May 22, 2019

Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai II

Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is really a special city - and this is coming from someone who spent 6 years traveling as a homeless nomad across most of Asia. Here, people are more laid back. Travelers are friendly and open for interaction. They want to interact and they expect to be interacted upon. At Nawa Saraan Hotel where I look after guest needs, I become friends with some. Of course, it's short. But it's also sweet. This is a highlight of the fascinating souls I had the good fortune to be crossing paths with. To those not mentioned or not written about, it's only because pressing schedule keep me from completing the write-up.

Amjad
Amjad's life experience spanned many aspects. As a learned man from Pakistan, we talked life, geo-politics and global domino-effects. He also gave me a more realistic narrative of Pakistan, apart from the US-fed media I'd been exposed to. It was refreshing to talk to someone with such depth and insight. Nuts and bolts about existence without the candy-coating. Stumbling upon wise men is always a treat.

Neng Thailand
Neng is an inspiring optimizer - if ever there is one. She has a keen eye for inefficiencies and quick to suggest a better alternative. She seems to be the go-to of Chiang Mai's movers when things need to be done. And yes, I somehow felt that sense of assurance that when she takes on the job, it's as good as done - and done right the first time!

Yang China
Yang exudes exuberance of youth - defying convention and braving what's out there. We casually met at Kad Suan Kaew and that was followed by a breakfast invite at Nawa Saraan where long engaging talks merged seamlessly with sumptuous kitchen offerings. We could have hung-out more, but something kept getting in the way. Anyway, just feeling grateful the moment was there to be celebrated with.

Saffiya France
Power of Laugh
Saffiya is the default laughter yoga teacher. Attend her Tuesday class and you get your healthy dose of therapeutic laughter that boosts the immune system and literally uplifts your spirits. It's a case of fake it til you make it. Yes, according to the newest Epigenetics technology, consciousness architectures our biology - it's not entirely about genes. This explains a claim how someone cured himself of cancer by laughing his way out of it. It is sad to see her leave Chiang Mai. Her contagious laughter will sorely be missed!

Goi Spain
I met Goi at Saffiya's yoga class and we started hanging-out up until she left - at least, that's how I remember it. She'd be a regular at Nawa Saraan where we ate, indulged in caffeine and just carried on with our conversation, wherever it took us. We spent a hot afternoon dipping at Nawa Sheeva's infinity pool and perhaps even went to see a free movie at Maya. It seems like a blur now, but the lingering feeling is that of fondness and affection. Hopefully, she visits Chiang Mai again.

Sabrina Austria
Soul Yoga - Wise Ways Of Living
Apart from being a yoga teacher at Yoga in the Park - Chiang Mai, Sabrina is also a vegan and animal rights crusader. When not teaching yoga, she's out there in an animal rescue center doing her part in the service of those who cannot speak for themselves. She loves hiking and frequents the Doi Suthep area for bliss and tranquility.

Ali United Kingdom
Chiang Mai Holistic
Ali is a refreshing take on "conscious" people. He doesn't look the part - no dreadlocks, no elephant pants or lavish ornamental body accessories, but he walks the talk. Compare that to the gamut of babas of Rishikesh who look the part - beard, saffron robe and ashen face paint, but would control, collect money and if you're a girl, touch you inappropriately (I know, it's a handful). He founded Chiang Mai Holistic which hosts events designed to foster human evolution in consciousness. On the side, he also extends himself to the rehab of those with addiction problems. He talks straight bordering on irreverence without the esoteric 50,000 ft-above-sea-level intelectual discourse.

Mimi Taiwan
Mimi Chang Mimi C. | mimi_dance_with_it
As a performance artist with talent to wit, Mimi is a refreshing departure from what could be called conventional. She is on the far end of conventional as she pushes herself, her art and her audience's buttons while performing on onstage. Across the coffee table, her mind is as free as her art. People like her add color and animation to what could be drab-reality.

