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It is Buyer´s Market in Chiang Mai Now

There are many hotels, more restaurants and cafes in Chiang Mai waiting for tourists. Only tourists are missing. Now it is good time to travel to Chiang Mai. Buyer is the king now in Chiang Mai . Read very interesting article here

Chiang Mai Thaiapartments

When you look for apartments, condos, guest houses, hotelrooms, houses, resorts and serviced apartments for rent in Chiang Mai, try
Thaiapartments.net, website where to find your next home in Chiang Mai.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Santa Claus and elf, pictures taken in Pantip Plaza, Chiang Mai

Places in Chiang Mai - visit and have fun

10 Fun Things to do in Chiang Mai in Thailand

Chiang Mai in Thailand is a wonderful location visit, be it for the beaches, the delicious foods or to enjoy the local culture. Below we look at ten interesting things to do in Chiang Mai.

1. Visit the walled city - This is a beautiful ancient place that is home to about thirty temples which boast Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai influences. Here you can see beautiful carvings, intricately built staircases and golden pagodas.

2. Visit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep - This is a splendid temple situated on a hillside. It has an intriguing history: The temple site was chosen by an elephant, which was allowed to roam at will. When it reached a particular site, the elephant trumpeted loudly, circled around several times and finally knelt down – an auspicious sign.

3. Take a trip to Maesa Elephant Camp - This is an elephant camp located on the hillside. Here you will be treated to a fascinating elephant show and even have the option to go on elephant rides.





4. Take a stroll around Bhuping Palace - This is a royal winter palace located on a hill. It has wide beautiful gardens and splendid architecture. It is open to the public whenever the royal family is not in residence. You will have to pay a small fee and abide by the dress code.




5. Interact with the animals at Chiangmai Zoo - The zoo is home to more than five thousands animals. These animals are housed in a cheerful open environment which gives you the illusion of actually being in a forest. Definitely a place the kids will enjoy.



6. Relax and go for a Thai Massage - If you want to relax, a Thai massage will definitely help you out in that department. Some massage parlours may be sleazy and dubious, so pay a little more for the legitimate ones that will have clean environment with relaxing music and scents in the background.

7. See Muay Thai fights at Kawila Boxing Stadium - Muay Thai is Thai boxing, and is the national sport of Thailand. The fights feature young amateurs, seasoned fighters as well as matches pitting local boxers against foreign ones.

8. Head for the Royal Floral Exposition - This is an exhibition which features more tens of thousands of species of orchid plants, and will be sure to interest even those who are not orchid lovers.

9. Shop at the Night Bazaar - This is a night market which goes on for miles and miles on Chiang Khlan Road. It is a must for shopping fanatics, who will be delighted with the low prices.

10. Head to Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center - This is a modern multimedia centre which will educate you on the different aspects of Chiang Mai’s history and culture.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Chiang Mai accommodation and World vacation Rentals.

by Orson Johnson

View more articles from Orson Johnson

This article is provided by Amazines.com - The ULTIMATE Article Database

Coffee Lovers Chiang Mai

Cafe/Coffee Shop/Restaurant Coffee Lovers, (175/1 Ratchamankha Road, T Prasingh (opposite BP Chiangmai City Hotel, tel. 053-275 561) is very nice little restaurant. Atmosphere is cosy, welcoming and clean. You can eat thaifood and some western courses too. They have also free WIFI. The service was excellent from all the staff.
Coffee Lovers is definitely worth to visit.

Real Estate agent in Thailand

Are you looking real estate agents, property brokers, and consultants, covering Phuket Real Estate/Bangkok Real Estate/Pattaya Real Estate/Hua Hin Real Estate, Thailand?

Look no further.

Siam Real Estate, with representation in Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Hua Hin, has a good selection of villa rentals, houses and villas, new developments and projects, condos, apartments, land plots, as well as a large Phuket rental selection of long-term rentals and holiday rentals.

They offer a ONE STOP PROPERTY SERVICE for Thailand property, including property legal advice, company formations, visas and work permits. property management, home care services including Phuket villa management and Phuket villa rentals.

SameSame Cafe and Guesthouse

There are more than hundred guesthouses in Chiang Mai. One of them, with very good name, is SameSame Cafe and Guesthouse.




Samesame is a good example of tinglish - same same (similar, as usual) and same same but different (seems similar but different in some ways)

Housewarming party in Chiang Mai

The neighbors and friends come to see the new house and celebrate with guests and hosts. The monks are also invited to housewarming parties, and they follow the same format of celebration as other events where the monks are present.

