnnie House: Read reviews on travelfish.org

Jongkham Guesthouse: 7 Odon Chaonithat Road. "A row of rather basic chalets set in a garden and a large wooden house with rooms for rent", two minutes from the lake, notes travelfish.org

Jongkham Guesthouse

Mountain Inn Hotel & Resort: From 1400 Baht. 112/2 Kunlumprapas Road. Read mixed reviews on travelfish.org and tripadvisor.com.

Picture by Chuck Holton

Ngamta Hotel: From 800 Baht. 5-9 Khunlumpapas Rd. Good review on travelfish.org

Ngamta Hotel

Palm House: Read reviews on travelfish.org

Panahuts: From 600 Baht. Wooden bungalows in a cultured jungle. 15 minutes to walk to the town. Read review by travelfish.org

Panahuts

Panorama Hotel: From 450 Baht.

Piya Guesthouse: From 600 Baht. 1/1 Khunlumphrapat Soi 3. Basic, near the lake and the centre of Mae Hong Son. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com and travelfish.org. See picture by gunther v and maeghantracy

Princes Guesthouse: Read reviews by travelfish.org

Princes Guesthouse with view towards the lake

Rom Thai Guesthouse ร่มไท เกสท์เฮ้าส์: 22 Cham Nan Sathit Road. Read review on tripadvisor.com

Picture by tomazhg

Rooks Holiday Hotel and Resort:

Rooks

Sang Tong Huts: Around 10 walking minutes from the market. See gallery by buddhamountain. And read reviews on travelfish.org and tripadvisor.com

The Dai Resort:

The Dai Resort

The Residence Guesthouse:

The Residence

In the mountains near Mae Hong Son:

Ban Ruam Thai and Pang Ung Lake: You can put up your tent under the pines near the lake and find bungalows there (Pang Ung Garden Houses). Call the Royal initiative Pang Tong 2 Project: 0-5369-2056, 0-5368-1740, 0-5368-1323 for reservation of accommodation, which range from Bt1,500 to Bt2,000. Tents are for rent from Bt250 to Bt400.

Bungalows of Pang Tong Project

Ruam Thai Guest House (0-5361-1244) offers rooms with a beautiful-lake view at Bt250 per night.

Ruam Thai Guest House

Walk a bit further to Ban Lung Pa La home stay (0-5369-2144) to experience the local way of life. The room with breakfast and coffee is between Bt100-350 per night.

Be aware, that the weather can be cool, in the winter there can be a thin film of ice on the lake. Read more about Pang Ung. Pang Ung lies around 30 km from Mae Hong Son. Take the route to Pha Seau waterfall until you reach Ban Na Pa Paek and then turn left and go on for 6 km.

The weather is cool throughout the year. In winter, the temperatures hover around 10 degrees Celsius.

Read more:
Your Guide to Mae Hong Son

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First impressions of Pai

2009-08-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

After landing in Pai Airport. You fly from Chiang Mai with www.sga.co.th SGA

A quiet day on Thanon Chaisongkram in the centre. Hilltribe-women are selling their handicrafts.

Bridge over Pai River, seen from River Corner Resort.

Bamboo Rafting on Pai River, picture by dav

One more quiet street in the centre.

Bags to buy

When the night falls in Pai, picture by Plynoi

Picture by Plynoi

Landscape around Pai, view from Bella Villa Resort. Pai lies 508 meters above sea level. The highest mountain, Doi Jik Jong, is 1972 meters from sea level.
Find Map of Pai Town and Maps of Pai Town and District.
And more about Geography and Nature

Scroll down on the right side for "Find in and around Pai" for more discoveries.

Discover more:
Your Guide to Pai

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Buses from Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son to Pai

2009-08-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

Buses from Chiang Mai to Pai: From Chiang Mai's Arcade Bus Station without and with Aircondition: 7 am, 9 am, 10.30 am, 12.30 am, 2 pm and 4 pm daily. For the 134 km you take three hours.

Buses from Mae Hong Son: 8.30 am. 11 am, 12 am, 2 pm and 4 pm daily. These 111 km take three to four hours.

Buses in Pai for Chiang Mai or Mae Hong Son: 8.30 am, 10.30 am, noon, 2 pm and 4 pm.

See Busstation in Pai on Pai Google Map.

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Doi Inthanon ดอยอินทนนท์: Rainforest and birds

2008-12-13T06:03:00.000-08:00

Picture marhas1

Doi Inthanon ดอยอินทนนท์, formerly known as Doi Ang Ka, is the highest mountaintop in Thailand (2565 meters above sea level. A mountain chain joins it to the Himalayas. It supports Himalayan flora and fauna and is one of the famous birding heavens. Read, what Mong Cor Mun found here and more about birdwatching by green-jungle.com.

Doi Inthanon National Park has beautiful natural scenery as many waterfalls. Read more by Thaiparkwordpress.com. The best period for viewing the waterfalls is May through November, while the best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February and for ornithologists is November through March.

Nearly on the top ypu find the Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail, which was surveyed and designed by Michael MacMillan Walls, a Canadian volunteer biologist who devoted to his work and died from a heart attack on this mountain. This trail, 360 metres long, passes through wet and cold areas in a lush valley. The forest is covered with lichens and wild orchids. Indigenous plants that needs a high level of nutrition, organic deposits, and rare species of birds are seen along the trail.

Picture marhas1
Sphagnum Moss along the Ang Ka Luang Trail.

Picture marhas1

Picture marhas1

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More on Doi Inthanon: www.tourismthailand.org See also the Photo Gallery by Brian McMorrow.

Discover more:
Your Guide to Chiang Mai

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Old Chiang Mai

2008-10-05T03:21:00.000-07:00

It's not so easy today to find authentic scenes of life of Chiang Mai's past. But in Wat Kate, on the East bank of Ping river, there are places, where time seems to stand still. Wat Kate วัดเกตุ community has been trading on Ping River for 500 years. Therefore the architecture is multicultural with Western, Chinese and ethnic influences as Haw Chinese and Khmu. So you find Chinese shop houses, Christian churches, colonial style schools and traditional Lanna buildings, the Dara Academy โรงเรียนดาราวิทยาลัย and the victorian buildings of Prince Royal College and also the around 140 years old wooden house of Doctor Chinda Singhanetre. The RarinJinda Resort has conserved it in its traditiona style and is using the upper floor for traditional Thai massage. Read more here.

