Festival of Lights and Lanterns in Chiang Mai Thailand

Loy Krathong, or the Lantern Festival, is one of the most celebrated and glamorous cultural events in Thailand and one that has long attracted the greatest number of travelers: to say that it is not to be missed would be an understatement. The event takes place in November and the date varies from year to year according to the traditional lunar calendar used in feudal Siam. In 2010, the date was 21 November; this year the event will fall on 10 November, though if you are looking forward to a holiday during this time you will want to be there a few days before as well: 8 November 2011 would be an ideal starting date. Should you be planning a Thailand visit next year, the date will fall on 28 November 2012. Loy Krathong is a period that is so incredibly busy, in fact, that if you want to include it on your holiday agenda it may be prudent to book as early as six months or even one whole year ahead. Accommodation will be at a premium, as are flight tickets, as these events draw tourists from all over the world, including visitors from Thailand's neighbors. Along with the end of December and early February, this is a time where large cities in Thailand are absolutely jam-packed.

The main event, to which the phrase "loy krathong" refers to, occurs on a night with a full moon. A krathong is a miniature raft constructed of a sectioned trunk cut from a banana tree as a base (although today's commercial krathongs are also made from bread flour and Styrofoam; the former is considered more environment friendly and has become more popular in recent years). Banana or pandanus leaves, folded in elaborate patterns, are then added to the base. The final touches include flowers woven into garlands, and this is usually the part where the craftsman or craftswoman can best show her skill. Flowers commonly used are orchids, chrysanthemums, jasmines, and daisies. Candles and incense are then added. The tradition of releasing these rafts involves the belief that doing so allows one to wash away regrets and mistakes, which are then carried down the river and out to the sea, so that one can start the new year with a clean slate. As such, it is an act of purification and spiritual cleansing. Cutting your hair or clipping your fingernails, and then adding them to your krathong, may also be done to symbolize this, although the practice is no longer popular in modern times.

Larger krathongs are used during the grand procession: these are life-sized krathongs built to accommodate young men and women as part of beauty pageants and talent shows. Such krathongs are much more elaborate than the ones commonly floated downriver and are often not floated at all, although some are. They are made of many types of material, with emphasis on design and catching viewers' attention. It is competitive in nature and makes for a memorable spectacle as such processions go through the streets of a major Thai city.

The Loy Krathong festival also coincides with what is known as "Yi Peng," a uniquely northern Thai tradition of releasing sky lanterns. Propelled by hot air, these balloons are generally made of very thin fabric or paper. The purpose of releasing them is not dissimilar to the tradition behind floating krathong: to wash away bad luck and mistakes, and bring good fortune in the coming year. During this time, visitors to northern Thailand provinces can expect to see a sky full of lanterns and fireworks, an exceptional sight rarely seen anywhere else. Tourists can also participate in this tradition, as there are no religious restrictions around it.

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Visiting Chiang Mai, Thailand? Find more information about the city in our tours and sightseeing guide and our Chiang Mai accommodation choices.

Tablets, gadgets, e-readers links for tech enthusiasts

Are you a gadget enthusiast? Looking for pros and cons of an iPad, iPad 2, or Android Honeycomb tablets? What about e-readers? Have I got some hubs for you!

E-Readers: Comparisons & 2011 Buying Guide
Paper Books vs. eBooks: Dead Trees, eReaders and the Future
iPhones vs Android: Why Android is Just Flat Out Better
Tablets in the Left, Netbooks in the Right: Fight!
Tablets Buying Guide 2011: Budget, Needs, and Style 
Traveling with Your iPad, Smartphone, or Tablet  

Finding Great Pizzas and PAstas in Chiang Mai

Are you visiting the cultural capital of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai, and struck with a sudden craving for some Italian? That's going to be a little tough since Thailand isn't exactly the capital of pastas and pizzas-but again, Chiang Mai is a city large enough to accommodate all tastes, and if you know where to look and are willing to browse and explore, you will always find just what you want. No need to settle for the cardboard and grease dishes at Pizza Hut, either!

Arco Baleno

With a menu replete in just about any item you could ask for of an Italian restaurant, this is easily one of the better choices you will find in town. For appetizer try the rocket salad if you're watching your weight, but otherwise there is the excellent crab au gratin, spinach crepes, and fried frog legs. Of course the main item is the sheer variety of pasta: from spicy daviolo, familiar items like carbonara, to four-cheese pasta plus ravioli, lasagna, cannelloni and nearly anything pasta-related you could name, this is the place to be for a pasta lover. Not to be outdone is their selection of pizzas using high quality ingredients for toppings and crispy, thin crusts underneath: recommended items are the parma ham special or the anchovy pizza. Each is slathered generously with mozzarella, salami, peppers, mushrooms and more (depending on the item you have ordered). When you are done with all that, try their homemade seasonal ice cream, panna cotta, and tiramisu. The restaurant is open daily and is run by an Italian family, though as far as this writer knows they have no mafia connections.

La Brasserie

This grillhouse provides succulent steaks, lobsters, and some of the tastiest chicken vol au vents you will find anywhere-but in addition to that they also have excellent pastas made to order. Unfortunately, they don't offer pizzas, though their garlic bread is definitely something to write home about. More than that, though, the La Brasserie gives you a certain feeling of class when you are in the restaurant decorated with stained glass and old-school European style, while trained maître d' pour you wine immaculately or make you fresh crepe suzette on the spot. Better yet, the price belies the elegance and opulence and doesn't cost much more than eating anywhere else. Availability can be variable, so phone them before you walk in. It's located in the business district on Chang Klan Road, about ten minutes away from the Night Market on foot. Perfect to go with your accommodation.


The Duke's

With the tagline "founded by a man who loves to eat... and eat, and eat" you can be sure that the portions at The Duke's do not come in "small" though some dishes on the menu will purport to. Order a medium pizza, though, and you're going to quickly find that it is not so middle sized and leans sharply toward huge, and we are talking about the size of the table you will be sitting at. Come as a huge party, order one Large pizza and you are all going to go home bloated as a bean bag. The quality of pizza is definitely more American than Italian-and if you want the genuine, honest to goodness article Arco Barleno would be a better choice-but if you don't mind thicker crust and a more liberal approach to authenticity, you will not be disappointed. They also offer calzones (stuffed pizzas) with customized stuffing tailor made to your tastes, sort of like Subway sandwiches but with a lot more, well, more. Noteworthy is that their pizzas are made in a wood-fired oven. The pasta dishes on offer are fairly average but you will probably be too busy with other sections of the menu anyway. Finish your meal off with some of their apple pies or cheesecake (both of which are, again, served in truly gigantic slices).

San Marco

Similar to Arco Barleno in terms of authenticity, but with a more Mediterranean slant and a slightly more stylish décor, furnishings, and a more convenient location. Prices are generally higher but the quality is not wanting, something attested by the fact that San Marco is almost always full in the evenings and you would be best off if you make a reservation ahead of time. Mainly open in the evenings daily.

What to Eat in Chiang Mai: Regional Dishes You Shouldn't Miss

Did you know that each part of Thailand has its own distinct cuisine? While most dishes you may be readily familiar with-such as pad thai-are eaten throughout the country, central Thailand, the South, the Northeast and the North all have their unique repertoires. So you have reached the north. You're sitting in a Thai restaurant in Chiang Mai, Thailand, but not quite sure where to start. Is this dish too spicy? Does it contain anything you're allergic to: nuts, dairy products, egg, soya, or seafood? Print out this little guide to begin your culinary adventure in the north. Typical ingredients used in these dishes will be listed in detail, as well, to guard against specific food allergies and keep your holiday from being spoiled.

