The name Villa Mahabhirom translates as 'Villa of Great Pleasure' and it’s a fitting description for this elegant luxury resort discretely tucked away in a walled garden in a quiet Chiang Mai neighbourhood. Although Villa Mahabhirom is a hotel, it … [Read more...]
Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai
Known as the the 'Roof of Thailand', Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in the kingdom. At 2,565 metres above sea level, the highest point in Thailand is located within the picturesque confines of Doi Inthanon National Park. The park makes for a … [Read more...]
Bhuping Palace, Chiang Mai
If you are visiting Chiang Mai and heading up to the mountain temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, you can also combine this with a trip to the nearby Bhuping Palace. Built in 1961, Bhuping (also written as Phuping) Palace was a favourite location for … [Read more...]
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
If you only visit one temple in Chiang Mai, then Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the one to visit. And don't just take my word for it; local people say that if you haven't been to Doi Suthep, you haven't been to Chiang Mai. The mountain wat that … [Read more...]
Samlors and Cycles: On The Trail of Chiang Mai’s Hidden Heritage
Chiang Mai is a city with so much to see and do. Whether it's ancient temples, ethical elephant experiences or adrenaline-filled adventure, there is no shortage of activities in the city known as the 'Rose of the North'. A walk around Chiang Mai's … [Read more...]
Bo Sang Umbrella Village, Chiang Mai
Located just to the east of Chiang Mai city, the village of Bo Sang (also written as Borsang) is famous for producing hand-made bamboo umbrellas and parasols. It's a long-standing tradition and you only need to take a wander around Bo Sang to see how … [Read more...]
Updates on the Mass Sky Lantern Release at Mae Jo, Chiang Mai
For a number of years, a Buddhist group have been organising a mass sky lantern release at the Lanna Dhutanka temple close to Mae Jo University in Chiang Mai. A lot of misleading information has been written about this event and this article aims to … [Read more...]
Fired Up for Success at Ban Rai Kong Khing, Chiang Mai
The warmth from the hot coals flushes my cheeks. The heady aroma of herbs fills my nostrils and the gentle lilt of Lanna music fills the air. My eyes swivel to watch the therapist as he moves towards the hot coals. The oil sizzles and flames leap … [Read more...]
On Tour With the Veteran Samlor Drivers of Chiang Mai
65, 73, 98 . . . not the Thai lottery numbers, but the ages of an inspirational group of individuals; the samlor drivers of Chiang Mai. And 98 isn't a typo. The oldest samlor driver in Chiang Mai, the remarkable Nainan Narin, is just a few years … [Read more...]
Visiting Tong Bai Elephant Foundation, Chiang Mai
It's not every day you get to walk an elephant through the forest. Or, maybe more accurately, an elephant gets to walk you through the forest. But that's part of the heart-warming experience that awaits visitors to the Tong Bai Foundation in Chiang … [Read more...]
Maiiam Contemporary Art Museum, Chiang Mai
With its distinctive and stylish shimmering facade, Maiiam Contemporary Art Museum is an eye-catching addition to northern Thailand's burgeoning art scene. Opened in July 2016, Maiiam is is housed in a large, converted warehouse in the Sankampaeng … [Read more...]
Chiang Mai Elephant Parade
The world's largest elephant art exhibition has arrived back in its spiritual home of Chiang Mai. Designed by Thai and international artists, around 90 elaborately painted elephant statues that make up the Elephant Parade went on display at venues … [Read more...]
Elephant Parade Returning Home to Chiang Mai
A grand parade of model elephants is set to hit the streets of Chiang Mai later this year. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Elephant Parade, the colourful outdoor art exhibition is being hosted in Chiang Mai, the home base of the event. … [Read more...]
Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai
Wat Phra Singh is not only one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai, it's also one of the most attractive. Located at the end of Ratchadamnoen Road in the old city of Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Singh makes for an impressive site with gilded rooftops … [Read more...]
Mae Kampong Homestay and Eco-Tourism Village, Chiang Mai
'I don't have to leave the mountain. The village provides me with everything I need. Life is good', Khun Somboon tells me. The village medicine man has witnessed plenty of changes during his time living in Baan Mae Kampong. The picturesque mountain … [Read more...]