The celebration begin in the morning, and after the monks have performed a service, they are offered a meal, while others also share a meal.

Someone may also hire a band or karaoke equipment for the occasion. After the monks have left, visitors sit at tables, drink bear and other alcoholic beverages. Guests take a portion of the costs of the celebration by donating cash and assisting in food preparation in the same manner as at weddings or funerals.

Housewarming party in Chiang Mai
Uploaded by karathai

Songran 2008 - Water War in Chiang Mai

Songran 2008 - Water War in Chiang Mai
Uploaded by karathai

Chiang Mai Songkran Festival 12.-15.4.2008

The most obvious feature in celebrating Songkran is the throwing of water. People wander the streets with water containers and water cannons themselves or by post at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passers-by. However, this has not always been the main activity of this festival. Songkran is traditionally a time to visit and pay respects to elders, family members, friends, neighbors and monks.

Apart from the throwing of water, people may celebrate Songkran by going to a wat (Buddhist monastery) to pray and provide food to monks.

Chiang Mai Songkran Festival, activities and highlight

Speak Easy Thai

Speak Easy Thai. Software To Learn Thai. 39000 Word Dictionary, Over 5000 Pictures, More Than 5000 Sounds Recorded By Native Speakers. Fun And Easy To Use. Includes 350 Page Grammar Ebook. Speak Easy Thai. INFO!

Mapjack - Virtual Chiang Mai

MapJack takes you to the trip to Chiang Mai. Amazing.

Massage in Chiang Mai

One morning last week got up and felt neck pain. Those of you who work on computer for long hours have most likely had neck pain sometimes.

One of my friends recommended me this Thai Health massage in Chiang Mai.



If you want relief for your neck pain, reduce stress or just more energy and relaxation, this is the right place for you. After one hour treatment my neck pain was gone. Price 120 B.

Mae Sa Water Falls

Mae Sa Water Falls, situated about 60km from the city centre of Chiang Mai. Trails take you to several waterfalls. Highest waterfall is about 280 metres high.
Area is very popular destination of Thai people, especially weekends, better to visit from Monday to Thursday if you want to avoid rush. Fee for Thai is 40 THB and for foreigner 200 THB.

Traffic

Traffic in Chiang Mai

Galae Restaurant

If you like flowers and good food, right place for you is Galae Garden Restaurant, at the end of Suthep Road +66 53-278655 / +66 53-811041 - Doi Suthep foothill location at edge of a sparkling reservoir. Very beautiful place to enjoy your food and view. ร้านอาหาร กาแล 65 ถนนสุเทพ ต.สุเทพ อ.เมือง เชียงใหม่

Sankampaeng Hot Springs

Sankampaeng Hot Springs is a popular recreation area very near to Chiang Mai, 34 kilometers from downtown Chiang Mai.


Near the springs are rest homes, tents, camping and the hot spring water for soaking tubs.
More info, call Tel. 053-929077

Huay Tueng Tao Lake

Huay Tueng Tao is the beautiful lake and public park a few kilometers north of Chiang Mai City. The development of the area was inspired by His Majesty the King following his visit to Chiang Mai in 1980. Lake is is a manmade reservoir. The road circling the lake, is about three kilometers long. If you like, bring your own food but there are several nice restaurants where you can eat at very reasonable price.

Area is open daily from 10.00 to 18.00. The admission fee is Baht 20.

Homes in Chiang Mai

Real Estate in Chiang Mai

Are you buying, selling or renting house or condo in Chiang Mai. Take a look what Home In Asia have to offer for you. They have many properties for sale and rent. Home In Asia is for you, staff speak English, Thai, Finnish, Swedish and Japanese. You will find office conveniently located at Nimmanheimin rd.

The Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai

The evening (18 - 23) and the variety of meals and entertainment make this the best one-stop shopping place in the city. Bargaining is allowed. The prices in the bazaar at night are not fixed so you can really do some bargaining. If you are a hunter of good bargains you can try to be there very early. It is considered bad luck if the first customer of the day does not buy anything. The end of the night is also a good time to get real discounts because many vendors are ready to give a very good price for make final sales.

"The Nakhorn Ping Night Bazaar Building" (be sure to see the artists in the basement) presents especially the hilltribe products. Galare Food and Shopping Center offers a dinner in outdoor terrace and free shows of classical dance and Thai boaing.

