Guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s
This isolation has kept Chiang Mai's distinctive charm relatively intact to the present day. It is pleasant to be able to report that a destination has improved over recent years, as has been the case in Chiang Mai, where the moats have been dredged and repaired, many roads repaved in attractive red bricks, lumpy concrete lamp posts replaced with ornate ones and the city walls restored.
On the one hand, the northern Thai city still holds on to its rural roots and the earthy local culture known as âLannaâ, which literally means âone million rice fieldsâ. On the other hand, Chiang Mai has its own airport, three universities and outlets representing all the countryâs main chains of shopping malls and restaurants.
Its main attractions, however, are its style and its splendour. Wander the Old Cityâs backstreets and you will stumble on some of southeast Asiaâs most alluring Buddhist temples. There are over 300 temples in Chiang Mai and its outskirts, of which maybe be most magnificent is Wat Doi Suthep, topped by a stunning 24 metre high gilded chedi, partially shaded by gilded bronze parasols. Established in 1383 and famous for its large gold-plated chedi, it overlooks the city from its 1,073m eerie on the slopes of 1,685 metre Doi (Mount) Suthep and is visible from the city on a clear day. The site was selected by sending an elephant to roam at will up the mountainside. When it reached this spot, it trumpeted, circled three times, and knelt down, which was interpreted as a sign indicating an auspicious site. Centrally-located Wat Phra Singh templeâs small wooden Phra Viharn Lai Kham building is perhaps Chiang Maiâs most beautiful. The front of the buildingâs exterior is ornately decorated with gold leaf flowers on a red lacquer background whilst, in the interior, exquisitely carved window frames compete for the eyeâs attention with fascinating and detailed wall murals.
At each corner of the Old City moat, you will be distracted by the spicy aromas that waft from the woks used to cook the regionâs distinct cuisine, which fuses Thai, Lao, Burmese, Mon, and Chinese influences. For visitors whose bums are bored of bucket seat restaurants, the city has droves of restaurants that serve every kind of cooking imaginable, from water buffalo beef to tapas. Chiang Mai is Thailand's fifth biggest but second most-visited city and is a magnet for settlers from around the globe, many of whom are eccentric or unusual.
Meet silversmith Steve McCarthy, who designed the chalices that grace the spectacularly successful 2006 religious mystery movie The Da Vinci Code. McCarthy calls Chiang Mai âas close to paradise as you can getâ. He likes the way that locals know neither the time nor day, have few wants and no pretensions. âPeople laugh at people who spend money ostentatiously,â he says, adding that everyone who visits Chiang Mai returns.
The temples and museums are as good as culture vultures would expect from Thailandâs second city, but what you maybe wouldnât expect is that the shopping here is so good that even unreconstructed males might miraculously find themselves actually enjoying it. Chiang Mai, along with Bangkokâs weekend Jatuchak market, is one of the two best places to go shopping in Thailand. The city is the countryâs best place to buy art and sculpture, of which the value and the quality of the higher-priced items is amazing. Itâs best to buy it here as most of the best pieces never leave town: the best artists, like those the world over, are more interested in painting than selling. At the Sunday market here you can pick up beautiful oil paintings at less than a tenth of what comparable quality would cost you in the West. The market is open from 3 till 10pm, but donât leave too early, as the best painters are a bit bohemian and donât bother turning up till quite late, as they donât have to try too hard to sell their work.
Whilst in Thailand, why not visit one of the countryâs currently best three beach destinations:
Koh Lao Liang: http://www.andamanadventures.com/kohlaoliang.shtml
Ao Nang: http://www.andamanadventures.com/ao_nang.shtml
Railay/Tonsai: http://www.andamanadventures.com/railay-tonsai.shtml
Runs Andaman Sky Co., Ltd, specialising in climbing and diving trips to Thailand’s best beach destinations.
What are Thailand’s best Beaches?
I am looking to go to Thailand beginning of December, I have been to Phuket, Ko Samui and Koh Pha-ngan before, so would like to give them a miss. Am looking for somewhere, where we can spend a week or two. My idea of the best beach is pristine white sand, clearest turquoise water, not too developed. And if at all possible, somewhere that has little beach huts to stay on. When we were in Koh Pha-ngan, we stayed at Baan Panburi, www.baanpanburivillage.com, and fell in love with this accommodation, so anything like that would be a dream!
Thanks so much
Coping With Thailand’s Tightened Visa Regulations
It is the end of an era in Thailand. Political changes occur rapidly in SE Asia. Nowhere is that more evident than inside the Land of Smiles. In the wake of the John Karr / JonBenet Ramsey fiasco, Thailand has tightened restrictions on Tourism Visas and stymied the lives of tens of thousands of travelers. Officials claim the two are not connected.
For many years now, backpackers have flocked to Thailand. It's tropical climate, gentle citizens, inviting beaches and ease of travel beckon youthful exuberance. Over time, many of us have matured to suitcases and still less-stylish travelers followed suit.
During these Golden Years of Thai travel visitors form 39 countries could enter the Kingdom of Thailand for thirty days without obtaining a visa before their arrival. Those staying on longer would simply make a border run, cross out of the country and return, often within minutes. Whish! Stamp! Boom! They had another thirty days.
Currently details of the new regulations are as clear as mud in an unlit cave. It appears starting October 1, 2006, travelers such as myself will be able to make a maximum of two border runs. We receive thirty days on arrival. Then, we receive thirty days each for the two reentries. After that we may not enter Thailand again for ninety days. In other words, after ninety days in, we must leave for ninety days. Whish! Stamp! Stamp! Out!
