Chiang Mai

Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city’s 700 year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime accesses to the old town.

For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase “a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around” was common. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia’s most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.

The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handcrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai’s distinctive diversity.

In a survey by the Asiaweek magazine, Chiang Mai was ranked as the 9th most livable city in Asia east of Kabul. Everyone visiting or living here would attest that it’s in fact number one.

Chiang Mai also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest.

For more info, suggested link:
www.tourismthailand.org/destination-guide/chiangmai-50-1-1.html

Nightlife Chiang Mai

The Chiang Mai nightlife is much tamer and quieter than Bangkok, but enjoyable all the same. People in this city like to enjoy themselves and are happy to party with the many foreigners visiting their town. In Chiang Mai there are plenty of relaxing bars, a couple of banging discos, one street full of go-go bars and a smattering of karaoke lounges. Thailand is also very accepting of the gay and lesbian scene.

The city is a great place for a pub crawl because it’s easy to walk (or stumble) from bar to bar (crossing the city centre on foot takes about 20 minutes). Many bars in Chiang Mai features live music and the Thais are fabulous singers with repertoires that include lovely Thai ballades, MOR, soul, blues and pop favorites. There are also a number of discos which have talented DJs spinning dance floor anthems, cutting edge trance and house and retro classics.

For more info, suggested link:
www.1stopchiangmai.com/hospitality/bars
www.retire-on-550-month.com/nightlife_in_chiangmai.php
www.chiangmai.bangkok.com/nightlife

Thai Food

Thai food has become an exquisite part of Thailand’s culinary repertoire. The delicate blend of exotic herbs, spices, fruits and fresh ingredients makes Thai foods stand out as one of the World’s most flavorful cuisines, striking a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, sour and savory tastes. The common herbs used as food ingredients are kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lemon grass, coriander roots, garlic, shallot, lime and chili.

Rice is usually served with Thai dishes. The most appreciated and delicious of all is “Jasmine Rice” or “KAO HOM”, called so from its delicate and jasmine like fragrance.

Naming after Thai rice, “KAO HOM” is a casual cooking school that will immerse our attendants into the art and atmosphere of Thai cooking. Expertly presented cooking lessons are conducted in beautiful garden setting a cultural and culinary experience.

Depending on the day you attend, one of six different menus will be highlighted. Each consists of dishes that together create a menu well balanced as a perfect meal. The course is designed to give you a basic understanding of each dish and technique. You will then be more ready to improvise and adapt what you’ve learned and be able to cook other dishes of the same or similar sort. You will of course enjoy the dishes you have prepared and take home the detailed recipes.

For more info, suggested link:
www.enjoythaifood.com

Khan Toke Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the best place to sample northern cuisine. The most distinct style is known as Khan Toke. A Khan Toke meal consists of several small dishes such as chicken or beef curries, crispy fried pork skin and northern style chili sauces such as the mild red nam prik ong or the firey nam prik on; all served with sticky rice. A Khan Toke dinner is traditionally served on a small round table.

The best coffee comes from trees which are planted in small plots with other types of trees, to help stopping soil erosion.

You will find several Khan Toke restaurants around Chiang Mai. Most of them are tourist oriented and put on a show of traditional dancing along with dinner. One of the favorite is the Kum Kaew Palace, located near the Vista Hotel, just inside the Changpuek gate. It’s located in a small old palace building belonging to princes of Chiang Mai.

Khum Khantoke – an exquisite northern Thai house with it’s beautiful Lanna setting surrounded by the rich assortment of creative traditions and exotic products of Lanna arts and crafts. Come and learn the unique experience of Lanna dining, you will be served the distinctive flavors of authentic north.

International Food
Chiang Mai has an astonishing number of restaurants from spicy simple Thai to fancy French fare. The choices are endless…if you dine at different restaurants three meals per day in Chiang Mai, you may never cover all the city’s astonishing number of restaurants-there are thousands. Lanna, Thai and South East Asian cuisine, subtle French, generous German, stylish Japanese, hearty British as well as some innovative and exciting fusion cuisines which are offered at varying price ranges, ambiances and locations throughout the city.

For more info, suggested link:
www.restaurantica.com/on/ottawa/thai-lanna-cuisine/23003570

Hilltribe Village Trekking Chiang Mai

A day in the embrace of Nature! Located south of Chiang Mai is one of the most fertile troves of natural treasure in Thailand, Doi Inthanon National Park. The invigorating mountain air and fresh cool climate makes it a rejuvenating break from the city.

