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Community Renaissance

Chiang Mai has been known for its artisans and handicrafts since the Lanna period, the city rife with bustling markets that even today remain a vital part of daily life. But with towering megamalls popping up like mushrooms after a rainstorm and traditional markets turning into dime a dozen tourist traps, many worry about rapid modern development replacing what used to make Chiang Mai, well, Chian … Continued

A Winning Recipe: Ido Berger's Tea & Fruits Empire

In business, innovation and success, contrary to expectations, do not necessarily go hand in hand. Great ideas fail to get capitalised and successful empires are often built on the shoulders of creators who came before. To take an idea and turn it into a successful business is a combination of hard work, pure luck, strategy, curiosity, vision and skills. Israeli-born Ido Berger started his young l … Continued

City Guide: Chiang Mai Gate

What are the defining characteristics of your neighbourhood? My neighborhood has loads of small boutique hotels and temples, and it’s close to my workplace, Nok Hook Design Shop, where I design, do graphic work and run a handmade shop to sell my art. Why did you choose this neighbourhood? I opened my studio here over seven years ago, so I have spent most of my adult life here. It’s convenient for … Continued

Fresh Baked

An oven is a rarity here in Chiang Mai, but who cares when these three new cafes offer up all the fresh-baked flavour you could ever need, at reasonable prices to boot! From hearty gourmet sandwiches to sweet and decadent cakes, consider your winter carb cravings satisfied.

Hip Hangouts

Two newcomers and one revamped old favourite, these three Chiang Mai hotspots are what everybody’s talking about. With fabulous food and oodles of atmosphere, each one is just begging to be discovered, if you haven’t already.   Overstand Cafe One of Chiang Mai’s coolest new hangouts, Overstand is equal parts eatery and art gallery. Their open-faced sandwiches are a work of art in and of thems … Continued

Treat Yourself

Ring in the New Year with a day of pomp and luxury with these three fabulous spots. A sumptuous spa treatment, a fabulous meal, a breathtaking sundowner – a perfect day!   Naga Spa New Year’s resolutions don’t always have to make you miserable! For 2015, why not opt for a bit more self-care, and indulge in a fabulous day of pampering. Right now at De Naga Hotel’s beautiful Naga Spa in the old … Continued

Unique Boutiques

Chiang Mai is rife with fabulous independent shops selling all manner of goodies, from fancy gowns to painted elephants to trendy trinkets. Here are a few unique boutiques around the city to check out on your next shopping spree. 1. Lamai This Airport Plaza shop is an experiment in fashion fusion, featuring everything from K-pop bubble necklaces to Harajuku platform sandals to Alice in Wonderland … Continued

Francois Russo: International Man of Luxury

From the outside, Maison Takuya’s headquarters don’t look like much. A low, grey building, nondescript in every way, located in the outskirts of Chiang Mai. It has no sign at the entrance, and at first we’re not even sure we’re in the right place. But this is the home, studio and factory of Francois Russo, an international French designer who specialises in luxury leather handbags under the brand … Continued

Editorial: January 2015

I don’t think that in well over a decade I have struggled so much with an editorial. I know what I want to say, but I can’t say it. I know what I want to insinuate, but I worry the line between wishy-washy and self-harming. There is a government department that I want to write about, but I fear reprisals. Staff of this department run the usual gamut of the hardworking and caring to the corrupt and … Continued

The Adventures of Tom: January 2015

That’s it for another year. Christmas day has come and gone again and the New Year hangover is beginning to slowly ebb. I must admit the festive season was a bit of a result for me. I finally got that Aston Martin DB5 I’ve always wanted. My family and a selection of my dearest friends turned up at the airport to surprise me for a splendid Christmas dinner at Le Crystal of turkey, stuffing and perf … Continued

Floating Holidays

  Looking for a tropical getaway? Easy peasy when you’re living in a country known worldwide for its stunning coastlines. And now simpler than ever, thanks to AirAsia’s newest daily route, from Chiang Mai direct to Surat Thani, the veritable jumping off point for Thailand’s best islands and beaches, but also a spectacular destination on its own.   Surat Thani   Surat Thani’s stunning Khao Sok Nati … Continued

Music Box: January 2015

The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band 21st Century Molam Maft Sai and Chris Menist wrap up a big year with the first release from their touring band, a collection of veteran Isaan musicians and young Bangkok talent. The group’s sound is focused around the swirling, hypnotic playing of Kammao Perdtanon on the phin (sort of a Thai lute) and Sawai Kaewsombat on the khaen (similar to a harmoni … Continued

Design Ideas: January 2015

Convenience Culture

Another day, another eight million people step through 7-Eleven’s automatic sliding doors to a colourful assortment of snacks and items temptingly arranged on white shelves. A toastie? A chopped up hot dog? A packet of lobster hot plate flavoured potato chips? The choices are endless. In 2014, Thailand opened its 8,000th 7-Eleven branch, officially surpassing the United States for most 7-Eleven br … Continued