Alan & Nicola South Africa
Alan: +❤ HeartMath SA | Ecstatic Dance
Nicola: Nicola Symons Yoga
In my mind, I refer to them as the dynamic duo...2 sides of a coin complementing each other in a loving, respectful and supportive union. They are fiercely independent - so I'm not talking co-dependence here where when I say 2 sides of the same coin. It's just a wonderful togetherness where they can finish each other's sentences but also don't need to utter a word to be understood. Maybe I'm saying too much given my short acquaintance with them. But I do love this couple. I'm glad to have them as regulars to Nawa Saraan's coffee gathering.

Alan and Nicola blogs:

Guess Who's Coming to Bread Day? Mar 1, 2021
2020: A Year In Review Dec 31, 2020
Shifting Peoplescape Of Chiang Mai July 2020
The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
Secret Sunrise: Nelson Mandela International Day July 17, 2019
Farewell Picnic with Alan and Nicola July 15, 2019
Optimizing Life thru Heart Math May 8, 15 and 22, 2019
Fascinating Peoplescape Of Chiang Mai II May 22, 2019
Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
Peoplescape Of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019

Iza Poland
A random conversation at Thapae East with Iza allowed me to invite her for coffee at Nawa Saraan before her departure from Chiang Mai. Beautiful and an accomplished performance dancer, I found her grounded with a good head above her shoulders. I got the impression she's immersed into dance and somehow interprets life to be a kind of dance. I can only wonder how she is on stage pouring her heart out translating music into a poetic and graceful movement.

Ying Thailand
Ying's Thai Massage Courses
Ying started out a referral to a good massage therapist. I've had 2 sessions with her where she identified knots on my back. What? I do my asanas almost daily with long held stretches. And I have knots? Oh well, it only shows some muscle groups need more than stretches - they need to be kneaded and dissolved. Anyway, because of her professional competence, I made a collaborative offer to work together with her in holding courses at the hotel. In a way this paved the way for a looming friendship.

Ying blogs:

Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
Fascinating Peoplescape Of Chiang Mai II May 22, 2019
Tok Sen Massage from Ying May 8, 2019

Amm Thailand
Prajna Yoga Shala
Amm is a Sivananda yoga teacher in Chiang Rai. That's how I met her 3 years ago when I offered to conduct a class. I'm just glad she visited Chiang Mai to conduct a course. It was good catching up, although we didn't really have much time to reconnect. I still remember her as the lady who put up a yoga studio in Chiang Rai and empowered the women who attended her class. This empowerment led the women to realize they were getting the short-end of the stick in their marriage. Result? They all left their husbands/boyfriends and are happier for it! Careful when you practise yoga - the transformation can profoundly affect your life!

Yvonne China
Meeting Yvonne at Heart Space during World Meditation Day started a looming friendship that spawned long coffee talks, pizza-making and chillout time. If we don't agree on something, we just agree to disagree. Sometimes, we don't even talk - we just do our own independent work together in the same space. It's a getting-to-know-you process that's all good.

Hasan
He's the 2nd Pakistani I've met in Chiang Mai. I don't meet too many Pakistanis along my travels. Hasan is smart and faced with a fork on the road - get a conventional job suited to his education as a mechanical engineer or follow his bliss into an unknown and esoteric path. Given my experience and insight, I did most of the sharing...of what it's like to live a nomadic life as a renunciate where you rely on the charity of a benevolent universe for your survival and eventually for life's well-kept Easter Eggs. I straddled between solid ground and the ephemeral glimpses of staying on the path, converging 2 worlds as one singularity. It would be too abstact to most 9-5ers, but Hasan gets it.

Vaida & Scott Lithuania United Kingdom
Conscious Fit Coaches
They are perhaps yoga's equivalent to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie - the dream couple. With their stunning visual appeal on the outside and conscious inner workings within, it's an inside-out total package. Attending Vaiya's yoga class with strong dance-undertones where we moved freely with closed eyes was like dancing while nobody's watching. We were given freedom of movement and exercisable options to find our range of motion. Her killer-sequence killed me on the mat a few times only to be resurrected out of Savasana like a phoenix rising out of its ashes.