The Chiang Inn Plaza (11-23) and Chiang Mai Pavilion buildings have many shops. The Chiang Inn Plaza has several good restaurants on the basement, western fast food and Thais too.

Several restaurants can be found on Loi Khroh Road and south on Chang Khlan Road. The widest selection of food products, however, is the Anusarn market.

Loy Krathong

24th - 25th November there will be Loy Krathong festival like every year during full moon of the 12th month in Thai lunar calendar. Here is one video about festival in Chiang Mai.

Driving in Chiang Mai, Thailand. - Can I, should I?

Author: George Dowhan

Having had my Driver's License for 47 years now and having driven manual transmissions and automatics from Volkswagen bugs, to Corvettes, to Nissan 300 ZX Turbo's to more refined Lincoln luxury cars you would think that I could drive anywhere in the world.

My driving record is excellent. No accidents and no points off in the last 6 years and that qualifies me for the best rating and the best insurance rate in Canada. An experienced driver with the best driving record.

Coming to Chiang Mai, Thailand and renting a car to see the sites and get around town should be a breeze you would expect. Well anyone who thinks so is dead wrong.

Driving here has to be seen to be believed. Do not try it unless you know someone here who has educated you as to What to Watch Out For.

Here is my list:

The lines on the roads do not mean a thing here. You can drive on them, you can drive on the side of them, but do not expect drivers to drive between them. Why? Because on the left side of the road you will find motorbikes so cars move over knowing that this is the preferred route of the motorbikes. That is one reason. Another is that both red taxi's (converted pick up trucks used as taxis) and tuk tuk's (three wheeled motorcycles used as taxis) move over from the fast lane to the middle of the two lanes in an attempt to pick up more passengers and yet not lose out on positioning in a fast lane of traffic.



Traffic signals do not mean a thing here. Vehicles can jump the green and make a turn against the flow of traffic if they are hmmm. the first, second, third or even the fourth vehicles in line at a red light as you want to cross an intersection with the light just having turned green. Expect vehicles to run the red if it just turned red hmmm. what one, two, or perhaps three seconds ago.

Watch out for the 3 wheeled bicycles. These are normally driven by slim men in their sixties who have doing this for years. This may have been a fashionable and popular means of transportation 50 years ago or so but now it is a danger out on the roads as they move along at 4 mph on streets full of cars and motorcycles, all of which are in a hurry to go somewhere.

Watch out for vendors pushing their carts at 2 mph down the street on the left hand side of the road.

Watch out for dogs who lay on the road and refuse to move or move reluctantly as the last second.

If you are keeping up with the flow of traffic on a fast moving road at 45 mph in bumper to bumper traffic EXPECT someone to tailgate your vehicle. Oh maybe 10 ft from your rear bumper or perhaps 5 ft. from your bumper. Nice, polite, quiet people that they are Thai's when they get behind the steering wheel change they make a transition from Mr. Hyde to Dr. Jekyll.

In my opinion most drivers here only have the mandatory basic insurance which is almost useless should they have an accident. So they try to be careful and not hit other cars by driving 3 ft away from vehicles on their passenger side. Either they cannot judge the distance as they are inexperienced drivers or they are extremely careful, either way they will drive down the street using part of your lane forcing you out of your lane.

Overtaking can be done regardless of whether you do it by passing the vehicle in front of you on the left or right side. So if you drive down the road EXPECT to see a vehicle coming straight for you in your lane passing a slower vehicle. They will pass and expect you to slow down or move out of your lane as they are going somewhere in a hurry.

Overtaking another vehicle will happen by vehicles going uphill and not seeing what is ahead of them, overtaking will occur on turns and the drivers not seeing what is ahead of them, overtaking will occur whenever and wherever.

Pedestrians crossing with the traffic light green DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY, vehicles go first and you should cross when you it is safe to do so.

Now having said all of that you may be thinking to yourself, Is this guy trying to scare me, is he trying to be funny, does he not want me to drive in Chiang Mai? The answer to these questions is:

I want you to know what you will be facing should you decide to drive here. I want you not to injure yourself or someone else thinking you can go ahead and rent/drive a vehicle without having driven here before or without some advice.

When I first arrived and saw the traffic I thought that I would never be able to drive here. Well now I do drive here. I know what to watch out for and drivers running greens or red lights does not surprise me or anger me. I merely expect it.

The Thai drivers here have probably not had any formal driving instruction, they may not have any decent insurance coverage, and they may be pushy when it comes to driving as they may be in a hurry to earn money so that they can feed their family. So nothing against them, I try to understand their driving habits and adjust mine accordingly. No matter how they drive they are happy go lucky, cheerful, hard working people and I love them.

