Essential Lanna Cultural Festivals - Chiang Mai City Inthakin 2012

Wat Chedi Luang




Chiang Mai's Intakin festival which is held annually for seven days and seven nights around the end of May to the 1st week in June at the impressive Wat Chedi Luang Temple a focal point in centre of the old city.

Celebrating the Buddhist image of Phra Chao Fon Saen Ha thus invoking the annual rains and fertile soils. Join during the day, but more interestingly during the evenings with hundred's of local citizens to each place a small bundle of flowers among thousand's  along with burning incense at the ancient 'Pillar of the City' shrine and at all points around the Chedi thus strengthening traditional religious and community ties.

Bathe Buddha images resting in deep niches high in the pagoda's north and south facing facades by an intriguing pulley system and make merit by lighting a candle to your own Buddha depending on which day of the week you were born indicated by the different postures of the Buddha. Ring all the temple bells as you navigate clockwise around the Chedi, but please be careful not to knock the bells together!

Pay your respects in suitable covered clothing and enter into the recently renovated main hall taking in all the golden light, shimmer and shadow of the many Buddha images sitting shoulder to shoulder looking knowingly down upon you !

Intakin is the festival to see fine examples of traditional Lanna modest costume worn particularly by women carrying generations old finely crafted silver ceremonial bowls and woven basketry carrying delicate and lovingly folded fresh flowers and leaves to pay homage.

City Sentinels 'Ton Yang'  Trees



Marvel at the "Ton Yang" trees that tower over the Temple and the old city standing as sentinels, the city's silent judges and a daily reminder to follow a more sustainable society model in balance with nature. City legend tells us that if these great trees were to fall..the city of Chiang Mai will follow... So teaching and preserving cultural and environmental mindfulness.

Never fear this is Chiang Mai's traditional answer to the global takeover by 24/7 style consumerism!... with a never ending supply of tasty traditional snacks to sample and play and shop till you drop at the temple fair that Connects with the Mettasuksa Boys Temple School next door is a local version of thrill rides from another century..try the cage Ferris wheel for a slightly better view over all the bright neon's, sights, smells and sonic booms of a 'user friendly' traditional religious celebration  in Chiang Mai.

Caroline Marsh is co-founder of Chiang Mai based independent ethical tour operator http://www.trekkingcollective.com/ .."Expertise, Ethical travel and Authentic Experiences contribute to making a difference to local communities and the environment." passionate about new experiences, travel and environmental well being she writes for travel sites and coordinates local 'grassroots' community peoples actions for a better future for all.

Chiang Mai's 3rd Annual Low Carbon Children's Day 2012!

Hui a member of LCLN from Yunnan and living in Chiang Mai chats with Chinese
visitors to the city during the 2012 event

The heavens opened this Saturday 14th January, 2012, during the 3rd Low Carbon Children's Day event, but the rains didn't dampen the fun and the early morning soak brought relief to trees and plants and the communities health after an unusually arid dry spell for this season.  



Two brothers pledged to care for their new Jackfruit tree, the leaves will trap unclean air from dirty car exhast smoke and dust produce clean oxygen and delicious fruit when mature....a win win situation for all!


Holistic Environment Urban School Program [HEUSP] and LCLN [Lanna Community Life Network] joined Acharn Duongchan Charoenmuang and the UDIF team held at the centre for urban sustainable development, a landmark in the old city, located in the lovely listed teak building and the old city's first earth built house planted with local varieties of trees and plants from northern Thailand.

Quick change after the rains...Tomoko and Caroline helping out at the event

HEUSP and LCLN members representing The UK, Thailand, Japan, China and the US were handing out giveaways of local economic plants and trees to children and their parents.

3rd time lucky...this lovely family have visited our booth and faithfully plant trees every year...keeping their pledge to a Healthy Low Carbon Chiang Mai

 The plants chosen for their usefulness, easy to grow and size if you consider growing plants in an urban setting, with many people not having gardens, so they can be grown in an old bucket or pot. There were 7 varities such as the edible JackFruit and a sustainable timber source, Black Soap plant which has an attractive red flower, but not to be eaten and the nuts can produce an oil. also'bai plue' which is an edible easy to grow plant an eaten with a number of local healthy 'raw food 'Lanna dishes.




