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Vintage Ventures

These three Chiang Mai businesses may all be new, but they all have a clear sense of reverence for the past. From refurbished Thai houses to vintage art and decor, each brings its own creative blend of old-time flavour and modern comfort.

International Sensations

Whether Scandinavian, Italian, or classic Thai, Chiang Mai’s global cred is on the rise, meaning diners can find nearly any type of food from across the globe in our fair little city. Check out these great new options today, whatever your pleasure!

For Animal Lovers

While quite different in their own rights, these three new cafes have one clear thing in common: a love of animals. Play with bunnies, BYO dog, and eschew meat, respectively, at each of these fun new hotspots.

Special Scoop: Prem’s Head Start

Prem Tinsulanonda International School is stepping into a new era, focusing on more independent and explorative learning under cutting edge theories and experiences shared by their newest head of school, Mr. Alun Cooper. This world renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) boarding and day school is the first in all of Asia to offer all four IB programmes, from primary to diploma level courses and also the IBCC, the International Baccalaureate Career-related Certificate. Located in Mae Rim, just north of Chiang Mai, Prem boasts excellence in the first degree, offering outstanding services and levels of education and even a one to one MacBook programme.

Editorial: February 2015

If you have been following the news of late, you will know that British journalist Andrew Drummond, a veteran of investigative crime journalism who has mostly written for the British and Australian press from Thailand for over 25 years, is finally packing it in (and up) to return to Blighty. His life has been threatened many times over the decades, but this time, it is the safety of his three children that is forcing him to leave Thailand behind. Threats to them from criminals under the protection of certain authorities have made his stay here untenable.

The New Romantics

Looking for something new and different this Valentine’s Day? We’ve got seven fabulous Chiang Mai eateries, all fresh to death and dressed to impress. The only question is: who do you love?

The Adventures of Tom: February 2015

It’s 2015 and at long last it looks like our great city could be about to get a proper cycling infrastructure. Sections of road will be set aside for the humble bicycler to move around Chiang Mai with the confidence that they will not run up the arse of a motorbike or be mangled under a sport utility vehicle. Tracts of traffic-free tarmac will open up to velocipedes wending their way around the mo … Continued

Fabulous Farmstays

Love to experience the outdoors with a touch of luxury? One of Mae Rim’s plush farmstays could provide the perfect blend of nature and comfort. Here are two to check out!

Secret Islands

What’s more romantic than running away with your lover to a deserted (okay, we’ll settle for lightly populated) island? Not much. And while Thailand’s islands are not exactly a secret, there are plenty of lesser known gems far from the full moon parties and sunburnt masses. So if you have a bit more time to spare and a bit more cash to travel, here are three tropical getaways to check out.

Camping For Lovers

If you and your lover are the outdoorsy types, there’s no better way to spend your Valentine’s Day weekend than zipped into a cosy tent for two atop one of northern Thailand’s many picturesque peaks. Here are three lovely spots, from the basic to the luxurious, to check out! Mon Jam, Mae Rim Most of you have probably visited Mon Jam by now, the magnificent viewpoint at the Royal Project up Mae Sa … Continued

Design Ideas: Methawee Yoktree

Click to Enlarge Antique Coffee Grinder This hand operated coffee bean grinder really brings vintage style back to the kitchen. A classic and simple wooden box, with a really good quality grinder – great for everyday use or even as just an ornament in your home. Price: 800 – 1,500 baht www.temmart.com Ganesha Lamps These lamps are imported from India, but the Ganesha figure is made from clay that … Continued

Music Box: February 2014

Various Artists Hi-Fi Thai Country 3D This album is the second in a series of compilations of contemporary Thai folk from the Baichasong Label, known for its high quality production and the strong musicianship of its session players. What’s particularly notable here is how different these songs sound from the scratchy folk recordings of the past and the current day renditions backed by karaoke-sty … Continued

Is That A Lonely Man? An Interview with Expat Author Lawrence Osborne

A British-born novelist and journalist who has spent most of his life on the move, Lawrence Osborne now calls Thailand his home. His celebrated memoir, 2009’s Bangkok Days, paints a fascinating portrait of Bangkok and the motley cast of expatriates who live there. To date, Osborne has published 11 books and is a regular contributor to the New York Times. His next novel, Hunters in the Dark, a tale set in the underbelly of Cambodian, will be published in May of this year. Here, the critically acclaimed author discusses expat life, Thai culture, Buddhism, Bangkok, books and more.

The Art of Erecting a Garden

Just past the Prem School turnoff, tucked into a lush sea of rippling green rice paddies, is a teahouse. Made from a converted barn and surrounded by a walled garden, it may at first appear like any other teahouse. That is, until you notice the umbrella stands. And the columns holding up the antique sala. Are those…? Yes, folks, those are penises. Welcome to the brand new Erotic Garden and Teahouse of Mae Rim!

Breaking Good

Did you know that Chiang Mai is home to one of the biggest, and self-proclaimed baddest, B-boy crews in Thailand? Do you know what on earth a B-boy is? Well, if, like me, you are not so up to date with the latest trends, the term “B-boy” may be lost on you. Put simply, a B-boy (or B-girl) is someone who is devoted to the hip-hop culture, with a focus on the urban art of breaking or breakdancing. Originating in the Bronx of New York in the 1970s, the term B-boy has evolved over the last 40 years to include other lifestyle identities encompassing music, arts, magic and even, here in Chiang Mai at least, hairdressing.

