Hiking Trail at Mae Kampong
Some of you may know Mae Kampong, a small little village located on the hills of Mae On in Chiang Mai. Now becoming a popular tourist attraction due to its good atmosphere and a perfect balance of exciting activities and relaxing mountain lifestyles. The area is probably most famous for the Flight of the Gibbon and the superb massages found up there, probably to work out all those stress knots from the thrill of the ziplines. There are also many homestays there too, great for those who are into slipping back to nature. Given that fact, I thought I’d introduce you all to something a little less known about Mae Kampong – its amazing nature trails, perfect for a hike (especially now before the cool winter months disappear). I contacted village headman, uncle Phrommin Puangmala to point me in the right direction!
Dee Jai at Jai Thep: A fantastic new festival on Chiang Mai’s calendar
I am an American student studying at Chiang Mai University who had the honour of attending one of the best festivals Chiang Mai has ever seen, according to many of its fans and followers. Doors opened at 10:30am, and I arrived at the festival in Pun Pun Organic Farm by 2pm ready to engage, dance, twist and laugh the day and night away with people prepared to spread love and positivity. The promotion flyers for the Jai Thep Festival were hanging on the walls of many music and eclectic arts venues all over town for weeks leading up the festival, such as Northgate Jazz Co-op, Mixology, and Overstand Cafe, so I knew the work put into it would be immaculate.
Kengtung: The Heart of the Golden Triangle
Kengtung is the largest of the 33 Shan statelets and for centuries was ruled by Shan sawbwas, similar to Chiang Mai’s jaos, or royalty, who would pay tribute to various powerful kingdoms in the region. Members of its royal family have often intermarried with ours and the families through to today share many relatives with one another.
A Man and His Dog Find Their Bliss: How a chance encounter on a roadside left me inspired
Some of the most beautiful and memorable occasions of my life have been those which were spontaneous and without planning. We often have an image of how things should be, and how they are presented, so when things appear to be different or eclectic, it can create a pleasantly surprising reaction.
Don’t Open The Castle Door You May Never Come Out
“It’s only ten minutes, I wouldn’t worry about it too much,” grinned Omri Gadasi, the owner of a lesser known, but largely feared, attraction in Chiang Mai. We stood nervously in the reassuringly bright lobby as doors opened, beckoning us into the dark, dank rooms of The Castle. With false bravado and a few nervous giggles, we stepped cautiously inside. Bang! The door slammed shut behind us with finality, and we heard the click of the lock turning behind us. A cackle sounded from deep within the mist from the other side of the room. Our hearts began to pump rapidly…
Happy Glamper
Despite the cool winter months and fresh misty mornings, most of us still see camping as something that sounds like a good idea in theory, but simply too much hassle to indulge in. The hot midday sun still turns the flimsy nylon pod into a makeshift sauna, and those darned mosquitoes always find a way inside, no matter how many layers there are to protect you. As a Brit, there was nothing better than heading out into the woods with a few friends, starting a small fire and pitching a tent in the wild woods of southwest England, as your breath mists in front of your eyes. Here in Thailand, that cosiness is lost thanks to the tropical climate, dense forests, and fear or slithery and creepy crawlies.
The King’s Parade
Two months ago I met with Sudchai Kanonokulsoontorn, a pleasant 63 year old man with a deep love for the King. We were to talk about the International We Love the King Parade — a parade organised exclusively for foreigners in Chiang Mai who wish to express their love and respect for the King independently from the usual collective events that are scattered throughout the city around the 5th of December, His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday. We talked, we laughed, we shared stories about the King and about what the expat community in Chiang Mai were doing for him and we smiled, a lot.
Breaking Ground: Chiang Mai to Get a New Park
Wandering around the old city, hunting for ideas, I knew that I wanted to write about art, a scene that is still in its infancy in my home town, and something which has truly excited and inspired me during my short time here. After a few weeks of foot- and finger-work (on my laptop), I learnt that the now abandoned Women’s Correctional Institution behind the Three King’s Monument was the hub of the city’s graffiti, and having walked past the imposing structure a few times, I knew that it’s outer walls had become giant canvases for street art.