Aeb muu

This dish can serve as both appetizer (albeit a heavy one) and part of the main course, usually eaten with sticky rice. The aeb muu is a paste comprised of pork and chili paste mixed together before being wrapped in banana leaves, and it is then cooked by roasting over a low fire or steaming. It tastes predominantly of chili and herbs, and tends toward spicy. Ingredients include the following: minced pork, diced kaffir lime leaves, coriander, spring onion, and chicken egg. The curry paste that serves as the main condiment consists of dried bird chili, salt, turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, garlic, and shallots. As you can see from the list, this makes for a very tasty dish rich with the scents, textures and unique flavors of no fewer than nine distinct kinds of spices and herbs. If you aren't partial to sticky rice, this is also good to eat with plain steamed jasmine rice.

Khao soy

This is a noodle dish marked by its distinct colors: bright yellow egg noodle and rich red-orange curry. It is definitely a main dish and can be very filling, with varying degrees of hotness, and eaten along with a number of side condiments sprinkled onto the noodle to add to the already strong flavors: pickled mustard greens, lime, spring onion, coriander and shallots. The curry itself is a thick soup that's made from curry paste (usually of similar or identical make to curry paste used in aeb muu) and a good helping of vegetable oil and coconut milk. As this originated as a Muslim dish-though it has since been absorbed into northern Thai cuisine thanks to a history of cultural integration and exchange of ideas-most khao soy is made with chicken or beef rather than pork, though the pork variation is also widely available.

Larb pla

The "larb" refers to a particular way of mixing boiled minced meat with chili paste, various spices and herbs. The larb pla is a fish variant, made from boiled fish grounded to a fine paste, shrimp paste, roasted rice grains, turmeric, lemongrass, coriander, spring onion, Vietnamese mint, garlic and vegetable oil. It's best eaten with crisp, fresh vegetables.

Kaep muu

Essentially pork shavings: this is a northern Thai snack with distinct flavoring, made from pork skin marinated in dark soy sauce then deep-fried until it is crispy and brown. No spices or herbs are involved, though it's a little heavy on the fat side: travelers cautious of the effect of hot food on their palates can sample this one without worry.

Yam sanat

A Lanna-Thai salad comprised of coarsely chopped vegetables stirred in curry paste: this is a perfect dish for those watching for calories or even vegetarians (as long as you request the restaurant to leave the minced pork out). The ingredients are long beans, water morning glory, eggplant, shallots, coriander, spring onion, garlic, and a type of acacia leaves.

Nam prik ong

Minced pork, chili paste, and cherry tomatoes are the main ingredients that make up this dish: the name suggests that it's one of the spicier dishes but is in fact the least hot of all "nam prik" dishes. Eaten with fresh eggplants, lettuces, pumpkin, long beans and cucumber.

chiang mai, thailand, shopping malls, digital malls, ipads, iphones, ipods, android, smartphones

Like any good modern city, Chiang Mai is a place where you can satiate your gadget lust and need for technology easily and quickly, and you will find fewer places where you can buy an entire desktop PC, custom-built, for less: cheap computers, cheap unlocked cellphones, peripherals and accessories like Bluetooth headsets, speakers, keyboards, HDMI or USB cables, and mice are readily available nearly everywhere-in fact 7-11's have started selling headsets and mini-speakers to go with your netbooks, smartphones, or iPods. If you are just here to visit, it's also extra helpful to buy expensive gadgets in Thailand and claim tax refunds when you depart which can net you back quite a bit of cash. In particular, you can find them gathered into IT sections or digital malls at the following locations:

Panthip Plaza

Located on Chang Klan Road in the Night Bazaar (also known as the Night Market), the Panthip Plaza is a miniature version of the renowned digital shopping mall in Bangkok of the same name. Though considerably smaller in scale than its older counterpart, it also has the advantage of being much less cramped, less noisy, and having a little more class: the building includes a dental clinic, a Shabushi restaurant, and the Fuji Japanese restaurant as well as a food court on the top floor, plus a SE-ED bookstore and several coffee outlets. You can find software, games (PC, XBOX 360 and PS3 alike; if you are a little retro, you can also buy very cheap PS2s), digital cameras, and hardware components ranging from RAM sticks, external USB drives, graphic cards, power supply units to LCD monitors large and small. There are also several shops in the building that will let you choose these component parts and assemble them for you at no extra charge: the alternative, if you will, to Newegg if you are living in Thailand. This way, you can get yourself a very powerful gaming desktop for nearly half the price you would have paid in the States, United Kingdom or Australia. At the time of writing, there is almost nothing on offer for those looking for a new shiny smartphone. However, there will be an HTC shop opening soon at the Panthip Plaza if you're looking for some Windows Phone 7 or Android goodness in your life.

Siam TV

A glitzy electronics shop that sells everything from washing machines and ovens to the latest and greatest HDTVs and 3D televisions from Samsung, Sony, and LG. Naturally their catalogue includes laptops and netbooks from leading brands including but not limited to Toshiba, Acer, Asus, Dell and HP as well as smartphones, feature phones, and all the peripherals they entail. They also stock Android tablets and iPads. The second floor is home to a True Vision office (if you need to get your cable subscription dealt with) and a small café offering cold and blended beverages.

Computer Plaza

Situated in the Old City area by the canal on Manee Nopparat road, this digital mall is very similar to the Panthip Plaza but has the disadvantage of being rather older and a little grubby around the edges. It offers a range of goods very much like Panthip Plaza's, however, but is much farther from the Night Bazaar and somewhat more inconvenient to reach if your accommodation isn't in its immediate vicinity.

Computer Square

Adjacent to the Computer Plaza; offers similar custom computers shops, software, and hardware components.

Central Airport Plaza

The third floor of the Central Airport Plaza is devoted almost entirely to technology: whatever section you are in you will be seeing many, many brands of computers and indeed the most famous names have their own shops here, including Dell, Lenovo, HP, Sony, and Acer for computer makers. For smartphones OEMs, you can expect to find a nice, classy shop displaying HTC's latest and greatest (Desire HD, Incredible S, HD7, and Mozart) showing off their vibrant AMOLED or Super AMOLED displays and the latest version of Android. If you are after a TV or two, there are Sony and LG shops dedicated just to those too, with the latter also offering smartphones such as the surprisingly affordable dual-core LG 2X running on the Nvidia Tegra 2 system on a chip. Nokia is also represented in a fairly large store and you can find a Nokia service center just opposite the shopping mall itself. Off to the side, next to the IT City shop, you will find many smaller cellphone counters that buy and sell secondhand devices (today not limited to just phones but also iPads, the Blackberry Playbook and the Samsung Galaxy Tab as well as an Acer Iconia Tab or two), which is quite ideal if you are the type of gadget lover who needs to switch handsets or tablets every few months-sell yours, collect the money and off to get a shiny new one.

Chinese Restaurants in Chiang Mai

Chinese-Thai integration has always been fantastic throughout the history of Thailand, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the proliferation of Chinese restaurants in Chiang Mai! Find out where to eat great, authentic Dim Sum, Peking ducks and more here.

Panda Palace
A charmingly appointed Chinese restaurant, the Panda Palace lets you take a peek into the traditional teahouses of ancient China, with plush seats and décor tailored around red silk, mother-of-pearl camphor wood panels and-last but not least-excellent Dim Sum (Cantonese cuisine, usually steamed or fried items, served on small plates or in wooden baskets) from shrimp dumplings, meat balls, spare ribs, goose feet, turnip cakes and fried taro dumplings. Don't miss their steamed custard buns or vegetable spring rolls! With a wide-ranging and comprehensive menu, they are not limited to Dim Sum items but also offer excellent barbecued honeyed pork, Peking duck, stir-fried Chinese noodle, fried rice, crispy lemon chicken, sweet-and-sour spare ribs, shark fin soup and more that will make you feel just like you are dining at the table of an emperor from the distant past. You can pick your desired portion size (small, medium, large) for most menu items. High-quality chrysanthemum tea, both hot and cold, is served with every meal. This restaurant is open from 11.30 AM to 2 PM, and then again from 6 PM to 9 PM for dinner. Price range is medium to high depending on the food you are ordering (i.e. Dim Sum is considerably cheaper than shark fin or Peking duck); on average expect to spend $10-20 per person while dining here, and a little less if you opt for their luncheon buffet, which mostly consists of Dim Sum and fried dishes. It can be found in the city center on Chang Klan Road.

