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Situated in the scenic North of Thailand, Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่  or Kham Muang Jiang Mai) is a mixture of natural Himalayan settings and an emerging international culture. The city has a rich history dating back to the 13th century, including dozens of historical temples reflecting the country’s religious roots. Today, the city is expanding and represents a fusion of modern and ancient cultures that makes it an ideal destination for travelers.

Chiang Mai Temples

Travel to Chiang Mai

The city’s Chiang Mai International Airport has multiple daily flights on Thai Airways as well as Air Asia, Nok Air and Thai Airways, along with several regional airlines. As a major hub, you can also take a bus from Moh Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok, which takes roughly 9 hours. Additionally, there are trains from Hualamphong Train Station in Bangkok, which take roughly 12 hours and you can also book overnight or first class trains.

Once you arrive at the walled city, taxis, known as tuktuks or samlors, can take you to your destination - some are metered while others require you to negotiate rates with the drivers. There are also several buses and covered trucks that offer transportation, known as seelors or songthaews. Additional transportation options include rental motorcycles and bicycles for shorter distances.

Cultural Activities

As a historic city, Chiang Mai has a number of cultural activities reflecting its rich heritage.

The City Arts and Culture Center features the Saam Kasat Three Kings Monument, as well as a museum that traces the city’s history back thousands of years including its Buddhist and agricultural heritage. Featuring multi-media displays, the Center is open Tuesday through Saturday during the day. Those seeking more in depth information about local tribes should visit the Hilltribe Research Institute Museum which provides anthropological research into the local people. Additional museums include the Numismatic Museum, the University Arts Center, the World Insect and Natural Wonders Museum, as well as the CMU Art Museum

Chaing Mai Walls

With hundreds of local temples, local Buddhist architecture provides a visual representation for religious culture in the area. Make sure to wear modest, traditional attire and be respectful of the local monks. Among the most well known temples are Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep which traces back to the Lanna Thai era in the 14th century, overlooking the city with its rich architecture. The center of religious culture is defined by the Wat Phra Singh temple, including the Wihaan Lai Kahn altar commemorating King Kam Fu from the 14th century. The city’s oldest temple, Wat Chiang Mun, dates back to the 13th century and features a number of ancient Buddha representations. One of the most impressive temples is Wat Chedi Luang, which has been reconstructed several times after earthquakes and houses the Pillar of the City totem pole.

Additional destinations include the Elephant Nature Park, the Chiangmai Zoo, the Maesa Elephant Camp and the Bhuping Palace gardens.

As an education hub, the Chiang Mai University is one of the best Thai Colleges, and the city also is home to several Buddhist educational centers such as Wat Ram Poeng, as well as several Thai culinary schools such as the Smile Thai Cookery School.

Outdoor activities

As a natural setting, the city hosts activities ranging from the Kawila Muay Thai Boxing Stadium to several classes where visitors can experience the city through cycle tours, participate in local fishing and rafting on the Ping or Maetang River, rock climb on the Crazy Horse Buttress, play cricket at the Gymkhana Club or take elephant rides through the Nature Park. The unique forests allow for Canopy Tours through the rainforest, where you can see the Mae Kompong water fall.

Loi Kratong Festival

The city also hosts several local festivals include the Flower Festival in early February, which features vibrant parades and a celebration carnival over three days. The Loi Kratong Candle Festival features the Khom Loy launching of hot air balloons in the evening. A Ban Bo Sang Handicrafts Festival celebrates local artist and craftsmen, as well as hosting a beauty pageant. You can experience the rich floral scenery during the Orchid Fair and the Royal Flora Expositions.

Chiang Mai Restaurants

As the home of Northern Thai food, the region is known for traditional dishes such as khao soi curry noddles and hang ley pork curry.

There are cuisine options at all price levels, including some inexpensive traditional, local cuisine at places such as the Refeel Cafe, Huen Phen (which specializes in som tum papaya salad), Sila Aat (which serves fresh seafood) and Salimojoy Restaurant.

Upscale options include Khantoke restaurants which provide meals and traditional performances at restaurants such as the Old Culture Center on Walai Road, Kum Kahntoke in the Business Park and the Galae Garden at Suthep Road.

The bar and club scene is most prominent along Moon Muang and Loi Kroh, including the Half Moon pub and Tuskers. An emerging area around Nimmanhaeimin Road is close to the university and draws younger crowds at clubs such as the Monkey Club and Bang Rak. If you’re interested in local music, check out Charoenat Road along the Ping River, including La Barsserie for ethnic rock, the Jazz club, Riverside Restaurant for classic rock and the North Gate for modern jazz.

Chiang Mai Hotels

There are a wide selection of hotels which are generally more affordable than those in the rest of the country. Recently, an expanding number of resorts has increased the options for travelers.

Those seeking a low cost option can find guest rooms at lodging such as Baan Kwanta, Green Tulip, Pachkit House as well as several local guest houses such as Wild Orchid and Wanasit. Basic hotel options include the Raming Lodge and the Riverview Lodge, which offer nice accommodations at affordable rates.

Chedi Resort Hotel

Higher tier local hotels include the Chedi Resort, the Four Seasons, the five star Mandarian Oriental Dhara Devi, the exclusive Punipunn Baby Grand Hotel and long-term options such as Pacific and Viangbua Mansions.

Whether are you on a budget or seeking the finest luxury experience, Chiang Mai has the perfect hotel to meet your needs.

Located about an hour from Bangkok, Koh Samet island (or, Ko Samet) is the nearest major beach destination to the city. Known for its calm, relaxing beaches and breath taking ocean front cliffs, Ko Samet is a favorite relaxation spot for both tourists and locals alike. The island has a unique place in Thailand’s history and is the setting for much classic Thai literature including poet Sunthorn Phu’s Phra Aphai Manee. A peaceful island in the Gulf of Thailand, Samet is defined by its exotic beaches and dense forests.

