Archive for February, 2008

BACKPACKING TIPS & TRAVEL GUIDE

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

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.

CHIANG MAI FACTS

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

The city of Chiang Mai is considered to be Thailand’s second most important city and one of its largest. Despite this, it remains a tenth of the size of Bangkok, with an estimated 400,000 people living in the greater urban area of the city. A growing community of long stay foreign residents and tourists swell this figure by an estimated 100,000 during the tourist season.

Chiang Mai is located approximately 700kms north of Bangkok and 250kms south of the Myanmar border. It sits well within the tropics, located 18° north and is surrounded by mountain ranges which form the tail end of the Himalayan range.

Chiang Mai sits in a broad valley at an elevation of 330 metres above sea level. The valley is dissected by the Ping River - one of the four main tributaries of the great Chao Praya - and it runs roughly from north to south.

As much as 70 per cent of Chiang Mai province is covered in mountains and forests. Agriculture, mainly fruit, vegetables and some rice cultivation, is the mainstay of the local economy. In the past ten years, tourism has become an increasingly important economic growth point for the city. Other industry includes cottage industry, handicraft production, exporting, small scale business and manufacturing.

The city dates back to 1296 when it was founded as the new capital of the thriving Lanna Kingdom. Lanna (meaning ‘a million rice fields’) predates the kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayuthaya and incorporated an area stretching from Chieng Sean, on the northern reaches of the Mekhong river, to Lamphun, just to the south of Chiang Mai. It is one of the few cities in the world that boasts a fully preserved square mile moat and, even today, the corner ramparts and restored gates remain.

Chiang Mai has been continuously inhabited for more than 700 years, but its fortunes have waxed and waned at the hands of invading armies from Laos, Central Thailand and Burma. From the pinnacle of its strength under King Mengrai (c.1300) to its submission as a vassal state under the Burmese in the mid 16th century, the city has managed to remain largely independent and was only formally included in the greater Thai Kingdom when the Lanna monarchy was extinguished early in the 20th century.

Eighty per cent of the local population are deemed ‘Khon Muang’ (meaning Northern folk) and they speak a slightly different dialect to the central Thai language. The last census determined that there are 1,547,085 residents in the Chiang Mai province, although this figure doesn’t include the minority hill tribes whose status is often in limbo.

Chiang Mai is bordered by the provinces of Lamphun and Lamphang to the south, Mae Hong Son to the west and the country of Myanmar to the north. Chiang Mai is also home to Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, along with five other peaks counted among the country’s ten highest. It also has five main national parks and more than a dozen smaller ones.

The region enjoys a mild tropical climate, regulated by the mountainous terrain and the monsoon season. Three distinct seasons dictate the weather in Chiang Mai. The cool season arrives in November and is typified by dry weather and temperatures ranging from 15°C (60°F) to 25°C (80°C) in the valley. From March onwards, the hot season arrives, culminating in temperatures reaching 40°C (105°F) at midday in April but averaging 30°C (85°F). The first rains begin in late May and the rainy season continues through to October, with humidity above 80 per cent and daily afternoon downpours. Rainfall tops 250mm in September with lengthy overcast spells and all-day showers.

CHIANG MAI ESSENTIALS

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

The city of Nophaburi Sri Nakorn Ping Chiangmai was auspiciously founded by King Mengrai in the early hours of April 12 1296. Chiangmai was intended to be the great new capital of the thriving Lanna Kingdom and indeed it was to become one of the most important cities in the region.

The moat and corner bastions make Chiangmai unique
The square laid out was 1800m by 2000m, and in time a moat would be added to mark out the boundaries of Chiangmai and safeguard the people within. At each corner a bastion, each with cosmological significance, was built, while the four main gates located on each of the flanks faced towards the four points of the compass. Today these landmarks remain to form an overwhelmingly unique character of Chiangmai for which this historical city is famed for.

In those early days of Chiangmai the Ping river, to the east of the original settlement, was the primary focus of the valley and brought traders from China and beyond as well as providing water for the agriculture that has long been a mainstay of the local economy. Today visitors to Chiangmai come from all over the world, not as traders but tourists who admire the incredible history, relax among the beautiful nature and enjoy the famous Thai hospitality.