Katie United Kingdom
Neal just postponed our coffee gathering while I was talking to a strong yogini attending his class. So, I looked at her and asked, "Wanna join me for coffee?" It was a wonderful beginning of long talks at Nawa Saraan about 'the journey' and staying on the path. She spans a broad spectrum playing hard on the urban jungle while walking placidly on the meditative realm.

It's amazing how some young people (Katie is 24) "get it" at such a tender age. When the awakening came to me, I wasn't a spring chicken anymore - divorced, going through mid-life, with a whole life behind me. As the saying goes in the movie Casablanca, "this could be a beginning of beautiful friendship."

Ending Thoughts
The last chapter hasn't been written yet. As Chiang Mai's peoplescape continue to shift its sands, I'm sure to meet more magnificent lives who will positively shape mine. Always grateful for the abundance, the energy and the opportunity. Thank you Chiang Mai 🙏❤

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit | Learn English | Travel like a Nomad | Donation Bank

green leafy salad with Yang at Nawa Saraan Hotel

Rinna Pow of Let's Get Lost in Bangkok and Ning

post yoga laughter class with Saffiya and Goi

Alan and Nicola taking me to their fav vegan place

Dali and friend, after meeting him last at Fox and Firefly resort in the Philippines

post yoga class with Sabrina, Nicola and friends

Vaida and Scott at Nawa Saraan Zen garden for coffee connection

with Vicenzo, Goi and Yvonne at Malee Garden Bistro

Chiang Mai Peoplescape blogs

Guess Who's Coming to Bread Day? Mar 1, 2021
Are You My Queen? Feb 25, 2021
2020: A Year In Review Dec 31, 2020
2020: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2020
Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug-Sep 2020 Sep 30, 2020
Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
Coffeemates and Breadmates (Oct 2019) Oct to Nov 5, 2019
The Conscious Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Aug 31, 2019
Kaleidoscope of Chiang Mai's Peoplescape July 27, 2019
The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016

Reader Comments:

Katie

(May 29, 2019)What a beautiful post 🙂❤ thank you so much for your words here x

Saffiya

Power of Laugh
(May 28, 2019) Awwwww thanks for the good words! I'll miss CM and the beautiful opportunity to teach laughter yoga in the park and attend yoga in the park.. 2 more weeks! ❤ 🙂

Chiang Mai, Thailand

IMPORTANT PLACES

Bus Station

Train Station

Chiang Mai International Airport

Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily

HOTEL

Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening

Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe

Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location

Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families

RESTAURANT

La Pizza Chiang Mai - Italian pizza, pasta, wine, dessert, coffee

Natural Bird Nest by Burapa - authentic bird's nest soup

WELLNESS

ITM - International Training Massage School - Chiang Mai's most prestigious massage school

Float Chiang Mai - sensory deprivation float pod

Zira Spa - upscale authentic Thai massage and spa treatment

MOTORBIKE RENTAL

Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

USEFUL INFORMATION

Chiang Mai FYI / Tips

crop-burning season in Chiang Mai is between late Feb to early April. But laws change everytime. This year, 2019, there is a 61-day ban on burning so the farmers started burning early. When my plane was approaching Chiang Mai on Jan 24, 2019, there was already a thick blanket of smog covering the entire city (and beyond). But within the city itself, you won't feel it (but that doesn't mean the air is healthy). To monitor air conditions in real time, refer to site: Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
hot season begins March and lasts until June
wet season begins July and lasts until September
best time to visit Chiang Mai is mid-September to mid-February - after the monsoon and before the burning
you have to try Khao Soi, this is north Thailand's culinary staple
the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located in the Old City
to exchange your dollars to Thai Baht, the Super Rich Money Exchange give the best rates. There are many branches scattered around Chiang Mai
get a red cab (songthao) outside the train station for Baht 50 (instead of paying B100 if inside the train station) to Old City - if you haggle nicely enough...I did!
shared red taxi (songthao) - B30 standard fare plying all over Old City
for only B50/day, best to rent a bike to go around the Old City - it's a 2.5km² with lots to discover
FREE daily yoga classes from 9:00am to 10:15am at Nong Buak Hard Park (southwest corner of Old City). Resident and passing-through teachers take turns conducting yoga classes.