Picture Rarinjiinda

Another witness of the past is the "Sala Bart", where women used to bring food to be prepared and presented for merit making.

Wat Kate was also the site of Borneo Company Limited, which had a concession from The Chiang Mai King for 100 years for teak wood. Read the blog of tourcm.blogspot.com

There is a plan of Chiang Mai City, to put Wat Kate into a zone for commerce and construction, where residents are opposiong, as The Nation noted.

Wat Gate Ka Ram วัดเกตุการาม: Also: Wat Ket Garam. See the Gallery of Ram J. This temple has been founded around 1428, it is of Lanna origin, but some buildings show Chinese and European influence. It's first name was Wat Sa Gate. At the center of the temple is the large chedi,whose corners are guarded by garudas. East of the chedi is the ubosot, whose stairs are guarded by nagas. The roof of the viharn has five gables, what is unusual. At the back you find a mirrored tile tree - a decoration you usually find at Lao temples.

Foto by www.differentscene.com

See more pictures

Wat Ketkaram Museum: At the back of Wat Kate. Owned by 87 years old Jack Bain, who's Scottish father William worked for the East Asiatic Company and married a Thai and owned Bains compund. A lot of things from the past life as the first bank notes of Thailand, textiles, ceramics, old grammophones... You will see a collcection of old photographs going back more than 100 years to the early days of western trading with Chiang Mai: Old river boats, markets and temples. Read more at Chiangmainews.com and read about The Life of Jack Bain.

If you turn north from Bain’s compound and the front gate of the temple and turn left to Nakorn Ping bridge you will see a teak house, that belonged to the former prime minister, Dr. Sukij Nimmanhemin. A brief walk toward south brings you to Baan Tree House, that belonged to the Tantipong family and “Baan Orapin”, which is an over 90 year old, teak wood residence built in European, colonial style. Such huge houses were usually the home for merchants and another, called “Baan Khun Arak” was the residence of a rice trader. See pictures in an article on chiangmai-chiangrai.com

Picture Derek
Baan Orapin Guesthouse

The history of Chiang Mai: A collection of articles for a book: Click.

Discover more:
Your Guide to Chiang Mai

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Elephants and Elephants - a trip from Chiang Mai to Lampang

2008-09-07T02:14:00.000-07:00

Picture marhas1
Elephant Trekking near Chiang Mai

If you sit in front of one of the music bars on Nimmanhaemin Road in Chiang Mai at night, you can be nearly sure, that a mahout with his elephant will pass by and try to sell you bananas or sugar cane to feed the elephant. More than 200 elephants are said to wander around in Thailands cities, from Phuket to Bangkok and Chiang Mai. And that means stress for the animals: standing and walking on the concrete damages their feet, street- and bar-noise irritate them and the polluted air is poison for their lungs, and sometimes they are injured by traffic accidents (read the report by Cindy Tilney). But since Thailands government 1989 banned the logging with elephants in the wood - to protect the wood and prevent erosion and floods - the elephants and their trainers have to look for another income to survive. The ban let 2000 animals and their mahouts unemployed. But a way to employ elephants has been developped: Many camps have been created in a natural surrounding for a get-together of elephants and tourists. Many treat their elephants well, but some don't have proper working conditions for the animals. So if you want to be sure to do someting for the protection of the elephants, you can head to the National Elephant Institute in Lampang. There are shows presenting the traditional logging work, of course you can go riding on a saddle, but there is a homestay program too: You will stay at the home of the mahout, accompany him during his day with the elephants and learn how to ride without a saddle. And some elephants even know how to play music in an elephant orchestra - read more.

Find your way: Take a bus at Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station for Lampang (timetable). One way will take one and half an hour. Ask the driver to stop at the elephant center. Another possibility is to travel by train, but the trains to Lampang leave Chiang Mai only in the afternoon (see timetable), so you will have to stay for a night in Lampang to go to the elephant shows in the morning. In Lampang you take the bus for Chiang Mai at the bus station and ask the driver to let you out at the elephant center.

Discover more:
Your Guide to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai: Food with love

2008-08-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

See the locations on Chiang Mai Restaurant Google Map

Picture su-lin
Chicken in coconut milk

You don't want just eat a kind of food, you are looking for a way of living with love? Phongsathon Kitchawet is promoting that with Chiang Mai Vegetarian Project โครงการมังสวิรัติเชียงใหม่. He believes that Chiang Mai has the most vegetarian restaurants and presents them all on his website and on a map for Google Earth. In september 2007 he counted 28 vegetarian restaurants. He says: "We’d like to help people to have good health, have compassion for animals, protect the environment, mitigate pollution and global warming that are the result of meat consumption."

Of course there are other tastes. Therefore i'm going to collect reviews of restaurants and food stalls. And i put the locations to Chiang Mai Restaurant Google Earth Map, so you can find your eating choice near the place, where you stay or go to visit. Of course your comments will be helpful to keep this section of this blog fresh.

Thai

Three-sixty Bar & Restaurant: 9 Doiview Chiangmai Bldg., 10th Fl., Soi 9 Nimmanheamin Rd. Indoor a live band plays modern jazz and blues. Outdoor you dine by a pool with a good view of Doi Suthep and Chiang Mai City. Many cocktails.

Aroon Rai: 45 Kotchasarn Road. Good IgoUgo Review, and also Tamarind and Thyme loved it.

Baanrai Yamyen: 14 Moo 3 Faham Road. Northeast of the old town. Serves "Mueang Food", the food of Thailands Northern Region. "It's the perfect place to take visiting Thai friends wanting to taste the local food", writes Chanchao Fotopages. "The unpretentious fare includes kaeng jin gai hoom, a mild, northern Thai–style chicken curry with Kaffir lime, as well as a variety of insect dishes, like rod duan, crunchy, deep-fried bamboo worms, which are definitely an acquired taste", writes concierge.com. "Music is one of the main ingredients of this popular eatery, with a style that ranges from Lanna to bluegrass", writes chiangmai-mail.com. The show starts at 6.30 pm, singers are accompanied by guitar, mandolin, double bass and banjo - a romantic place for lovers.

Comedara Colonial House คำดารา: 193 Charoenrat Road. The house used to belong to Chinese tax collectors. A band is playing, but not deafening your ears, as chiangmai-mail.com notices.