Him Pochana
Distinguished by its garden setting and moderate, diner-friendly meal rates, this open-air building is surrounded by a stream and offers both Thai and Chinese cuisines in its repertoire. The tables are set with Chinese-style round carousels and the menu is nothing short of huge; the décor is simplistic but endearing, complete with a Chinese ancestral shrine in one corner. Him Pochana is located in Doi Saket on the Chiang Mai-Lamphun road, and is best known for its fish and pork dishes, the former of which is remarkably fresh and well-seasoned.

Jia Tong Heng
A two-floor building restaurant located near Anusarn Market (part of the Night Bazaar area), this restaurant is best known for its ginger fish dish. Private rooms are available but don't expect too much from its ambience, as in true old-school Chinese style you will be sitting through a lot of loud chatter and kitchen noises. The premise itself is somewhat long overdue for a renovation, with both floor and walls well-worn by time and feet. If you go there for the food, however, you should meet with no disappointment (albeit the desserts are not particularly recommendable).

Shanghai Restaurant
Rather unusual in that it offers Shanghai cuisine, whereas most Chinese restaurants in Chiang Mai go for Cantonese (hence the proliferation of Dim Sum of all sorts). Run by a Chinese businessman, this eatery is situated inside the China Town area, which is where the famous Warorot Market lies.

Yod Aroy
A simple, down-to-earth eatery that combines Thai and Chinese cuisine in the business district; the prices can't be beat, but you will be getting what you pay for (though that is not necessarily bad) and the food is definitely authentic.

Hill Tribes of the North - Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Northern Thailand administrative region is known for its population of native hill tribes which, much like the Native Americans of the United States, are an ethnic minority living in a strongly multicultural society. They are divided into various tribes and clans, each with its own set of customs and distinct subcultures. The most notable groups are called the Akha, Lisu, Hmong, Mien, Lahu, Paduang, and the Karen. They generally live in remote uphill and mountain lands, where they keep traditional villages and make their living from agriculture: without exception, their areas are rural and for the most part modern conveniences, education and economic opportunities are scant. Unlike the Native Americans, the hill tribes are not generally indigenous to the region but instead immigrated from bordering countries, such as Myanmar, Tibet, Yunnan, and China. The only exception to this is the Paduang, who are native to Thailand. Other tribes have been in the country only for about 100 years. In total, the hill tribes number at 700,000 to 1,000,000, making them anywhere from 1% to 1.47% of the entire population of Thailand (the uncertain numbers are due to difficulties in taking consensus among the hill tribes, many of whom are not registered citizens and who have no social security records or housing records with the government).

In the year 1959, the government formed the National Committee for the Hill-Tribes to assist in the integration of the tribes into Thai culture and society, while emphasizing that their cultures and animistic practices must be retained and preserved; that integration must happen without assimilation. Part of this is caused by their increasing population and the extreme poverty they suffer, as well as their agricultural practices which involve shifting cultivation and their slash-and-burn techniques, both of which threaten the forests and water reserves as well as contributing to drug trafficking, the last of which is illegal in Thailand. Toward curbing this and developing a sustainable economy in which hill tribes can live off the land without damaging it, the Royal Project-an organization founded by the current king to assist farmers and citizens living in rural areas-has sponsored a program to educate hill tribes on more environmentally aware farming practices, as well as providing them with the tools and technology to do so: among others, the Project has developed village roads, irrigation systems, and have made progress in bringing electricity to the mountain villages. This has led to a decrease in the growing of poppies and also assisted the tribes in becoming more prosperous and self-sufficient through the growth of winter crops, coffee beans (see Doi Kham coffee) and many other flora that cannot be sustained on the lowlands and most of Thailand due to the tropical climate. While they continue to suffer from marginalization and exclusion to some extent, the Royal Project has had considerable success in the matter of uplifting and helping them. The government has also initiated a program to establish and staff primary schools in these areas to ensure that hill tribe children are equipped with rudimentary education so that, when or if they do leave their villages for the cities, they will be better able to resist exploitation by unethical employers, and capable of finding jobs that conform to legal standards, including minimum wage and health insurance.

In addition to everything else, many hill tribe villages are now a tourist attraction: while it can be argued that this contributes to harmful exotification and that merchandising them is in many ways dehumanizing, there is an upside to the tourism in that it brings some income to the hill tribes themselves, and this is more than anything a welcome addition. So while you should certainly consider trips to visit these villages, it would also be helpful to make sure that you can respect their cultures while you are there and that you can treat them as human beings instead of zoo exhibits. Trips to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet, are particularly good as they tend to include multiple hill tribe visits.

Religions in Thailand - Buddhism, Islam, and More

If you are planning to spend a holiday in Thailand and you would like a primer on the local culture to shield yourself from culture shock, the first thing you should keep in mind that Thailand is highly multicultural: Chinese-Thai make up a large percentage of the total population, as do Indian-Thai. While the religion of majority of the Kingdom of Siam is firmly Buddhism with nearly 95% of the population being Buddhists, there is more than a noticeable Islamic presence: about 4.6% of the country's population is Muslims, the majority of which is concentrated in the southern region of Thailand, such as Yala, Songkhla Chumphon, Pattani and Narathiwat due mainly to the proximity to Malaysia, where the dominant faith is Islamic. As such, while the dominant ethnicity Thailand is present throughout most of the country, in the south there is a much more noticeable proportion of Thai of Middle Eastern origins, such that they are effectively the majority in this administrative division. In total, 2.3% of the populous is Arabic in heritage, culture, as well as religious practices.

Outside of the south, however, cultural integration is smoother and more laid-back. In northern and central Thailand, among others, the Chinese New Year is celebrated yearly and is considered just as official as the Thai New Year or any of the various Buddhist holy days and fairs. The Lunar Festival, again Chinese in origins, is likewise celebrated widely throughout the country: this reflects the demographic proportion in that at least 14% of the total citizens is made up of person of Chinese origins, generally third generation and upward. Several Indian dishes are integrated into the Thai cuisine, and the sight of roti stalls is common in any street in Chiang Mai or Bangkok. Japanese expatriates have chosen to live in several provinces in Thailand, particularly in the north, and the northeastern administrative division is home to a considerable Vietnamese minority, and the distinct cuisine of this region is ample evidence of this integration between two cultures.

It should be noted, furthermore, that outside of tension in the south, the general atmosphere is one of tolerance. The majority may be of Theravada Buddhism, but there is relatively little oppression and marginalization of religious minorities; certainly less than outright bigotry seen in the west, particularly in the post-World Trade Center incident America. Contrary to popular belief held by foreigners from the first world, the Thai culture of live-and-let-live has spared it from much of the raging political divide as seen in the west, and Buddhism itself is exceptionally liberal. Persons of non-normative sexuality or gender identity, particularly the transsexual-known in Thailand as katoey-can expect considerably less harassment in a Bangkok street than they might in New York or London, and much the same applies to workplace environments: though they are still excluded from the privileged enjoyed by the cisgendered majority (i.e. men and women born respectively in male and female bodies), they are not subjected to outright violence and gross discrimination.

Indeed, many schools take measures to ensure that katoey students do not feel erased and dehumanized, and bullying is carefully monitored in Thai schools. Much of this is thanks to the tenets of the dominant religion, which has very little to speak on oppressing, eliminating, enslaving and converting those from a different faith. It likewise makes no mention that katoey or homosexual persons are abominations destined for the fires of hell (as the Buddhist afterlife doesn't actually include one). In fact, to a culturally aware traveler, one would be hard-pressed to find a religion more open-armed and easy-going than the teachings of Buddha, which the majority of Thais take to heart and practice as a matter of daily life.