If you are interested in learning more about living here, moving here, Thai foods, about Thailand and Chiang Mai visit our website.

Article Source: Driving-in-chiang-mai-thailand-can-i-should

About the Author:

The author is George Dowhan a Canadian who took early retirement and moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand, a city that thousands of foreigners are calling home and yet it is still unknown to many in North America.

Mr. Dowhan has created a website to help others in vacationing in Chiang Mai, or in retiring to Chiang Mai.

Visit: http://www.retire-on-550-month.com

Visiting Chiang Mai – top 10 attractions and activities

Visitors to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand come for the quaint, unhurried pace of life, the bargain shopping and the potential to break out on retreats into the mountains and jungle with a trekking trip. Whatever your reason for coming, Chiang Mai promises plenty of opportunities for excitement, relaxation and historic journeys into the city's past.


A trip to Mae Sa

A 30-minute drive to Mae Sa is a fun event for the entire family, as the area is packed with activities. Tourists venture out for the orchid nurseries; the well-known Elephant Camp where visitors can ride elephants and watch performances including a football match played by elephants; a snake farm and bungee jumping. Finally, the Mae Sa Waterfall offers a place to relax or perhaps go hiking.


Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Chiang Mai is well-known for its handicrafts, silk and large markets. This all comes to a focus at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a veritable shopper's dream. Stretching the entire length of Chang Klan road, this market has become more of a tourist's domain than it once was. Here you'll find an assortment of jewellery, clothing, antiques, silver, all manners of souvenirs and knock-off designer items. It's open every evening until midnight. This is where you’ll find many of Chiang Mai hotels.







Doi Inthanon National Park

Situated south of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is a unique wildlife preserve and often makes for a comfortable cool weather retreat after spending time in the city. It's the tallest mountain in Thailand at a grand height of 8,415 feet. Camping is permitted in the park and the natural surroundings make for an excellent getaway. This is one of the best places for trekking in Northern Thailand.


Wat Phratat Doi Suthep

Overlooking the Old City of Chiang Mai, the mountain of Doi Suthep holds one of Thailand's most sacred temples. The 300-stair climb leads you to the large chedi and golden spire. This large temple complex dates back to the 14th century and the view of the city achieved from the marble courtyard is worth the trip alone. No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without visiting Doi Suthep. Ask the concierge at the hotels for assistance getting up there, it’s one of the most important in Thailand.






Thai massage and spas

Places to get a massage can literally be found on almost every street of the Old City, and prices range depending on quality and accessibility. Thai massage is world-renown, and some of the most skilled masseurs can be found in the more upscale spas, which also offer body scrubs and detox and beautification treatments. Even at these high-end facilities, the money spent is still fantastic value when compared to the superb quality of the treatment.


Chiang Mai Zoo

Don't be surprised if a local asks you if you've visited the zoo yet—most likely, they're wondering if you've seen the pair of pandas which are on loan from China, an endless source of pride for locals. These are only two of the more than 6,000 animals on display at the zoo which sits at the base of Suthep Mountain, from where there are wonderful views of the city.


Courses and training

Chiang Mai overflows with all sorts of courses in which tourists can enrol for only a few days or weeks at a time. Due to the affordable prices and the comfortable atmosphere in Chiang Mai, visitors are tempted to dig in and stay a while. So whether you're looking to learn the art of Thai massage, perfect your Thai cooking skills or study Thai boxing, you'll find it here for every level and length of time. When in Thailand this is highly recommended.


The Old City

A tour of the Old City is easily done on foot or by bike, and is the best way to come face-to-face with Chiang Mai's legacy. Portions of the old wall were restored in the 19th century, and the 700-year-old moat that surrounds the city has been beautifully preserved. The city gates have also been restored, and each marks an important commercial avenue in or out of the city. Temples are spread across the entire Old City, and some of the more important include Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phrasingh and Wat Chiang Mai.


Adventure sports

Any number of adventure sports can be organised through travel agencies in Chiang Mai. Some of the more popular outings include white-water rafting on the Mae Tang River, which is 1 hour, 30 minute drive out of town; mountain biking on Doi Suthep with the added bonus of spending time at the temple if you make it all the way to the top, and rock climbing at Crazy Horse Buttress. There's also an outdoor climbing wall located to one side of the Night Bazaar. Trekking in Chiang Mai is perhaps the biggest drawcard.