Dalaabaa Bar & Restaurant: 113 Bamrungraj Road. "The kitchen's take on contemporary Thai cuisine is innovative—order the crab-filled spring rolls, which are shaped like breadsticks and deep-fried", writes concierge.com The architecture "echoes art deco" according to the review of Thailand Tatler. "The midcentury modern bungalow is furnished with eclectic furniture, polished wood and tons of glass, as if Frank Lloyd Wright had gone East", wrote the New York Times.

Picture by LiNuk's World, see more

Hot Chilli: 27-32 Ratchadamnoen Road. "Don’t be put off by the name if you like your Thai food , since everything is prepared to order and can be adapted to your taste", writes Mark Whitman.

Huen Phen: 112 Rachamankha Road. Authentic Northern Thai food. Try Khanom Jeen Namngeua, a beef stew in a hearty broth, means frommers.com. Fantastic Khao Soi (curry noodle dish), says also Confessions of a restaurant whore.. Have a look at a video and read New York Times. "Chicken wings grilled with sliced, aromatic lemongrass; a tart, fiery salad of grapefruit-like pomelo and wafer-thin slices of green chili", recommends concierge.com

Houn Soontaree Vechanont: Read the review in this blogs chapter Chiang Mai: Cool Nights

Kanon Bar Arjarn: 2 Soi.2 Meundamprakot Rd. Thai desserts and confectionery are renowned for their delicate feature, unique taste and exquisite decoration. This is exactly offered at Kanom Ban Arjarn, which ist well known for its "Pia". The original Pia has green bean paste with salted yolk inside the pastry layer. But there ar also new creates Pia's with other tastes. Or you try Saleetip, made from fresh coconut.

Kantoke Palace: 288/19 Chiangklan Road. Kantoke dinner and show. This place has adapted to Westerners: Tables and seats have been specially designed, so that you can dine on the floor in the traditional Lanna manner, but with plenty of leg-room.

Maha Naga: 431 Charoenrat Road. Thai dishes presented in European style, in buildings from teak and glass under big trees with a river terrace - one of the most expensive Thai restaurants in the North. Read the review of roughguides.com

Maze Café: 12/2 Boonruangrit Road and 8/11 Nimmanhaemin Road. Thai and International food. Read the review of Chiangmaitouristguide.com

Night Bazar: Many stalls to choose food from - for example the seafood stall.

Picture avlxyz
Seadood at Night Bazar

Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center ศูนย์วัฒนธรรม เชียงใหม่: 185/3 Wualai Road. Khantoke dinner, stage performances and hilltribes shows. You seat on cushions on the carpeted floor or at nearby tables. When a traditional Northern Thai family eats, they sit around a low table (called "toke") and eat "khan", finger food in small bowls. They break pieces of sticky rice ("cow neaw") and dip it into the bowls or eat it with meat. There are sweetm sour and spicy tastes.
In a Lanna-style building, the Saw-Hong House, you find the Lanna Folk Museum. This over 110-year-old teak building is a typical example of a northern dwelling called a “Kalae house”. Originally, this building stood near the east side of the Nakhornping Bridge in downtown Chiangmai and was owned by Nang Ping, the granddaughter of Nai Saw and Nang Hong Tae. The house was named the “Saw-Hong House” in honour of Nang Piang’s grandparents. Today you see here antique pottery, lacquerware, household items and waving demonstrations. Museum ist closed on Thursdays. Read the review of Tamarind and Thyme.

Picture of the show by Cybjorg on flickr.com

Se also a video on youtube.com

River Ping Palace: 385/2 Charoen Prathet Rd. A collection of 100 year old teak houses and pavilions. The food is prepared from Thai recipes found in a cookbook dating back 70 years old. In the evenings there are performances by musicians and dancers. Read the review on Chiangmai-Mail.com.

Ruen Come In: 79/3 Sirithron Road. Thai-Northern Thai Cuisine after family recipes. And also suite and deluxe rooms.

Ruen Tamarind: 50/1 Ratchadamnoen Road. Authentic Northern Thai dishes prepared from original family recipes, that have been handed down from mother to daughter.

Thapae Soi 3: Pad Thai for 20 Baht. Many locals eat there, read a good review by Big Food Small World.

The House: 199 Moon Muang Road. A first class dining experience according to "The Nation". "Contemporary cuisine with a bit of an Asian twist", describes travelfish.org. "The Chiang Mai-born chef has created a menu that features fresh ingredients in a European style but with a touch of the Orient", adds ThailandTatler. "The most interesting dining option is the adjacent tapas bar", means concierge.com

Thai, Chinese, German

Palaad Tawanron ผาลาดตะวันรอน: 100 Huay Kaew Road. Outside the town near the zoo, at the foothills of Suthep Mountain and near a waterfall. From a wooden terrace you overlook a lake and the city. The standout is the seafood, according to ThailandTatler Very popular among the guests is Kah Moo Tawanron : deep fried pork leg with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut, read the review of Chiangmai-Chiangrai.com and the review of The Makan Sisters.

Thai, Chinese, International

The Gallery: 25-27-29 Charoen Rat Road. The front building with the Art Gallery has been built in Chinese style, the restaurant at the riverside in teak-wood in Northern style, in the original building from 1892, which used to be a silk store. Hillary Clinton has been eating here. "Ask for a waterfront table beneath the vaulting tamarind tree, and order Chiang Mai specialties such as kaeng ung lay, a coconut milk–free pork curry slow-cooked with ginger, garlic, chili, and tamarind and served with sticky rice", advises concierge.com.

Chinese

Jia Tong Heng: 193/2-3 Sri Don Chai Road. "Some of the best fish dishes in town", says Chiangmainews.com, fish in ginger is the speciality. Jia Tong Heng is 50 years old. Also stewed duck with Chinese herbs is recommended by Chiangmainews.com. Read also the review of Chiangmai-mail.com

Chinese (Muslim)

Khao Soi Islam: 24 Charoen Prathet Road, Soi 1. A mix of Yunnan (muslim) and Shan cuisine. "Calling it curry noodles is oversimplification", writes lastappetite.com The oily and slightly coconut-creamy curry is cut through with sides of tart pickled cabbage and lime juice, served over flat egg noodles. It is finished with a handful of deep-fried on top. Also vegetarian dishes. Read background about the Legacy of the Spice Trade in Chiang Mai and read the review of muntae.com.

