A II Z - When H2K

A II Z Chiang Mai (Continue)

H for Hot Spring:

There are only a few provinces in Thailand that feature natural ho springs, and of course Chiang Mai is one of them. With the convenient location along the Mae Malai-Pai Road, Chiang Mai's hot springs are certainly a popular tourist attraction. Beyond becoming relaxed by bathing in the naturally heated waters, boiling eggs in the hot springs is also an optional activity to enjoy this weekend.

I for International Cuisine:

As we are living in the age of globalization, Chiang Mai features multi-cuisine restaurants as well as numerous places that serve fusion delicacies, varying from economical to the luxurious. (please see AIIZ - G for Global Gastronomy)

J for Jungle:

Approximately 69% of Chiang Mai is made up of productive forests that house a number of wildlife. It's the perfect venue to indulge oneself throughout a holiday, as it includes various activities; from conservative wood trekking to extreme sports.

K for Kap Moo:

Though numerous international eateries offer a range of fine cuisine, Kap Moo (Lanna crispy pork skin) is still the all-time-favorite snack consumed in local households. Normally, there are two kinds -- thick with fat and non-fat.

A II Z - day of F&G

A II Z Chiang Mai (Continue)

F for Flowers:

Situated in high latitude with suitable weather, Chiang Mai possesses the capacity to cultivate various types of plants, especially Western vegetables and flowers. The Flower Festival held on every February is testimony to its success in this field.

G for Global Gastronomy:

What can be better than having a perfect holiday retreat after the extreme exhaustion of a white-collar week? As a renowed weekend destination at both national and international levels, the city of Chiang Mai provides its visitors with a variety of activities to do their days off; from natural to culural sites.

In terms of the art of living, not only is there a huge range of accomodation, from the extravagant to the economical, but also restaurants have emerged all over the city to serve tourists with multi-cuisine. Those that desrve a recommendation are as follows:

For Chianese cuisine, we suggest Jie Tong Heng set a bit past the Saeng Tawan Intersection on Sri Don Chai Road, Meuy Jieng in Chang Klan Plaza next to the Shangri-La Hotel, and Huchalarm Ratchawong inside Chiang Mai Land.

Apart from Bangkok's Fuji and Zen in the airport plaza, Chiang Mai also has some other decent Japanese restaurants such as Sansui on the old Chiang Mai-Sankampang Road, Kitchen Hush on Kaewnawarat Road (Soi 2), and the eateries on Nimmanhaeminda Road.

There are only a few Korean Restaurants in Chiang Mai, and though hard to find, Han Woo Ri is a decent one, set in an all-white house by the Ping River on Chang Klan Road.

For Indian cuisine, try The Royal India, a cozy competitively-priced restaurant located in Soi 2, Ratchavithee Road. But if you prefer an exquisite decor, choices include The Chedi Hotel and Le Spice at the Night Bazaar.

It seems the whole city has gone Italian. Select a main street and you'll find at least one of them But if you want to try the outstanding ones, Giorgio and Casa Antonio on Charoen Prathet Road, Pasta Cafe where the ingredients are imported from Italy, Mr. Chan & Miss Pauline on Huay Kaew Road, and Moonmuang Road's Mad Dog are worth a visit.

Other fine western restaurants include Mike's Burger, Cote Jardin where French, Mediteranean and Spanish dishes are served. German Hofbrauhaus behind Anusarn Market on Loy Kroh Road, French Le Crystal on Paton Road, Mexican El Toro on Loy Kroh Road, and Salsa Kitchen on Ratchavithee Road (Soi 2) which originally manufactured bagels for the other restaurants in town.

To explore the authentic taste of local creations, a number of the fine dishes are served at Baan Kaew Huen Come on Irrigation Canal Road, Tong on Nimmanhaeminda Road, Huen Suntree on Paton Road, and Ruen Come In near Rin Come Intersection.

*** A truly unforgettable experience, you'd better try seasonal vegetables.***

As the rainy season approaches, numerous local vegetables starts blossoming, especially the puffball mushroom aka hed top which is now an agricultural product exported worldwide. To Chiang Mai people, this mushroom is regarded as a rare and expensive ingredient, used in several dishes. One of them includes hed top soup with mamao leaves (Lyonia Ovalifolia), a type of sour local plant widely purchased in the markets. Here's the recipe of this awesome seasonal dish.

A II Z Chiang Mai

Hello girl and boy,

As promised last message from the blog master, DVM. Nida, to give you an information about Chiang mai. She asked me to write all attractive places, activities and things in Chiang mai for you readers. I'm about to encourage you come back to our city 'the Rose of North' again-and-again. Let's see what I have in alphabets...

A for Art and galleries:

Existing for over 700 years with cultural heritage from past generations, the city of Chiang Mai is a fertile land where different forms of art have flourished. Its climate and geographical characteristics are more pleasant compared to other parts of the country, which has lead Chiang Mai to become home to both local and non-local artists.

Travel around the city and you will find that there are more than 20 art galleries, both governmental and private.

B for Birds:

Apart from being a weekend destination for those who love to explore nature, Chiang Mai's extensive forests also house a great number of bird species. So to all bird-watching enthusuasts out there, the forests are definitely the places not to missed, especially those of Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep.

C for Coffee:

For over 20 years, the north of Thailand has been the major place for coffee bean plantation, which has massively improved the economical status of hill tribal dwellers as well as reducing the opium culivation in the area. As a consequence, there are a countless number of coffee shops all over the city, serving quality cups of local brews and the taste of Chiang Mai.

D for Doi (Mountain):

Directly translated as mountain, Doi is a symbol of Northern Thailand especially Chiang Mai as there are several tourist sites located on Dois; from the renowned Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, which is the official symbol of the province, to Thailand's highest point on Doi Inthanon 2,565 meters above sea level.

E for Ethnic groups:

Racial diversity is one of Chiang Mai's charms. Apart from Chiang Mai people aka kon muang, there are 13 types of tribal people residing in the mountainous area. Each has their own way of life and culture, as witnessed by their clothes, food and household appliances. However, they do have one characteristic in common which is the warm hospitality they have for anyone who comes to visit.

Welcome back to my world

Hello all, my lovely blog reader...