Review: Flight of the Gibbon, Chiang Mai
The alarm rings at 5.45am, but I don't need it. I'm already awake. A restless night fretting about what I've let myself in for. The mini-bus is picking me up at 6.30am and it's too late to back out now. A 50-year-old man with a fear of heights who … [Read more...]
Nationwide ‘Bike for Dad’ Event Honours Thai King
Towns and cities all over Thailand have been participating in the 'Bike for Dad' bicycle rally today. More than half a million people registered to take part in the special event in honour of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 88th birthday. Often referred to … [Read more...]
Wat Phan Tao, Chiang Mai
In a city full of temples, diminutive Wat Phan Tao in the heart of Chiang Mai's old town area still manages to stand out. Beautifully carved from teak, the main building dates back to the mid 1880s and was formerly part of a royal palace belonging to … [Read more...]
The Annual Haze and Smog Problem in North Thailand
For people living in the north of Thailand, the start of the hot season heralds the onset of the summer smog and haze. It's an annual problem and one which successive Thai governments have failed to solve. The pollution levels from the smog in March … [Read more...]
Close Encounters of the Furry Kind at Catmosphere Cat Cafe, Chiang Mai
Opened in August 2014, Catmosphere cat cafe in Chiang Mai is home to more than a dozen cats (at least 17 at the time of writing) and a growing number of contented customers. The idea of cat cafe's may have come originally from Taiwan and Japan, but … [Read more...]
Chiang Mai Farmers’ Market Every Friday
A new farmers' market opened up in the centre of Chiang Mai in December 2014. The market takes place every Friday in the attractive garden area of the library which is attached to the Chiang Mai Historical Centre and Museum. This is behind the Three … [Read more...]
Mass Sky Lantern Release at Mae Jo, Chiang Mai
The small town of Mae Jo, less than 30 minutes drive from the centre of Chiang Mai city, is the unlikely location for a mesmerising annual event. The mass sky lantern release has been described as awe-inspiring, beautiful and emotional. I've … [Read more...]
Wat Srisuphan: Chiang Mai’s Silver Temple
To the south of Chiang Mai's walled Old Town lies the traditional silver-making district of the city. Centring on Wualai Road, this area is dotted with silver shops, but is probably best known to tourists as the location of the Saturday Walking … [Read more...]
Art in Paradise (Illusion Art Museum), Chiang Mai
Surfing giant waves? Easy. Crossing wobbly wooden bridges across waterfalls? Piece of cake. Fighting off dinosaurs? Walk in the park. Billed as the largest interactive art museum in the world, Art in Paradise opened in Chiang Mai in July 2013. And … [Read more...]
The Birdman of Old Chiang Mai
Visitors to Thailand should learn to expect the unexpected. In a country which has its own unique style and way of doing things, the random things you see on an every day basis are one of the reasons to love Thailand. I've seen quite a few different … [Read more...]
Review: Mixology Bar & Restaurant, Chiang Mai
A new addition to Chiang Mai's dining scene, Mixology Burger and Bar opened last month (August 2013) providing a modern twist on some classic northern Thai dishes. I've eaten here a few times now and been bowled over by the quality of the food. … [Read more...]
Thailand in a Glass: Tom Yum Vodka Cocktail
Regardless of how long I've spent living in Thailand or travelling around the country, I've found that this country always has the capacity to throw up hidden gems in the unlikeliest of places. Next week I will be publishing a full review of the new … [Read more...]
Elephant Parade House, Chiang Mai
Bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase 'the elephant in the room', the Elephant Parade House in Chiang Mai is a unique venue that I personally recommend putting on your must-see list if you are planning a trip to northern Thailand. Part boutique, … [Read more...]
Afternoon Tea at The Chedi, Chiang Mai
I've got a secret I need to confess. Last month I transgressed. It was just an afternoon fling, I promise. Am I ashamed? No. It was fantastic. In fact, it was so good I'm looking forward to doing it again. I'm a man of simple tastes. Give me a … [Read more...]
Celebrating Chinese New Year in Chiang Mai
Chinese New Year is celebrated to some extent in various locations throughout Thailand. Although the best-known events take place in Bangkok and Nakhon Sawan, there are numerous towns and cities which hold some form of celebration for the Chinese … [Read more...]