Khao Soi Lamduan: Faham Road. The best Khao Soi-restaurant according to lastappetite.com, where you also find recipes for Khao Soi. The original owner prepared her noodles for the Thai King, whenever he stayed in Chiang Mai, as you can read on eatingasia.typead.com.

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The kitchen at Lamudan Kao Soi

Khao Soi Samer Jai: 391 Mu. 2 , Charoenrat Road. Known by the locals for Khao Soi. Very good review by Mcdang.com. The favourite restaurant of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai Premierminister.

Khao Soi, picture by Jui

Just Khao Soy Restaurant and Art Gallery 108/2 Charoen Phrathet Road.

American

The Dukes: 49/4-5 Chiangmai-Lamphun Road. Steaks, Ribs, Seefood, Pizza. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com. There is also a branch at the Night Bazaar.

French

Chez Daniel ร้านอาหารเชส แดเนียล: 255/18 Mahidol Rd. Roast lamb, wild boar, boeuf bourgignon as well as Frech cheeses and desserts. Read the review of Yahoo Travel. Much value for not so miuch Baht, according tho Fodor's.

Le Coq d'Or: 11 Soi 2 Koh Klang Road. Lobster, oyster, duck leg, Foie Gras, tiger prawns... Read Frommers.com. "One of Chiang Mai's oldest and most distinguished fine dining venues", says ThailandTatler

German

German Bistro: Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Centre, 21 Huayaew road. Cheewan (Thai) and his wife Carmen (German) serve German food. If you look for a vegetable soup with meatball (like Grandma), porkfilet with blanched vegetables, Wiener sausages, Knack sausages, knuckle with sauerkraut, potato salad or just a Heineken, a Weihenstephaner or a Krombacher beer, you are right here. And Cheewan decorated the floor of the bistro in a very special way.

Italian

Caffé Gourmet: Opposite Wat Phra Khao on Ratchamankha Rd. Home-made Italian dishes, small garden and jazz stage, where bands perform Saturday night. Caffé Gourmet was opened by Stefano Roncoroni (former La Gondola). Read Chiangmainews.com

Girasole ร้านอาหารอิตาเลี่ยน กีราโซล: Kad Klang Vieng Plaza, Wat Pan-On Intersection, Ratchadamnoen Road. Pizza, pasta, risotto, meat and fish - and a large section of vegetarian cuisine. Read the review of Chiangmai-Mail.com Good review on tripadvisor.com "So so"-review by Chiang Mai Epicurean See some pictures of dishes. Girasole is a creation of Stefano Roncoroni, who closed one of Chiang Mai's most beloved Italian restaurant, La Gondola after leasing problems.

Mr Chan and Miss Pauline: 1st branch 16/1 Huay Kaew Rd., 2nd branch Canal Rd. Pizza and Swedish dishes. Read reviews by Things Asian and Chiangmainews.com Review in Thai by มาเชียงใหม่ กินอะไรดี.

Piccola Roma Palace:144 Charoenprathet Road. Run by Angelo Faro for fifteen years now. "The freshness of ingredients is what makes this restaurant stand out from among the dozens of Italian establishments in town", writes ThailandTatler. Home-made pasta as well as meat and seafood and fine italian wines, also ask for the speciality of the day. Reviews on YahooTravel are mixed. Her Majesty Queen Sirikit has been dining here. Read also Kit Marshals Commentary.

Mediterranean

Mi Casa: 60/2 Moo 14 Soi Wat Padaeng. Mediterranean cuisines by Spanish Chef Kike and Tapas Corner. He opened his restaurant “Mi Casa Stanley” in Hong Kong in 2002. It was a holiday in Chiang Mai, that turned him here. ThailandTatler recommends saffron infused lobster paella, which has to be ordered two days in advance, as highlight. Good selection of Rioja wine. Good reviews by tripadvisor.com and spicemag.net. See video by OpenChiangmai.

Mexican

Miguel's Café: Good reviews by tripadvisor.com and cunyqueen.

Sandwiches

Amazing Sandwich: 252/3 Pra Pokklao Road. Open daily 10am to 7pm (Sunday close 5pm. With free internet service. Choose from 14 meats including Roastbeef, Pastrami, Salami, Parma ham, smoked chicken and turkey breast, 8 types of cheese, 10 vegetables, 8 dressings & sauces and 6 herbs & spices and pack them into your chosen "vehicle".

Tea

Raming Tea House Siam Celadon: 158 Tha Pae Road. The tea shop serves cakes and teas. Enjoy your tea in a lovely garden. The two storey teak house has been built in 1915 by Anukonburi, a Thai of Chinese anchestry, it served as a store. 2002/2003 it has been restored to its original beauty. See pictures by nenegogogirl and hmigliaccio

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Tea House by night

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Vegetarian

Aum Vegetarian: 65 Mun Mueang Road. One of the oldest vegetarian restaurants with Thai and Chinese dishes and Hilltribe Organic Coffee - and over 3500 books to read while drinking coffee! See the menu and read reviews of Yahoo Travel.

Picture by cunyqueen.blogspot.com

Blue Diamond: 35/1 Mun Mueang Road, Soi 9. Not 100 procent vegetarian. Superb, according to reviews by happycow.net. Also herbal teas. "Marvellous" is one comment on chefmoz.org. "They have it all. They make their own soy yogurt, baked goods including cinnamon rolls, cookies, and bread, soy ice cream (about 15 flovors), fresh juice, and soy milk.", writes xviolettx. Read also Earthworm Envy.

Dindee ร้านกาแฟ: Food in an earth house at The Art Museum of Chiang Mai University, opened by Japanese Ayumi Loenthaisong in March 2007. Thai and Japanese dishes and a wide tea selection. Read more at muantae.com

Khufa Mangsawirat: 152/6 Kaew Nawarat Road. Very good review by happycow.net. See pictures by rheanna2. And see description of Chiang Mai Vegetarian Project.

Khun Churn: 120/2 Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 17. Northern cuisine with influences from China and Burma with affordable prices. Read the review of The Nation. Excellent review at happycow.net. See also Chiang Mai Vegetarian Project and look at video

Mangsawirat Suan Dok: 15 Suthep Road. Read the review of happycow.net.