Hospitals in Chiang Mai - Medical Tourism in Thailand

Chiang Mai Ram Hospital

This is the premium private hospital in Chiang Mai, and with the price range to match: but then again, you get what you pay for, though the Ram is not necessarily where you might want to have your check-up or physician appointment if you are a backpacker traveling on a limited budget. The Ram has comprehensive departments: Obstetrics/Gynecology, neurosurgery, pediatrician, dentistry, and all the specialists you would expect to find at any modern hospital. Indeed, Thai doctors tend to come with much better bedside manners and as a rule are friendlier than their western counterparts thanks to the emphasis on hospitality in Thai culture as well as the Ram's direction as part of the service sector. The staff speak fairly fluent English, usually give prompt, helpful service, and the hospital as a whole is one of the most reputable in the country (overseas patients who come to Thailand for cheaper medical expenses and operations are common). The Chiang Mai Ram is located in the Old City area, near the Central Kad Suan Kaew shopping mall, and boasts a roof that has been built to accommodate emergency helicopter landing. All reputable hotels in the city often have a contract with the Ram and default to them for ambulances and emergencies.

Rajavej Hospital

Located opposite a hotel, the Rajavej Hospital includes highly specialized service clinics, including liver disease clinic, hemorrhoids clinic, digestive system disease, diabetes/thyroid and cholesterol clinic, dermatology, geriatric clinic and a menopause clinic. Their service centers range from cancer to endoscopy, and they have surgeons who specialize in orthopedic surgery, oncology, and plastic surgery. Price range is somewhat less likely to traumatize your wallet, but the Rajavej Hospital's lobby and waiting area is also considerably less glamorous to look at then the Ram's.

McCormick Hospital

The McCormick Hospital is one of the few institutions in Chiang Mai and Thailand in general that are run under the umbrella of the Church of Christ, and as such is a Catholic hospital. Being considerably smaller than the Chiang Mai Ram, it accordingly offers rather fewer facilities and department, but the accommodation and nursing fees are also much cheaper, catering to more budget-conscious patients. General health check-ups, cancer check-ups, prenatal and postnatal care, cardiac care unit, and intensive care units are available. The McCormick is located in Wat Ket, on Kaeonawarat Road, close to the Dara Academy.

Lanna Hospital

The Lanna Hospital has been certified with ISO 9000. It offers 180 in-patient beds, and distinguishes itself by hiring staff who not only speak English but also Mandarin and Japanese in addition to, of course, Thai. While like others it offers general care across various health categories (cardiac care, back pain, Obstetrics/Gynecology, et cetera), it specializes in handling emergency cases. It is located on Chnag Klan Road, in the city center, and is one of the hospitals closest to the Night Market area.

All the hospitals listed adhere to ISO standards and are staffed by internationally trained doctors and nurses, many of which graduated from Ivy League schools and top medical universities of England and Switzerland. Combine this with the superior hospitality, cultural disposition toward friendliness, and the relatively low costs, and Chiang Mai easily proves one of the most attractive destinations for medical tourism.

Baan Tawai: Cheap Furniture and Handicraft With Quality

Chiang Mai is a city of artists: no traveler can doubt this after having stepped into one of the many handicraft centers located throughout the provinces, where there are flowing abundances of paintings, exquisite fabrics, umbrellas, furniture and silverware. It is no surprise, therefore, that in January 2011 the governing body of Chiang Mai initiated a procedure to apply for a Creative City Status with UNESCO for the province as a joint effort between the municipal authorities, the communities of Chiang Mai, and the Chiang Mai University. Toward this, efforts have been made to coordinate different sectors of the city's economy, from cottage industrialists to hospitality to independent artists to develop human resources, increase jobs, and encourage the development of the arts.

While most travelers will be more readily familiar with the Night Market and the Walking Streets, both of which are within the city center and therefore more conveniently accessible, you might want to consider going a little off the beaten track and trying the Baan Tawai, an OTOP (One Tambon One Product, a program to encourage and sponsor Thai artisans) village. Located on Route 108 in Amphur Hang Dong, about fifteen kilometers south of the city center, it has in recent years streamlined into convenient "zones" of shops, eateries and cafes while the main street itself is home to furniture shops that sell some of the most creative furniture and home décor items found anywhere in the world: there you will find chairs and couches in flowing abstract wood, delicate forest nymphs, and beautiful bamboo lanterns. Prices are also ridiculously cheap for such workmanship, material and artistry; the only possible concern you might have would be shipping logistics, but you can be assured that if you're buying furniture or decorating a new house then you can certainly do worse-and do more expensively-than browsing through several Baan Tawai shops.

Your next stop should be some of the inner zones. Zones 2 and 4 are particularly popular, flourishing with little art galleries full of oils and acrylics in styles both modernistic and traditional Thai, unique pieces that can be had for as little as $20. Zone 4 also features a corner with upscale shops selling fantastic glassware, celadon ceramics, and a little café that offers free WiFi, decent bakery, and killer frappe coffee made to order as well as a small menu of traditional Northern Thai fare. The style of goods in general are very particular to Chiang Mai, quite distinct from that found in other regions of Thailand (or any other parts of Asia) and the quality is consistently high: did you know that some ceramics from Whittard of Chelsea are, in fact, made in Thailand and indeed right in Baan Tawai itself?

While the area is somewhat remote from city conveniences, there is a smattering of eateries throughout the village that will more than serve the need for light lunches and breakfasts. Pharmacies and convenience stores, such as 7-11 and others, are also scattered about the zones should you feel the need for a quick drink or need to top up your pay-as-you-go phone cards. The shopkeepers price their goods fairly, and often the salesperson and the artist (or sculptor, or weaver) are one and the same. Incenses, novelty candles, papier-mache dolls, Thai silks and more can likewise be found in the village. It's the perfect alternative to shopping therapy in air-conditioned malls, and sure to offer everyone something to like.

Shopping Malls in Chiang Mai

One of the best things about Chiang Mai is that, despite being steeped in culture and history as well as traditional arts, it is Thailand's second-biggest city. While not as densely packed as Bangkok (a plus, not a minus!), it has attracted its share of modern shopping malls, superstores and specialist markets. Though you will be here for cultural immersion and a tour through the temples, botanical gardens and tiger farms, sometimes you just want something with a little more glitz and, not least of all, air-conditioning.

• Central Airport Plaza is currently the most prominent, shiniest shopping mall in Chiang Mai. It is housed in a complex that includes an exhibition hall and huge parking space, offering a range of restaurants and familiar brand names throughout its halls from Starbucks to Pizza Hut, though it is in no shortage of independent and Thai restaurants, clothing stores, and tech vendors. Notable is its unique feature, the Northern Village, which showcases handcrafted goods from local cottage industries in an attractive, well-decorated area spanning several floors. It also has an entire floor dedicated to computers, gadgets, mobile phones and hardware that'll catch the eye of any tech-savvy traveler. On its topmost floor is the city's largest cinema, the Major Cineplex. The Central Airport Plaza sends shuttles to prominent city hotels to pick up guests and will also send you back: their shuttle is a yellow-green songtaew with their logo and usually stops by hourly. The mall itself is located at Mahidol Road, conveniently close to the Chiang Mai International Airport, a golf course, and several restaurants.
• Central Kad Suenkaew is notable for its brick facade, which distinguishes it from other department stores and buildings in Chiang Mai. Its general layout and setup are similar to that of the Central Airport Plaza, but thanks to its latest renovation being over ten years past, it sports considerably more grunge and less glitz than its larger, more modernized cousin. The Kad Suankaew is located on Huay Kaew Road.
• Lotus, also known as Tesco-Lotus, has been a success in Chiang Mai and opened two branches: Hangdong and Kamtiang, along with several smaller "Lotus Express" convenience stores located throughout gas stations in the province. While not overly glamorous, Lotus superstores do offer a great deal of convenience and travel-sized shampoos, facial foams, soaps and toothpaste that are essential to any trip. They function as shopping arcades, and each Tesco-Lotus includes a bookstore, a Black Canyon (a Thai café franchise), and either a Pizza Hut or Pizza Company.
• Rimping Supermarket, a Chiang Mai-only specialty supermarket, started off small and humble but has since grown into a multi-branch corporation that aims at the more upscale end of shoppers. It offers fresh, made-in-house bakery that is surprisingly excellent, produces from the Royal Project, and many imported snacks, cooking ingredients, breakfast cereals and more. At the time of writing, there are three large branches of Rimping and a smaller one; the largest three can be found by the Ping River, next to the Central Airport Plaza, and at the Ruamchoak Market. The Central Airport Plaza and Ruamchoak branches have the bonus of being bundled into a shopping arcade so you can do your dining as well as your shopping in one trip.
• Central Festival Chiang Mai is one of the new projects that will be open for business in 2012. It is being built on a land that covers 46,500 square meters located on the Chiang Mai - Doi Saket super-highway, aiming for the same market as the Central Airport Plaza, but more: larger, more modern, more everything.
• Promenada Chiang Mai, like Central Festival, will be operating in 2012. The difference is that it will include a resort and is a Swiss project, which hopes to attract truly upscale shoppers much like the Siam Paragon in Bangkok, with the prices and selection of stores and merchandise to match. Being further along in development than the Central Festival, it's possible the Promenada will open by the end of 2011 rather than mid-2012.