Restaurant Review: The Riverside Evening Dinner Cruise, Chiang Mai
Located on the banks of the Ping River, the Riverside Restaurant is one of Chiang Mai's most famous dining venues with a good reputation amongst the locals and expats who visit here. The restaurant is a scenic location to dine, but for a small extra … [Read more...]
Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, Lampang (near Chiang Mai)
Thailand's only state-owned elephant camp, the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC) was established in 1993 and currently cares for more than 50 Asian elephants. Although it's a popular tourist attraction, it's also an important facility for … [Read more...]
Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai
The temple grounds at Wat Chedi Luang are home to a number of important buildings and Buddha images, but it is the ancient chedi or pagoda at the rear of complex that is the most striking feature of Wat Chedi Luang. In its heyday the pagoda was … [Read more...]
Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Chiang Mai
Yi Peng (also written as Yee Peng) is a festival unique to northern Thailand and closely linked with the ancient Lanna kingdom. Adapted from Brahmin origins, Yi Peng was originally celebrated as an individual event in its own right marking the end of … [Read more...]
Royal Flora Ratchaphruek, Chiang Mai
The year 2006 was an auspicious one for Thailand. It marked the 60th anniversary of the succession to the throne by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. As part of those official celebrations (which continued into 2007 for the king's 80th birthday), … [Read more...]
Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai
The picturesque temple of Wat Suan Dok is located just off Suthep Road in the western part of Chiang Mai city. If you are spending time in Chiang Mai it is worth a visit just to see the unique whitewashed reliquaries or shrines which contain the … [Read more...]
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
When booking hotels and guest-houses in Chiang Mai, a number of first-time visitors automatically assume the accommodation will be in the central part of the city. Whilst that may be true in many cases, it's also important to note that Chiang Mai is … [Read more...]
Chiang Mai Flower Festival Photos
The northern Thai city of Chiang Mai celebrates the annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival at the beginning of February. I've been fortunate enough to experience the Chiang Mai Flower Festival numerous times over the years and it never fails to impress. … [Read more...]
Wiang Kum Kam Ancient City, Chiang Mai
The ancient ruins at Wiang Kum Kam make for an interesting and pleasant half-day trip from Chiang Mai. It was originally thought that Wiang Kum Kam was built by King Mengrai over 700 hundred years ago as the capital of the northern Lanna kingdom. … [Read more...]
Khan Toke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre
As a visitor to Thailand you may see tour companies and travel agencies advertising khan toke dinner shows. Whilst there are some venues in Bangkok, khan toke dinner shows are more prevalent in the north of Thailand such as Chiang Mai and Chiang … [Read more...]
Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, Chiang Mai
Approximately a 45-minute drive from the city of Chiang Mai, the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden is a beautiful location for a day trip. Formerly known as the Mae Sa Botanic Garden, the garden received the royal honour in 1994. Queen Sirikit … [Read more...]
How to Get to Pai
The distance between Pai and Chiang Mai is approximately 85 miles (135kms), but because of the winding mountain road the road journey can take between 3 and 5 hours. Route 1095 is very scenic as it climbs up and down the mountains, but if you are … [Read more...]
Chiang Mai City Pillar Inthakin Festival
Many towns and cities in Thailand house what is known as the 'city pillar' which is made of wood or stone and is often located at the geographical heart of the city. Traditionally, these pillars were created when a new settlement was established. … [Read more...]
Chiang Mai Transport
The old town district of Chiang Mai is quite easy to get around by foot or bicycle, but going a bit further afield will probably involve catching a tuk-tuk or songthaew. Many locals own motorbikes and it's also relatively easy for tourists to rent … [Read more...]
Hotel Review: Ayatana Hamlet & Spa, Chiang Mai
I recently stayed for just one night at the Ayatana Hamlet and Spa (now renamed as B2 Ayatana Premier Resort), but I wish it could have been longer. This is certainly one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever stayed in. I'd originally booked to … [Read more...]
Review: VIP Bus Service from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
There are numerous buses which ply the route between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, with varying prices according to the degree of comfort, speed and number of stops en route. The cheapest service has fans instead of air-conditioning, stops numerous … [Read more...]