I'm sincere apology for the lost of story for almost 3 month. That's a crisis moment of my life since I decided to quit my job then they gave me a big project to finish, even clear my papers and transfer everything I'hv done... blah-blah-blah!

I used every minute I had and squeezed my last sweat to show them I'm not a loser. Let I just say 'I'm boring living in Bangkok...!?!!' and it's time come back to my hometown 'Chiang Mai'.

Many of you might ask me 'What made you moving out or boring?' Well, I talk about living cost not other reasons. You know, I love living in big, modern city like bangkok and yes, (most) friends of mine are there. I miss them already!! but in the long run I think how much I can earn still cannot pay for living and saving, in contradict if I work in Chiang Mai either to run my familly business or follow my own project 'dog grooming' --"Dog'a bath" (first shop in Bangkok operated with my Vet friend), or even back on the employee track (last choice!!) I still have my life style as usaul and able to build up more for my future that's because goods and services price in Chiang mai are cheaper than bangkok.

I hope my little information above could bring you around to travel in Chiang Mai more :P

See you around and Take care

I will come back to get you more closure to Chaing Mai with the A-Z Chiang Mai.

Loyal Anniversary "Chakri"

The Meaning of Chakri Day

April 6 marks the anniversary of the founding of the present Chakri Dynasty of which the present ruling monarch, King Bhumibol the Great, is the ninth king.

The Chakri Dynasty was founded by Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, or Rama I, who was born on March 20, 1737 with the name of Thong Duang and came to the throne on April 6, 1782. He ruled the country for 28years. During his reign he consolidated the kingdom in such a way that here was no further fear of invasion from enemies. King Rama I has been praised as an accomplished statesman, a lawmaker, a poet and a devout Buddhist. Thus, his reign has been called a "reconstruction" of the Thai state and Thai culture. He was the monarch who established Bangkok as the capital of Thailand, and this is the most long-lasting creation which gains popularity as the "City of Angels". King Rama I passed away on September 7, 1809 at the age of 72.

King Rama I's son, Phra Buddha Loetla Naphalai, or Rama II, then acceded to the throne. It was during his reign that a renaissance of Thai arts and culture came about, especially in literature. The King himself was a man gifted with artistic talent. Phra Nang Klao came next. He fortified the country with a strong defence force and commissioned many buildings. It was during his reign that Thai arts reached the highest peak since Ayutthaya period. It is said that the reigns of King Rama II and III constituted a Golden Age of Literature and Arts, similar to King Narai's in Ayutthaya. King Rama III or Phra Nang Klao was succeeded by King Mongkut (Rama IV) who was a bold religious leader. He started the commercial contacts with foreign countries and was responsible for the introduction of western science and modernization into Thailand. Then came King Chulalongkorn, the benevolent monarch. During his reign of 42 years, many changes and reforms were made in Thailand. Slavery was abolished, modern system of administration was introduced, efficient law courts were established, education was systematically spread, and he financial system was revised.

King Vajiravudh, who succeeded King Chulalongkorn, further consolidated and developed what had been accomplished in the previous 40 years. He contributed much to the national language and literature so much so that he was sometimes called the poet who was a king. The outstanding achievement of his reign is perhaps a number of new treaties concluded between Thailand and other powers as it helped enhancing the prestige of Thailand. The King also introduced the use of tricolor flag to replace the old red flag with the white elephant.

King Vajiravudh passed away on November 26, 1925 and was succeeded by his younger brother King Prachadhipok, the seventh king of Chakri Dynasty who reigned as the last absolute monarch. On June 24, 1932 a revolution took place and His Majesty accepted the proposal of a constitutional regime. On March 2, 1934 the King abdicated and later died in exile, leaving the throne to his nephew, King Ananda Mahidol, who after 11 years rule met a sudden death leaving the throne to his younger brother, King Bhumibol Aulyadej, the present monarch.

On Chakri Day, His Majesty King Bhumibol accompanied by members of royal family presides over a religious ceremony performed to give merit to the deceased rulers at the Royal Chapel, then pays respects to His Majesty's Predecessors at the Royal Pantheon and lays a wreath at the statue of King Rama I at the Memorial Bridge. On this occasion, the Prime Minister, Ministers, high ranking officers, students, public and private organizations and people from all walks of life take part in a wreathlaying ceremony and make merit for the great kings who dedicated the best part of their lives for the betterment of their subjects.

Source: Thanapol Chadchaidee. (1994). Essays on Thailand. Bangkok : Thaichareunkanpem

AstroSpeak 2008 (Cont...)

Previous: Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer and Leo

Continue...

Virgo (August 24 - September 23)

Many new possibilities will come within your reach in 2008 and your ambitions will grow and bear fruit fast. Tapping new opportunities will call for strategic manoeuvring at work, and that includes maintaining the right equations with key people. Be persistent about requests or enquiries. Discuss new projects or enterprises with and strong points will make all the difference. Keeping yourself abreast of current developments will help you to review your own options better.

In money matters, a year to go ahead with schemes, especially those related to the stock market.

In love, your rapport will be good.

Libra (September 24 - October 23)

Success will be yours more frequently in 2008. You'll work with a new zeal, armed with determination to attain goals. You'll have a clear-cut set of priorities and take up new challenges. Don't postpone action on sensitive matters. Keep taking a fresh look at the manner in which you're managing your resources. Stay abreast of tasks and flesh out strategies and proposals. Coming up with quick responses will add to your gains. You'll be able to find time to soak in the latest information. Most of you will be able to consolidate your position of power.

In money matters, planning will be necessary, especially if new investments are involved.

In love, being more adventurous will appeal to you.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)

Review current approaches and move on with new plans in 2008. A prestigious responsibilitiy is also on the cards. But ensure that you get the attendant facilities to carry out tasks. If you're anticipating some competitive situations, it would be a good idea to keep yourself updated. Knowing the right people and staying tuned to the grapevine will be important. Make some bold adjustments to the approach you have been following and the results can exceed what you've envisaged. Don't hesitate to re-introduce old techniques which have worked for you. With a new stategy, these will give you good results.

In money matters, put your best foot forward, even if it means taking risk.

In love, at least one secret desire will be fulfilled.