Over the centuries the Lanna kingdom grew in strength and Chiangmai became a wealthy centre. The many beautiful temples and chedis that still stand today are a legacy of Chiangmai’s distinguished past, and a distinctive culture developed independently of the great kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya that were to arise after the heyday of the Lanna kingdom.

Tapae Square on a sunny Sunday afternoon
Though Chiangmai may have been overrun by the Burmese and almost deserted at one time, the Lanna culture survived intact, passing down ancient traditions and skills. Modern Chiangmai relies heavily on its past, and a thriving handicraft industry based on timeless skills and methods has turned it into one of Thailand’s shopping magnets.

Welcoming visitors is an art perfected in Chiangmai, and recent decades have seen the city emerge as one of Asia’s most popular and best value destinations. People come to experience the beautiful mountainous scenery of Northern Thailand, go trekking, eat, drink, party, delve into history and seek out adventure. The quiet winding lanes of the old town, the rustic old wooden guest houses, lively riverside restaurants, colourful hill tribe folk and bustling night bazaar all contribute to make Chiangmai an unforgettable destination.

CHIANG MAI THAI ETIQUETTE TIPS

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

The Thai are a proud nation of people with a long history and well-established, complex hierarchal structure of status. Starting with the Royal family and percolating down, everyone in Thailand knows and respects their place in society. A polite Thai (which is most of them) will usually immediately identify whether another is of higher status than them (usually deemed by age or wealth) and initiate the ‘wai’ - a submissive and graceful bringing together of the hands to the chest or beneath the nose (to show ultimate respect). Even on a social level they will refer to their elders as ‘pii’ (older sibling). In fact social grace is paramount and the formal suffix ‘kha’ (female) and ‘khrup’ (male) is added to the end of all sentences when addressing strangers, employers/employees or elders.

There are many other habits of etiquette which the foreigner will do well to observe, the most important being to avoid loss of face by losing your temper. The feet are considered dirty and should not be pointed directly at people or raised; shoes are usually never worn in indoor living areas and the head is sanctified, so avoid touching someone else on the head, unless they are an intimate friend. Contrary to popular impression, Thais are quite conservative and expect visitors to dress appropriately in formal public places. They are also discreet about showing affection, especially in public. Holding hands is considered taboo among the older generation.

While Westerners tend to pick up subtleness in tone of voice to indicate someone’s mood, Thais read more into your body language and approach. Emphasis is usually placed on passiveness and although they are used to foreigners being abrupt, it pays to smile constantly and go gently. Eye contact is a common and important method of placing strangers at ease and there is good reason why Thailand is known as ‘the land of smiles’. The Thai are incredibly patient and forgiving in an imperfect society and are happy to accept things as they are. The best you can do as a foreigner is to offer a soft laugh in testing situations, and say ‘mai pen rai’ (never mind) - a frequently used excuse.

For most Thai people, even in the modern era, acting appropriately to maintain or improve your status is extremely important and this goes some way towards explaining their desire for material gain and wealth. Above all, they adore their King and greatly respect the Royal family; indeed his Highness King Bhumibol (Rama IX) of the current Chakri dynasty (and the world’s longest reigning monarch still alive) is hugely respected for his compassionate servitude to the entire nation, along with Queen Sirikit.

Thai cultural behaviour is far reaching and subtle, and often creates some frustration for foreigners who are unaware of the cultural habits that may influence everyday business and service. For an in-depth, albeit slightly dated, insight we recommend Robert and Nanthapa Cooper’s Culture Shock: Thailand (Times ISBN:981 204 157 5).

BARGAINING TIPS

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

Bargaining is a part of market life for most Thais, so, before you stock up on all those souvenirs and handicraft goodies, you need a little practice. Consider this conversation…

You: “Sawadee krap/ka, nee tao rai na krap/ka?” (Hello, how much is this?). Your opening gambit should always be in Thai, this way they take you for a local ex-pat and assume you are less gullible; their opening gambit will almost certainly be more realistic. So, learn this phrase by heart (remember guys say ‘krap’ and girls say ‘ka’).