Top 6 Most Recommended Thailand Travel Apps
Thailand has become a very popular tourist destination lately, and with good reason. The food is amazing, there are so many fantastic things to see and its natural landscapes are beyond stunning – and to top it all off, Thailand is unbelievably cheap. For the same amount of money you’d spend in any other country, you can visit Thailand without ever thinking if you can afford something or not. If you haven’t already put Thailand on your list of places to visit, now would be a good time.
A Slice of Si Satchanalai’s Paradise
Si Satchanalai is heart. It is the heart of Thailand on the map. The heart of food that feeds more than just a rumbling belly; it nourishes a hungry soul too. The heart created by generous people that truly envelope the sabai sabai lifestyle. Si Satchanalai is love and life twisted and bundled into one tight ball of yarn sitting smack dab in the middle of the country.
Grand Canyon Water Park
The Chiang Mai Grand Canyon has for many years been a not-so-secret watering hole jealously guarded by many of us here in Chiang Mai. This dramatic looking man-made canyon was created when land was quarried to extend the Chiang Mai International Airport runway. Sheer cliffs of up to fifteen metres, off which truanting kids used to enjoy heady afternoons jumping into the azure deep waters which now filled the old quarry. As it became better known and more popular, accidents and deaths have led to frequent headlines, just in the past few years alone, there have been six reported deaths. So, Citylife was highly sceptical when invited by the new Grand Canyon Water Park to review its new facilities.
Organic Farmstays
Organic lifestyles are all the rage these days, and where better to go than a hidden farm tucked away somewhere in the foothills of the mountains. Get to know the locals, experience new craft and farming techniques and stay away from the city for a few days at these super cool farmstays.
Announcement for Foundations and Charities – Citylife Garden Fair
Citylife Garden Fair donates all of its profits each year to two or three deserving charitable foundations from within the Chiang Mai area. As the Citylife Garden Fair grows, so do its financial donations to the nominated causes. Last year we raised a staggering 250,000 baht. To make the process more transparent this year, we call on all foundations within the Chiang Mai region to submit a proposal as to why they should be one of the lucky recipients.
Anantara’s Luxe Living
Since it opened its doors in 2005, the exquisite riverside property that is now home to Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, has maintained its standards as one of Chiang Mai’s most acclaimed city resorts. While urban and sophisticated, luxurious with world-class service, the resort also manages to ooze history, being the home of the Old British Consulate, the dilapidated historical teak building having been brought to life and celebrated at the heart of the property as the resort’s restaurants and bar.
Island Hopping Thailand and Malaysia
The South of Thailand, the Deep South that is, is shamefully overlooked as a tourist destination. Beaches are yet to be spoilt, islands are as pretty as any further up the coast, there is a rich culture, lush and plush nature and fabulous food, and the people are genuinely welcoming and friendly.
Spirit of Lamphun
Citylife is just as guilty as the next person in our marginalisation of Lamphun, not often featuring stories from this historic city. So, when Citylife interviewed the owner of Mickey Mouse House for our June issue, we spent a day in Lamphun and discovered more than just a few cartoon plushies. We learned that Lamphun has a deep-rooted community spirit that extends across the city, with people from all walks of life becoming proactively involved with things in their local community. Forgotten traditions have been brought back to life, museums have opened up across the area, weirs have been built and toilets have been cleaned (in spite of your raised eyebrow, this will make more sense later). Lamphun is a special place, with a very special group of people. And it is these people who embody the Spirit of Lamphun.
Tourism at the Borders: The Forgotten Doorways to Burma
From 2015, Thailand had entered the Asian Economic Community (AEC) as part of developing towards a unified ASEAN community. With borders with Burma and Laos not far from Chiang Mai, it is unsurprising to learn about the rich trade history that Chiang Mai has with our neighbour states. Today, these trade routes are growing, along with more modern forms of industries such as tourism. One part of Thailand that is rarely visited is the long, sprawling borders with Burma, something which both the Thai and Burmese tourist offices are keen to promote, especially the village of Keiw Pha Vok in Chiang Dao, Luck Teng village of Wiang Haeng and San ton Doo village in Mai Ai. Welcome to the new era of Thai-Burmese border tourism.
Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa, Chiang Mai
“Here in Thailand, we love new things,” Supamit Kitjapipat, owner and managing director of Siripanna Group told Citylife in his elegant office, walls lined with modern art, with windows looking out onto lush green foliage. “There is nothing wrong with that, but we also tend to not value the old, the traditional. Instead we tear them down and replace them. I have always thought that it was such a shame.”