Have a good and smooth through the year 2008 (The year of Rat)

AstroSpeak 2008 (Cont..)

Previous: Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces and Aries

Continue...

Taurus (April 21 - May 21)

Three defining elements will be shaping your destiny in 2008. Favourable currents will keep your affairs moving, often unknown to you. Your inputs and efforts will carve a prestigious niche for you. And last, the manner in which you're able to meet the demands of situations will assure you of new offers. Mid-year, there'll be opportunities to be in the limelight and fulfill many of your desires. Some old contacts will help you developing new linkages. You'll have to make additional efforts to eliminate factors which retard progress. As a result, you will come up with a range of ideas, suggestions and solutions.

In money matters, you'll be able to strengthen your position. You'll be able to increase your income by tapping new opportunities.

Your love-life, too, will give you reason to feel fairly contented.

Gemini (May 22 - June 21)

Fate will be favourably inclined towards you in 2008 and ready to present you with opportunities. Your success will depend on two factors. First, the strength and extent of your preparations. In highly competitive situations, the quality of your preparations could tilt things your way. Second, your foresight in applying skills to tap new areas or a new medium will count considerably. Doubts about the success you can achieve will be reduced if you discuss your plans with an experienced person. Despite issues which crop up suddenly, you'll manage to do several things. However, you'll be all too conscious that you have to pull your weight more than before.

Remember that phone calls, mails and messages will be important. Make sure you keep both your short-term and long-term interests in mind.

In money matters, an ideal year to take a more in-depth look at plans for the long term, besides formulating a more market-oriented approach for the short term.

Cancer (June 22 - July 23)

The opportunities, new options and new roles laid out for you in 2008 will be more challenging than you had expected. But this will bring out the best in you. Bost business and creative pursuits will be under favourable influences. Even through there'll be deadlines to meet, you won't be under pressure. You'll get an opportunity to display your range of ideas and skills to better effect than before. But try and keep personal considerations away from professional decisions. Also, try not to link your achievements or satisfaction to responses from other people. Monitor what your competitors are doing, as this could necessitate some amendments.

In money matters, real estate or dealings which involve quotations will be partcularly favourable.

In love, a desire to spend more time with each other will grow.

Leo (July 24 - August 23)

The new year will see you utilising your strengths to the maximum. New dreams and hopes will provide many of you with the incentive to develop your capabilities. Keep yourself in constant touch with what is happening in the background and in fields or organisations parallel to yours. People are likely to look up to you for advice more frequently. But do space your activities, otherwise you'll put yourself under undue pressure. Safeguarding the progress you'hv registered is important.

In money matters, improvements will become visible. New ventures will click and new invesments will pay off.

In love, your levels of sharing and caring will increase.

Next: Virgo, Libra and Scorpio

AstroSpeak 2008

Previous: Sagittarius and Capricorn

Continue...

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

You'll be able to inspire yourself to move in new directions in 2008. You'll realise that you need to tread warily to notch up lasting, long-time gains. However, unforeseen delays will prove to be a blessing in disguise. You'll feel the need to see results in terms of growth instead of mere praise from seniors. Many of you may find that you have been recommended for something prestigious. Being on the look out and identifying slow-moving areas or snags will yeild divideds. New responsibilities will strengthen your position, but move carefully initially. You'll demonstrate that you're capable of handling complexities, competitive demands and challenges.

In money matters, ensure that you don't miss out on oppurtunities to augment your resources.

In love, new desires will lead to new commitments.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Throughout 2008, armed with ideas that will click, you'll be pushing towards desired outcomes rather than accepting routine progress. You must sort out issues the moment they crop up. You'll need to be more open to new ideas because, firstly, it's more than likely that you'll unexpectedly find themes and issues which have the kind of dimensions that would provide you with scope to use your talent better. Secondly, while people are likely to be more receptive, you may have to rethink your stand on a couple of issues. Use changes as oppurtunities for growth or else you could lose out. Your stock will rise substantially in the right places.

In money matters, a good year with satisfying returns.

In love, reviewing your emotional attachment from time to time will result in more sharing and greater fulfilment.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

In 2008, you'll enjoy making use of a combination of old and new knowledge to obtain some striking results. Mid-year will see many of you making a shift, either in your approach or your place of work. Planning afresh will become a necessity. The sooner you get started on clearing things on your mind, the better. New factors are likely to speed up things at various levels. Be careful that you're not too rigid and refuse to deviate from a course which isn't going down too well with someone else. Although you won't mind working as a team, you'll be more at ease working at an individualistic level. However, keep tabs on how your initiatives are being noticed be people who count.

In money matters, 2008 will be more profitable than the previous year.

In love, despite some irritations, unexpected fulfilment will be yours.

Next: Taurus, Gemini, Cancer and Leo

Happy New Year 2008 (AstroSpeak)

Seasons Greetings!

On behalf of the Backpacker team, I wanted to send you our best wishes for the New Year, hoping 2008 will be full of happiness, perfectly health and success - a big thank you for those of you who have been supporting us the whole way through and we certainly look forward to an even better year at http://www.siambackpack.com/! We will be launching many new facilities soon:)

Enjoy the festive season and again, best wishes for the New Year!! :)

Before the first month pass, let's see what might be happened in your life in the year 2008 (Indian Horoscope)

Ref: Veenu Sandal

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

The new year will be the time to cash in on your early progress, success and efforts. Your ways of thinking will undergo some radical and valuable changes. You'll realise that despite assurances from key peaple, it is your own public relations that work the most. Instead of being content with taking with comes, you'll push hard for what you want.

In the second half of 2008, by exercising your choices wisely, you'll gain something you covet and have been working towards for some time. Despite a constant quest to make worthwhile new beginnings, you'll handle tasks with confidence. Attaining some short-term goals will be an important lever to reach a new position of power and strength.

In money matter, there'll be marked improvements. In love, a good year, but do not become too dominanting.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

You'll be able to deal with matters not just competently but in an inspired manner in 2008. The most marked effect of your focused thinking will be on your capacity to come up with new strategies and make the most of new situations. You'll be able to break away from pattern where you make your fair share but don't get adequate recognition. While you'll promote your interests and raise your performance levels, you're not going to become a workaholic.

