Of course, stray dogs live a tough life regardless of what streets they roam in their corners of the world. However, it seems as though the dogs that call the lanes of Chiang Mai home face a particularly uphill climb. These soi dogs, as they’re commonly known, must overcome challenges around every turn if they […]
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On my last morning I took a final look at the map of Ayuthaya that the guesthouse gave me when I noticed a small cartoon-drawn elephant with the label “Elephant Kraal” in the top right corner of the page. With a piqued interest, I looked into this further and discovered that this was the last […]
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Giva Restaurant is definitely a diamond in the rough! It may be difficult to find, located on Tha Pae Soi 1 between Tha Pae Rd. and Loi Kroh, but it’s worth it. The raw, organic and vegan food prepared to order by the owner, Pomm, is a labor of love. The restaurant’s space is absolutely […]
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Thailand, with its pristine beaches, lush jungles and rich Buddhist culture, is undeniably an attractive country to visit and live in. At first glance, maneuvering through the consular bureaucracy and understanding which Thai visa is right for you may seem daunting, but hopefully, this post will help. Pretty much everyone in the world will need […]
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Every once in a while, unexpected opportunities pop up when abroad that may never happen at home. One such occasion occurred when a friend told us that a major Hollywood film, “The Coup”, was being shot in Chiang Mai and they were looking for Western extras. Furthermore, the movie was to star Owen Wilson, Lake […]
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As of this writing, there are 32 countries that have issued warnings against travel to Thailand. Of course, we see the political protests happenings on Thai television sets across the city, but here in Chiang Mai it mostly seems like a world away from the Bangkok-centered activities. In no way are we claiming that we’re […]
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Nestled in a valley between two mountain ranges rich with lush shades of green, the northern city of Chiang Mai feels more like a small town with access to nature only steps from your guesthouse. Completely surrounded by an old wall and a moat dating back to the 13th century, it’s easy to compare the unofficial […]
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As the rainy season here in Thailand comes to an end, and the temperature drops to a brisk 24C at night, it may not be reminiscent of past Autumns, but we were still craving a tasty warm soup. So, I’ve taken advantage of the abundant harvest of sweet Thai pumpkins, but in lieu of those, […]
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In 1955, Marilyn Monroe starred in the movie, The Seven Year Itch, which presented the idea that marriages are doomed at or around the 7th anniversary. This claim is actually supported by census data over the last 60 years, at least in the United States, as most first marriages end in divorce in 8 years. […]
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Have you seen all the main tourist hot spots in Chiang Mai but have an extra day before journeying on to your next port of adventure? Consider bicycling through the wooded campus of Chiang Mai University. Located between Suthep and Huay Kaew roads, with the main entrance off Huay Kaew, Chiang Mai University offers shade […]
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A young guard greeted me and without smiling (very atypical in Thailand) she allowed me to enter through the door made of painted metal bars and be seated just outside the second of what I later learned would be a series of identical doors. As I silently sat in the plastic chair provided, it suddenly […]
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Chiang Mai certainly has its share of elaborate and ornate temples, such as Wat Phra Doi Suthep and Wat Phra Singh. However, if you’re in the mood to visit a temple with a different style, my new favorite wat in the city might be exactly what you’re looking for. Sobering Wat Umong, built in 1297 […]
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Last year, we arrived in Thailand about a week too late to enjoy the festivities of Songkran, the traditional New Year’s celebrations. Originally, the 3-4 days of Songkran was a time for people to visit and pay their respects to their elders, monks and Buddhist relics, by gently pouring water over the hands and shoulders. […]
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With its prime location at Tha Pae Gate, we had passed AUM vegetarian restaurant countless times, but had never really noticed it. The hustle and bustle of the area, with throngs of tourists and touts crowding sidewalks and streets alike, always instills the fight or flight instinct in us. But on this particular Sunday, we […]
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Wat Phra Doi Suthep, otherwise known in Chiang Mai as “the temple at the top of the mountain” sits 1,676 meters (5499 feet) above the city of Chiang Mai. Of course, Lonely Planet will explain how you can take a shared taxi up the road full of switchbacks or, if you want more of an […]
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Situated at the end of a quiet wooded soi (lane) off Nimmanhaemin Road in the trendy shopping area west of the Old City in Chiang Mai, Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant displays its sign proudly advertising that their vegetarian menu is “so delicious you won’t miss the meat” and it’s true. Anchan occupies the second floor with a […]
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The Grand Palace is not only the official residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the longest current reigning monarch in the world, but arguably one of the most visited spots in all of Thailand. The complex includes beautiful statues, murals and temples, including the famous Buddhist chapel Wat Phrae Kaow, dating back to 1782. In addition, […]
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It was late January when rumors started swirling that Save Elephant Foundation was getting ready to rescue another elephant. A few months earlier, during my trip to Surin province to witness Dao Tong’s rescue, my fear of throwing up on the truck due to my crippling motion sickness kept me from fully experiencing this momentous […]
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