Blues/Jazz Bars in Chiang Mai

North Gate Pub - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays by the 11pm band
Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic

Chiang Mai Cost Index

B60 Chiang beer
B250 1 hour drop-in yoga session
B200 one hour Thai body massage at WAYA Massage (highly recommended)
B50 noodle soup with meat
B50 coffee
B40 pad thai
B30/kilo wash-only laundry
B50/kilo wash+iron laundry
B100-150 dorm bed/night
B250 fan room/night
B30 internet cafe/hour
B170-190 Movies Sat-Sun and public holidays
B130-150 Movies weekdays
B100 Movies Wednesdays (movie discount day)
B750 1/2 day Thai cooking lessons
B900-1000 1 full day Thai cooking lessons
B400 Muay Thai boxing ticket
B2500 starting room rate at the luxury hotel, Nawa Sheeva (highly recommended)

Transportation

B450 bus, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
B160-180 bus, Chiang Mai to Pai
B1250 bus, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B1650 slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B210 bus, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 3-4 hours
B360 Green VIP bus, Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Thai border town for visa run to Tachileik, Myanmar)
B50 bicycle rental, 24 hours
B200 motorbike rental, 24 hours
B273 #51 sleeping train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
B638 #7 a/c train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
B50 red taxi fare from point to point
B100 red taxi fare from train terminal to city

Tours

B2000 full day elephant sanctuary
B750 Chiang Rai one-day tour
B1500 mountain biking scenic ride

Chiang Mai Trains by Train36.com

Chiang Mai trains for Bangkok - 2 day trains, 3 night trains, daily schedule
Train 14 to Bangkok - departs 5pm daily, arrives BKK 6:15am, 1st class and 2nd class sleeping accomodation, Special Express
Chiang Mai trains to other destinations -

Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train from Bang Sue Train Station

For more train info: Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains - departing from Hua Lamphong - MRT (Bangkok)

(I'm using Bang Sue as a starting point because I was closer to it, but you may be closer to the Hua Lamphong station)

take the MRT train to Bang Sue Station. Take the #1 Exit to the north provincial trains
Proceed to Counter 2. You will see an information booth, a train schedule chart and the ticket counter. Choose the train and pay at the ticket counter.
daily train schedule:
- 8:48am - #7 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:30pm, not sleeper, B638
- 2:06pm - #109 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 4:05am, sleeper
- 6:31pm - #9 Premium Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:15am, sleeper, B938 upper deck, B1038 lower deck
- 7:56pm - #13 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 8:40am, sleeper, B768 upper deck, B838 lower deck
- 10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck

Loei to Chiang Mai by Bus

From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
As of June 28, 2020 (still on Covid schedule), there are only 3 night trips: 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 12 midnight. 9 hours, B470.
The bus makes the following stops at the following times from a 9pm Loei departure: Phu Ruea (9:50pm), Phitsanulok (12:40am), Uttradit (2:20am), Lampang (4:35am)
Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
Take a red songthaew to Old City, B50. They'll try to charge you B100, but they'll take B50 (just assure the driver you won't tell the other passengers).