Caroline a member of  HEUSP and LCLN presenting a 'Fartalaijoan' plant in  reused bags to the director of YMCA
during the event.....we are all someone's child and grown up children can celebrate too!

 
'Fartalaijoan' was a very popular givaway and is one of the most important Thai medicinal herbs for many illnesses which the leaves can be eaten fresh or as a herbal tea, dried and in capsule form, but this plant is not for the faint hearted or sweet toothed as it is also famous for being the most bitter of the medicinal plants. From preventing or bring down high fevers and from personal experience getting over hepatitus A its an amazing cure all.

Mayor Tassanai 1st person to pledge to a healthy Low carbon Chiang Mai!



Parents and Children sign up to the LCLN  peoples pledge for a Healthy Low Carbon Chiang Mai for All!



The LCLN peoples pledge which promotes Chiang Mai as a healthy clean low carbon city, with more than 10,000 signatures to date was the main focus for the parents, grown ups and children receiving the trees and plants as it is one of the 30 effortless actions that everyone can signup to to make our beautiful city more healthier for our children to live in. Next step is to access the hundreds of businesses and organisations to strenghten the pledge and positive role models for generations to come.




Thank-you to GM and staff of Bodhi Serene Boutique Hotel



Many Thanks to all in the Chiang Mai community for coming to the event to Ricky of Our Chiang Mai. Sopha and Peung, long time supporters of HEUSP for helping to transport the 500 plants to the event...not as easy as you think! and Thank-you again to the Management and staff of Bodhi Serene Boutique Hotel for caring for all the plants at the Hotel nursery. Also to the family from France who made a generous donation to HEUSP and LCLN, community 'grassroots' groups. These projects have zero official funding and rely solely on the positive energy generated within our Chiang Mai Community .....time for us all to give back to secure the future for your children and economic sustainability for our city! Please call these numbers to join our growing membership. Like us on facebook and for more information call  Lanna Community Life Network

 English 0831-523 621 ไทย 0892-634-422 Japanese 0812-884-216 Mandarin 0846146702

Written by Caroline Marsh.

Caroline Marsh is co-founder of Chiang Mai based independent ethical tour operator http://www.trekkingcollective.com .."Expertise, Ethical travel and Authentic Experiences contribute to making a difference to local communities and the environment." passionate about new experiences and travel; preaches and teaches community well being; Caroline writes for travel sites, regional travel magazines and her own blog Authentic Chiang Mai promoting her adopted city of more than 20years!; coordinates local 'grassroots' community peoples actions through Holistic Environment Urban Schools Program (HEUSP)and a member of the umbrella network group Lanna Community Life Network (LCLN) formerly NCCN. Visit channel www.youtube.com/holisticearth1

"Connecting Communities".. Trekking Collective a recognized regional leader in Responsible Tourism since 1988



Unique Cultural Experiences
photocredit: NancyLeeMacDonald



Trekking Collective is an independent tour operator set up in 1988 co partnered by Caroline and Chaiyan they are based in Chiang Mai, the capital city of the ancient Lanna Kingdom which was established  more than 700 years ago. ..."Trekking Collective has followed principles of sustainable tourism and ethical business practise in the vulnerable environment of  Northern Thailand's indigenous hill communities since well before 'ecotourism' became an industry buzzword..." Oliver Hargreave, Chiang Mai based travel consultant,travel guide author and photographer. 



Mountain Trails
photocredit:TrekkingCollective2011



For more than 20 years Trekking Collective's proven track record to date on sustainability for communities has meant developing environmental wareness towards a sustainable lifestyle for indigenous and local  Lanna communities in the far north border areas of the Lanna Kingdom (northern Thailand). As diverse as re planting watershed forested areas in vulnerable mountain environments started in 2001; clean water wells dug to prevent risk of disease and hardship to access an all year water supply in the early 1990's; Emergency food, supplies and interest free loans to villager's whose generations old paddifields, lychee Orchards, homes were devastated by mudslide and flood with no government agency or NGO offering help to villagers and a family whose sons were sadly lost.

Introducing hydrogen fuel cells cutting carbon by 20-30% to company vehicles since 2008, buzzing around Chiang Mai by bicycle for over 20 years, plus daily use of e-scooters  in the old city  to offering an organic locally sourced seasonal menu and supporting community group products available for sale at their offices in Chiang Mai promoting a low carbon sustainable society

Projects Timeline

• A pleasure to support clean water supplies to  Lisu and Rad Lahu  communities on the Burma border.
• Sponsoring school children for study materials, first aid kits, sports equipment, blankets and mosquito netting in Chiang Rai province.