Pun Pun: Inside Wat Suan Dok under a large old Boddhi tree. Pun Pun, run by a Thai/American couple, cooks organic vegetarian food, grown at Pun Pun Organic farm in Mae Taeng, outside Chiang Mai. "Amazing", according to earthoria.com. Read background on the blog Stomachs ond legs. Pun Pun is a project in the owners words "aimed at supporting local organic farmers, farmer networks, and propagating biodiversity. By producing organic produce on our own farm as well as buying from farmers producing organically, we support farmer’s transition to sustainable food systems. Since we ourselves are a seed center we aim to propagate rare and indigenous varieties of edible plants for the public to reintegrate into their diets, improving our health and stabilizing our environment through biodiversity." To get to Pun Pun, at Wat Suan Dok walk down the road to the left of the main temple towards the back of the temple grounds, it is on your right near the back. See pictures by flickr.com.

Thai Orchid: 419/24 Witchayanon Road.

Thai Vegetarian Food Restaurant: 65 Inthawarorot Road. Good review by happycow.net. See pictures by Rheanna2.

Vegetarian Society of Thailand: 42 Mahidol Road. "Didn't have the variety, that most Thai veggie places in Chiang Mai have", means a review on happycow.net. See pictures on flickr.com

Whole Earth: 88 Sridonchai Road. A vegetarian Thai and Indian restaurant, but some meat and fish dishes are available. Mixed reviews on happycow.net and tripadvisor.com.

Others

Room-Bar: 61 Nimmanhaemin Road. The Room complex includes also a coffee, a boutique and decor shops. The restaurants special in main courses is a deep fried chicken with mixed herbs, as you can read in Chiangmai-Mail.com. Elegant interior decoration in red and purple.

Rose Restaurant: 87 Ratchamanka Road. See video at Chiangmaipods.com English or American breakfasts, burgers and pizzas, fish and chips. And also Thai food.

Sojo's Café: 169/4-5 Sridonchai Road and 178/178 World Club Land – Nongkwai, Hang Dong. American, Asian, Mediterranean Bistro and La Mesa Latina.

The Drunken Flower: 28/3 Soi 17 Nimmanhaemin Road. The funnny name comes from the time, when it was Chiang Mai's first wine tasting club and also sold importet flowers. Cocktails, house wines, Thai, international and Mexican food. And music from a big CD-Collection or from live performances. All this attracts a mix of young and old Thai and Westerners.

Places to stay in Chiang Mai:
Chiang Mai Guesthouses
Chiang Mai Boutique Hotels
Chiang Mai Hotels

Discover more:
Your Guide to Chiang Mai

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Chiang Mai: Cool Nights

2008-07-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

See the locations of the clubs and bars on Chiang Mai Nightlife Google Map
See the locations of restaurants on Chiang Mai Restaurant Google Map

Updates about coming events you find on Chiang Mai Music Scene

Nimmanhaemin Area นิมมานเหมินท์

Nimmanhaemin Road (also: Nimmanhemin) is the place to be for the local nightlife scene, mostly students from the nerby universities or youn working adults: "Young, beautiful and trendy Thais partying like there's no tomorrow!", writes Jaxon Toh in his blog.

Warm Up Cafe: 40 Nimmanhaemin Road. Popular hangout for young Chiang Mai with two glass enclosed dance floors, DJs and often live music and an outdoor zone for sitting, talking and watching.

Warm Up 9th Anniversary Music Video:

Monkey Club: Nimmanhaemin Road Soi 9. Open 17 pm to 01 am. Another hotspot for the students. Indie music and outdoor eating.

Drunken Flower: 295/1 Soi 1, Nimmanhaemin road. Open daily from 18 pm to 01 am. Restaurant and bar, visited by a mixed Thai and expat crowd. Most weelends live folk music. Read James' review on tripist.com. "Food is poor, drinks are over-priced, seats uncomfortable and the live music is lame. God knows why we all go there", says the review on chiangmaitouristguide.com.

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NimMahn Bar: 59/8 Nimmanhaemin Rd. "Cavernous industrial-looking interior, softened with smart leather poufs and sofas", according to the review of Lonely Planet.

Glass Onion: Room 1 project, 61, Nimmanhaemin Road. Open 6 pm to 1 am. Bar with a grand piano, red carpets, red bar-chairs and art deco chandeliers. "James Bondesque", means Lonely Planet. Popular by gays.

Fine Thanks: 119 Nimmanhemin Rd Soi 5. In a restored wooden Thai house. A live band plays Thai and Western songs. Cute waitresses from the universities around the corner, good food, popular with locals.

Tawan Dang: Nimmanhaemin Road Soi 6. Open from 6 pm till 2 am. Live music.

Huay Kaew Road

Discovery: 12 Huay Kaew Road. Live Band, DJ, Video-Screens.

Fashion Paris: Unterground of Lotus Pangsuankaew Hotel. Dancing room and Hip Hop room. Read review of Lonely Planet.

Mo'C Mo'L ร้านน่านั่ง (The Monkey Club and Moon Lover): 233 Huay Kaew Road. Pub and restaurant with Thai, European and Japanese Food and a pond with fish and frogs. And a chic coffee shop. Live Bands (Jazz, Pop, Acoustic). Place of the hip and trendy.

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See more of Apirak's pictures

Sudsanan: 30 Ratchaphuek Road. Wooden house with Thai restaurant and stage. Rock, Folk and Jazz-Bands. In the middle of the evening the owners play: Souat (guitar), Houag (bongos) and Pleuay (Khane = Isaan bamboo instrument). Read a fine review of Sudsanan by Delacroixyut.

Isaan Ban Hao live at Sudsanan:

Riverside Area

Tara Bar: 140/1 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road. Live music, dance. See a video.

The Riverside Bar & Restaurant: 9-11 Charoenrat Road. Thai and western food, good! Western and Thai Pop starting at 19 pm, Jazz on Sundays. Read review of Lonely Planet.

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The Good View: 13 Charoenrat Road. Thai and Western rock, pop, jazz and country in the evening, Thai, Chinese and Western food.

Picture Good View

Tha Chang Jazz Club: 25 Charoenrat Road. Open 8 pm to 1 am. Live Jazz on Saturdays.