Them: Two hundred baht.

You: Two hundred baht, you’re kidding, is this one from Bangkok? In Bangkok, I pay two hundred baht for much better quality. Maybe you drive all way to Bangkok buy this one, you get bad price, yes? (Thais love a bit of humour).

Them: (laughing) This one good quality sure, I buy from factory one hundred and fifty baht. Not buy Bangkok, Bangkok more expensive, maybe three hundred baht.

You: Three hundred baht? Where? Maybe you buy three hundred in Phuket, tourist in Phuket have too much money, Chiang Mai very cheap, I ask lady over there how much, she say one hundred baht. Maybe this one made with gold for two hundred baht sure!

Them: (laughing) Yes made gold sure, two hundred good price sure. You want? How many you buy, can make good price for you.

You: I buy already in Bangkok, I get good price, only fifty baht sure!

Them: (laughing in disbelief) Ah, cannot, fifty baht not enough, buy from factory more than one hundred baht.

You: Okay, I go factory tomorrow. Less than one hundred baht for sure. Here velly expensive. I like to buy from you, you very beautiful/handsome/friendly/whatever (Thais love flattery).

Them: Okay, one hundred fifty baht, special for you. You take five I give for six hundred baht all.

You: How about twenty, what price, nine hundred baht?

Them: (laughing) Aaeeeii, no can do. Five, six hundred baht. Buy for wife, children, all. You have wife/husband? (You get this question often).

You: Have wife many, too many, give headache, must buy for all but not enough money (Again, Thais love humour, it softens them up.)

Them: (laughing) Many wife! You butterfly. Okay, I give you five hundred baht, five, special price for you.

You: Thank you, only need three, how much three, three hundred baht?

Them: Ah, cannot, three hundred too little. Please mister/miss, must feed baby (a popular imaginary accessory), work here every night, now foreigner few, no business (reverse psychology, softening you up).

You: Okay, this shop I buy many thing, shirt, book, souvenir, all together, then you give good price okay.

Them: I have many thing, you like this velly cheap… (this is where they try offloading their whole stall on you, suddenly getting wildly optimistic and excited).

You: (deliver coup de grace, suddenly change your mind, say no thanks and abruptly walk away slowly)

Them: (come running after you with original product) Okay, mister/miss, I give you eighty baht, best price, please, nowhere cheaper.

You: Eighty baht? Seventy.

Them: (no longer laughing, looking at you with killer emotional blackmail expression). Eighty.

You: Okay, eighty baht, I take three.

(At this point you become altruistic and use your leverage to tip them nicely, give him/her ninety or a hundred baht for each one, they appreciate the gesture, all smiles, everyone happy.)

*She probably bought it for fifty baht, but these people make very little, be kind, a hundred baht is no more than a couple of bucks.

CHIANG MAI NIGHT MARKET AND BAZAAR

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

Every evening, the centre of Chiang Mai comes alive with a massive Night Bazaar, and few people visit the city without picking up a few bargains here. In fact, the stalls that are squeezed on to the pavement and in the purpose-built arcades are one of Chiang Mai’s biggest attractions.

Here you can pick up everything from antiques to fake Rolex watches, choose from an astonishing variety of handicraft souvenirs, sample the smoothness of the colourful silk on sale everywhere, have a suit measured up, ready for your collection the following evening, browse exquisite Asian silver jewellery or stock up on cheap DVDs.

The Chiang Mai Night Market is considered legendary and certainly one the cheapest places for tourists to shop in Thailand, due its close proximity to the source of products and the lower cost of living in Chiang Mai. It is situated along a three block stretch of Chan Klan road in the heart of the city, within walking distance of most hotels. Clustered around it are many restaurants and other useful services, such as camera shops, travel agents, internet cafEs and more. One popular activity is to have your portrait done all dressed up in traditional Thai costume.