School supplies for 500 school children

• Emergency rice dried foods and clothing carried to a Karen Village in Wiang Pa Pao district after Homes, Rice Paddies and Lychee Orchards were devastated by flood.
• Providing pack-ponies for sustainable transportation of crops reducing 'middlemen' costs
• Interest free loans and Trading with the Villagers
• Providing basic health and hygiene medicines for All.
• Successful since 2001. Native Tree species re- Forestation program. First workshop held in Chiang Mai Uni., with many of the group never traveling to the 'capital' and travel issues as no one had ID cards. The community in situ  tree nurseries and classrooms for additional workshops hand built by the Villager’s with 'living’ fencing.
•  villager's agro forestry workshop, collect and propagate seeds so to protect the last stands of Rattan in the area. A essential forest product for food and Basketry and continuation of traditional skills
• 2004 Piggy Bank first established with 'super pigs' purchased from Chiang Mai Government breeding centre and transported to the mountains (they were not very happy about this)
• Shepherd Mead generously donating a new computer to the UN built boarding School, Mae Suai, Chiang Rai province
• 2010.The Community ‘Cow and Piggy’ Bank. Now a successful sustainable stand alone project with a herd of more than 20 cows.
• 2010-2015 Community 'Rice Banks'  for village food security
• August 2011 'Rice Banks have been constructed and maintained by village committees in four communities.
• On going program for old perscription glasses every type of frame especially children size frames. Poor light and nominal eye checks lead to prolonged poor sight especially for the village elders.

Mixed breed Cows are hardy and forage for food

The Community "Cow and Piggy Bank" project which was generously co supported by their long time guest since 1992 and a good hearted friend Albert Steenvoorden  is now a successful sustainable stand alone project with more than a herd of 20 cows, traded and bartered for necessary goods and health emergencies.

New born calves and piglets are cared for by families with the 2nd born reinvested back in to the 'piggy and cow bank' for another villager to establish a new 'account'. More details in English and Dutch 



Albert Steenvoorden on a personal visit to the Community



Unique Indigenous Community

Khun Eggachai village Chief

 Trekking Collective's main focus from 2010 to 2015 is on constructing and maintaining   'Rice Banks' for village food security  due to the adverse effects from global warming play directly with the people’s daily lives much faster than scientists and any computer models have anticipated. 30,000 Baht generously donated by staff and friends for Snackbar Zeeduin, Netherlands 

More donations mean they can develop a rice bank ‘branch’ for every community, environmental awareness programs, permiculture workshops developing outreach projects to other villages in the area, marketing village organic products, provide building materials and transportation. More Details in Dutch and English

As of August 2011 four communities in Chai Prakan district of Chiang Mai and Wiang Pa Pao district of Chiang Rai with their own 'Rice Banks' constructed and now maintained by the villager's themselves!

Majority decision making by the People with Low Technology solutions are the key elements to all projects. If you wish to directly help the best way is to join one of our trips and enjoy the villagers insightful company or you can become a supporter by contacting community@trekkingcollective.com

Trekking Collective would like to personally thank the many individuals, especially Mr. Albert Steenvoorden and Mr. Sheperd Mead; School groups especially Long Island Uni. USA; University of Washington faculty staff and students; Incentive groups CATHAY PACIFIC and non – governmental organisation (NGO’s) especially FORRU based at  C.M.U. that have given their generous support, energy and expertise to the People.



UN built Indigenous Peoples boarding school receiving
PC donated by Mr. Sheperd Mead



Trekking Collective’s short, medium and long term goals have remained the same, mutual cooperation within communities, supporting sustainable agricultural practices as the main focus with an ethical sustainable tourism business model supporting these objectives.

To get involved directly join one of Trekking Collective's excellent trips as a percentage of payment goes directly to support all on-going community projects with the knowledge that costs and adminisration are kept at a minimum and the value of your money benefits the maximum number of people by the direct actions taken by Trekking Collective by their proven track record.