Chiangmai Blogs by TheLoneRider

You Want to be Wonder Woman? Apr 8, 2021
Kunjal Kriya / Vamana Dhauti (induced vomiting) Apr 1, 2021
Varisara Dhauti (cleansing of the entire digestive tract) Mar 26, 2021
Spiritual Backpacker Interview by Napasorn 'Cherry' Suvarnapradip Mar 23, 2021
Private One-on-One Yoga Classes with Doriana Feb 17 - Mar 14, 2021
Transformational Life Events Mar 13, 2021
Guess Who's Coming to Bread Day? Mar 1, 2021
Mula Shodhana (anal cleansing) Feb 27, 2021
Are You My Queen? Feb 25, 2021
Breaking the 5-Minute Breath-hold Barrier Feb 25, 2021
Kirtan with Chiang Mai's Khun Thai Seekers Feb 7, 2021
Breaking the 4-minute Breath-hold Feb 7, 2021
Pranayama Primer Feb 2, 2021
Heartbreak in every Song Jan 24, 2021
The Silent Killer is Baaack! Jan 12, 2021
Learning the Thai Language Jan 9, 2021
2020: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2020
Reversing/Slowing Down the Aging Process Dec 30, 2020
Hike to Huay Keaw Waterfall Dec 20, 2020
Yoga Mat Dec 19, 2020
Hiking to Wat Pha Lat along the Monk's Trail Dec 19, 2020
Are You Psycho? Dec 9, 2020
Muffin Man Dec 8, 2020
Polyamory Dec 4, 2020
The Wim Hof Ice Bath Dec 3, 2020
RSVP Nov 25, 2020
High Intensity Interval Yoga (Yoga + HIIT) Nov 14, 2020
Cleansing the Nadis (Energy Pathway) Nov 13, 2020
Yoga for a 360-degree Core Nov 6, 2020
Edward Witten: 'the smartest living physicist' Nov 4, 2020
Srinivasa Ramanujan: Mathematician of the Divine Oct 27, 2020
Bashar as Channeled by Darryl Anka Oct 26, 2020
Vinyasa Krama and Ashtanga Yoga with Aida Yoga Oct 18, 2020
Deepak Chopra: author, lecturer, healer Oct 12, 2020
Facebook Friends Oct 1, 2020
Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug-Sep 2020 Sep 30, 2020
Siddhis (yogic super powers) Sep 30, 2020
Learning the Import/Export Trade Sep 4, 2020
Music and Magic at Justin's Birthday Bash Sep 3, 2020
Biggest Stone in his Shoe Sep 1, 2020
Abandoned Aug 25, 2020
Intelligent Romantic Break-up Aug 25, 2020
Dad-Zoned Aug 18, 2020
Public Display of Affection Aug 9, 2020
Gabriella's Birthday Bash at Mothership Resort Aug 8-9, 2020
Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
Yoga Class for Strength and Muscle Jul 30, 2020
Yoga Class for Optimum Digestion July 29, 2020
Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes Jul 27, 2020
Hippie Night at Nawa Saraan Healing Space July 24, 2020
The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
Yoga Class to move Prana Vayu (energy) July 11-12, 2020
Coming Back to Chiang Mai Jun 29, 2020
Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 23, 2020
Prasnopanishad: Understanding Prana Jan 17, 2020
Hiking the Monk's Trail Jan 15, 2020
Chaturanga Jan 10, 2020
You Spooned Me Jan 3, 2020
2019: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2019
Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
Visiting Mae Sot Dec 27-30, 2019
Let's Make it About You - an Epiphany Dec 17, 2019
Shut-Up! Dec 7, 2019
Roasted Red Bell Pepper Puree Dec 3, 2019
Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
Bhujangini Mudra Nov 25, 2019
Mathangini Mudra Nov 24, 2019
Kaka Mudra Nov 23, 2019
Pasini Mudra Nov 20, 2019
Aswini Mudra Nov 18, 2019
Sambhavi Mudra Nov 16, 2019
Manduka Mudra Nov 15, 2019
Tataka Mudra Nov 14, 2019
Sakti Calana Mudra Nov 10, 2019
Vajroli Mudra Nov 9, 2019
