Whats On Chiang Mai

Both Fi Thong and Jin Heng Haud sell beautiful cotton fabrics from the Chom Thong (Jomthong. Jomtong) area.  Several cotton weaving villages are situated a short distance south of Chom Thong (15 kms. south from Chom Thong on Highway 108). Mon Duang Duan (KM. 65 east side) has a workshop with looms as well as a riverside restaurant. The Nang Ap Chang women’s weaving group (KM. 68 east side just after the cement elephant) is a little further. Ban Rai Pai Ngam (Thai sign) Pa Saeng Da textile museum (English sign) offers an excellent textile weaving display. (KM. 68 east turn 400 m) Hrs. 08.30 17.00.

I plan to visit the various weaving villages in the Jom Tong (Chom Thong) area in the near future.  When I do, I will provide exact GPS map coordinates for the various weaving villages.

Established in 1996, The Good View has now become one of the most popular bars & restaurants in Chiang Mai. The Good View has a great band performing live every night. Located on the next to the Mae Ping River on Charoen Raj Road, the Good View is one of the main venues for both locals and visitors to have a great time in Chiang Mai.

One of my favorite places to hang out and drink Irish Coffee, The Good View serves serves delicious Thai, European, and Japanese cuisine. The Good View also have anice selection of wine, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Situated in a riverside contemporary wooden style, The Good View is a nice atmosphere to hang out and enjoy the Chiang Mai nightlife. See you there!

Just down the street from Fai Thong is another amazing fabric shop.  Today I found at least 10 beautiful cotton fabrics to tailor into designer shirts.  People who see shirts call them “masterpieces!” so I continue to enjoy taking the best Northern Thai cotton fabrics I can find and making shirts.  Finding a nice fabric job can be difficult if you do not speak Thai and only have a few days in Chiang Mai. So, I recommend you visit Jin Heng Huad, 23-25 Kuang Men Road, Chiang Moi, Chiang Mai, 50300. You can phone them if you get lost, in Chiang Mai phone 053235707.

This is a must time of year to visit the Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai to see the amazingly beautiful display of lights and candles of Loy Krathong.  The actions peaks this year on November 12, 2008 when the moon is full. Do not miss this amazing festival in Thailand!

Ever wonder where the many police in Chiang Mai live?   You will never see this place on the tourist maps, however there is a large economy housing complex in the Nong Noy (Nonghoi) area where the police in the Chiang Mai district stay!

Located in the Nong Hoy area of Chiang Mai, Dumrong Yuttitum and Friends Law Office offers both civil and criminal legal services to foreigners.  You can find their office hidden away at 543/95 Karnkeha Nong Hoi Village, Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road, T. Nonghoi, A. Muang, Chiang Mai.   Phone (053) 802128.   Email:  dumrongyuttitumlawoffice@yahoo.co.th.

The Nakorn Ping Palace Hotel is an older, yet to be renovated, budget property just south of the Holiday Inn Chiang Mai, right behind the Nong Hoy Market. According to the front desk staff, Nakorn Ping Palace Hotel does not see many western tourists; most of their customers are from Thailand, China and Taiwan.  We toured the rooms and they were old, but clean.  Some of the rooms has nice views of the Mae Ping River and other rooms had nice views of the surrounding mountains.    Personally, I don’t think I would recommend staying at the Nakorn Ping Palace Hotel.  The rooms are old and the furnishings need to be updated.  However, it is a good landmark when you are looking for the Nong Hoy Market.   Travelers on a budget might find the property interesting, since the rates are quite low.

If you love authentic Northern Thai food, I strongly recommend you visit the Nong Hoy Market (Nong Hoi or Nonghoi Market), just south of the Holiday Inn Chiang Mai.  For the past two days, I enjoyed some of the best tasting smoked Northern Thai sausages (Sai Oua) I have ever eaten.   When in Chiang Mai you must get off the “beaten path” of over priced tourist places and find the real Chiang Mai.   The Sai Oua at the Nong Hoy Market is freshly smoked and sells for 20 baht for a 6-7 inch piece.   Delicious!   Don’t forgot to order 5 to 10 baht worth of sticky rice.   If you smile, they might even toss in a big handful of delicious Thai herbs (Samun Prai).