Travel to Koh Samet

Ko Samet Beach

As a protected area, the majority of the island belongs to Mu Ko Samet National Park. The Thai National Park Service charges an entry fee as ferries approach the Island, which is utilized to help ensure the beaches remain in pristine condition.

If you’re traveling from Bangkok you can also take a bus or take a Rayong province by way of Sukhumvit Highway Number 3, which is roughly 125 miles and takes just over 3 hours. For travelers coming from distant cities, Bangkok Air flies into the nearby U Taphao Airport. Most transportation methods will take you to Phe Pier where you can either take a ferry or speed boat to Samet Island.

Once you’re on the island, it’s probably best to take a bus to your destination and then go by foot. You can also rent cars, motor bikes, ATV 4×4s and pickup trucks, although the Island only has a single paved road and not suitable to easy automotive exploration.

Local Festivals

The island has a number of well known local festivals each year where residents and tourists alike celebrate the seasons. In May, the Rayond Fruit Festivals celebrates the harvest with a celebration filled with local produce and contests. During the summer, Sunthon Phu Day is held on June 26 to honor the national poet. Later in the winter, visitors can join in celebrating the Phra Chedi Klang Nam and Loi Krathong Festivals with a variety of location celebrations, including a number of traditional Buddhist ceremonies.

Ko Samet Beaches

Towards the east of the island there are countless beaches, each with its own unique character and culture. While we cannot cover every single beach, some of the most popular destinations include:

Ao Wong Deuan beach is one of the larger beaches, featuring a pristine beach setting as well as high quality seafood and traditional Thai cuisine along with well-kept hotels and villas for overnight stays.

If you want to experience traditional local culture Ao Karang Beach is a favorite of residents and features some of the most authentic Thai seafood cuisine on the Island.

Crystal Sand Beach, also known as Hat Sai Kaew or Diamond Beach, is a bustling, long beach complete with a number of water activities ranging from jet skis to windsurfing, banana boats and an active night life scene.

There are also several smaller islands off the Samet coast, such as Ko Kudi and Ko Thalu which are accessible by boat from the island for those seeking a peaceful getaway.

Local Activities

Ko Samet Fire Spinning

The island offers a variety of natural activities ranging from hiking to water activities to yoga for the active traveler. Popular options include boat trips to nearby coves and small sub islands, which feature snorkeling, cookouts and fishing (especially for squid), in addition to swimming. You can also find windsurfing options, especially at Hat Sai Kaew beach which has a strong, gentle wind coming from the coast. Off shore diving options are availiable at the Ao Prao Beach Resort, which offers local trips to Ko Thalu and Ko Kud. More adventurous travelers can take classes in Muay Thai boxing, as well as watching matches at Naga Muay Thai. Another local specialty is fire spinning, which you can both witness and learn at Ladan Village. For those looking for relaxation, the island offers several massage centers, as well as spas within the local resorts, including the Dhivarin Spa at Paradee and the Le Vimarn Spa.

Island Restaurants

The local island cuisine features authentic Thai seafood as well as several beach barbecue restaurants. Some of the best casual barbecues can be found at Joe’s at Saikaew Beach, as well as Gecko Bar on Ao Phai Beach. Finer local cuisine includes upscale eats at Ao Prao Resort, which offers a world class dining environment. For those seeking top notch grilling, Samed Villa at Ao Phai comes highly recommended.

In addition to cuisine, the island features a number of casual bars and night spots that are excellent for kicking back. The Ploy Bar at Haat Sai Kaew features live music, games and a vibrant night scene. At Ao Phai the Silversand Bar offers dancing and spectacular fire spinning demonstrations, which keep the bar packed through the night.

Koh Samet Resorts

Accommodations range from simple bungalows to upscale tourist hotels; during peak summer months, it’s best to book your hotel in advance. While local villas can be a good choice for budget travelers, make sure to review the settings before you book and make sure that mosquito nets are provided.

Top local budget rooms include Jep’s air conditioned bungalows and the Tub Tim Bungalow. For a bit nicer choices, Sai Kaew offers a range of bunker rooms in a nicely, gardened setting, while Tarn Tawan at Ao Cho offers clean, hospitable bungalow options.

Travelers seeking a resort experience can find a number of resorts at nearly every beach; while you’ll pay more, it can make for a more comfortable stay. Some of the nicest resorts include Ao Prao, Samed Villa and Lima Bella. Additional recommended options include Mu Ban Thalay at Ao Noinar, Sai Kaew at Hat Saikaew, the Ao Cho Hideaway, Nimmanoradee at Ao Parakrung, Le Vimarn Cottages and Lima Coco at Ao Prao and the Paradee Resort at Ao Kiew.

Make sure to plan out your trip in advance, making reservations where possible so you can get the most out of your Koh Samet vacation.

Bangkok Governor Election Posters

Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayohin won re-election this week by a wide margin. Running against People’s Power Party candidate Prapas Chonsanguan, Kosayodhin, leading of the Democrat Party, won an addition four year team. The election results come in the context of political instability at the federal level as the country seeks a governing coalition.

Apirak, who worked as a telecommunications businessman before entering politics, has been a popular opposition mayor of the nation’s capital in recent years. Third party candidate Chuwit Kamolvisit also made news for a physical confrontation with a journalist during the intense election campaign.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga won the Thailand Open tennis tournament over favorite Novak Djokovic.  The pair also played in the final of the Australian Open, where Djokovic had prevailed against a then un-seeded Tsonga. In a close match, Tsonga won in straight sets 7-6, 6-4 after surging from a tie-break in the second second to take the game.