Meetings, Convention and Conference Venues in Chiang Mai

The Empress Hotel and Convention Center, Chiang Mai, is home to dedicated facilities for meetings, conferences, product launches, weddings and exhibitions. The hotel itself houses one large reception/events hall that can accommodate up to 500 persons and no fewer than five more small function rooms. The Convention Center itself was the first dedicated facility in Chiang Mai and offers three floors of exquisitely designed, culturally rich pillarless spaces that can accommodate any type of event, and with rooms that can be configured to suit any need.


PRODUCT LAUNCHES & EXHIBITIONS

Are you arranging an exhibition with product and demonstration booths? Our extensive floors, lobby and outdoor exhibition area are yours. Product launches where you need a combination of class, function, plus a reception before or afterward? Our highly configurable rooms, each with its own audiovisual gear and flexible stages are just what you are looking for.

WEDDINGS

Your special day deserves to be perfect and we are here to help you make it just that: for over ten years we have hosted countless weddings from couples throughout Thailand and we have maintained consistently high standards such that we remain the premium choice for weddings in Chiang Mai. Our wedding packages include floral decorations, photo studio services, catering, ice sculptures, honeymoon suites for the bride and groom, and many more bundled into attractive packages!

SOCIAL EVENTS

Receptions, cultural fairs and events are some of our many fortes. Our cutting-edge audiovisual equipment (including video conference on high-bandwidth lines), display technology and configurable stages are here to help you realize stunning performances, memorable cocktail parties, and cultural fairs. Our expert technicians are always on-site to assist.

Chiang Mai, Cultural Capital of Thailand

With a history of over 700 years, Chiang Mai has long been considered the cultural hub of northern Thailand. Roughly 435 miles from Bangkok, it is a city that combines scenic vistas of the highest mountains in Thailand, arts and crafts centers, and modernity that have been drawing an increasing number of travelers and long-term visitors: as many as five million tourists come to Chiang Mai annually, thanks to its combination of unique culture and accessibility.

The city offers a vast range of attractions, sightseeing options and adventure tours that appeal to any traveler, whether you are traveling with your spouse, your extended family, or your elderly: in Chiang Mai there are various ancient ruins, public parks and botanic gardens that will readily suit the tastes of travelers looking for a quiet spot, while for adventurers and/or families with children the Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium-as well as rafting adventures, caving, tiger farms and elephant camps-provide the perfect diversions. For the shopper there are numerous markets such as the Warorot Market and the Night Bazaar that give you a glimpse into Thai culture and lifestyle, as well as an opportunity to buy unusual souvenirs to take home. The famous Walking Streets, available Saturday and Sunday, fulfill much the same function but offer an even wider range of merchandise usually sold directly by artists, sculptors, silversmiths and weavers. Outside the city itself there are various crafting villages and factories from which high-quality, unique goods can be bought.

Another reason to choose Chiang Mai for your destination in Southeast Asia is that it is one of the cheaper cities in Thailand as well as one of the least expensive in the region while not giving up cleanliness and safety. While a trip to an Asian city of a similar price range will require compromise with your accommodation, hygiene and personal security, in Chiang Mai this is not the case: it is possible to stroll about the city late at night, alone, in most areas without having to fear for your life or your valuables.

The tourist hotspots such as the Night Market and Walking Streets have a remarkably low rate of crime (indeed the city as a whole has a vanishingly small rate of violent crime, at about 0.02% in 2009, especially since obtaining firearms in Thailand is difficult for the average citizen) and travelers rarely need to fear pickpockets. Tourist police are moreover stationed throughout the Sunday Walking Street in case of any (unlikely) emergency. Depending on the location of your hotel or guesthouse, most of these markets can be reached on foot; failing that transport costs do not generally exceed 100 baht (roughly 3.50 USD as of April 2011) but are often much cheaper than this figure. Food, drinks, places to stay and nightlife are similarly priced. If you are looking for an economic option for your Thailand holiday that fits a careful budget while retaining comfort and excellent sightseeing, there are few destinations better than Chiang Mai.

Last but not least, the renowned hospitality of Chiang Mai is easily one of its biggest attractions. As you step into your accommodation you will notice beautiful décor in the style of the Lanna Kingdom that transports you back to the Chiang Mai of centuries past, and you will be greeted by friendly staff in the traditional costumes of the same. Authentic Thai cuisine, both of central Thailand and northern Thailand, can be had at every street corner. Service is prompt and friendly across the board, and the locals are generally helpful and don't mind taking a few minutes out of their time to give you directions.

Given these reasons and more, why not consider including Chiang Mai in your list of places to see before you die? A perfect combination of price, culture, and tropical climate: you would be hard-pressed to find a city more welcoming and tourist-friendly!

Thailand Holiday: What to Pack When Traveling to Thailand

How do you prepare for your Thailand holiday? There are items you will definitely want in your suitcase, if not before boarding your flight then at least after you've checked in at your hotel and found a nice convenience store to buy these things from, especially since not all these items are readily available in an average K-Mart at home. Whether or not you need them all depends on the weather conditions in Thailand at the time (or the region of Thailand you are visiting), but for the most part they are necessary around the year.