La Brasserie: 37 Charoenrat Road. Very popular for live rock and blues. From 23 pm Thai guitarrist Took and friends play Hendrix, Dylan, Marley. Read the review by ichangmaihotel.com and changmainews.com. And read an interview with Took on Chiangmainews.com

Took plays Jessica from the Allman Brothers, Part 1:

Part 2:

Old City Area

Cafe Souvannaphoum: 20/1 Ratchamanka Road. Wine Bar with music. Read the review of Lonely Planet.

Mandalay Bar and The Dark: 5/3 Soi 1 Moon Muang Road. Multistorey-complex, foreigners get charged at the entrance. Thai live music, dancers, concerts, shows. Read the review of Chiangmainews.com

The Garden: 139, Ratchadamnoen Rd. Every Sunday night live music with the Chiang Mai Blues Club. Warren Simpson ist playing here Delta Blues Music.

The North Gate: Every Tuesday everybody. who can play an instrument, can take part in a jam session. Live music every evening. Read the review on chiangmaiplan.com

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Spicy: 82 Chaiyaphum Road. You go, when everything else has shut. It's open till 4 am. Who is there? Read review of chiangmaitouristguide.com

Night Bazaar Area

Crystal Cave: 199 Chang Klan Rd, in the Empress Hotel. Disco.

Horizon Club: 132 Loy Kroh Road, in Hotel Centara Duangtawan. House and Hip Hop, popular by young Thais.

The Bubbles: 46 Charoen Prathet Road (Pron Ping Tower). Disco. Read revoew by Lonely Planet

Other Area

Chai Blues House: Music by local artists and classic blues by Chai, a Thai performer, who has moved from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Right now he is looking for a new space according to his homepage and playing in the city.

Houn Soontaree: Houn Soontaree Vechanont is a singer of Northern Thai folk songs in Chiang Mai and restaurant owner. She and here daughter Lanna are singing, while you enjoy Northern dishes.

Lanna Commins sings Ka Sa Long

Discover more:
Your Guide to Chiang Mai

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Chiang Mai Nimmanhaemin Road นิมมานเหมินท์

2008-07-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

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Nimmanhaemin Road, a place for arts and crafts and trendy bars.

The "arty epicenter" of Chiang Mai is Nimmanhaemin Road (also Nimmanhemin), according to Time Magazine. Boutiques sell pottery, textiles, other crafts and jewels. An Arts-and-Crafts-Show is held here every december, to see the next generation of Lanna artists and designers you come here (see video). This year the Nimmanhaemin Street Fair takes place from December 1-7.

Studio Kachama: 10-12 Soi 1, Nimmanheimin Rd. Waved cotton and silk wall hangings, cushions, table covers. Kachama Perez studied design in Japan and rewaves traditional Hmong, Karen and Yao patterns. More in Soi 1: See this map

Gerard Collection: No. 2/8 Soi 3, Nimmanhaemin Road. Bamboo furnitures. More in Soi 3: See this map

Living Space: Thai and vietnamese lacquerware, tableware, Indonesian silk textiles and leather handbags, chosen by British-French expat Jennifer Dyson.

The Room: 61 Nimmanhaemin Road.

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Your Guide to Chiang Mai

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Massage by the female prison (and others)

2008-05-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

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Lila Thai Massage ลีลา นวดไท: Naowarat Thanasrisutharat, the director of Chiang Mai's female prison, has established a massage shop, popular by tourists and residents. The women in the prison can learn massage there and earn money and with that they often support their families. As Bangkok Post writes, also women, who have left prison, are working there, because they see it as a way for reintegration in society. You find the shop on Prapokklao Road. Read how Ash and Bi describe this experience.

And more tipps for massage:

Nerve-touch massage: 25-27-29 Ratchadamnoen Road, next to Siam Commercial Bank. "Nerve-Touch" is a method of working on the lines and muscles. It is deeper and more therapeutically oriented than the usual Thai massage. Pressing, rotating and squeezing techniques following the meridian lines. In Lek Chaiya’s family, the traditional Thai Healing Arts have been handed down from mother to daughter. She operates this place now with her son Tananan Willson. A massage with medicinal herbpacks takes 1 1/2 hour. Training courses for 3 to 5 five days are also available.

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Lek Chaiya at a training course. More pictures

Shivagako Marapa Old Medical Hospital: 5 Wualai Road. Thai body massage and massage training for 30 years. A full massage lasts two hours. The practitioner uses hands, forearms and feet to apply firm rhythmic pressure to almost every part of the body. There is pulling and stretching of arms, legs, fingers and toes, arching the back and neck and even walking on the back. Read more on Easy Chiang Mai.

The Garden Chiang Mai: 139 Ratchadamnoen Road. Footmassage, Thai Traditional Massage and Oil Massage. The homepage gives a lot of information about the massages and the massage schools in Chiang Mai.

Discover more:
Your Guide to Chiang Mai

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Handicraft and Antique Shopping in Baan Tawai

2008-04-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

Baan Tawai, 20 kilometres south of Chiang Mai, is the centre of wood carved handicraft and antique trade in Northern Thailand. And also the production of reproductins of antique art is a growing business here. Shopowners from Bangkok and abroad come here to buy their goods. So the prices are more reasonable than elsewhere. You find arcades full of shops and on the road to Hang Dong you discover many mini-factories with showrooms and can see the artisans and their work: Wooden Buddhas, wooden elefants, wooden reliefs, sandstone sulptures, textile hangings, frames, lamps and vases for your home. Many shops construct teak furniture and can ship it abroad. Thai antiques are famous for the early artistic expression of Buddhism. If you are looking for genuine antique, you have to look for a certificate from the Fine Arts Department.

Brief introduction to the art periods in Thailand:
1stopchiangmai.com

Homepage of Baan Tawai Village:
Ban-tawai.com

You can visit Baan Tawai for a Woodcarving College

Discover more:
Your Guide to Chiang Mai

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Chiang Mai Markets and Walking Streets

2008-03-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

See the locations on Chiang Mai Market Google Map

Night Bazaar: The famous venue for shopping in the night. The market with hundreds of street vendor stalls and shops has everything: Clothes, Thai silk, shoes, pirated CDs and DVDs, handicrafts, cameras, jewelry - a lot made in China, some products by the hilltribe people. The goods may be cheaper on markets, where there are not so many tourists. But you can bargain. If you are the first customer, you can get a good price, because it means bad luck, if the first customer doen't buy. And late in the night you get good prices for final sales.
Find your way: The market follows Chang Khlan Road and side streets, between Thaphae and Loi Khro road.
Open: From sunset till midnight.