The actual Vieng Ping Night Bazaar is the main locus of trade and comprises a two-storey mezzanine arcade where quality antiques, clothing and crafts can be found. Across the road is the Kalare Centre where you can settle your appetite after all the bargaining and haggling. There is an international selection of food to be enjoyed in an open-seated area with entertainment provided by traditional Thai dancers and music - an enchanting experience.

Wandering along the crowded pavements, admiring the beautifully-made handicrafts and seeking out bargains on more contemporary consumer goods is the best way to enjoy the Chiang Mai Night market. Take your time and be patient, but most of all, learn how to bargain! Thai market traders expect it and their opening gambit will always be about twice what you ought to pay. The longer you persist with a ‘friendly’ argument, the better your final price. However, be aware that these goods are already ridiculously cheap and the vendors earn modest incomes. How to Bargain in Thailand.

The many goods on sale include: colourful Thai fabric, silk, clothing, t-shirts (souvenir and fake name brands), copied sunglasses and watches, luggage, music and DVDs, cheap shoes, handicrafts, silverware, interior décor, wood carved products, gems, antiques, toys, accessories and travel convenience goods.

CHIANG MAI ATTRACTIONS

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

With well over four million foreign visitors arriving in Chiang Mai annually, the 700 year old city is without doubt one of Thailand’s most important attractions. So, just what is it that brings them to this northern province?

The temples
Apart from some striking natural beauty and an excellent hospitality industry, Chiang Mai also has a number of attractions to fill its tourist brochures. And although it doesn’t have as many entertainment options as some other destinations in Thailand, there are plenty of cultural and natural attractions to keep visitors busy.

The temples dotting the city and its surroundings are among the most popular attractions. On daytrips, you can visit some fantastic mountains and national parks nearby. Chiang Mai city itself has plenty of historic and cultural legacy, while the rest of the province has several pretty waterfalls and caves.

Here are the most popular attractions in Chiang Mai; we’ve given approximate locations but we suggest you use a free tourist map for navigation.

Wat Prathat Doi Suithep – temple
Wat Prathat Doi Suithep – temple
This one of Thailand’s most famous temples, overlooking the city from its spectacular mountain location. The winding road up to the temple passes a couple of nice waterfalls and the view from the temple platform is impressive. The site, dates from 1386 and is reverred among Thais as one of the country’s most important temples. With its distinctive gilded chedi and marble–floored courtyard the temple is full of symbolism and usually busy. If the 300 steps leading up to the temple are too much for you, a funicular offers a quick shortcut. On the way up to the temple its worth looking at Huay Kaew and Monthathal falls, although the latter hardly justifies the 400 baht national park entry fee.

Open: daily, 06.00 to 19.00
Admission: 30 baht

Phuping Palace and National Park
Located another six kilometres up the mountain, this site is decorated with plenty of colourful, exotic flowers. It serves as the royal winter residence from mid–December to early February, when it is closed to visitors. Carry on up the mountain and you visit a very touristy Hmong hill tribe village Baan Doi Pui, or continue to a lovely viewpoint near the summit.

Open: daily, 08.30 to 16.30
Admission: 50 baht

Wat Phra Singh
Situated in the middle of the old city, this temple contains Chiang Mai’s most important Buddha statue. The recently restored Viharn Lai Kham is a classic example of a Lanna style viharn while the main houses the much venerated Phra Singh for which the temple was built in the 15th century. The mural paintings on the walls of Wat Phra Singh depict the scenes of Suwannahong and Sang Thong classic literature. It also contains an ancient Singhalese Buddha brought over from Sri Lanka which has resided at various temples around the region over the centuries.

Open: daily, 06.00 to 17.00
Admission: free

Wat Chiang Man
Chiang Mai’s oldest temple began construction shortly after the city’s founding in 1296, and has a pretty grounds near the Sriphum corner of the old town. It’s one of the most important historic sites in the city. It contains two ancient, diminutive, Buddha images purported to be almost 2000 years old. This temple is a good example of classic Lanna architecture.

Open: daily, 06.00 to 17.00
Admission: free

Wat Chedi Luang
This is perhaps Chiang Mai’s most striking relic and was once the most important in the Lanna capital. Dating from 1441, the 91m high pagoda was felled to half that height in an earthquake in the late 16th Century. To this day the partially renovated chedi remains the tallest structure in the old town and the main attraction.