• Mosquito repellent: This is absolutely a must! More so if you are traveling during Thailand's summer season, and also one of the many, many reasons that should dissuade you from choosing bottom-of-the-barrel accommodation: no air-conditioning means you will be opening the window just to breathe and then it's open blood-sucking season. Mosquito repellents in forms of lotions are good, but you could consider insect-repellent bands as well, worn either on the ankle or wrist: creams and lotions are liable to be diluted by sweat. And in the tropics, you are going to be sweating a lot!
• Sunblock: Do you happen to come from the United Kingdom? Be warned: in Thailand the sun is going to scorch your skin off and it's all sunny, all the time barring the monsoon season (though even then you will still see more sunlight than you do in an entire British year). Bring sunscreen and apply it generously whenever you want to take a walk around Bangkok or Chiang Mai; else you are going to find yourself limited to evening and very early morning strolls.
• Power adapter: Unless you are from Hong Kong or any other countries which use 220V 50Hz power sockets, you will want a power adapter or two to keep your smartphones, electric shavers, and iPods going. Power sockets in Thailand accept two flat prongs, or two flat prongs with one ground pin. Prepare accordingly. (You can rent one from hotels above a certain price range, but if you're backpacking through guesthouses you should consider bringing your own.)
• Bottles of water: This is something of a no-brainer: when you are on a tour through Chiang Mai or Koh Samui you may find yourself dehydrated, which can have all kinds of side-effects you don't want: dizziness, nausea, and digestive complications. Buy a bottle of water or bring a canteen, and keep drinking.
• Clothes: You will want the lightest wear you have got. Short jeans, sleeveless tops, and similar should be the order of the day. Keep in mind, however, that if you plan to visit Buddhist temples as part of your jaunt through Thailand, you should elect to dress fairly sensibly in keeping with respect for the local faith. So the shorts don't need to be showing your underwear and the tops don't need to let the entire world count your every chest hair one by one. Think going to church, but less stuffy.
• Wheeled bag/suitcase: Bring an empty one, if you can, and keep it with you just for shopping, because chances are good you will be buying a lot of interesting keepsakes, souvenirs and gifts from the Night Market or Walking Street in Chiang Mai and similar arts-and-crafts centers.
• Umbrellas: Not so much for the rain as for the sun. Alternatively, wide-brimmed hats and caps will do just as well to keep your brain from boiling over and streaming out your ears. Just kidding: it's not that hot, but it's warm enough that having something over your head is going to be something you will quickly learn to appreciate (unless you're from Australia or sunny California and already used to it). Sunglasses may be a good idea, as well.
• Footwear: Like the clothes you should pack, this ought to be light as well. Heavy formal shoes and stiletto heels are going to kill your feet in no time and the footpath isn't exactly baby-skin smooth. Light sneakers, sans socks, and slippers are good. Buying disposable flip-flops once you've arrived at your destination is sensible too.
• Deodorant: Unless you honestly smell like Chanel No. 5 while sweating like a pig, you will want deodorant. A lot of it. Oh, and take something for your feet too, because that sweat will stink up more than your armpits.

Thailand Cuisine: 7 Dishes to Try When Visiting Thailand

You will have heard of a few Thai dishes before, maybe eaten a rather bastardized version in so-called “authentic” restaurants at home: pad thai, tom yam kung, Thai green curry, or som tum. You know, the usual mainstream ones you can find anywhere, but usually in a watered-down shadow of itself, tasting nothing like the real thing. When you come to Thailand, you should definitely try them properly cooked, but if you’re visiting anyway why not go off the beaten track a little? After all, there's more to Thai food than those familiar dishes! Try out some of these dishes, which you may have never heard of before, so when you return home you can sniff and turn up your nose at your friends when you’re going to an “authentic” Thai eatery.

Pad kra prao muu/pad kra prao kai: pork and chicken respectively stir-fried with sweet basil, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, and Thai chili peppers. This dish is slightly spicy and emphasizes salty taste, and is best eaten with rice; some restaurants serve it with rice and fried egg.

Thot man pla/thot man kung: fish and shrimp cakes respectively. This is made of a paste that consists of minced fish (or minced shrimp), chili paste, cumin, coriander. The paste is then cut into thin slices, usually circular, and deep-fried as opposed to western fish cakes which are battered. It is strongly flavored and can serve as part of the meal or as snack. It may also be served with sweet plum sauce for dipping. Best eaten fresh off the pan and can also be bought from street vendors.

Tom ka gai: a variant on the tom yum (spicy Thai soup), the tom ka gai is a soup with a large helping of coconut milk, mixed with coriander, lime, chili peppers and lemongrass; tender chicken is added to steep in the soup. Suitable either to being eaten on its own or with rice.

Pad khi mao: a noodle dish whose name translates, literally, to “stir-fried drunk.” You can be assured, however, that there’s no human meat in the dish: it is traditionally cooked with seafood, though variants with pork, chicken or beef are just as common. The main ingredient is a wide noodle, which is stir-fried in a mix of seafood (or any meat; vegetarian options also exist, depending on the restaurant), peppers, baby corns, mushrooms, and holy basil. Seasoning includes soy sauce, sugar, and chili powder. The spiciness varies according to recipe, but you can always ask the restaurant to make it to your taste.

Kai yat sai: Thai omelet! But unlike the more familiar western variant, the stuffed Thai omelet is made by frying a beaten egg in a thin spread, putting in the stuffing (usually tomato, bell peppers and minced pork), and folding it into a square.

Pla sam rot: literally “three-flavored fish,” which is to say sweet, sour, and salty. The fish is deep-fried and served with a tamarind sauce whose main ingredients include tamarind paste, garlic, and chilies. The type of fish varies, though usually it is a freshwater fish.

Khai pat met mamaung himmapan: deep-fried chicken cooked with cashew nuts, dried chilies, and soy sauce. Like most Thai dishes (though this one has Chinese origins), best eaten with rice.

All of these dishes and more, cooked to perfection by authentic Thai chefs, can be had at the Thai restaurant at the Empress Chiang Mai hotel!

Learning Thai for Traveling: Useful Phrases for Your Thailand Holiday

You are planning your next vacation, and that vacation is going to be in Thailand. Congratulations on a fantastic choice! But you aren't sure you will be understood by the locals? Well, you can learn the language, of course, but what if you aren't quite up to learning a whole language just for a vacation? Nobody is going to blame you. It's not an easy language - if anything it's quite tricky and much harder to master than English, especially if you don't have any background in Sanskrit and similar languages.

Khun phuut pasa angkrit dai ruu pao - "Do you understand English?"

Not interested in learning any other phrase or words? Then learn at least this one--it will go a long way in facilitating communication! Alternatively, it's a good way to check whether you need to fumble with your phrasebook or if you can just speak English.

Gin kaew chao tee nai  - "Where do I take breakfast?"

Useful to ask the desk clerk at the hotel after checking in, though most hotels have staff who can speak fluent English (if you are staying at cheap guesthouses, however, this may be something of a crapshoot).

Mai pen rai - "Never mind."

The equivalent of "Don't mention it" or "It's fine." Used to accept an apology or telling that you have taken no offense. Good in situations where a flustered waitress has just spilled or dropped something and you want to tell her that you don't mind.

Rakha tau rai - "What is the price of this [item]?"

The thing to ask when shopping anywhere in Thailand. Specifying the type of good is not required.

Khob khun krap/kha - "Thank you."

The "krap" and "kha" are gendered suffixes; the former is used by men to end sentences, the latter by women. It is considered polite to include them, especially when speaking to strangers.

Sawatdee krap/kha - "Hello."

Usually spoken with hands clasped together, head bowed and knees slightly bent, similar to the namaste gesture of Indians.

Rong praya bhan yuu tee nai - "Where is the hospital?"

Not necessarily useful if you are standing right in front of a hospital. :) 

Ha khao gin tang nai - "Where can I find something to eat around here?"

Helpful if you are not sure whether there are restaurants or eateries around where you currently are.

Ja ma mua rai - "When is it coming?"

Depending on the context this can be used by itself or may require an object to specify what you are asking after, but the language is sufficiently flexible that the listener should be able to get the gist of what you are asking (e.g. when is the food I ordered coming).

Rong ram yuu tee nai - "Where is the hotel?"

If you would like to be specific, you will have to add the hotel's name after "rong ram," i.e. "Rong ram the Empress yuu tee nai." Alternatively, if you'd like directions, you could also ask "Rong ram pai taang nai."

Mee arai naa gin bang - "Can you recommend me a dish?"

Can be used both at a restaurant to inquire the waiter or elsewhere to ask for suggestions of what to eat in general, though for the most part this phrase would work best when you're already at the table and perusing the menu.

Sanam bin yuu klai ruu plao - "Is the airport far away?

Pai duen tiew tee nai dee - "Where can I take a sightseeing stroll?"

The question would generally be answered with the name of a street or an outdoor market, though this depends on which part of Thailand you are visiting and whether you are staying in a city.

Mueng nee yai kae nai - "How large is this city?"

Manners and Culture in Thailand: Is Haggling Good Etiquette?

