What I discovered was a city like no other, a virtual Shangri La nested in the North of Thailand, gifted with some of the most incredible scenery on earth, manmade and otherwise, a place where stunning beauty lurks around every corner and where the local weather accents it all making this one of the most livable places on earth. I discovered a diversity of people that astounded me, and a richness
of culture and heritage the intrigued me, as well as a place where all the best of Thailand flourishes, especially the cuisine. In short, I fell in love with this city and established this website to share it with the rest of the world. The People of Chiang Mai
Get to know some of the real people behind the scenes of the city, not the ones you commonly see in the news. These are stories of character, of human interest, of common people who in some way add to the flavor of the community. Their stories reflect the hidden diversity of the City of Chiang Mai. Some are Thai and some are foreigners, but every one has a unique tale to tell and a distinct perspective on life in the City. The Wats of Chiang Mai
One of the first things a new visitor to the City of Chiang Mai is apt to notice is that there seems to be ornately decorated Buddhist temples on almost every street in the city, often more then one or two. Each wat has its own unique history, character and style. This section is meant for anyone interested in discovering the story and some of the secret beauty behind many of these magnificent local wats. Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand
Living high in the lush green mountains surrounding Chiang Mai are groups of colorful, ethnically diverse minorities, each with their own unique traditions, culture, customs, dress, language and spiritual beliefs. Among them are the Akha, Hmong, Karen, Lauhu, Lisu, Mein and Padaung (Long Necks). Even among these groups, there is diversity as well. Today these people are easily recognizable for the distinctively colorful traditional costumes worn. Come join me in celebrating their unique contribution to the flavor and ambience of this city. The Art Gallery
Chiang Mai is blessed with a diversity of gifted artists expressing their creativity in almost every medium ever invented by man. This section of the website is meant to introduce them and their work, to capture their craftwork in full living color, and to support local artists and the galleries dedicated to their work. Local artisans may exhibit their works for free, and eventually, to sell them as well via this site. This website reserves the right to choose the best of the best for photographic display. The Photo Gallery
The unbelievable beauty and diversity of Chiang Mai and its surroundings inspires countless photographers to try to capture a sense of what they see. Each one has a unique perspective that reflects on what catches their eye. This section of the website is meant to allow photographers from all over Chiang Mai to exhibit their best work, to show the world what they can do. It should be noted that all photos displayed are the exclusive copyright of the photographers who took the pictures. The Murals of the Chiang Mai Wats
Many of the wats in Chiang Mai are adorned with intricate murals depicting scenes from ancient Thai folk lore. The intent of this section of the website is to capture, and share with the world, the beauty of those murals and to explain the classic tales behind each of the scenes. For those looking to see the murals in person, directions are included to the wats where they are located. The Chiang Mai Flower Market
One of the most vibrant and beautiful spots in all Chiang Mai is the Chiang Mai Flower Market. It pulsates twenty-four hours a day, providing flowers and flower arrangements in a dazzling array of colors. There are flowers from all over the world, and flower artisans making the floral arrangements that adorn almost every house and taxi in Chiang Mai. Where we are able to identify the specific flowers and flower arrangements, we will tell you the story behind them and explain what they are most often used for. We will also provide direction the market so you can enjoy the sights, sounds and aroma of this spectacular market in person. Exotic Fruits of Chiang Mai
A visitor to Chiang Mai will often notice the colorful fruit displays in many of the local markets, but often will have no clue as to what some of them are or how they are eaten. This section of the website is dedicated to explaining what these fruits are, where they come from, when they are typically available and how best to enjoy them. It also explains how and where to grow them if you choose. Vegetables Chiang Mai Style
Chiang Mai is gifted with a climate and fertile soils that will grow almost anything, so a visitor should not be surprised to discover virtually every type vegetable imaginable, and then some they never even dreamed existed. In this section of the website, we show you the many different types of vegetables you might discover in one of the local markets, tell where they come from, explain how they are prepared and provide lots of our favorite recipes for enjoying them. Herbs and Spices
Chiang Mai is home to most of the spices and herbs known to man. Simply put, almost anything grows here in abundance, and spices and herbs are no exception. This section of the website focuses on the incredible variety of herbs and spices available, what plants they come from look like, where they come from, what part of the plants are used and how are they used. Whether you are interest in flavoring your food, or in their medicinal value of the local plants, this section is for you. The Markets of Chiang Mai
You can buy almost anything in Chiang Mai if you know where and when to look. There are markets in almost every corner of the city, and even in the streets on occasion. There are many type markets. There are markets that try to sell everything, and ones that specialize in certain types of merchandise, and even some that are only open on certain days of the week or at nights. This section explores the local markets, tells where they are, when they are open and what they typically sell. Festivals of Chiang Mai
It sometime seems like there is a holiday and a corresponding festival almost every week of the year here in Chiang Mai. No place in the world finds more reason to celebrate than the people of Chiang Mai, and they do it with exceptional style and flair. Many of the events are national or religious traditions, and others are celebrated only here in Chiang Mai. Check out the calendar and see what events are coming up next, what is being celebrated, how they are celebrated and where. Chiang Mai Sweet Tooth
For anyone with a sweet tooth, Chiang Mai is close to heaven. There are amazing varieties of sweets sold locally, enough to cater to any sugar junkies cravings and keep them on a permanent high. This section of the website is dedicated to showing the viewer the amazing variety of sweets sold here in Chiang Mai. Street Chow
