Shoes
by PierreZA
To take off your shoes is extremely important when visiting temples. At the massage rooms, it was also necessary to do so. It was even requested at one of the restaurant I went to. So, it is helpful to wear shoes/sandals which can easily be taken off.
Celadon stoneware
by carolynllew about Mengrai Kilns
It is central and very cheap Celadon is high fired stoneware with a wood ash glaze (usually crackled) My husband paid about $60AUD for a large well-packed box. It included four elephants, 6 cups and saucers and seven plates.
Take Taxi Save Money and Help Locals
by Tex-N-Asia
Forget the busloads of people, just grab a taxi and see places off the beaten path. We just got back from a trip to Chiang Mai for the weekend and came across this great taxi driver, DJ. DJ speaks good english and is courteous. Great safe Toyota Camry, leather seats w/seatbelts. DJ took us the great elephant sanctuary and village of the long necks (for lack of a better description).
Doungjan Pota
Mobile (089) 9975127
Home (053) 847364
pota-cm@hotmail.com
DJ gave us the price for the elephant santuary and car for a day, which is the same as just buying an admission ticket to the elephant park. Not sure how it works out, but it is a great deal for us and you wont regret using DJ to see Chiang Mai! We went to Maetamann Elephant santuary and it was a great place and the elphants seemed very happy and good natured.
Dont worry about airport transfers they are only a few bucks from the airport taxi's or you can pre-arrange a taxi pickup.
Food (and drink) for thought
by Tusitala about The Writer's Club and Wine Bar
The Writer's Club is run by ex- Fleet Street journalist Bob Tilley and Thai partner Tong, ably assisted by a friendly team including some of her children. Chiang Mai being home to many writers (such as myself), journalists, screenwriters, novelists, and filmmakers, this is a firm favourite with local and visiting scribes. Friday night in particular is when they're particularly out in force telling whopping lies around the bar!
Wine is expensive in Thailand, but the Writer's Club have a number of 1 litre carafes of red and white wine from France, Italy, South Africa, etc, which start at 120 baht. Not bad value.
The food is a good mixture of local favourites and hearty western pub grub. You can sit around the bar or take a cafe style table under cover out the front.
All are welcome for a drink or a meal here ... you don't have to be a writer or a member, just roll on in. Open midday to midnight-ish. Note: closed Saturdays. Thai beef salad. Cooked to tender perfection, with just enough spiciness to give it a kick along.
Temples galore
by deeper_blue
Chiang Mai is blessed with numerous temples, some absolutely stunning. You can easily visit 3-4 in one afternoon on foot as they are often in close proximity to one another. Take lots of photos and soak up the wonderful tranquil atmosphere.