The tourism industry will suffer! From taxi drivers and guest houses, to massage schools and laundry services, the impact will be felt. I imagine a Tuk Tuk driver will look up this January and think, "Hey, where'd everybody go?" I like to believe the cumulative economic loss will be more than the Kingdom fathoms and policies will loosen again over time. I also still hang a Christmas stocking up for myself.
Alongside Thais, how are long-term travelers being affected by the changes? If you think the inconvenience to individuals is negligible, consider the following. Here are some examples.
Donald Wood - UK
"My sister and her family were to spend February in Thailand with me. They have canceled their trip. Why? Because, I'll be out for ninety days by then."
Kelly Laidlaw - USA
"I paid for a one month TEFL Course and two months 'volunteer' teacher training on Samui next year. That's three months total. I lose days from each 30 day allotment, because I have to do my visa border runs on weekend (to not miss class). This is what I'm left with. I leap into Thailand the day before class starts and sprint for Samui. Then, I fly out the day after I finish teaching/graduate. Perhaps a prospective school can interview me in the Tuk Tuk on the way to the airport."
Claude DeVosjoli - France
"I had many plans for my six months- sure to travel, but more. I'm always doing something. Mahout training, an expansive meditation experience, maybe I learn to cook Thai. And, there's trekking, Muay Thai courses... There's so much to do here. Now I can do only half. Half lose my francs. It's so hard to choose."
Barry Anderson - Australia
"Funny thing is Burma (a.k.a. Myanmar) lost business because of the Thai regs. I wanted to hop over there bouts for a week mid-November. Can't now. That would use up one of my precious two visa runs early. Don't wanna torch thirteen days I figure."
Kathy Taylor - Canada
"I sold my home to come to SE Asia for a couple years. The thinking was I would maintain a small apartment in Chiang Mai, take some classes, travel around a bit and have a place to nest and write in between. Now when I travel to other countries it will go lock, stock and barrel, along with my tourism dollars for many months."
Alan McLawrie - UK
"I'm currently taking classes to learn to speak Thai. I'll miss the third level now. Of course, I'll be off in Vietnam not able to practice what I just learned anyway. Also, I volunteer at a dog rescue and will miss the pups. I'm financially independent, yet too young to meet the 50 year old requirement for a Retirement Visa here. Officials actually said this new law will stop bad people and not hurt good people. Well, if financially successful, charitable volunteers who study their culture are bad guys, send me to the front of the line."
Anita Kroll - USA
"This change is a bit of a pickle for me. I have a three month course this spring. So, in December when my 90 is up, I have to leave Thailand for almost four months, not three. I'll need the whole next lot of ninety days to cover my class time. The course starts in late April and I'm out in December. I wish there had been more notice before the government changed things, though in retrospect I did not have to pay in advance."
As you see there are dozens of ways Thailand's new policies will cause little inconveniences. But, how little are they? You see, I am Anita. I am Alan. I am Kathy, Barry, Kelly, Donald and even Claude DeVosjoli. All these issues occurred for just one peaceful gal who simply loves Thailand. What else do these issues have in common? That's easy. They take money away (Whish!) from the Kingdom of Thailand and its citizens.
Nola L. Kelsey is the author of Bitch Unleashed: The Harsh Realities of Goin' Country and coauthor of the scathing political satire Keeping the Masses Down. To read more of Kelsey's work, visit her rarely up-to-date website at: http://www.nolakelsey.com
Thailand’s Beaches and Islands Insight Guide
Product Description
From buzzing Bangkok to the island idyll of Ko Samui, from party-town Ko Phangan to placid Ko Lanta; it's all found in this brand new edition Insight Guide to Thailand's Beaches & Islands, featuring a wealth of inspiring full-colour photography and detailed street maps. Expert local writers ensure this guide is an inspiring background read, serves as an invaluable, on-the-spot companion and is a superb, visual souvenir of your visit, providing comprehensive coverage... More >>
The Rough Guide to Thailand’s Beaches & Islands
- ISBN13: 9781848360914
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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"The Rough Guide to Thailand's Beaches & Islands" is the perfect companion for island-hopping through Thailand's spectacular coastal regions. Whether you wish to kayak through the limestone karsts of Ao Phang Nga, explore the dive sites around Ko Tao, party on Phuket or relax on one of Ko Samui's idyllic beaches, this guide will lead you straight to the region's best attractions. The guide features a colour section on Thailand Underwater, including the best of the c... More >>
Thailand’s Beaches and Islands
Product Description
"DK Eyewitness Thailand's Beaches & Islands" travel guide will lead you straight to the best attractions this majestic region has on offer. Packed with colour photographs, illustrations and detailed maps, it lets you discover Thailand's beaches and islands region by region; from the unforgettable beaches of Phuket, Ko Samuii and Ko Phi Phi to the best attractions of the Krabi province with useful background on everything from diving and snorkelling to relaxing in st... More >>
Thailand’s Beaches and Islands Insight Guide
Product Description
From buzzing Bangkok to the island idyll of Ko Samui, from party-town Ko Phangan to placid Ko Lanta; it's all found in this brand new edition Insight Guide to Thailand's Beaches & Islands, featuring a wealth of inspiring full-colour photography and detailed street maps. Expert local writers ensure this guide is an inspiring background read, serves as an invaluable, on-the-spot companion and is a superb, visual souvenir of your visit, providing comprehensive coverage... More >>