If you are not joining them for a trip just now, but wish to participate in projects? Human resource contributions, donations and knowledge sharing are very welcome and they follow up your trip with an annual newsletter update containing all co supported community activities over the year.
Add your email and request Bank details

Mayor of Chiang Mai signing the ' LCLN Peoples Pledge' commiting the city to a low carbon future
with members of LCLN and other community groups

Locally, Trekking Collective has been supporting and coordinating 'grassroots' community groups including Holistic Environment Urban Schools Program (HEUSP) and is a founder member of Lanna Community Life Network ( LCLN). LCLN activities include promoting environmental awareness, developing a culture specific ' Peoples Pledge' that more than 3,000 citizens of Chiang Mai have signed to date including the Mayor, Chiang Mai Royal family, organic farmers groups and many regional government offices . HEUSP activities include supporting activities at 4 school within the 3 King's Monument area and the cultural heart of the city. Tree planting, recycling to self support a student’s community bank and a great success a Weekly Organic Farmer's Market  held at an urban government primary school in the old city of Chiang Mai....."Connecting Urban and Rural Communities."





HEUSP Organic Farmer's Market at Puttisopon Primary School, Chiang Mai Old City
Promoting a healthy Low carbon society !



Regionally and Globally Trekking Collective has been lauded a ..."Mekong Champion in Sustainable Tourism"....in the latest official Mekong Responsible Tourism website 2011, funded by USAid and the French Government  it is endorsed by the six regional countries that follow the banks of the Mekong River namly Yunnan, in China, Burma, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. Trekking Collective is supported by a Royal Dutch Government Export initiative supporting best practice CBT and CSR businesses from developing nations to connect with partners in the EU



  



                                               

Chiang Mai's Annual Intakin Festival



Wat Chedi Luang



Chiang Mai's Intakin festival which is held annually for seven days and seven nights around the 1st week in June at the impressive Wat Chedi Luang Temple a focal point in centre of the old city.

Celebrating the Buddhist image of Phra Chao Fon Saen Ha thus invoking the annual rains and fertile soils. Join during the day, but more interestingly during the evenings with hundred's of local citizens to each place a small bundle of flowers among thousand's  along with burning incense at the ancient 'Pillar of the City' shrine and at all points around the Chedi thus strengthening traditional religious and community ties.

Bathe Buddha images resting in deep niches high in the pagoda's north and south facing facades by an intriguing pulley system and make merit by lighting a candle to your own Buddha depending on which day of the week you were born indicated by the different postures of the Buddha. Ring all the temple bells as you navigate clockwise around the Chedi, but please be careful not to knock the bells together!

Pay your respects in suitable covered clothing and enter into the recently renovated main hall taking in all the golden light, shimmer and shadow of the many Buddha images sitting shoulder to shoulder looking knowingly down upon you !

Intakin is the festival to see fine examples of traditional Lanna costume worn particularly by women carrying generations old finely crafted silver ceremonial bowls and woven basketry carrying delicate and lovingly folded fresh flowers and leaves to pay homage.

'Ton Yang' trees at Wat Chedi Luang

Marvel at the "Ton Yang" trees that tower over the Temple and the old city standing as sentinels, the city's silent judges and a daily reminder to follow a more sustainable society model in balance with nature. City legend tells us that if these great trees were to fall..the city of Chiang Mai will follow.  

Never fear this is Chiang Mai's traditional antidote to the global takeover by 24/7 style consumerism with a never ending supply of tasty traditional snacks to sample and shop till you drop at the temple fair. Connecting with the Mettasuksa Boys School next door is a local version of thrill rides from another century..try the cage Ferris wheel for a slightly better view over all the bright neon's, sights, smells and sonic booms of a 'user friendly' traditional religious celebration  in Chiang Mai.

Caroline Marsh is co-founder of Chiang Mai based independent ethical tour operator http://www.trekkingcollective.com/ .."Expertise, Ethical travel and Authentic Experiences contribute to making a difference to local communities and the environment." passionate about new experiences, travel and environmental well being she writes for travel sites and coordinates local 'grassroots' community peoples actions for a better future for all.

Learn The Ways of the Thai Elephant

photo credit: Trekking Collective2011

My first unforgettable encounter with Thai elephants more than 20 years ago was hanging on precariously to an elephant howdah (elephant saddle!) during a monsoon downpour in the forests of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, northern Thailand only a few hours journey where I am based in Chiang Mai, the capital city. A time to really appreciate and respect the sure footedness of such a relatively huge pachyderm travelling on a steep and slippery single file narrow mountain path. Don't look down if you get virtigo!