A Secret Side to The Pavana Chiang Mai Resort
Last year, our Deputy Editor was lucky enough to go and experience a one day Pass Programme at The Pavana Chiang Mai Resort in October 2015, complete with detoxifying drinks, doctors’ visits, massages and even a colema! Since then, The Pavana Chiang Mai Resort has been developing and spreading its name as the place to go in Chiang Mai for serious detox cleanses — high on a mountain side, surrounded by nature, with cool breezes blowing away those cobwebs, leaving you to irradiate good vibes and wellbeing upon your return into the real world.
The New Face of Old Chiangmai
In 1968, proud parents, Borvorn and Oon Chutima, flew to the United States to drop their son, Jumpol off for college. Very few were so privileged in those days outside the great northern families of Chutima, Nimmanahaeminda, Kittibutr and Na Chiang Mai. The Chutimas were also closely related to the Nimmanahaemindas, all four families wealthy from property development, a rare foresight during a time when Chiang Mai was, at best, a backwater town far from the world’s eyes.
Operation Jumbo Art
You can spot them all over Chiang Mai; a bright pink elephant sitting by the bank of the Ping River, a dizzying-patterned elephant standing guard outside a shop, a cute Akha elephant on its hind legs in your favourite restaurant. All of these elephants are products of an exciting social enterprise, Elephant Parade.
Surrounded by Beauty: Rooj Changtrakul of Rachamankha Hotel
“Bottoms up!” frowns Rooj Changtrakul, who then giggles gleefully as I empty my glass of champagne, bubbles tickling my nose as the liquid dances down my throat. Rooj, is a bon vivant. A big hearted and extremely generous man who loves the good things in life. He is a collector of fine arts, priceless antiques and interesting friends, all three of which he surrounds himself with. He is also the owner of Rachamankha Hotel, a boutique hotel before they coined the word, and an elegant, intimate sanctuary in the heart of the old moated city.
A Paradise in Nyaungshwe a Gateway to Inle Lake
“I was excited to return to Myanmar,” gushed Ratiros ‘Looknam’ Thanatit, a Chiang Mai woman who lived with her family in Yangon for three years before returning to Thailand recently. “So when my friend Pyone Myat Khaing, who we call by her nickname Celine, invited me to visit her hotel in the Shan State, it took about a second for me to say, YES!”
Huay Kaew Arboretum – The Secret Outdoor Gym
Chiang Mai has only a few parks where you can have a rest from the city’s hustle and bustle. There is for example Suan Buak Haad in the southwest corner of the old city or Kanchanpisek Park not far outside the square. But there is also the lesser known Huay Kaew Arboretum next to Chiang Mai Zoo. An Arboretum is like a park but without all the flowers or bushes – simply put, it is a collection of trees only. As a Luk Krueng spending most of my lifetime in Germany, there are barely few places in Chiang Mai I remember– but the Huay Kaew Arboretum is one of them. Actually it is a nice place to get a tiny impression of Thailand’s huge range of exotic trees and hide under their protective shades. That’s why this location was quite popular in the past. Even now local people like to go there especially in the mornings or evenings, mostly to get in a bit of exercise.
KlaiKlai Review
Being new to Chiang Mai with very little knowledge of my whereabouts, I was in desperate need of an application that not only told me what all the city offered, but also where everything was located relative to my location. In response to my tourist needs, I was told to get the KlaiKlai application on my smartphone.
Singapore Property Prices May Be at Their Lowest
Out of the many affordable Asian destination countries available, Singapore definitely is a bright spot for tourism and relocation. Litter, vandalism and gum chewing are strongly discouraged in the city-state. The country has a rich British colonial past and modern attractions such as gardens and shopping. Although other Asian countries are starting to improve their mass transit infrastructure, this area already has an elaborate railway system.
Authentic Phuket
On an island buzzing with tourists reminding one of everything but the destination, I felt a need to stay at hotels that are in sympathy with their surroundings and express a feeling for Thailand rather than the many others that are simply smart but bland. I wanted the exotic experience with all my senses awakened by water and smells, birds and animals.