Being Black in Thailand

Here in Thailand, we’ve all seen a cringe-worthy skin whitening commercial or two, featuring an unhappy dark-skinned person who is miraculously transformed into a happy vibrant white-skinned beauty thanks to some cream or another. But what is the meaning behind this trend? Does a preference for light skin automatically signify racism? How exactly are black people viewed and treated here in Thailan … Continued

More From Citylife

All hands on deck to rebuild Ban Pang Ung village

Fri 5th Sep

The cleanup of residents’ homes and the entire waterway at Ban Pang Ung in Mae Chaem, after the recent flood and landslide, has made progress. Forty households in disaster-prone areas have requested relocation. The Forest Resource Management Office No. 1, Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Irrigation Office, Chiang Mai Department of Public Works and Town … Continued

Tourism declines in Chiang Mai, authorities prepare new campaign

Fri 5th Sep

The number of tourists in Chiang Mai has declined. From April to June 2025, the number of Chinese tourists dropped by over 30 percent, raising serious concerns within the local tourism sector. Phatthanong Na Chiang Mai, Deputy Governor for Asia and South Pacific Marketing at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, stated that approximately 6.7 million tourists visited Chiang Mai in the first six months … Continued

Artistry in bloom at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

Fri 5th Sep

As one of the Lanna capital’s most beautiful hotels – with tranquil lawns that front the Mae Ping River, Zen courtyards, and a magnificent teak mansion that once served as the British consulate – Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is the perfect stage for artistry. On 6 and 13 September, music scholars and students from Prem International School will serenade guests at The Verandah at 1921 House. Highligh … Continued

Mandarin ducks, coy fish and Pygmy goats now added to the flock

Wed 3rd Sep

Following the success of the geese at the moat and the swans at PAO’s park, the PAO has now added ten pairs of mandarin ducks to the park. The ducks were donated by Pa Miang Sub-district in Doi Saket. Not only that the Zoo Aquarium has now donated 100 coy fish to the same lake as the mandarin ducks, in hopes of pleasing the public even further.  As to the Pygmy goats also added to the park by the … Continued

Pioneering soy bean research by Chiang Mai University picked up by anti-ageing industry  

Wed 3rd Sep

Regional Science Park North, Chiang Mai University held a press conference to announce the licensing of its soy extract tablet and skin cream to Winona International Co., Ltd. The university also signed an MOU with the company to enhance research and development of health innovations for practical use in industry and society. Assoc. Prof. Supanimit Teekachunhatean, M.D., Ph.D., Head of the Clinica … Continued

Mother seeks justice after son dies in cow-related road accident

Mon 1st Sep

Kalong Sukjui, a 56-year-old woman, is calling for accountability after her 21-year-old son was killed in a car accident involving a cow. The incident occurred when a cow suddenly ran in front of his motorcycle, causing him to fall and be struck by another vehicle. The accident happened on the Chiang Mai – Hang Dong Outer Ring Road 3, opposite the PTT gas station, at around 7.20 pm on August 26, 2 … Continued

90% of 13,698 votes say yes to the geese staying in the moat 

Mon 1st Sep

After a poll which ran for 48 hours saw 13,698 people from all over Chiang Mai and beyond vote on whether or not to keep the ten geese on the moat, following a week long experiment to house the geese moatside while they spent their days eating the overgrown duckweed, 90% said yes. As the city waited for the results of the poll, the geese have been taken away for a health check, vaccination and mic … Continued

Rescue helicopters and personnel descend to help Ban Pang Ung flood victims 

Mon 1st Sep

A flash flood and landslide occurred in Ban Pang Ung in Mae Chaem District, resulting in the deaths is currently seven people. Rescue teams continue to search for two missing 5-year-old boys. The search for the remaining two missing used a backhoe from the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization to excavate the area where the bodies were previously found. The Department of Disaster Preve … Continued

The largest international book fair in Northern Thailand runs from 29th August – 7th September 2025 at Chiang Mai Hall, Central Chiang Mai Airport

Sat 30th Aug

Plan for Kids Co., Ltd., a leading publisher and distributor of children’s books and learning resources for families, together with Big Bad Wolf Books, the renowned international book fair organiser with a track record of hosting events across 34 cities in 13 countries, and Central Chiang Mai Airport, proudly present the “International Book Sale Featuring Big Bad Wolf 2025.” Book lovers across Chi … Continued

Monks pulled across raging river to attend funeral of flood victims in Mae Chaem 

Sat 30th Aug

Residents of Pang Oong Village in Mae Chaem District, released images showing images of a recent landslide, carrying earth and uprooted trees, which surged down into the village without warning. It has now been three days since the devastating flash floods and resulting landslides struck the area, claiming six lives. As of today, rescue teams from multiple agencies, together with local villagers a … Continued

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