Open: daily, 06.00 to 17.00
Admission: free

Wat Suan Dok
This temple was established to the west of the old town as a Buddhist university that survives to this day and is noted for it’s collection of stark chedis under which several former rulers of Lanna have their ashed interred. There is a ‘monk chat’ here every evening from 17.00 where novice monks practice their English by answering questions on Buddhism.

Open: daily, 06.00 to 17.00
Admission: free

Two Chinese pandas
Chiang Mai Zoo

is spread out over a huge area at the foot of Doi Suithep. Most of the animals enjoy quite large natural habitats here, with inhabitants ranging from bears to penguins. The latest additions are two Chinese pandas which are hugely popular.

Open: daily, 08.00 to 21.00; tel. 05322 1179
Admission: 100 baht (adult), 50 baht (child), pandas extra

Chiang Mai National Museum
This is located next to Wat Jet Yot and houses a collection of Lanna Thai works of art, ancient Buddha images and war weapons. The museum is built in a vague neo–northern Thai style and aims to preserve the art and culture of northern Thailand, it’s hardly world–class but a good introduction to local history.

Open: Wed to Sun, 09.00 to 16.00; tel. 053 221308
Admission: 30 baht

Wat U Mong
This forest retreat was built in 1296 by King Mengrai and is located in a rustic forest setting near Suthep road. It was renovated during the reign of King Keu Na, but is unlike the usual gaudy temples of Thailand, being a retreat comprising mostly of forested grounds. It features a unique tunnel–like construction beneath an ancient chedi. There is a lake full of overfed fish and a deer sanctuary behind the temple on the mountain slopes.

Open: daily, 08.00 to 17.00
Admission: free


Wiang Kum Kam

The original Chiang Mai city was unearthed in 1984 and is situated just outside the modern metropolitan area, to the Southwest. It was built by King Mengrai as his first attempt to establish a settlement in the valley before chronic flooding of the Ping river forced its abandonment. Almost 20 temples have been uncovered in the area and a ride by horse–drawn carriage, or on a bicycle will let you take most of them in within half a day. Some have been well excavated and offer a fascinating ‘Atlantis of Chiang Mai’. There is also the striking Chedi Liam in the area, attached to a working temple.

Open: daily, 08.00 to 17.00; tel. 053 277 322
Admission: free

Other temples
There are many other temples in the city that display various styles of influence over the seven centuries of the city. Three striking temples, Wat Bupparam and Wat Mahawan and Wat Chetawan are all found on the central Thapae road. Others that are particularly worth getting to are Wat Lookmooli outside the Northwest corner of the moat, with its impressive chedi, and Wat Chaimongkhon which fronts the river and has a garrish Chinese style to it. Boat trips up the river also take off from here. Several more ancient temples are found in the Southwest corner of the old town. Right beside the National Museum beyond the super highway is Wat Jed Yod, which was built for the Eight Buddhist World Council in 1477. The remains of seven chedis are vaguely modelled on the Mahabodhi temple in Bodgaya, India. While you are visiting the city’s most famous landmark, Wat Chedi Luang, you might also find it convenient to admire the nearby Wat Phan Tao which is classic Lanna in style and entirely constructed of wood (including the nails).

Mae Sa Elephant Training Centre
offers elephant shows, bathing elephants and elephant rides. Located about an hour’s drive into the Mae Sa Valley, this is a great outing for the whole family. There’s even a bamboo rafting centre. It’s one of several camps in the area, with the rival Mae Taman camp in Mae Tang operated by the estranged wife of this camp’s owner. There’s another well known camp in Lampang, and all offer a fun experience with elephants trained to paint, play musical instruments and conduct humorous stunts.

Open: daily, 08.00 to 16.00; tel. 053 297 060
Admission: 80 baht

Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden
Continue up the Mae Sa valley, just past Mae Sa Elephant Centre, and discover this lovely landscaped mountainside garden collection which covers an area of 560 acres among the cool hills of Mae Sa Valley. Home to over 700 species of plants, including cacti and some spectacular orchids, it also features a number of attractive nature walks, green houses, a pretty cascading river, restaurant and a great gift shop.

