Thai's New Year Song Kran Festival 3 (13 Apr)
by suraphona
APRIL 13 - WAN SANGKHAN LHONG
"Sangkarn Lhong day" marks the end of an era.
Various activities are undertaken to "send off" the outgoing year.
In the morning, merit-making rituals are performed and offerings are made to the Buddhist monks. Spring-cleaning and personal cleansing are also part of this "renewal" process. Later in the day, Buddha images are bathed with lustral water in a gesture of respect.
The religious ceremonies include a procession of Buddha images through the city streets offering an opportunity for residents of the community to take part in the bathing rites. An annual "Miss Songkran" parade and floral floats are part of the popular festivities held to greet the Thai new year.
Once the ceremonial gesture of respect has been shown and the good-spirited water-throwing is over, everyone returns home to "freshen up" and prepare for the evening's celebrations which consists of various performances and forms of entertainment is the "Ram Wong" Thai folk dance.
The "Ram Wong" enables everyone to join in the fun.
Good example of what a night market is
by Lyda1973 about Night Market
The night market in Chiang Mai was the best night market that we saw in Thailand, much better than those in Bangkok, more organized, cleaner, more much variety and the people are really kind and noble.
Also I found that their goods were better quality, similar to what I saw in Chatuchak Market in Bangkok.
Is huge, are several streets selling everything, even there are an open shopping mall with painters working, beautiful handicrafts, inciences, etc
Beautiful experience!!!.
Different was the market on Sunday in the old city, was full of people, with some performances on the street, small tents selling local food and the goods were more locals as well, a nice experience too, but different.
Train
by SumTingWong
Chiang Mai can be reached by train from as far as Singapore (2500 Baht or so 2nd class aircon bottom). The train system in Thailand is extremely good and comfortable. If you have the time you can go through Malaysia and Thailand all the way to Chiang Mai! It's a great experience!
The locals favourite local restaurant?
by Tusitala about Huen Phen
Huen Phen is well regarded among local Thais as perhaps the best local restaurant for northern Lanna Thai food ...
Walk in via a beautifully lit stone walkway into a restaurant which is quite big, but all the diners are separated by Lanna wooden screens, creating cozy corners and privacy. Lush decoration of handicrafts and artefacts from this region set the tone for an upmarket local experience.
Extensive menu of local items, all of which they can do in low, medium or hot spicy.
Suggestion: ask the waiter to bring a selection of plates, ie something with pork, chicken, fish, veggies to put in the middle. It's all great! And when you get the bill, a pleasant surprise. Three of us ate our fill (with a large beer each) for 300 baht a head! You've gotta try the Khao Soi noodle, a Chiang Mai speciality. Locals argue it's the best in town.
Also have local spicy sausage and sticky rice with whatever you order for something different.
Shopping
by cmsong
SUNDAY MARKET - THE place to shop. I recommend you go here first coz everything here is SO cheap coz it's made by the sellers themselves. Can bargain a little but not everyone will give in if they think it sounds ridiculous. It opens from afternoon till midnite. Lots to eat here too.
NITE BAZAAR - nothing much to see compared to the Sunday Market, they're here on weekdays selling fake handbags, watches, t-shirts and some very expensive handicraft (3-4 times more than Sun Market). Can still window shop here and buy the unique item if you spot them.
Sign in with Facebook
1st building you see when entering through gate
Thai Air @ Johannesburg Airport
Old photograph of the jadee & Buddha statue
Khao Soi Gai, Curry Noodles from Chiang Mai