Following my new found elephant friend and her keeper again the next day we made our way down to the river for her morning shower and I joined them to bathe and wash away seeds and insects before work begins - An Elephant Spa ! Contrary to popular belief pachyderms - 'thick skinned mammals' have very sensitive skin.

In the north of Thailand Mahouts (elephant keepers) the Indigenous Karen are the traditional keepers of elephants in the northern forests originally living along the deep forested Thai - Burma border their skills are legendary with commands and skills learnt over many generations with their partnership lasting over a  life-time as both man and elephant may live over 60 years.
  
Over the days I was taught commands in Karen dialect, So I began to know and care for this amazing creature, learning of foods and medicines that can be picked from the forest for an elephants well -being as I journey on elephant back following forested paths.

Late afternoon I returned to my Elephant friend to continue my lessons of traditions, forest-lore and ways of the Thai elephant with a forest walk returning the Elephants to their resting place for the night. It really was a once in a lifetime experience!

Take time to look deep into their all knowing kindly eyes for these our friends are one of the last remaining links to another maybe better world.

..."Let www.trekkingcollective.com you on an unique personal journey through northern  Thailand .."

Caroline Marsh is co-founder of Chiang Mai based independent ethical tour operator http://www.trekkingcollective.com .."Expertise, Ethical travel and Authentic Experiences contribute to making a difference to local communities and the environment." passionate about new experiences and travel; preaches and teaches community environmental well being; Caroline writes for travel sites, regional travel magazines and her own blog Authentic Chiang Mai promoting her adopted city of more than 20years!; coordinates local 'grassroots' community peoples actions through Holistic Environment Urban Schools Program (HEUSP)and a member of the umbrella network group Lanna Community Life Network (LCLN) formerly NCCN. Visit channel www.youtube.com/holisticearth1

Yupparaj Wittayalai High School Goes International



Yuppparaj International Food Festival
photo credit: Sawat Chantalay


Every year during the refreshing climate of cool  'winter' season, historic Yupparaj Wittayalai High School holds its annual open day celebrations. Situated within the old city at the 3 Kings monument with its old colonial buildings and original detailed painted glass windows surrounded by some of the city's largest documented endemic trees dotted around the school grounds that once was the site of a corral that housed Royal Elephants.

Indian National Costume
photo credit: Caroline Marsh

For 2011 the theme was an International food festival supported by the British Council with students dressed in colourful national costume, dance and music promoting languages, technologies and facinating facts about all the countries represented, noted stands were that of India, Korea, France and Japan where everyone sampled traditional fare that students had prepared and served to the many 100's of visitors  including healthy and delicious chaphatis, roti and daal from India.


All departments were represented, Sally Lawrence an English teacher at Yupparaj for a number of years who recently won the best teacher award had fun quiz games set up at the gifted students stand. Sciences had some cool physics and biology exhibits. Acharn Sawat Chantalay from social sciences who is a recognised environmentalist winning many local and national awards, represented India, an additional stand displaying an excellent low carbon school initiative - the sucessful 'eat salad and vegetables' project. Meals containing vegetables, students collect a stamp and when the card's full can win a cool prize.


Eat vegetables and salad for low carbon good health!
photo credit: Caroline Marsh



This was a great event for Yupparaj Wittayalai 's students, teaching staff and president of  Yupparaj PTA, Khun Thanawat Chalermchutidej  to welcome the school's new director  Khun Wissanu Chaokaewmay and endorse the director's vision of cooperation and sustainable future for the School.

The event also welcomed representitives from consulates based in Chiang Mai including China, Japan including the French honourary consul Thomas Baude.


Holistic Environment Urban Schools Program (HEUSP) which has supported Yupparaj  social sciences department for a number of years promoting environmental awareness joined this year's event to sign up students, teachers and visitors to the 'Chiang Mai People's Pledge' more than 700 Yupparaj students have pledged to date.

The intiative started in 2010 by members of the Chiang Mai citizen's group Lanna Community Life Network (LCLN) With the Governor, the Mayor and numerous regional heads of government signed including Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and important Lanna cultural figures such as Chao Duong Duen Na Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai Royal family) who is President of the Chiang Mai Cultural Council.