In April though, do take care that you don't act on the wrong cues as your analysis could be correct but your timing may be wrong.

In money matters, whatever the situation, you'll be able to turn them to your advantage. In love, if you're attracted to somebody, but are not sure if your feelings will be reciprocated, 2008 will make things clearer.

... to be continued

Holiday Security

Ho Ho Ho ... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

During the holiday season, normal concerns about personal safety and security can often take a backseat to the demands of the season. Maintaining an appropriate level of security, regardless of the activity you are in, is the key to remaining safe and secure during this holiday period.

It should also be noted that "parliamentary elections" are scheduled to be held throughout Thailand on December 23, 2007, and large-scale political demonstrations may increase as the scheduled elections grow closer. All demonstrations are unpredictable, and any demonstration can turn violent without warning. For this reason, I'd love to encorage all travellers to monitor local media for announcements of possible demonstrations and to avoid the areas where demonstrations might occur.

You should be careless in every step to the places, especially in locations where Westerners congregate, such as bars, restaurants, hotels, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners. It is important to be aware of your surrounding, especially during the holiday season, and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police.

Specifically, I wouild like to remind everyone to be aware of their surroudings while frequenting Bangkok's and Chiang Mai's many tourist venues and nightspots over the holiday period. There has been a rise in reports of people's drinks being drugged, leaving the victim unconscious, and subsequently robbed. Do not leave your drink unattended, and if you do, buy a new one.

Also over the holiday period, please be aware the Royal Thai Police (RTP) will be targeting the local bars and nightclubs implementing drug tests, in an effort to curb drug use. This will go hand-in-hand with the RTP's campaign targeting drunk driving through the use of sobriety check-points around the country. It is important to remember that if you are stopped by the RTP, you need to identify yourself with ID card / Passport.

Be Good and Have a great holiday.

See you next Year (2008)

With Love by Nida N., on behalf of Backpacker House, Chiang Mai http://www.siambackpack.com/

My December

Time to visit Chiangmai

High Tourist Season

October to February is the high travel season for those that visit Chiang Mai from abroad. Almost 25% of Chiang Mai's more than 2 million yearly visitors, however, come from within Thailand all throughout the year. Locals call Chiang Mai 'the Rose of the North' - a reference to its natural beauty and plentiful surrounding agricultural lands.

Just about any time is a good time to visit with regard to activities and weather. March and April represent the hottest and most dry period so fewer people are around until the beginning of the big water festival in mid-April.

For this winter, Chiangmai presents the traditional thai (lanna) foods for all tourists and native to join the taste of thailand.

Chiang Mai Food Festival (early December)

This annual festival promotes Chiang Mai's great dishes. There are demonstrations of fruits carving and traditional desserts cooking and cultural shows.

For more details contact: TAT Northern Office, Region 1, tel. 0 5324 8604, 0 5324 8607.

Loy Krathong One of Full Moon Festival

Loy Krathong Day is one of the most popular festivals of Thailand celebrated annually on the Full-Moon Day of the Twelfth Lunar Month. Light up the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom.

I apologize for my absence and inconsistent posting. I’m back to give you a very interesting event in this November, “the full moon night” falls on the 24th this year

“Loy Krathong” is probably the most visually evocative of all Festivals held in Thailand. It would take a very mean spirited individual not to be moved by the sight of a November on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, with thousands of candles and incense sticks flickering and burning on floating Krathongs.

The floating of a ‘Krathong' – a banana–leaf cup – is intended to float away ill fortune as well as to express apologies to Khongkha or Ganga, the River Goddess. Some believe that the ritual is meant to worship the Buddha's footprint on the bank of the Narmada River, while others say that it is to pay respect to Phra Uppakhut, one of the Lord Buddha's great disciples. The Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated nationwide in Thailand, especially where there are rivers, canals or sources of water, with different unique characteristics.

During the evening, many people will go down to their local klong (canal) or river to float their krathongs. They believe this will bring them good luck. The krathongs (see picture above) contain a flower, a candle and three incense sticks which are lighted before being placed on the water. The people usually make a wish at the same time. Some people believe that if the candle remains burning until the krathong is out of sight then their wish will come true. By the end of the evening, there are hundreds of flickering lights bobbing up and down on the water.

As the Candles and incense sticks are lit and the obligatory coins also placed on them, the Krathongs will be launched by young and all. The river soon comes to life with the flicker of candlelight and the musky odour of burning incense. Quite often there are also firework displays as well as shows and beauty contests for everyone. Overall it is really a memorable evening.

The Joyous to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is known as "the Rose of the North" and is located on the banks of the Ping River. It's surrounded with stunning natural beauty and a unique cultural identity. Chiang Mai has had a long history and a most preserved, distinctive culture. This is witnessed both in the daily lives of the people, who maintain their pwn dialects, customs, and cuisine and in a host of ancient architectures, especially the many temples. Besides this, Chiang Mai is also famous for its handicraft products, items in silk, wood, silver, and ceramics. Furthermore, Chiang Mai has a great value in its sophisticated golf courses and accomodation. There are deluxe hotels, mountain resorts and other budget living places. More facilities that ensure travelers from overseas are treated with the best service.

Finally, I hope that visitors will be impressed by their trip to Chiang Mai, one of the most beautiful roses in Thailand.

......................
Welcome to Chiang Mai for the next signature event coming in November, "Loy Kratong".

Chiang Mai is still Our Ideal Destination

Keeoing these opinions in mind, I feel proud of my hometown "Chiang Mai", a place that is the centre of North region's Travel. Chiang Mai occupies many flights from various foreign airlines including Hong Kong Expressways, which has direct flights from Chiang Mai -Hong Kong, This is convenient for travelers from both Hong Kong and Chaing Mai.

About Us:

Chiang Mai or Nopburi Sri Nakorn Pink Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 by King Mung Rai and has been capital city of the Lanna Thai Kingdom for more than 710 years. It has great diversity in its population. Apart from Thai people, there are also 13 tribes settled in Chiang Mai consisting of 7 hill tribes and 5 other groups. The 7 hill tribes are Karen, Hmong, Yao, Aka, Lahu, Lisu, and Lua. The 5 others are Palaung, Shan, Lue, Haw, and more.