Open: daily, 08.30 to 16.00; tel. 05329 8171
Admission: 20 baht

Royal Flora grounds
Developed as an 80 hectare flora expo in 2006/2007 to commemorate the King’s 60th year on the throne, this enormous landscaped park with permanent exhibition space is due to become a public park and is nice for a stroll – located near the Night Safari.

Open: not re–opened to the public as of Sept 2007
Admission: free

Chiang Mai Night Safari
This controversial park at the foot of the national park, southwest of the city, occupies about 120 acres of prime forest with several enclosures, lakes and a public pavillion, except the animals haven’t shown up. Opened in 2006 it’s had difficulties finding safari animals, but the themed park looks good.

Open: daily, 13.00 to 16.00; 18.00 to 24.00 tel. 053 999050
Admission:100 baht (day), 500 baht (night).


Wat Doi Kham

Rarely visited by the throngs of tourists coming to the city, this temple behind the Royal Flora grounds predates the city itself and is unremarkable except for a giant seated buddha that was constructed more recently.

Open: daily, 08.00 to 17.00
Admission: free

CHIANG MAI SIGHT SEEING GUIDE

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

Thailand’s northern capital is a favourite among tourists and Thais alike. In Chiang Mai, no guide is necessary as the city is ideal for exploring by yourself. Sight seeing and tours of Chiang Mai are popular activities and you can wander among historic ruins, admire exquisite temples or simply sit quietly beside the moat and soak up the charm of this sleepy city.

Surprisingly cheap and somewhat cooler than the south, Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountainous terrain and offers plenty of sight seeing activities, tours and great shopping to complement the hospitality of its many hotels, guest houses and restaurants. Simply pick up one of the many Chiang Mai guide magazines freely available everywhere. See a full list of Chiang Mai attractions.

Novice monks entering the temple
Chiang Mai has been a significant settlement of the Lanna Kingdom since King Mengrai founded a new capital here 1296. With an old town uniquely surrounded by a pretty moat and historic ramparts, the city has become famous for its handicrafts, Northern culture and hill trekking excursions into the nearby mountains.

Most guesthouses and hotels are situated within or near the square mile of the old town. The moat and five restored gates protect the hundreds of temples that are found among the quiet lanes within. Thapae gate (with its market square) is the most central, and from here you can walk eastwards to the Ping river. If you prefer the help of a friendly Chiang Mai guide, then pick one up at one of the many agents about town.

Chedi Luang is a landmark in the old city
Of the 300 hundred ornately decorated Buddhist temples in the city, the most famous include; Wat Phra Singh (with its Sinhalese Buddha), Wat Chiang Man (the oldest - c1300), Wat Chedi Luang (with an enormous ruined landmark chedi) and Wat Phan Tao (entirely constructed from teak). Wat Jet Yod and Wat Suan Dawk, a little out of town, are both over 500 years old and have fascinating histories.

A trip to the top of Doi Suithep (mountain) that presides over the west of the city is a must. Its temple is one of Thailand’s most revered and the views of the entire valley are fantastic. Increasingly popular are trips to the excavated old Chiang Mai settlement of Wiang Kum Kham, southwest of the city. These 13th century ruins were only recently re-discovered. Chiang Mai is also a good launching point for hill treks which include river rafting, elephant riding and visits to hill tribe villages, and many tour operators are found in the city centre if you need an excursion guide.

CHIANG MAI - THAI SILK SHOPPING

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

Even with modern technology, Chiang Mai silk remains a timeless expression of the craftsman’s skill. From reeling the gossamer silk filaments from the cocoon, through the dyeing process, to weaving the filaments into a myriad of shimmering forms, nothing can replace the sure hands and eyes of the experienced craftsman in revealing the luminous beauty of genuine Thai Silk.