Students signing up to Chiang Mai People's Pledge

photo credit: Caroline Marsh



The local foreign representitive of Great Britain, the UK honorary consul Mr.Ben Svasti Thompson signed the 'peoples's pledge' December 2010 commiting the consulate to 10 low carbon actions to reduce fossil fuel use which makes environmental, health and economic sense for all to cooperate to take Chiang Mai towards a sustainable future.

During the event the new director of Yupparaj Wittayalai showed great interest  in the initiative and a follow up appointment by members of Lanna Community Life network to pledge the school to commit to these measures so cutting carbon by a minimum 10% and supporting the new government initiative for Chiang Mai to be a low carbon city announced this 14th February 2011.


Written by Caroline Marsh

Caroline Marsh is co-founder of Chiang Mai based independent ethical tour operator http://www.trekkingcollective.com/ .."Expertise, Ethical travel and Authentic Experiences contribute to making a difference to local communities and the environment." passionate about new experiences, travel and environmental well being she writes for travel sites, regional travel magazines and coordinates local 'grassroots' community peoples actions for a better future for all. Member of Lanna Community Life Network (LCLN) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lanna-Community-life-Network-Chiang-Mai-Thailand/143518985705533

Japanese visitors are here to stay!

photo credits: Caroline Marsh


Luckily for me Chiang Mai has been our home for over 20 years firstly as a traveller discovering for myself the nuances of South East Asia, especially Chiang Mai and the magical 'hold' it has on you. Having  since settled down here, experiencing a life style first hand that bridges both Thai and Foreign understanding making http://www.trekkingcollective.com/ an ideal care specialist for Long Stay visitors to Chiang Mai working closely with certified Long Stay advisors based in Tokyo.

Chiang Mai has all the attributes of a perfect winter oasis for the many visitor’s whose homes are frozen over, and now with climate change coming into the equation, winter’s are predicted to be colder and longer, so if your  health suffers, nowhere is more inviting than a warm sunny climate that combines the colours of autumn, spring and  summer all rolled into one.

Chiang Mai is now a quality stand  alone all year destination. It is the capital city of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, steeped in old cultures and customs combining a new contemporary facade. Lanna is made up of the eight far north provinces of northern Thailand, situated 700 metres above sea level and surrounded by the immediate hills of Doi Suthep, Doi Pui and Doi Saket mountain with some of Thailand’s highest peaks conveniently close to the city.

2011 will be the city’s 715^th Birthday with ancient Buddhist temples, more than 300 in total! age old Chedi’s (pagodas ) dotted around the city, the most  striking is that of Wat Chedi Luang close to the three kings monument and the colonial buildings and inner courtyard of the Chiang Mai Cultural Museum. Criss crossing the numerous narrow lanes (soi) you'll discover traditional Lanna style teak family homes with their tropical gardens mingled with contemporary design.


Living standards are high with a wealth of luxury hotel accommodation, comfortable affordable housing and condominiums in secure locations with all amenities considered along  with boutique resorts in the hills plus  ‘alternative living’ such as  'Homestays' and 'Farmstays' to suit  individual taste.

Food and local cuisine your are spoiled by the vast array of ‘ flavours’ There are some wonderful traditional northern Thai  menus mixed with other regional tastes from around Thailand . Ethnic restaurants abound with expatriates (expats) running Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese, Mexican, British, American, Isreali, Indian, Spanish and Burmese plus the one’s I’ve forgotten to mention!  With Japanese food easily found  with excellent sushi freshly available, all your favourite noodles plus quality evening style dining.  If you ever get bored ‘fusion’ food at many trendy restaurants is in vogue.

Health and well being are high on the priority list for the majority long stay visitors. International standard hospitals and dental clnics are based in Chiang Mai with 24 hour emergency care services with translators available for your peace of mind. For the less mobile there are qualified nurse assistants that can care for you at your home and private retirement homes with 24 hour care are situated in peaceful locations close to the city.

This is an exciting creative city of traditional and contemporary design, Chiang Mai’s historic artisan villages and skilled craftsmen complement local and international design themes using locally sourced materials. Excellent ideas for your home furnishings in cotton and silk, quality teak furniture and stylish one off design items. Hand crafted jewelry, leather and quality local tailoring means you return back home with a new designer wardrobe for the summer!