There are sidewalk food venders on almost every street in Chiang Mai, and no visitor should ever fear eating at one of them. The food is excellent for the Thais have developed fast food into an art form that can be enjoyed by all. In this section of the website, we review the typical dishes commonly offered, and tell how to order them spiced the way you like. For those just looking for a late night snack, we will point you in the right direction. Thai Buddhist Customs and Traditions
Thailand is a predominately Buddhist country steeped in the customs and traditions of their religion. Buddhist temples are found everywhere, and especially in the City of Chiang Mai. This section of the website seeks to explain the philosophy and practices of the Buddhist faith, and the part that the religion plays in the everyday life of the Thai people. Traditional Thai Recipes
Thais take pride in the flavor and variety of their foods. They prepare some of the tastiest dishes found anywhere on the planet. This section of the website describes many of the most popular dishes, and tells how to prepare them, and the best places in Chiang Mai to get them if you don’t care to make them yourself. Strange Treats for the Adventurous
Are you up for fried grasshoppers or crickets? Are you tempted by boiled silk worms? There are plenty of bizarre and fascinating treats available in the local Thai market. For the adventurous or the foolhardy dying to test their intestinal fortitude, this section is for you. Find out some of the strange foods and delicacies available here in Chiang Mai and probably very few other places on earth outside of Thailand. Chiang Mai History
Chiang Mai is at least 700 years old, and there are ruins of ancient structures found all over town and at many of the local wats. The city is steeped in history, and this section of the website is devoted to describing the location and the significance of the many historical and archeological sites around the city. Where possible, copies of historical photographs will be collected for public access. Maps will be provided to historical sites. Museums housing historical artifacts will be listed. Books on the history of Chiang Mai will also be referenced for those interested in digging ever deeper into this city’s storied past. NGOs
There are many international NGOs operating out of Chiang Mai. Each one of them has a specific cause they are championing. Most people are ignorant of what they do in the community and the surrounding areas, and this section of the website is dedicated to acknowledging the work they do and the people they serve. This section will also tell you how you can contact them to support their efforts. Volunteer Services
There are many agencies and organizations in Chiang Mai that depend on volunteers. There are a multitude of opportunities available for those wishing to volunteer their services in support of the community. This section of the website seeks to publicize the work that volunteers do, and let people know where volunteer services are needed. Our purpose is to connect those wanting to serve with the agencies needing their services. Clubs and Organizations
For many people living in Chiang Mai, particularly those in the retirement community, their social life often revolves around the clubs and organizations they are a part of. This section of the website is focused on publicizing the many clubs and organizations that are active within the community. There is something for everyone. Find out when and where they meet. Join a group with interests similar to your own and enjoy the camaraderie. Sports Centers
There are a multitude of sports enthusiasts in Chang Mai, and a vast array of sports facilities to serve them. Almost every sport imaginable has local enthusiasts. Find out what sports facilities are available and where. Find a coach for the sport you are interested in. Take lessons or just play for fun and exercise. Find a place to swim. Learn Muay Thai. Be active and enjoy the competition that Chiang Mai has to offer. Thai Folk Music
Chiang Mai has a rich musical heritage. Find out who is playing where. Meet some of the musicians and hear their story. Listen to their music. Discover the vast array of musical instruments they play and find out where to get them. Find a music teacher. Enjoy the secret world of Thai folk music. Specialty Schools
Learn while you are in Chiang Mai. There are schools for almost everything you can imagine. There are cooking schools, language schools, art schools, Thai boxing schools, trade schools and more. Learn how to make flower arrangements. Learn the art of massage. Find out what is available and where. Learn something new every day of your life, and there is no better place than Chiang Mai to do it. Guest Houses of Chiang Mai
For those looking for a real bargain, there are very few places in the world as cheap to stay in as many of the Guest Houses of Chiang Mai. Find out where they are, what they offer, how little they cost and more. Treat yourself to a super cheap stay. Most guest houses are far better than you might imagine for the incredibly low price you have to pay. Spas and Health Clubs
In Chiang Mai you can afford to treat yourself to the best spas and health clubs found anywhere. Find out what luxury is all about. Discover a world of personal care establishments there for the sole purpose to having you relax in comfort and making you look and feel you very best. Lose those extra pounds, cleanse you skin, relieve your tension, change your hair color, adjust your diet, get healthy. These establishments are all there to serve you. Legal Services
There are countless reasons a person may need legal assistance. Perhaps you want to start a business here in Chiang Mai. Maybe you want to find out how to get married or possibly divorced. What if you need to enter a contract or evaluate the terms of a real estate purchase? Maybe you simply need visa assistance. Whatever your legal needs, there are legal experts available to serve you. Massage Parlors
Everyone deserves to be pampered, and Chiang Mai offers more opportunities than almost any other place in the world to be pampered to your heart’s content. You will find literally hundreds and hundreds of shops and parlors competing to grab your attention with a promise of one or two hours of absolute torture or comfort, depending on your desires. There are also sidewalk massage places set up at most public events and festivals. If you come from another part of the world, you won’t believe the prices either. You can probably afford a massage almost every day of the week, or especially after a day spent hiking in the local mountains, white water rafting, walking around town or dancing at one of the local discos. Tour Guides
There are many, many professional tour guides in Chiang Mai who can speak your language and tell you all about the attractions of the city. This section of the website is meant to provide you with a list of the guides and the languages they speak so that you can book your guide well in advance or as soon as you get here. Even better, using this website with your trusty iPad, you can conduct your own tour around the city.