Doi Inthanon, 8514 feet above sea level – the highest peak in Thailand, is probably the most preserved in Thailand. It is extremely popular among bird watchers, with more than 383 species having been reported.

To touch and feel the true natural beauty of Doi Inthanon National Park, join for a 2 hour walk along the Kew Mae Pan Natural Trail, the most fertile nature trail in the area.

Ping River Chiang Mai

For more info, suggested link:
www.affiliate.viator.com/brochure/product_show.jsp;jsessionid=acbxoZY6-xrKjajVMlQ4r?ID=1010&PRODUCTID=1016&CODE=3685CNX20C&AUID=4682

River Rafting Ping River Chiang Mai

When it comes to your bamboo raft trip along the Ping River, Chiang Mai, it is really relaxing. After visit some unspoiled hilltribe villages in Chiang Dao, such as Karen and Palaung hilltribe villages. If time permits, you may visit some other nearby villages like Akha, Lahu and Lisu hilltribe village. On return to Chiang Mai, the journey continuous by road to an Orchid Farm at Mae Sa.

For more info, suggested link:
www.chiangdao.com/chiangmai/whitewaterrafting.htm

Chiang Mai Elephant Trek

In present day Thailand, elephants are only used as tremendously powerful beasts of burden. But in the earlier times, they were a vital part of the King’s army and played a very important role in Thai history.

North of Chiang Mai, situated on the banks of the Ping River, is Chiang Dao Elephant Camp. In an unspoiled setting marvel at these colossal beasts of burden performing amazing feats of strength and skill at the command of their “mahouts”.

Then flows an exhilarating elephant trek through the neighboring jungle, past bamboo trees and hanging creepers, upwards towards a remotes Lisu hilltribe village. The Lisu hilltribe people originated in Tibet and their villages are usually located in the mountains around 3280 feet. Local lunch is provided. After lunch you will enjoy a trilling river rafting adventure down the Ping River.

For more info, suggested links:
www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Thailand/Northern_Thailand/Chiang_Mai-1445733/Things_To_Do-Chiang_Mai-Elephant_ride-BR-1.html

thailandforvisitors.com/north/chiangmai/cm-advent.html

Chiang Mai Adventure

Chiang Mai is a natural base camp for trekking and other adventurous activities. This is the great experience to known tropical beauty and nature. A center for treks into the mountainous northern areas, especially home of hilltribes, Chiang Mai offers unique opportunities for the adventures. Lush hills and virgin forests are scenic backdrops that will make your trekking by foot or on elephant back truly memorable. The most popular trails are in Doi Inthanon National Park where over 300 birds species and wide variety of orchids and other flowers can be seen.

Chiang Mai Sky Adventure

Elephant shows are generally held in the morning at 9:40 a.m. and begin with elephants bathing before continuing with displays of forestry work and other skills. Elephant rides are usually available after the show. The elephant camp is on Chiang Mai – Chiang Doa road and has a charming demonstration of the working elephants’ skilled in handling logging. Chiang Mai also provides good opportunities for rafting using bamboo or rubber rafts, as there are lots of rivers and streams flowing throughout the province. Popular routes include Mae Kok, Mae Chaem and Mae Tuen rivers. All rivers flow through lush forests and hilltribe settlements.

For more info, suggested link:
www.chiangmaiadventure.co.th

Happy New Year 2009 from Bangkokwebdesigns.com

Hello everybody! I was thinking how to start my Bangkok web design blog and nothing could be better than start with wishing you all and your family a very warm wish for New Year 2009. Well, not much cold weather here in Bangkok at this time of the year, however, you can feel the warm touch everywhere.

I will post various articles in this blog about the web design trends in Bangkok and greater Thailand as well as the lifestyle, people, pictures, travel experience and many more things which you never know and only someone can comment if stay in Bangkok. Yes, now a days I am coming often here for my business activities and truly fall in love with this country specially with Bangkok. I will share my experience with you of how I see things here changing towards Internet. We all know Thailand is not much familiar with the website business and IT industry and this is mainly because of the language problem. People not know much about English, make them not interested in websites and all. But things are changing very fast here. New generation is very much sincere to learn English and thus websites and Internet are being popular in Thailand rapidly.

Well, not much now, wait for my new postings soon and I will try my best to give you some very useful and interesting stuffs. Till then…enjoy the season