A Cocktail of Confusion: Thailand’s Alcohol Laws
Since the Junta took power in a military coup in May 2014, there have been scores of botched bans and misguided announcements, most eventually retracted when logic prevailed. The latest head scratcher is the looming threat of alcohol bans, complete with conflicting announcements and confusing edicts.
Rugby World Cup in Chiang Mai – Venues and Fixtures 2015
The Rugby World Cup has come around once again, and Chiang Mai’s loyal followers gear up for another season of late nights and wild adventures trying to find that late night showing. This information will be constantly updated, so check back regularly for any more information about venues, promotions and changes to fixtures.
Chiang Mai’s Loudest
In Chiang Mai, where the acoustic guitars are oh-so-delicate and the sweet lullabies of modern pop covers pair perfectly with a steaming, artsy latte, it’s easy to conclude that you’re in a musical fairyland void of anything heavy. But when they get the chance, Chiang Mai’s fledgling scene of metal and hardcore bands turn up loud, and force all virgin ears to run for the hills.
Fourth of July Celebrated at River Market
The fourth of July was celebrated with Western style and Eastern elegance at the River Market Restaurant in Chiang Mai. The American Independence Day celebration drew a crowd of about 300. Good food, entertainment and about 90 raffle prizes kept the celebrants busy throughout the day.
Eef Barzelay of Clem Snide at Papa Rock
Mon 22nd JunEef Barzelay has been processing the world through music for a long time. Most known for forming and fronting the American band Clem Snide, Eef is the driving force behind a body of work that already exceeds most singer songwriters in terms of quantity, but maintains a brilliant ability to articulate just how absurd, hilarious and sad the human experience can be as we bumble about trying to get what we want out of this world.
Thailand’s Biggest Music Export: Nakadia
This month I’m going to look slightly outside the borders of the North and look at one of the biggest success stories to come out of this country. As the electronic scene here grows, so too have local talents that are starting to see recognition on a worldwide scale.
Behind the Curtains: Chiang Mai’s Love Hotels
It’s naughty, it’s sexy, it’s everywhere – if you know where to look. Chiang Mai is home to dozens of short term hotels, euphemistically called love hotels. They range from the seedy drive-in and curtained-off rent-by-the-hour dives to some exquisite playgrounds of love (ok, lust) where couples (even oddly enough, families) can go and stay for a night or two, enjoying a variety of themed rooms and wholesome (…or not) sexual fun.
City7: Craft Beer Bars
As much as we all love Chang (right…?), sometimes a person requires a bit more hop in their step, and a bit more variety. Microbreweries are still illegal ’round these parts, but as Chiang Mai grows, so does its beer offerings, and today you can find all kinds of imported and craft brews throughout the city.
Itchy to Rock, Itchy to Roll
Firelight flickers over the faces in the crowd, an even mix of Thai and farang, swilling cheap cups of Sangsom and chatting amongst themselves. It’s a cool evening and many of the bar-goers are dressed in leather jackets adorned with spikes and patches – skulls, fireballs, the names of local punk gangs – attached with safety pins. The clientele meshes well with the bar itself, 7 Pounds, a ragtag open-air affair near Wat Jed Yod, several small buildings framing a central courtyard scattered with vintage adverts, old analog TV sets and mismatched chairs.
Breaking Good
Did you know that Chiang Mai is home to one of the biggest, and self-proclaimed baddest, B-boy crews in Thailand? Do you know what on earth a B-boy is? Well, if, like me, you are not so up to date with the latest trends, the term “B-boy” may be lost on you. Put simply, a B-boy (or B-girl) is someone who is devoted to the hip-hop culture, with a focus on the urban art of breaking or breakdancing. Originating in the Bronx of New York in the 1970s, the term B-boy has evolved over the last 40 years to include other lifestyle identities encompassing music, arts, magic and even, here in Chiang Mai at least, hairdressing.
The Wedding Planner
Araya “Am” Panyanuwat is a recognisable face in Chiang Mai. For most of her working life she has been a Jill of many trades. She spent years working in PR and marketing in a five star hotel, has worked in events organising for the past decade, often moonlights as a much-coveted bilingual emcee – most recently hosting Citylife’s piano concert on Maya’s rooftop – and for the past year, she has been … Continued
Talking for 30 Years: The Informal Northern Thai Group
And so it was in the early eighties that John and Hans frequently met up at the Alliance Francaise where they went for bi-weekly viewings of movies, one of the few social activities available in those days outside private residences. “We kept talking about resurrecting the talks, there were so many people doing fascinating research in those days,” said John. Southeast Asia was exploding with resea … Continued
Treat Yourself
Ring in the New Year with a day of pomp and luxury with these three fabulous spots. A sumptuous spa treatment, a fabulous meal, a breathtaking sundowner – a perfect day! Naga Spa New Year’s resolutions don’t always have to make you miserable! For 2015, why not opt for a bit more self-care, and indulge in a fabulous day of pampering. Right now at De Naga Hotel’s beautiful Naga Spa in the old … Continued
Floating Holidays
Looking for a tropical getaway? Easy peasy when you’re living in a country known worldwide for its stunning coastlines. And now simpler than ever, thanks to AirAsia’s newest daily route, from Chiang Mai direct to Surat Thani, the veritable jumping off point for Thailand’s best islands and beaches, but also a spectacular destination on its own. Surat Thani Surat Thani’s stunning Khao Sok Nati … Continued
Something Rustic, Something Blue
Down a rutted dirt road in the verdant mountains of Doi Saket sits a trio of rustic cabins, connected by a pretty green courtyard and a spacious lawn framed by a shallow stream. As the sun goes down, flickering candles are lit inside mason jars hung from the trees and the sounds of violin and guitar drift softly from the hut where two musicians play beside the swimming pool. We sip on Som-gritas ( … Continued
Songkran: The Ultimate Guide
Chiang Mai is known around the world for being perhaps the greatest place to celebrate Buddhism’s wettest and wildest holiday, and there is plenty to do in the city and surrounding areas during Songkran. Here, we break it all down, just for you. Happy splashing! Songkran in the City Love it or hate it, this city of ours is the ultimate place to celebrate Songkran, if you have the stamina for a fiv … Continued
Being Young and Gay in Chiang Mai
As I flick through the messages I’ve sent and received on the gay social apps Grindr, Jack’d and Scruff, it’s hard not to feel utterly hopeless at finding anything that resembles love or good sex in this city. The messages I’ve left unanswered, inquiring into my status as a bottom or a top or the size of my penis or if I like leather, pulse in my mind like small cyber ulcers. Where are all the qui … Continued