Despite its diversity in population, Chiang Mai maintains its outstanding quality in art and culture. With its cooler temperatures all-year-round at about 25c - 31c with the lowest temperatures at 20c, Chiang Mai has become an ideal destination for travelers who keep coming back to visit time and time again.

Chiang Mai's World-Class Festival next coming:

Yi Peng (Loy Krathong): This November
Yi-Peng means the middle of the lunar month for the Lanna carlendar. It's the same day as Central Thailand's Loy Krathong festival (in the middle of November). Yi-Peng is held to play respect and to ask for forgiveness from the goddess of water. Krathongs (banana leaf vessels madw for this festival) are floated along the river as well as flying lanterns filling the sky with the belief that all suffering will be wiped away. Fireworks and firecrackers are present during this period.

If you visit Chiang Mai in the time of Yi-Peng festival, you can enjoy all sorts of things like watching the Krathong parades, seeing the beaty contest and other contests, and floating Krathongs along the river at Tha Pae area to Chedi Khao (White pagoda) on the banks of the River Ping.

Click Here! to find the places to stay around Chiang Mai. Or to stay with your budget at Backpacker House, located on Suthep Road near Nimmann-Hemin Road (the modern night life).

Crimes of Opportunity

Although the crime threat in big city like Bangkok / Chiang Mai remains lower than that in many cities in America or Britain, crimes of opportunity such as pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, and burglary have become more common in recent years.

Travelers should be especially wary when walking in crowded markets, tourist sites and bus or train stations. Many UK, States, etc. citizens have reported having passports, wallets, and other valuables stolen in Bangkok's Chatuchak Weekend Market, usually by thieves who cut into purses or bags with a razor and remove items surreptitiously.

Police at the Market usually refuse to issue police reports for foreign victims of theft, requiring them insted to travel several miles to the central Tourist Police office. Violent crimes against foreigners are relatively rare.

Taxi & Tuk-Tuks

Reports of serious crimes involving taxis or "Tuk-Tuks" (three-wheeled taxis) are relatively rare, although attempts to charge excessive fares occur regularly. Several taxi-related incidents involving foreign passengers occur in Bangkok each year. Americans should not hesitate to ask to be let out of a taxi immediately if the driver is acting suspiciously or driving erratically.

When arriving at Bangkok's and Chiang Mai's airport, travelers should use only taxis from the airport's official taxi stand, cars from the airport buses. All major hotels in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai can also arrange to have a car and driveer meet incoming flights. It is not common for Thai taxis to pick up additional passengers. Travelers should be wary of drivers seeking to do so, and should never enter a cab that has someone besides the driver in it.

Backpackers' Chiang Mai

A taste of the diversity of Thailand: travel from the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok to remote hill-tribe villages, lush rain-forests to deserted beaches and from riding elephants through the jungle to snorkelling on coral reefs.

Backpackers' Chiang Mai
(http://www.1stopchiangmai.com/backpackers/)

No doubt about it, Thailand is one of the coolest places on the planet. It's so cheap and chilled you could spend months here just relaxing, living off a tenner a day, and have an experience of a life time.

Northern Thailand is especially popular with backpackers; it's not full of saddo package tourists like Phuket is, nor manic like Bangkok and the whole town is geared up for budget, free-spirited travellers. The old town is full of amazing guesthouses tucked away down quiet lanes, and you can almost feel like they're home. There are some groovy bars and wicked places to party, plus loads of brilliant little restaurants all over the place serving veggie and organic food, or spicy Thai curries and noodles for less than a buck a meal.

Chiang Mai is full of backpackers and has a really laid back atmosphere; everyone here is down to earth and friendly, which is why many stay longer than planned. It's one of the cheapest tourist places in Thailand and you're spoilt for choice. Hire yourself a small motorbike and explore the fantastic natural areas that are so close to the city, such as Doi Suithep mountain, the beautiful Mae Sa valley and the small villages near the town. There are plenty of adrenalin pumping activities too, from white-water rafting to rock climbing, bungy jumping and mountain biking.

Many use Chiang Mai as a perfect base to go trekking, for sure this is one the main reasons people come up North and there are plenty of companies about town offering all sorts of options to head into the amazing mountains for a few days and stay in hill tribe villages, ride elephants and skiff down pristine rivers.

You absolutely can't come north without visiting Pai. This sleepy little town, three hours north over the mountain ranges is hardly a secret anymore, but a top place to chill and hang out with plenty of other free-spirits. Set in gorgeous rural surroundings beside a pretty little river, this small town has a brilliant bohemian atmosphere, and is a budget place that guarantees that the mass of tourists stay away. People stay for weeks; there are yoga and new age pursuits, healthy food, live music in the bars, cheap beer and lots of friendly relaxed people.

Mother's Day in Thailand (12 August 07)

A mother is the greatest and the precious gift we receive from the Almighty. She makes each day of us a glowing one with her unconditional love... so on Mother's Day make her feel on top of the world by showering her with all your love. Give her lovely gifts, cook her favorite recipes or send her your L.O.V.E

Big Hug to My Mom -- I Love You Very Much -- Every Things I do to make you more Happy, Healthy and Wealthy, I will ... xox

I read and share this lovely poem to you all...

My Mother My Friend

I've noticed that as I grow older I still rely on you,

my mother, for many things.

Although those things have changed over the years, my love for you hasn't.

It's just grown deeper, just like our friendship.
As a child I relied on you to love me, and to feed me.

I took for granted that you were always there.

I knew no other world.

As a teenager I gained an appreciation for what you did.

But saw the world through the eyes of someone

who was a little selfish and didn't "thank you" enough.

As an adult, I am so thankful for the friendship

that has blossomed between us.

You are still my mother and yes, I do rely on you

for the love that only a "mother" can give.
The years have shown me that you not only are you a wonderful mother,

but one of the "best friends" anyone could ever wish for.
And I still can't " Thank You " enough.

(Poetry Copyright ~ Ellen M. DuBois 2002)

I believe ...

A Mother's Love is something that no one can explain. It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain. It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may.