CHAO HANG

95/21 Nimmanhemin Rd. ChiangMai 50200

CHIANG MAI THAI SILK

8/7 Moo 1, ChiangMai-Sankampaeng Rd. ChiangMai 50130

JOLIE FEMME

8/3 ChiangMai-Sankampaeng Rd. ChiangMai 50000

LE BOMBYX

120/11 Moo 3, ChiangMai-Sankampaeng Rd. Chiang Mai 50130

PORNNUMPUENG

2nd Fl., Chiang Mai Pavillion, 145 Chang Klan Rd. ChiangMai 50100

SANKAMPAENG THAI SILK

33/5 Moo 3,ChiangMai-Sankampaeng Rd. ChiangMai 50130

SHINAWATRA PANICH

73 ChiangMai-Sankampaeng Rd. ChiangMai 50130

SHINAWATRA THAI SILK

145/1-2 Km. 7 ChiangMai-Sankampaeng Rd. Chiang Mai 50130

SHINAWATRA TRADING

16 Huay Kaew Rd. ChiangMai 50300

SILKINO-THAI

27 Soi 3 Thapae Rd. ChiangMai 50100

SILK PLACE

199/33 Chang Klan Rd. ChiangMai 50100

S.SHINAWATRA THAI SILK

18 Huay Kaew Rd. ChiangMai 50300

STUDIO NAENNA

138/8 Soi Chang Khian, Huay Kaew Rd. ChiangMai 50300

CHIANG MAI ANTIQUE SHOPPING

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

AMARAVADEE ANTIQUE

141 ChiangMai-Hod Rd ChiangMai 50230 3’d Fl , Chiang Inn Plaza

ANTIQUE HOUSE

71 Charoen Prathet Rd #50100 196 Moo 2, ChiangMai-Hod Rd, ChiangMai 50230

ART & CRAFT CHIANGMAI

172 Moo 2, ChiangMai-Sankampaeng Rd ChiangMai 50130

A-TI ANTIQUE

Room Nr 10, 2nd Fl, Night Bazaar 104/1 Chang Klan Rd ChiangMai 50100

BAN PHOR LIANG MUEN’S

36 soi 2 Prapokklao Rd , A Muang, ChiangMai 50200

BORISOOTHI ANTIQUES

15/2 ChiangMai-Sankampaeng Rd ChiangMai 50130

CHAISILP COLLECTION

10-12 Ratchadumnern Rd- ChiangMai 50200

CHIANGMAI BANYEN

200/1 WualaI Rd ChiangMai 50200 3rd FL, Kad Suan Kaew

CHIANG SAEN ART SOUVENIRS

68-70 RatChiang Saen Rd ChiangMai 50100

CHILLI ANTIQUES & ART .

74/1 Moo 1 Chiang Mai-Hod Rd ChiangMai 50230 . Room No 60, 3rd Fl , Night Bazaar

DRAGON ART

1 Moo 5, Chiang Mai-Hod Rd ChiangMai 50230

IYARA ART

35/4 Moo 3 Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Rd ChiangMai 50130

LANNA HOUSE

186/3 Km 45 Mae Rim-Samoeng Rd. ChiangMai 50180

MONTHIENMANEE

39/2 Moo 3, ChiangMai-Sankampaeng Rd. ChiangMai 50130

NAKEES ASIAN TREASURES

106 Moo 8, T. Baan Wan ChiangMai 50230

PON ART GALLERY

35/3 Moo, ChiangMai Sankampaeng Raod ChiangMai 50130

RATANA ART

19 Nantaram Road ChiangMai 50100

SUPREME LOCAL ART, CO,, LTD

Basement of Kad Suan Kaew 99/4 Moo2, Huay Kaew Road ChiangMai 50200

THAI ANG

4/2 Nantaram Road ChiangMai 50100

UNDER THE BO

Room No. 23, 2nd Floor, Night Bazaar, 104/1 Chang Klan Road ChiangMai 50100

WICHAI ANTIQUES

3rd Floor, Chiang Inn Plaza, 100/1 Chang Klan Road ChiangMai 50100 ChiangMai Pavilion, 145 Chang Klan Road ChiangMai 50100