Trekking Northern Thailand

It's impossible to list the major attractions of Chiang Mai without mentioning trekking. Tour guide operators use the city as a springboard from which to organise trips into the surrounding mountainous jungles. Expeditions are packed with a variety of activities and range from daytrips to several night journeys that include hiking, elephant riding and bamboo rafting. Routes are planned around hill tribe villages, where overnight accommodation is provided. Trekking is the best way to see rural Northern Thailand.


Remember to book your Chiang Mai hotels early in the high season.

Andy Burrows is a web travel writer who has spent considerable time in Thailand and Chiang Mai, his favourites online are:

Complete guide to Northern Thailand
Booking hotels in Chiang Mai
Guide to visiting Thailand
Visiting Chiang Mai – top 10 attractions and activities by Andy Burrows
Article Source: Add-Articles.com

The best hotel in Chiang Mai?

Yaang Come Village



Right in the heart of Chiang Mai, underneath the shade of the gigantic 40-year-old Yaang Come tree, you will find maybe he best hotel in Chiang Mai. Oasis in the middle of the city. Very frienly staff,(smile, smile, smile) service is excellent. Yaang Come Village is not just a hotel, it is experience and very nice one. Rooms are spaciuos, pool is very nice, breakfast is delicious. Hotel is not the cheapest, not the most expensive but the best.

Only 10 minutes from Chiang Mai Airport and just 100 meters to the Night Bazaar gives Yaang Come Village the perfect location.

Chiang Mai (in Thai เชียงใหม)

also sometimes written as "Chiengmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located at [ some 700 km north of Bangkok, among some of the highest mountains in the country. The city stands on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river.



In recent years, Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city, although it lacks the cosmopolitan gloss of Bangkok. It has many attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come each year. Chiang Mai's historic importance is derived from its important strategic location on an ancient trade route. Long before the modern influx of foreign visitors, the city served as an important centre for handcrafted goods, umbrellas, jewelry (particularly silver) and woodcarving.



While officially the city (thesaban nakhon) of Chiang Mai only covers most parts of the Mueang Chiang Mai district with a population of 150,000, the urban sprawl of the city now extends into several neighboring districts. This Chiang Mai Metropolitan Area has a population of almost 700,000 people, nearly half the total of Chiang Mai Province. The city itself is subdivided into 4 wards: Nakhon Ping, Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kavila. The first three wards are on the west bank, while Kavila is located on the east back of Ping River. Nakhon Ping ward covers the north side of the city. Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kavila cover the west, south, and east side respectively. The central part(old town) is covered mostly by Srivijaya ward and partly by Nakhon Ping and Mengrai wards.

(source: Wikipedia)



Living a mergering of the past and the present in Chiang Mai where people are proud of the city of 700 years of history. Its rich heritage traditional and unique culture is a perfect base for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where you can find the heart of the city centuries aged chedis and alongside temples and modern convenience stores and hotels.

The original city layout is a perfect square
surrounded by a moat along with the remains of the outer walls and its four prime main door providing access to the old town.

Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover in Chiang Mai. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.

The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating identity such as various dialects, cuisine, traditional architecture values, festivals, crafts and classical dances is a must.

Chiang Mai is also endowed with natural resources of mountains , waterfalls, and other nature-based tourism attractions.

At the same time, Chiang Mai people are warm,
gracious and friendly providing hospitality and making visits remembered and significant.

Chiang Mai is a place where the backpackers and
luxury tourists can take full advantage and enjoy.

Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name although it celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice
Fields) Kingdom, April 12th 1296 during the same period of time that the creation of the kingdom of Sukhothai.

From that moment, Chiang Mai has become not only the capital and cultural core the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the center of Buddhism in
Northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was deeply religious and founded several temples of the city, they are still very important today.

At the height of its power, the Lanna kingdom expanded its territory far in Burma and Laos, and south to Kamphaeng Phet, the province of Sukhothai.

The Burmese conquered Lanna kingdom in 1556 ending dynasty founded by King Meng Rai, which lasted more than 250 years. As Burma had occupied Chiang Mai for nearly 200 years, Burmese architectural influences can be seen in many temples.

In the past, Chiang Mai was accessible only by river and elephants. Access became easier when the railway line was completed by the end of 1920.

In addition, the first motor vehicle directly from Bangkok arrived in Chiang Mai in 1932.

When we look Chiang Mai today, it is the economic, cultural and communications center in northern Thailand completed with excellent infrastructure, good roads, and reliable communications infrastructure.