"One day you (girls) will know ... what love can do"

Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa)

Khao Phansa (July 30, 2007)

As the seasonal monsoon (from July to October) rains descend over the kingdom, it marks the beginning of the Buddhist "rein retreat" and the Buddhist Lent (Phansa) during which all Bhuddist monks retreat to the temples. This is also an auspicious time for Buddhist ordinations as it marks a period of spiritual renewal.

Known as "Khao Phansa", the Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). In former times, this is done to prevent monks from trampling upon rice paddies when they venture out to receive offerings from the villagers.

Buddishm, Buddist traditions and beliefs are central forces that shape the local way of life and give rise to various festivals of religious origin which have been observed for generations. For example, the majority of the Buddhist ordinations take place during the Buddhist Lent when young novices enter the monkwood. Villagers also actively engage in merit-making during this period. Offerings consisting of an assortment of savoury dishes and sweets as well as items for daily use are offered to monks. Items that provide light such as candles, lanterns, and lamp oil are deemed to be particularly important offerings as it is believed that they provide monks with illumination physically and spiritually.

Many of these traditions have evolved into full-scale festivals featured in the Buddhist calendar and the kingdom's official calendat of festivals and events such as "The Candle Festival" of Ubon Ratchathani province, which features a procession of ornately-carved beeswax candles of various shapes and sizes, and the "Tak Bat Dok Mai" floral offering merit-making ritual that is unique to Saraburi province.

Trip from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin

Chiang Mai launches new bus route to Hua Hin

Chiang Mai Province Transportation Authority Office has launched a new bus route, Chiang Mai – Hua Hin, to advance transportation services between the North and the South, as well as to support domestic travelling in Thailand. Chanchai Kirapang, an official from the Chiang Mai Province Transportation Authority Office, revealed that Thepsombat Co.Ltd (Sombat Tour) has been allocated by the authority to operate on the new route using their 32 person- first class air-condition bus, Scania type Euro 3.

The route will go through Nakhonsawan, Chinat, Supanburi, Petchburi, Cha-am and Hua Hin, taking about 12 hours 30 minutes. The bus leaves from Chiang Mai at 6.15 p.m. and arrives in Hua Hin at 6.45 a.m., then leaving from Hua Hin at 5 p.m. and arriving in Chiang Mai at 5.30 a.m. The fee is 785 baht per person with one meal and some refreshments.

The service started 30th May. For more information or reservations, call 053-246531 (Chiang Mai) and 032-514837 (Hua Hin)

(Refer to: ChiangmaiNews.com)

Greenery Travel in Thailand

June for journey

The rainy season in Thailand may begin in June but that is not the end of the traveling season. Indeed, this is a good time for another type of travel, the eco -traveling. The sites for this kind of tourism are various, ranging from evergreen forests, rolling hills, white sandy beaches, to adventurous activities such as trekking, hiking, rock-climbing, rafting, canoeing, diving and fishing.

Along the River Side at Night, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai NightLife: River Side Area

Before night we'd like to give you the wonderful day trip by cruising Ping River ...

To feel the essence of Chiang Mai, take a cruise along the Mae Ping River. An exotic boat takes you to a traditional farmhouse where kitchen herbs, fruit and vegetables are grown.

Join the nightly Riverside boat trip along the River Ping as you dine and wine on this enchanting river. Our gently floating boat can cater for private parties as well as anybody who would like to join in. This is an idyllic relaxing way to pass an evening drifting past old temples and houses that lie on the river banks.

The 75 minute dinner cruise (Boat charge: 90B for adults / 45B for kids 5-10years) leaves from our pier at 08:00 PM every night After boarding the boat at 07:15 PM, you choose from a wide variety of foods & drinks from our regular restaurant menu then lean back and enjoy the romantic surroundings.

• The Riverside: Charoenrat Road. [5 p.m. - 1a.m.]One of the many restaurants playing live music on the banks of the Ping River. Has two stages featuring rock and pop covers by surprisingly good bands. However, this is a real favourite with tourists, so get there early or be prepared to stand. There's also a daily dinner cruise.
• The Good View: Charoenrat Road. [5 p.m. - 1a.m.]Next door to the Riverside, this is popular spot for both tourists and well-to-do Thais. Spacious outdoor area with, yes, you guessed it, good views. Music varies between pop/rock covers and concerts by Thai pop stars.
• Brasserie: Charoenrat Road. [5 p.m. - 1a.m.]The best music in Chiang Mai, full stop. Extremely talented Thai guitarist, Took, rocks the house nightly with versions of Hendrix, Dylan, Clapton and other classics. Has a compact, smoke-filled club feel to the place and you'll go home swearing you just watched Jimi play and begging for more. Opening bands start early and Took takes the stage around 10.30pm. Don't miss it.
• Bubbles: Discos in Chiang Mai, usually full with a mixed crowd of Thais and foreigners. You will find the up-to-date music, easy atmosphere, reasonable drink prices. Below Porn Ping Hotel.

Looking for the nearest hotels/guesthouse and enjoy the nightlife, for more information visit the Hotels Review

Recommend Night place at Chinag Mai (Continued I)

Loi Kroh Street & Tapae road

The story goes that when King Mengrai the Great founded the city of Chiangmai in the year 1296, the superstitions of the East entered the city and lay in wait in the shadows of Loi Kroh Road where today, it is told, they still wait patiently. As planes land at Chiangmai airport, it is said that with every landing a fool steps off and enters Loi Kroh Road, never to be the same again or, in some cases, never to be seen again.

Loi Kroh Street [tourist bars]
Just get around this road, the life you're looking for is open from sundown till midnight. This road is famous for its bars bursting withgorgeous thai girls and has been commonly termed Chiang Mai's ' pink light district'.

Here you will find a couple dozen bars, inexpensively priced with neon lights, pool tables,loud commercial music and plenty of young ladies to see you though the night.