When you google up tips and tricks on visiting Thailand, chances are good that you’ll run into reviews, travel advisories and posts on travelers’ forums that inform you of a crucial aspect in Thai culture: haggling. Horror stories will be told of how many have come home with luggage packed to the brim with baubles for which they paid six times their worth because they were scammed by street vendors in Chiang Mai at the Night Bazaar or in Bangkok at the Floating Market. Problem is: it’s not true. Sure, there are crooks who’ll trick you out of your money, but really haggling—also known as “being a cheapskate”—isn’t necessarily the way to experience Thailand’s culture to its authentic full. Just like anywhere else, nobody likes “that guy.” Have a glance at this primer to pick up a few facts on Thai haggling: when to do it, where to do it, and when doing it is gonna just embarrass everybody—you most of all.

1. Crafting villages, Night Market, Walking Street. This is where the myth that haggling is the thing to do does the most damage. Chiang Mai is a city of creativity and artists: often the merchants you see selling you that stuff is the same folks who made it. No corporations involved, no middleman, there isn’t even an Etsy in the between. Hence the price tags they’ve set are pretty reasonable, because you’re getting it straight from the source. Apart from that, artisans in northern Thailand make quality products and they’re proud of it. What they sell is hand-made, unique, high-quality and well worth the asking price (which isn’t that high to begin with! Again, compare to Etsy). Yep, there’s room for negotiation, but it’s not like they have got mark-ups that go sky-high and they do have to make a living. Don’t you think it’s awful that tourists force their profit margins to a negligible point, i.e. they barely break even? The best source for merchandise direct from artists and makers are the Sunday and Saturday Walking Streets, occasionally at the Night Market. (Crafting villages et al have higher mark-ups as they need to pay tour guides commissions, whereas people selling at the Walking Streets/Night Bazaar don’t have to.)

2. Supermarkets, department stores. "What are you saying?” I can hear you ask. “Who on earth tries to haggle at department stores?” Believe it, some do. There’re tourists who take the whole “haggling is part of the culture” very literally against all odds of common sense. Oh, that’s not you, naturally, but in case someone else is going to visit Thailand, you might want to give them the heads-up that really, don’t bother trying to pull that off at a 7-11 or a Tesco/Lotus even if the cashier’s Thai. Barcode isn’t exactly flexible, you know?

3. Gold and silver. The funny thing about precious metals is, everyone wants some and it’s sort of the thing that keeps world economy going. So when you’re buying jewelry that’s heavy on the gold or silver side, you should know that they go by the weight and the asking price is dependent on the trading rate for the metal itself, plus the price of the precious stone(s) and the craftsmanship. Should the merchant refuse to accede to your unreasonable expectations for discounts, remember they aren’t trying to rip you off. They just want to make sure their profit margin is a bit higher than “zero” or “negative.” Sapphires, emeralds, rubies and the like do give you more room to wriggle, though.

4. Hotels. This is where you can certainly haggle, as long as you pick the right hotel. My advice? Don't try this at hotels that are part of a huge international chain-Le Meridien, Shangri-La and all. They operate much like their counterparts across the globe and you simply don't walk into a five-star expecting bargains unless you are a card-carrying member with marks to redeem or have frequent flyer miles to burn. Independent hotels in Chiang Mai that are attached to no mega-corporations? That’s a different story. What’s more, you will be spoiled for choice, too: three- and four-stars hotels are everywhere in the city, serving with high standards and hospitality you just won't find anywhere else and certainly not at home. Pool your friends together and tell them you're looking to book three or five rooms, or even just one room over many days (say five) and the desk clerk or the reservation officer will almost certainly get you fantastic deals as long as you don't expect anything unreasonable like dancing girls or half price off. Most properties offer long-term rates too, with varying definitions of what constitutes "long-term." (Generally seven to ten days is a safe bet.)

5. Prices, scaling, and currency. Most tourists don't bat an eyelash paying full price for a cup of Starbucks, which in Thailand is enough to buy a good meal for one at a good restaurant. It's probably worth considering what you are about to buy is really worth and how much more you'd get out of it than a cup of Starbucks or a scoop of Hagen-Daz. Many vendors rely on selling their goods to get by, and they certainly can't afford a glass of coffee that costs almost as much as some of their pricier wares. After a certain point, haggling only saves you maybe half a USD while making the vendor's life just that little bit harder, possibly thinning their next meal. You don't have to care, of course, but it's something to think about, right?

As with any other kind of etiquette, common sense is the main guiding force behind the art of haggling in Thailand. Have fun shopping!

Insider's Tips and Tricks to Chiang Mai Boutique Hotels

All over Thailand’s tourist hotspots like Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket, “boutique” hotels have been cropping up harder than mice on a cheese. You can hardly turn a corner without running into a bed-and-breakfast or tiny guesthouse touting themselves as boutique, charming, and most of all cheap. Strolling around town or Googling up hotels, you are bound to find one or two that are going to look astonishingly reasonably-priced and amazingly luxurious: complimentary treats and meals, opulent design, extra packages at killer bargains. It’s even situated in a fine spot in Chiang Mai. Stop a moment. Did you do some research? The small price and large comforts don’t come without a price. But what could go wrong, you ask? Plenty! If you don’t know where to begin, I offer this checklist to glance through before you make your booking.

1. How's their location? Many small hotels are owned and run by newcomers to the field, who have relatively little capital to invest. This means they will minimize cost on all fronts, including by building on cheaper land-land that is located well away from the tourist attractions and the city center. You don't want to stay at a hotel that's located in the middle of nowhere!
2. Have they been certified by the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) and do they operate with a hospitality license? This doesn’t seem that important to the average traveler—the paperwork and certificates aren’t your business. It’s worth keeping in mind that legitimate, licensed hotels need to pass inspections and follow rules and regulations: safety laws being foremost. There’re officials going through their fire exits, fire extinguishers, climate control, hygiene, even staff offices. So this wonderful hotel may have a gorgeous swimming pool and they offer Thai massage for free, but did you ask if they’ve got fire exits and alarms in the right places? When you start cutting corners, it’s easy to keep going. Unscrupulous owners don’t forego official licenses without a reason. Some properties dodge these requirements by badging themselves as “serviced apartments” and, though these will adhere to safety laws more vigorously, they aren’t a hotel and if you see “four-star serviced apartment” you should know it’s not much more than optimistic—and false—advertisement. Serviced apartments don’t get to apply for stars and don’t meet qualification guidelines.
3. How many staff do you see around the premise? Small hotels cut cost in another area: salaries. Sure, you won't want people to bustle and invade your personal space, but you will want prompt service in the restaurant, the reception, and most importantly the housekeeping. Small staff rosters mean that less manpower will be dedicated to keeping the place in tip-top shape, including but not limited to plumbing, washing out the swimming pool, and more. Did you know how dirty water in pools can get? Trust me, you don't want to. With all those dead skin cells, body fluids, diseases: let's just say you don't want to look at them through a microscope. Best practice is to drain out the water every day and making sure the water going in has gone through disinfectants, but if a hotel doesn't have enough staff you can almost be certain they'll skimp on this.
4. Security. Again, this relates to the problem of limited personnel: how many do they have in their security? Do they have someone to constantly monitor their CCTVs (if there are even any, and are there enough cameras)? This is one more area for which you don't want to accept compromises.
5. How much maintenance do they perform, and how often? Fire drills? Power systems, elevators and drainage are inspected routinely by the authorities in licensed hotels. The ones operating without a license have no such motivation to keep them up to snuff.

There are plenty of trustworthy and officially licensed boutique hotels in Chiang Mai and elsewhere that fulfill all these requirements. Don't let yourself be lured into ones that don't.