The Unstoppable Jonas Dept

Fancy yourself a bit of a philosopher? You are not alone. If pontificating on the existence of reality, the language of religion or the historical context of will is how you while away much of your time, you have company.

The Wedding Planner

Araya “Am” Panyanuwat is a recognisable face in Chiang Mai. For most of her working life she has been a Jill of many trades. She spent years working in PR and marketing in a five star hotel, has worked in events organising for the past decade, often moonlights as a much-coveted bilingual emcee – most recently hosting Citylife’s piano concert on Maya’s rooftop – and for the past year, she has been … Continued

Talking for 30 Years: The Informal Northern Thai Group

And so it was in the early eighties that John and Hans frequently met up at the Alliance Francaise where they went for bi-weekly viewings of movies, one of the few social activities available in those days outside private residences. “We kept talking about resurrecting the talks, there were so many people doing fascinating research in those days,” said John. Southeast Asia was exploding with resea … Continued

More From Citylife

Resurrecting a century-old religious ceremony

Mon 5th Apr

The abbot of Wat Buppharam along with Deputy Governor Samroeng Chaisaen held a religious ceremony earlier this morning at 9.19am, inviting holy water from the temple’s well to be used in a rare and ancient Lanna ceremony – Hoong Nam Thip Pee Mai Muang. The last time this ceremony was held was 100 years ago. This year the blessed holy water will be used to sprinkle on 9,725 locals and tourists on t … Continued

28 Lanna ceremonies to attract Songkran visitors

Mon 5th Apr

The Chiang Mai municipal office has said that it will be organising a total of 28 cultural events between now and the 19th April, in an effort to promote tourism. With the ban on water throwing, Chiang Mai is struggling to attract tourists, and the city believes that a variety of cultural Lanna events scattered across the city may be of interest to visitors. There will be water blessing ceremony, … Continued

Hundreds of Myanmar residents protest junta

Mon 5th Apr

At 4pm yesterday evening a large group of Myanmar residents of Chiang Mai gathered at the Municipal Stadium to show their solidarity for those fighting for democracy against the military junta. There were hundreds of people gathered, and they sang songs and held signs of encouragement to their fellow citizens across the border. “The situation is so much worse now,” said Deena, a refugee from the R … Continued

Tha Pae gathering spotlights political prisoners

Mon 5th Apr

The Muang People Movement group and the Wilar Party gathered at Tha Pae Gate on Sunday in a cycling activity aimed at raising awareness about and sending support to political prisoners. The gathering called for justice for political prisoners and signs were held, photos of those arrested featured and a group cycled around the moat. The group says that it will continue to organise peaceful activiti … Continued

‘Central Pattana’ joins hands with ‘TAT’ to celebrate New Normal Songkran Festival under a concept of ‘Thai Niyom’

Mon 5th Apr

‘Central Pattana’ joins hands with ‘TAT’ to celebrate New Normal Songkran Festival under a concept of ‘Thai Niyom’, highlighting local traditions with no water splashing – reaffirming Central Shopping Centers as The Greatest Songkran Celebration Landmarks nationwide from 8-18 April 2021 Aiming to deliver unexpected experiences by creating an emotional connection to last memorable experiences for f … Continued

More storms to come

Mon 5th Apr

The Meteorological Department of Thailand says that the recent summer storms have put out fires in all 154 forest fire hotspots over the past few days, with no hotspots spotted by satellite as of this morning. Air pollution, however, persists and water spraying equipment has been installed in many spots to help reduce the amount of dust and smoke in the air that affects public health, said a depar … Continued

Chiang Mai to celebrate Songkran with focus on city’s 725th anniversary

Sat 3rd Apr

This Songkran will be like no other in living memory (as was last year’s, when we didn’t have one at all). The government has issued the rules and regulations for this coming Songkran holiday, asking the public to focus on the cultural aspects of the festival and keeping safety in mind. All gatherings of people to throw water, put water on vehicles, have foam or paint splashing parties are banned. … Continued

Las Vegas bar busted

Sat 3rd Apr

Governor Charoenrit Sanguansat sent a team out to ensure enforcement of late night Covid-19 compliance at a number of pubs and bars around town last night, finding one to be in violation of laws by opening and serving alcohol at 2am. Las Vegas, a decades old bar long known for its late night hours, was found to be serving around 30 customers and its owner has been arrested.

Smoke pollution persists

Sat 3rd Apr

The past few days has seen Chiang Mai’s air pollution worsen, with visibility as low as one kilometer, following a number of forest fires over the past few days. With PM 2.5 levels reaching 250 AQI in certain areas, authorities say that they are stepping up patrols around forestry areas.

Kindergarten kids create art with tigers

Thu 1st Apr

Tiger Kingdom in Mae Rim celebrated its 14th anniversary with a ‘Belonging Together’ event which saw kindergarten children from Wat Meun Kong municipal school co-create art with a Bengal Tiger. Canvas was moistened and colour pads placed on the floor in a cage by the staff of the Tiger Kingdom before Oliver, the Bengal tiger, was lured into the cage to walk onto the colour pads and leave coloured … Continued

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