For Long stay visitors it’s essential to be able to access most of your favourite ‘comfort foods’ from home and now  specialty stores in Chiang Mai are very aware of these needs  and now offer a wide choice of quality American, British, European, Australian and Korean imported and locally sourced products, health shops and weekly organic farmer's markets. 

ISAC's JJ Weekly Market every Saturday 5am to 9am
photo credit: Caroline Marsh 

                                           
For Japanese visitors you will be pleased to hear Yamazaki Bakery and Daiso brand 100 Yen stores  are in Chiang Mai for all those gadgets and handy nick-knacks that the Japanese are famed for – every item 65 Baht each.

Daiso Brand Store



Yamazaki Bakery



Activities and hobbies abound in Chiang Mai taking in the the more typically promoted visitor destinations  and attractions such as Doi Inthanon, Elephant Camps, Buddhist temples and sites around the city as well as niche ethical tourism  operators offering exclusive trips and activities supporting local wisdom and knowledge of the varied indigenous cultures of the Lanna kingdom.


Come to study, Thai Dance, Thai Boxing, weaving, natural dyeing, leather work, ceramics, dressmaking, Lanna traditional crafts , learn Thai cooking, Thai Massage, organic farming, earthen  homes. Practice Yoga and meditation daily or on retreat . Sports are well supported here such as classic golf with many quality courses close to the city. Swimming, Horse riding, Daily Aerobics and Tai Chi.
Alternative therapies are practiced here or can be studied such as Reiko, Ayurvedic  Medicine, massage techniques and intriguing Feng Shui, Tarot card readings and numbers with a local cultural twist.

Additional study trips where you can learn Thai, English and other languages such as German, French or Chinese as private one to one or small groups. One month quality accredited TEFL courses where you qualify to teach English worldwide are a new feature of our 'Long Stay' activity programs

Annual Festivals from October to February are some of the best to be seen in Thailand. Loy Krathong or "Yee Peng" is held in November following the lunar calendar for three days. Traditional sports and activities are held at Temples all around town during the day, but the nights the streets are filled with parades and beautifully decorated floats and paper lantern of the full moon is quite spectacular with individual floating banana leaf 'Krathongs' dressed with flowers,incense and candles to make offerings of god luck to the water goddess and hundreds of floating fire balloons lighting up the night sky


The 35th Chiang Mai Flower Festival was held this year, always the 2nd weekend in February with hundreds of visitors and locals lining the streets to see the intricately decorated floats with 100's of thousands of fresh flowers and clever use of seeds, School marching bands and traditional northern Thai dress on show.

Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2011

Transportation around the city ranges from cycling following a city bicycle lane, which is increasingly popular, fashionable and economically smart  supporting the low carbon vision for Chiang Mai as the first green eco city in South East Asia (http://www.youtube.com/holisticearth1 )if you wish to be  in tune with the ways of  northern culture travelling by tricycle (Samlor thip) is  the best way to get a good  feel of the old city and supporting a great low carbon way of getting around plus  supporting the uncles ‘loong’ that appreciate your fare. Our love hate affair with red truck taxis (Seelors) are that they are convenient and run pretty much 24hrs, but too many of them ply the streets with their black smoke exhausts going unchecked by the powers that be! Tuk -Tuk’s which are a fast, but loud way of getting around are handy as they also operate  the graveyard shift, many proud owner's personalise their Tuk - Tuk with bright neon's, mega sound systems and dangling kitch gadgets  it’s like being on a magical fun fair  ride…….hang on!

Written by Caroline Marsh.

                                                                                                                            

Caroline Marsh is co-founder of Chiang Mai based independent ethical tour operator http://www.trekkingcollective.com .."Expertise, Ethical travel and Authentic Experiences contribute to making a difference to local communities and the environment." passionate about new experiences and travel; preaches and teaches community environmental well being; Caroline writes for travel sites, regional travel magazines, her own blog Authentic Chiang Mai promoting her adopted city of more than 20years!; coordinates local 'grassroots' community peoples actions through Holistic Environment Urban Schools Program (HEUSP)and a member of the umbrella network group Lanna Community Life Network (LCLN) formerly NCCN. Visit channel www.youtube.com/holisticearth1