Here are a variety of Chiang Mai bars we can suggest:

• Mandalay: Moon muang road. [ 6 p.m. - 2 a.m. ]Great place to party.Entertainment every night with dancers,concerts,shows and DJ.
• Spotlight Bar: 47 Kotchasan Road. [ 6 p.m. - 1 a.m. ]The best go-go bar in Chiang Mai. The girls are good looking and smile more than the ones at other places. The bar fine is 400 baht, falling to 300 after midnight.
• Disco Nice Illusion: Chaiyapoom Road, across from Sompet Market. The place where many working girls stop at on their way home. Open until late.
• Foxy Lady: Tha Phae Road Soi1 (At back entrance of Night Bazaar) open from 6 p.m. This is quite a large bar with two stories but the upstairs did not seem to be required and was not being used. There is a central stage where 4 girls were dancing with a 5th dancing on a balcony stage which overlooks the downstairs bar area.
• Beer Bar Central: Moon Muang Road This complex is located just off Moon Muang Road not far from the prominent Tha Pae Gate. Very quiet with a katoey miming show and Thai boxing.

Looking for the nearest hotels/guesthouse and enjoy the nightlife, for more information visit the Hotels Review

The city is a great place for a pub crawl because it's easy to walk (or stumble) from bar to bar (crossing the city centre on foot takes about 20 minutes). The Chiang Mai nightlife is unfortunately quite restricted after midnight due to a current directive from the Governor to spoil the fun. There have been considerable complaints from all quarters, but only a selected number of places have so far been allowed to remain open until 2am.

Next issue will come with the place in River Side Area

The night out on Nimmanhemin Road

Very upscale and trendy along Nimmanhemin Road

If you are interested in night life and want a downtown location, find a place to hang out around Nimmanhemin Road.

In daytime, I'hv noticed that coffeeshops are mushrooming in Chiang Mai as drinking coffee at trendy places has become a fashionable lifestyle for its residents. And for people who is art addicted would love to visit the CMU Art Museum (Chiang Mai University Art Museum).

The Art Museum is situated on Nimmanhemin Road opposite the Chiang Mai University Auditorium. There are a lot of interesting exhibitions on display in the museum art gallery, check the schedule at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University 239 Huey Kaew Road Chiang Mai 50200. Or Tel/Fax: 66-53-211724, e-mail: pongdej@chiangmai.ac.th

Well, let's talk about place for night people like us ...
For more information, check out the hot place on Nimmamhemin Road & Chiang Mai University Area.

• Monkey Club: Nimminheimin Road Soi 9 . [ 5 p.m. - 1a.m. ]Popular with young thai clientele,Enjoy live pop, jazz and acoustic music.A good trendy thai restaurant/bar.
• Warm Up Cafe': 40 Nimmarnhemin Rd. [ 6 p.m. - 1a.m. ]A popular place for young, trendy locals and university students.If you are looking to getaway from tourist bars,this is a great venue.Live music & DJ.
• Tawan Dang: Nimminheimin Road Soi 6. [ 6 p.m. - 2 a.m. ]" Song for life " type of music attracts the more mature crowd to this mega air-con'drestaurant where the live music on the megastage attracts the punters.
• Home 6: Huay Kaew Road . [ 6 p.m. - 1 a.m. ] Bar/restaurant. Enjoy live pop music & DJ.
• Discovery Chiang Mai: Huay Kaew Road.[ 6 p.m. - 2.30 a.m. ] Great place to party . Enjoy live pop music & DJ .Disco trend.
• BangRak: Nimminheimin Road Soi 6. [ 6 p.m. - 1 a.m. ]Pub/restaurant style.Good fun with the student crowd.
• Fashion Paris: Underground floor Lotus Pangsuankaew Hotel [ 6 p.m. - 2 a.m. ]Great place to party.Many cute girls & attractive boy here.Divide in 2 rooms.Dancing room& HipHop room.

Next issue will come with the place on Loi Kroh Street & Tapae road.

It’s the Nightlife

NightLife in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has a variety of nightlife opportunities to offer all of its guests. While not as raucous as Pattaya or other places in the region, north of Thailand, Chiang Mai nevertheless includes a charming and lively nightlife. There are quite a number of well-known groovy pubs, some of which are frequented nightly by high school girls and boys and college students. There are many places where bars proliferate and cheap beer flows freely mixed with a cocktail of pop and rock & roll music (you can find even jazz and classic for 30s-60s). Or if you’d rather prefer, you can still sing your own at karaoke bars in any fusion pub and restaurants or even in shopping malls – Karaoke Booth.

After ending the day with a great Thai meal, an interesting way to begin a night in Chiang Mai is to visit the Night Bazaar (or night market). Every evening, a few streets located in the center of town fill with local vendors selling all sorts of goods. Some of the best deals on the area’s most interesting items can be found here. Whether its jewelry, clothing, handmade arts and crafts, or bootleg CDs and DVDs, the Night Bazaar will have it.

Looking for the nearest hotels/guesthouse and enjoy the nightlife, for more information visit the Hotels Review

After satisfying the shopping fix at the market, the city has plenty of bars and clubs to explore. The scene in Chiang Mai is more laid back than in Bangkok, but this mellow vibe suits the city perfectly. With this tamer atmosphere, most (but not all) establishments are required to shut down after midnight.

The options for bars include karaoke establishments, go go bars, local bars, and even foreign themed bars. Locals are usually friendly and will practice their English if given a chance. The few clubs and discos in town can be a great time.

Check out for the Night Clubs and entertainment place at night next issue!

Thai Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai

Why not Thai Food ... Learn to be Thai with our story

……Today I just read this article from Richard Barrow, the story about Thai foods from Thai-Blogs.com. His experiences would be a great tip when you come to Thailand esp. Chiang Mai.
One of the main reasons Richard had been in Chiang Mai at that moment is to check out the situation of Thai cookery classes. Not only wanted to attend a couple of classes for his own benefit, but he also wanted to write some reviews for the cooking website.

There are at least 15 cooking schools in Chiang Mai. Richard had written emails to all of the schools asking if he could visit them to take pictures and learn some courses. Only five schools write back … and this is his story:

Once I had arrived in Chiang Mai I did some more research. First I checked out the free magazine to see if any of the schools were established enough to take out advertising. I only found two adverts: Chiangmai Thai Cookery School and Baan Thai. Apparently, these were the first and second school respectively that were established in Chiang Mai. All of the other schools just seemingly jumped on the bandwagon. I next visited the Tourist Authority of Thailand. Here I found an excellent brochure made by the cooking school A Lot of Thai. It was really nicely done with beautiful pictures of the dishes and a handy map of Chiang Mai. The person at the information desk handed me a list of cookery schools which has now added a few more to my already long list.