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Anusarn Night Market: A walking street every night, where you find hilltribe goods in traditional styles. And a great place for dinner, where the locals eat their noodles. A large suqare with tables and food stalls on the side. You can enjoy here Northern Thai specialities, for example the hot green chili dip called nam prik awn. Or try khao soi, flat egg noodles in a soup with chicken or beef. Black chili paste, lime, shallots, bean sprouts or other vegetables are served with it.
Find your way: The market is near Chang Khlan Road, between Anusarn Sunthon Road in the North and Si Don Chai Road in the South.

Kad Luang with Warorot Market and Lamyai Market: Are you looking for real Thai life more than for touristic sights? Then Chiang Mai's chinatown will be the right location. It's called Kad Luang กาดหลวง (this means: big market). Kad Luang is the area, where Chiang Moi Road and Wichayanon Road join.

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Kad Luang

Here you find Warorot Market ตลาดวโรรส, an old Shopping Center in a large building with food on the ground floor. So you will discover pig heads or cooked and dried fish, herbs and spices and any kind of vegetables and also mushrooms. Look for Northern style food as "Kaeb Moo” (crispy fried pig skin), “Moo Yaw” (pork sausage) or “Nam Prik Num” (hot green chilly sauce). On the second and third floor you discover clothes for cheaper prices than in the Night Bazaar, Handbags, Pillow covers, handicrafts or beauty articles. On the east side of Wichayanon Road you find Kad Ton Lamyai กาดต้นลำไย, the fresh food market. Around the buildings there are stalls with everything from shoes to gems and many gold shops. Kad Luang is a 24-hour experience. When the halls of the covered markets turn quiet in the evening, the main streets outside change to a night bazaar with food stalls and fashionable clothing, a place loved by Chiang Mai’s young women and their boyfriends. Close to Kad Luang there is a small soi called Lao Jo, Kad Meo กาดแม้ว or the Hmong hill tribe market. Here they sell handmade goods and products. Near the market area there is a Chinese Shrine called Cong Thao Kong, built about 130 years ago and reconstructed in 1996.
Find your way: From Night Bazaar you follow Changklan Road to the North, until it intersects with Changmoi Road near Mae Ping River. Then the market will be at your left. Here is Chiang Mai's Chinatown.
Open: During the day until 5 pm.

Picture Geoff_B
Warorot Market from upstairs

Lamyai Flower Market: This market smells like heaven. It's the fresh cut flower market. It's perfumed by so many different blossoms. Your eye will catch the buckets full of orchids, in hundreds of varieties and coulours, but also roses, chrysanthemums, lotus and marigolds as well as birds of paradise. The flowers arrive in the night, so it's the best time to go.
Find your way: From Warorot Market along Ping River towards Thapae Road.Open: 24 hours.

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Flower market

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Muang Mai Market: The place, where you get the food very fresh from the farmers and cheap. It's a wholesale area. There are stalls, shops and also pick up trucks. You will find huge amounts of cabbages, garlic, wstermelons, pineabbles and a lot more fruits and vegetables and also a section with meat and seafood and of course stalls selling curry pastes.
Find your way: Wang Sing Kham Road, from Warorot Market to North.

Wualai Walking Street: Are you looking for silver and lacquer ware? Then you are right at Wualai Street, where elegant old wooden houses show the past glory of the silversmiths of Chiang Mai. There are still many shops, well known for old technique and good quality. And every Saturday evening the road is closed for the traffic and a Walking street. Along one kilometer you find handicrafts, clothes, musical instruments, food and young artists exhibiting their work. And Lanna dancing performances from various schools in Chiang Mai are staged. Then there is Wat Sri Suphan, one of the temple buildings is decorated in shining silver.

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Grilled balls on Wualai Walking Street

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Sweet steamed cakes

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Funny bags

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Just beautiful

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Grandmum's delights

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And the silver

More about the Street you read on the website of Wualai community. Then you find here a shop with crafts of hilltribe people Bann Wualai. Or you decide for a Kantoke Dinner with a hilltribe show at Old Chiangmai Cultural Center.
Find your way: Near the Gate at the south side of the old city. You leave by Phra Pok Klao Road, outside the wall you turn right, walk on Chiang Lo Road, from where Wualai Road will point to Southwest.
Open: Walking Street every Satuarday from around 5 pm till 11 pm.

Ratchadamnoen Walking Street: Full of excitement, thanks to the large crowd of people enjoying the night in the heart of the old city, shopping, drinking, eating, listening to musicians, looking at art and craftsmanships of Northern Thailand, Thai dancers or puppet shows. Many stallowners sell personally made goods from wood to metals, ceramics, fabrics, paper and more. In a number of temples along the road the stallowners sell meals cooked in front of your eyes.
Find your way: From Tha Pae Gate follow Ratchdamnoen Road.
Open: Every Sunday from 5 pm till midnight.

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Wat Pan Tao. See more Wat Pan Tao

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Your Guide to Chiang Mai

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Chiang Mai Hotel Videos

2008-02-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

Here you get a list of videos about hotels in Chiang Mai.

Hotel Best Western

Hotel Bupatara Boutique

Hotel Central Duangtawan

Hotel Charcoa House

Hotel Eurana Boutique

Hotel Plaza

Hotel Proud Phu Fah

Hotel Puripunn Baby Grand Boutique

Hotel Sofitel Riverside

Hotel Tamarind Village

Hotel The Chedi

Hotel Raming Lodge and Spa

Hotel Ruen Come In Residence

Hotel Sira Boutique

Hotel Yaang Come Village

Guesthouse Banilah

Guesthouse Siam Mi Casa

Guesthouse Smile House

Guesthouse Wa Lai House

Viangbua Mansion

Discover more:
Your Guide to Chiang Mai

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Soppong Lisu Hilltribe Homestay

2008-02-09T13:20:00.001-08:00

Lisu Hilltribe Homestay in Nong Tong near Soppong. Here you can be guest of the Lisu people, who originally lived in Tibet. Around 80 years ago they settled in the mountains of North Thailand. You live in a traditional bamboo or teak house. And you can take part in classes to learn more about lisu culture. Lisu Hilltribe Stay. More hilltribe information Lisu Hilltribe Resources And a Video and one more Video

Learn more at Virtual Hill Tribe Museum

The Lisu Hilltribe

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Chiang Mai Hotels

2008-02-05T12:10:00.000-08:00

See the locations on Chiang Mai Hotel Google Map

Read an article by Bangkok Post on packages from 14.8.2008

Amari Rincome: From 1851 to 8195 Baht. 1 Nimmanhaemin Road. Two pools. Free shuttle service to the city centre every 30 minutes. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com, read also the review of professionaltravelguide.com

Picture Amari Rincome

Amora Tapae Hotel: From 1550 to 12250 Baht. 22 Chayapoom Road. See view from 10th floor by rokapi. "A little worn down, but okay", say some comments on tripadvisor.com.