For You: Picking Accommodation in Chiang Mai

Recession has affected the entire globe and nobody's gone unscathed; these days--more than ever--it is important to make sure that you maximize the value of what you spend. While that's not always easy thanks to the instability of mainstay currencies and parts of Asia are no longer as cheap as they once were, Thailand remains a destination whose expenses stay reasonable as long as you avoid premium spots like Phuket and Hua Hin: Chiang Mai is frequently neglected in favor of the more expensive southern Thailand, but it's nevertheless an attractive city. Marrying the charm of pre-modernization cities, Chiang Mai is the capital of the north and hardly industrialize. It offers a veritable range of activities from elephant camps to white-water rafting, from digital malls to cottage-industry villages. Fine hospitality and exquisite accommodation are offered at incredibly affordable rates but it's not easy to locate the hotel that's perfect for you with so many choices. This guide looks to suggest the things you might want to look for in a Chiang Mai hotel.

1. You. Going alone, with family, with your spouse? Business or pleasure?  If you are traveling with kids, it’s a good idea to see whether the hotel offers suites or connected rooms and whether the swimming pool is children-friendly. Moreover, you might want to make sure the hotel has enough space for the kids to run around without leaving the premises (i.e. leaving your and the staff’s sight). Some hotels offer baby-sitting services, as well. Traveling with elderly? See if the hotel maintains emergency contact with local hospitals and whether it has an in-house doctor. Look through the hotel facilities. Make inquiries early and come to an arrangement that suits you best.
2. Essential experience. Many hotels fluff things up with spa packages, twenty types of pastas, or seven kinds of mineral water in the mini bar. All well and good, but you might want to consider whether they are really things you need and whether they will have a genuine impact on your Chiang Mai holiday. Do you even like spas? Are you a connoisseur of mineral water? Less is often more and the frills distract more than they add—the frills, of course, being the factor that hikes up the price. You would be better off reading reviews for the qualities you know will enhance your experience: service, comfortable beds, breakfast spread, quality of food. The most fabulous décor in the world is going to be cold comfort if the desk clerks are rude, the housekeepers slack, and the waiters take twenty minutes to get to your table.
3. Local flavors. Many travelers’ first instincts are to go with the tried-and-true: properties that are part of a huge global chain, for example. However, while that approach may be advisable in some destinations, in Chiang Mai it is far from necessary: by and large hotels in Chiang Mai, from three stars upward, are of more than commendable quality. Besides, there are franchised hotels everywhere in the world; wouldn’t you like to try something local, interesting and authentic? After all, you wouldn’t spend all your time in Thailand eating Pizza Hut and drinking Starbucks, would you?
4. Say no to cheap. Unless you are backpacking (or even if you are!), you don’t want to pick an accommodation whose highlight begins and ends with being the cheapest in the area. Warning signs include “hotels” that tout that they have clean rooms with air-conditioning, features that should be taken for granted anywhere. Sometimes the difference in price is no more than a few hundred bahts or ten bucks, and it’s just not worth it to scrape the bottom of the barrel. Going bare-bones tends to mean everything will be truly basic, including but not limited to the plumbing and climate control system. You are here for a holiday and to treat yourself, not for boot camp.

Thailand Temple Etiquette

Are you up for a temple-crawl around Chiang Mai? Great! So am I—there’re entire streets lined to either side with nothing but temples. If you’re interested in Buddhism and Thai architecture, you’ll be in for a treat. Before we get around to where to find those temples and which notable ones you should consider visiting, though, you might want to keep a few things in mind to make your sightseeing as smooth as possible.

1. Temple dress code. It’s not that Buddhists are prudes who hate your bodies or think everyone should cover up from neck to toe, promise. It’s just that you wouldn’t wear bikini briefs to a church, a graduation ceremony, or a funeral either (unless you want to be politely asked to leave), would you? So put on something, they aren’t strict. T-Shirt and jeans, the standard-issue uniform of tourists everywhere, will be fine. Shorts are okay as long as they are of a reasonable length.
2. Leave something. A few coins in the donation boxes or a small bank note or two. Think of it as an admission fee—those lovely roofs and finials have to be maintained, after all, and they can’t do it on empty air. Every little bit helps! Take out some of that cash you were going to spend on a cup of Starbucks and distribute it across several temples. You can still get nice coffee from a non-franchise café (it’ll taste just as good if not much better) for half the price of Starbucks. Some temples have shops attached to them and, usually, if you buy souvenirs from those parts of the earnings will also go to the temple, if you don’t feel like just giving away small change.
3. No entry. Buddhist monks are celibate and certain parts of temples are barred to women. Yes, it’s not a model of feminism, but vacationing in Thailand is probably not the best time for advancing the women's movement cause.
Basic courtesy. Again, monks take their celibacy seriously; this means no contact with women, though in general regardless of your gender you shouldn’t be trying to shake hands with them in any case so men shouldn’t be grabbing at them either. Personal space, right? Likewise, even if you are an atheist or a Christian, please try to respect the icons and representations of Buddha or Hindu deities. No touching, handling, climbing, or creative redecorations. Yes, there really are people who do that and and Thai people tell horror stories about them. Don’t want to be one of those tourists, right?
4. Cameras. Some temples’ halls house relics and antiques, which can be damaged by camera flashes. They will therefore put up signs requesting that you not take pictures. It’s a simple rule, and easy enough to comply with.
   
5. Off with the shoes! This isn’t just for temples but for Thai houses, several establishments and restaurants: take off the shoes. They don’t really want you to track the dirt, mud, and possibly animal droppings onto their nice clean floors and carpets, and you wouldn’t want to walk in those either. It’s a sensible custom. Try it.

Simple, right? None of this is a hard-and-fast rule—all you need is a little common sense and you’ll have as lovely a holiday in Thailand as you could want! Don't forget to make sure you check in at a hotel close to temples for quick, convenient access.

Songkran in Chiang Mai: Places to Stay and Activities

Hello April! Hottest time of the year in Thailand, but should that stop you? No! Quite the opposite, in fact. It's the perfect time if you want to try something new, fun, and special--Songkran! Don't know what it is? Well, what it is is something superb for your Thailand holiday. Bring yourself, bring the kids. They are gonna love it.

Songkran what? You may know Songkran as the Water Festival. It's also the Thai New year which falls on 13 - 15 April every year, taking place in the hottest month in the year. To combat this, Thai people came up with a truly amazing yet simple way: water. A lot of water being thrown at each other. It's everyone's opportunity to play like kids and get away with it--of course other folks will be doing it to you too, but where's the fun if they don't? That's not all there is to Songkran and there are temple ceremonies you might want to join in, but the absolute highlight is surely the water-throwing. Rent a pickup and hop onto the back, grab a hose and water pistols, show up around the canals and go!

Okay, but where?  All of Thailand celebrate Songkran; the usual suspects like Bangkok, Pattaya and Hua Hin are some of them, but nowhere does it with the same enthusiasm as northerners. The hotspot, then, is Chiang Mai. For a start, Songkran in Chiang Mai kicks off fast. Should a weekend precede 13 - 15 April, you can expect it to begin as early as three or four days before the thirteenth and this is the case for Songkran 2011. The entire week, which is to say 8 - 15 April, is water-throwing all the time. 

Where do I stay during Songkran? When looking for Chiang Mai accommodation during Songkran, you might want to consider staying away from the concentrated activities. Around the Old City and the Night Bazaar, for example, is going to be packed throughout the day and if you don't want to get drenched while leaving or returning to your hotel, you don't want to stay around there. The ideal place to be, then, is the Chang Klan road some distance from the Night Bazaar: this four-star hotel, for instance, is as close to perfect as you can get. You can still reach the Night Bazaar and the Old City on foot (in 5 and 10 minutes respectively), there are pharmacies, a bank, and restaurants nearby, but you won't risk getting soaked 24/7. It's the best of every possible world. Book in advance, though, to ensure you get the best-value rates.

So what do I do? The entirety of Chiang Mai is fair game for Songkran fun and mischief, but the most concentrated spot is around the Old City, where the canals (no worries about dirty waters; they're cleaned just for the occasion) provide a convenient source of water. Everyone will be there and vendors will show up on the sidewalks to hawk protective plastic covers, colorful buckets, hoses and water pistols.