Next I visited a few of the Tour Agencies. There must be hundreds of these in Chiang Mai. If you want to book treks, elephant rides, bus tickets, dinner theatre tickets etc., then you won’t have much trouble. These agencies are like 7–Eleven and you will find them on almost every corner! Although these agencies acknowledge that there are other cooking schools, they are always trying to push you into signing up for their favorite school. The name “Pad Thai” came up a few times. It is really difficult to know how sincere these people are. Are these schools genuinely the best or are these just the ones that pay out the highest commission? Most courses seem to be around the 800–900 baht figure. However, I hear that some greedy agencies can demand up to 250 baht commission per person. To counteract that, I saw on some brochures and adverts that they say you should ring the schools directly and not go through an agency. Some even offer you a discount if you do that.

This morning, I went to visit Sompet Market as I had heard this was a good place to buy fresh produce. I was mainly going to take pictures rather than buy anything. You will find this market on the eastern side of the old city close to the moat. By the time we arrived it was 10 a.m. and there weren’t that many people around. I was the only foreigner there and there were probably about a dozen or so Thai customers. I wandered around taking a few pictures of ingredients and people shopping. Then I spotted a group of foreigners arriving. They were all carrying shopping baskets. I then realized that this must be one of the local cooking schools bringing their students to the market for a visit. I went closer to see what the teacher was saying. She was explaining about the different vegetables. There were about six students in the class. I tapped one on the shoulder and asked what cookery school he was attending. He gave me a blank look and then turned to his friend. I thought maybe they didn’t understand my question but it turned out that they had no idea!

One of the schools that was sending their students to Sompet Market was Baan Thai. I was impressed with their website and was keen to visit. But, I was disappointed that they never bothered to reply to my email. With so much competition I think it is really important that they have an Internet presence. But, maybe they didn’t need to worry, as like their brochure proudly boasts, that they are “recommended by Lonely Planet”. But that means nothing. From experience, once these places get themselves featured in LP they then never bother to improve their business. As Baan Thai didn’t seem to be far away we decided to go and take a look for ourselves.

We found the cookery school down a narrow soi that was really only wide enough for a car and a half. It was a quiet soi but it looked like that many of the private houses had now been turned into guesthouses or restaurants. Parking was a real problem for us but I guess most of their clientele are backpackers and they would be walking. The funny thing is, we counted four cooking schools here alone! It looked like that everyone fancied themselves as cooks and teachers. It was a bit like them saying, “Well if my neighbour can do it then so can I!”. So, they bought a few cooking stations and put up a lean-to around the back for the classroom. Simple really.

I was really hoping that Baan Thai was going to be more than just a cooking school that operated round the back of someone’s house. I was impressed with their advertising and website. I had heard they were the second cooking school in Chiang Mai. But, to be honest, I was a little disappointed. The pictures on their web site had made everything look so spacious. But, it wasn’t. We inquired whether the owner was at home but was told that she was away. It didn’t look like she taught any more. The front room had a low table where the students could sit on the floor and eat their creations. Around the back we found the students in the middle of a lesson. There were only four of them. They seemed happy though I felt that the teacher seemed a little unsure of herself. Maybe she hadn’t had much experience yet.

When you come to pick a school you need to decide whether you want the small personal touch from a school run in a family home or a more professional school that can have 20 in a class. I like the idea of a family run school. But, the owner would also have to be the teacher. Once that person delegates their work to other people then that place loses the personal touch. Tomorrow I will be attending my first cookery class. I have chosen A Lot of Thai partly because it has small classes taught by the owner, but also because the husband of the teacher was so chatty in his several emails to me. I will let you know later how I got on with this class.

What's about Chiang Mai, Touch the Experience of North

Amazing Highlights of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand are one of the highlights of the Kingdom and well worth the trek up north. The city is older than Ayuthaya, Bangkok and nearly as old as Sukhothai. It's also one of the most relaxed and cheapest tourist places in the country. There are plenty of sites and activities that we could recommend but here are the main ones you shouldn't miss:

The Moat
This is the oldest surviving relic of the city and and has been well maintained with restored ancient bastions on each corner and five gates leading into the lanes of the old town. The moat itself is a nice oasis in the city, lined with grassy banks and trees. It's also a useful place to go swimming during the Songkran water fight festival! More on Chiang Mai city

Doi Suithep temple
This is one of the most important in the whole of Thailand and sits on a peak on the massive mountain to the west of the city. It's pretty impressive and the views are to die for! You can hire a motorbike (or bicycle if you are brave) and ride up to the top. Even if you're not really into temples the national park and waterfalls are brilliant.

The Night Bazaar and Walking street market
Get your bargaining boots on! Chiang Mai is the handicraft centre of southeast asia and produces an incredible range of fantastic Thai sounvenirs at unbelievable prices. Then there are the pirated CDs & DVDs fake designer labels and goods, silk, clothing, art and more. On that note, make sure you're in town on Sunday for the cool walking street. More on Shopping in Chiang Mai

Trekking
That's why everyone comes to Northern Thailand right? This is the best way to really get into the jungle, got elephant back riding, riding rivers on skiffs, spend the night in unique hill tribe villages and get away from all the silly old tourists. Many tour companies in town offer all sorts of options, from day trips to multi day excursions.

The temples
Chiang Mai is known for its 300 or more temples and the old town is just packed with them. Some are more than 500 years old and worth checking out. Wat Phrasing is probably the most famous, but also check out Wat Chedi Luang with it's massive landmark ruined chedi, Wat Lookmoli - another impressive ancient chedi and unique wooden temple,Wat Chiang Man, the city's oldest and several along Thapae road. Learn more, Chiang Mai guide

Khantoke dinner
OK, this one is strictly for the culture vultures, but for that unique Thai cultural experience sign up for one of these enchanting evenings that take place in antique pavilions and feature traditional Northern Thai classical dance, music (with thai traditional orchestra) and local cuisine served on you lap! Khantoke venue.