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Ayatana Resort อายตนะ: From 3300 to 16000 Baht. 99/9 Moo 14, Suthep Road. A little out of the city. There is a shuttle bus to Night Bazaar. Quiet, guests love it according to tripadvisor.com. See pictures by Anne & Lane.

Picture Ayatana

Baantai Hotel: From 900 to 1600 Baht. 41/9 Wiang-ping Tud-mai Road. An old hotel with dark rooms, mixed reviews on tripadvisor.com

Picture Baantai

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BP Chiang Mai Hotel บีพี เชียงใหม่: From 725 to 2825 Baht. 154 Rachamanka Road. The hotel is dated, as comments on tripadvisor.com say.

D2 Hotel ดี ทู: From 3900 to 22000 Baht. 100 chang klan road. In contemporary Thai design, that is shown on Flickr.com. Fresh funky look. Devarana Spa ("Garden in Heaven") with professional staff, according to very excellent reviews on tripadvisor.com. Read also the review of professionaltravelguide.com

Chiang Mai Gate Hotel เชียงใหม่เกตุ: From 1000 to 3500 Baht. 11/10 Suriyawong Road. Small pool. Good value, according to reviews on tripadvisor.com

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De Naga เดอ นากา โฮเทล: From 2300 to 5700 Baht. 21 Soi 2 Ratchamanka, Moon Muang Road. Nice inside, but views from the rooms show ugly buildings around the hotel. Mostly good reviews on tripadvisor.com.

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De Naga Suite

Manathai Village มานาไทยFrom 3100 to 9000 Baht. 39/9 soi 3 tapae road. Reviews on tripadvisor.com. But if your room is on the side of the small street, you may be disturbed by scooters early in the morning.

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Mandarin Oriental Dhara Devi แมนดาริน โอเรียนเต็ล ดาราเทวีเชียงใหม่: From 12699 to 280000 Baht. 51/4 Sankampaeng Road Moo 1. "An astounding place", according to reviews on tripadvisor.com. Two pools. Be aware, that it is outside of the town. "A teakwood fantasia modeled on a northern Thai village, with vegetable gardens, lotus ponds, moats and fortified walls, towering palaces, a marketplace, a town green, even a temple, all of it occupied by a veritable army of merchants, servants, farmers, weavers, cooks, woodcarvers, and massage therapists", writes Travel+Leisure.

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Ping Buri Hotel พิงค์ บุรี From 650 to 2950 Baht. 49/1-8 Arrak Road (Suandok Gate).

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Rachamankha ราชมรรคา: 5500 to 18000 Baht. 6 Rachamankha 9,T.Phra Singh. A combination of Lanna art and design and temple style architecture create a heaven of peace. The design is taken from the viharn (chapel) of Wat Phra That Lampang Luang in Lampang province. The hotel is planned according to ancient principles of Chinese architecture because the architecture and interior designer want the hotel to reflect the Chinese roots of Thai architecture. The hotel is full of Chinese antiques. There is a wood-panelled library full of architecture books. "What a gem", is the tenor of the reviews on tripadvisor.com. "You can hear birds in the morning, crickets in the evening, and not one throb of the motorcycles that pulse through the city", writes the New York Times. Read also the review of The Independent.

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RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort: From 13600 to 100000 Baht. A luxury boutique resort nestled along the bank of the Mae Ping River, it belonged to the Sofitel Group, now it's part of the Preferred Hotel Group. With "Aspara Spa". Very good reviews on tripadvisor.com. Read also professionaltravelguide.com

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Tamarind Village แทมมาริน วิลเลจ: From 4200 to 12600 Baht. 50/1 Ratchadamnoen Road. You enter by a long shaded lane lined with bamboo. In a lush garden, very quiet, "pure paradise", says one guest on tripadvisor.com. The rooms at the Tamarind are "marvels of concrete flatwork burnished to an almost shining glow and, complimented by straw mats and chic contemporary Thai furnishings, make for a pleasing minimalist feel (if you're a minimalist, that is)", writes frommers.com. It has been built by Rooj Changtrakul and Ongard Satrabhandhu, who later created The Rachamankha. It took its name "from the tamarind orchard that occupied the land on which the hotel was built - one large and venerable tree thought to be over 200 years old has been left intact in a courtyard", you can read in Lonely Planet. Consult also professionaltravelguide.com. See the video of Open Chiang Mai

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The Chedi เดอะ เชดี เชียงใหม่: From 11440 to 17200 Baht. 123 Charoen Prathet Road. It has a swimming pool with water lillies and small fish. The old British Consulate building houses the restaurant. The guests love it ("Excellent is an understatement"), one points to the fact, that you hear some traffic noise from the street, read the comments on tripadvisor.com. Good review on professionaltravelguide.com

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U Chiang Mai Hotel: From 3400 to 4400 Baht. 70 Rachadamnoen Road0. Opened in june 2008. Guests are welcomed in the Resident’s Lounge located in the restored former residence of Chiang Mai’s governor. Read a comment on tripadvisor.com

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More places to stay in Chiang Mai:
Chiang Mai Guesthouses
Chiang Mai Boutique Hotels

Resorts outside of Chiang Mai:
Hotels and Resorts in Mae Rim แม่ริม: Holidays next to the ricefields and in the hills

Discover more:
Your Guide to Chiang Mai

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Chiang Mai Map

2008-02-04T13:46:00.001-08:00

Street names and Hotel names in Thai and English

Discover more:
Your Guide to Chiang Mai