Coffeemates and Breadmates (Oct 2019) Oct to Nov 5, 2019
Yoni Mudra Nov 1, 2019
Viparita Karani Mudra Oct 31, 2019
Khecari Mudra Oct 30, 2019
Mahadeva Mudra Oct 28, 2019
Sacred Cacao - Chakra Dance Journey Oct 26, 2019
Partner Healing with Natascha Oct 24, 2019
Maha Bandha Mudra Oct 24, 2019
Point-Of-Failure Birthday Workout Oct 22, 2019
Mula Bandha Mudra Oct 21, 2019
Hugfest at Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai Oct 19, 2019
Anushasan Mudra Oct 18, 2019
Ling Mudra Oct 17, 2019
Jalandhara Bandha Mudra Oct 15, 2019
Learning Thai with Cee Oct 13, 2019
Uddiyana Bandha Mudra Oct 10, 2019
Nabho Mudra Oct 9, 2019
Maha Mudra Oct 7, 2019
20 Essential Mudras by T. Krishnamacharya Oct. 6, 2019
Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri) Oct 3, 2019
Cuddle Party by Abundant Love CM Oct 1, 2019
Vayu Mudra Oct 1, 2019
Visa-Run to Tachileik, Myanmar Sep 28, 2019
Sankalpa Mudra Sep 27, 2019
Surya Pradarshini Mudra Sep 26, 2019
Eye-Gazing at Heart Space Sep 20, 2019
Prana Vayu (Pranic Wind) Sep 20, 2019
2-Week Yoga Challenge by Agnese Erba Sep 17, 2019
The Mudra Project Sep 13, 2019
Sunday Vinyasa Flow with Marina Forster Sep 8, 2019
Shamanic Breathwork by Rachel Constantino Sep 4, 2019
The Conscious Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Aug 31, 2019
Of Winos and Yogis Aug 26, 2019
The 9 Jhanas of Buddha Aug 22, 2019
Full Moon Ceremony at Heart Space Aug 15, 2019
Yin Yoga - Water Element by Martina Barabas Aug 15, 2019
Hatha Mix Yoga with Christin Aug 13, 2019
Boy Blues Bar Rocks Chiang Mai Aug 5, 2019
Back to my Beloved Chiang Mai Aug 1, 2019
Kaleidoscope of Chiang Mai's Peoplescape July 27, 2019
Secret Sunrise: Nelson Mandela International Day July 17, 2019
Farewell Picnic with Alan and Nicola July 15, 2019
Secret Sunrise: Water July 3, 2019
Hotel Review: Arun Suite June 27, 2019
Bruce Lipton: Epigentics to Transcend Genes June 24, 2019
Optimizing Life thru Heart Math May 8, 15 and 22, 2019
Connective Cacao and Sound Journey June 12, 2019
Chiangmai BLUES June 6, 2019
Hatha Slow Flow with Neil Jefferson June 3, 2019
Meditating with One Million Meditators Movement June 1, 2019
Vinyasa Happy Flow Series by Vaida May 31, 2019
Muay Thai at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium May 30, 2019
Yoga Flow Through the 7 Chakras by Sabrina Pilz May 30, 2019
The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
World Meditation Day at Heart Space May 21, 2019
Abs Yoga by Gigit May 12, 2019
Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
Tok Sen Massage from Ying May 8, 2019
Bruschetta: Nawa Saraan Style Apr 22, 2019
Thai Cooking at Pra Nang Thai Cookery School Apr 20, 2019
Bonding with the Elephants in Chiang Mai Apr 11, 2019
Ziplining in Chiang Mai with Eagle Track Zipline Apr 10, 2019
Getting Thai Massage from Chiang Mai's Best (Lar Thanakrit Khamtanong) Mar 21, 2019
Being the Soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel Mar 18, 2019
Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
Curing Cancer with Yoga? Feb 21, 2019
International Training Massage School (ITM): Level 1 Feb 11-15, 2019
Sandesch Album Launch by Christoph Joerg Feb 13, 2019
Meditation in a Sensory Deprivation Tank at Float Chiang Mai Jan 29, 2019
Reiki Share at the Mastermind Brain Spa Jan 26, 2019
Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
4 Days in Chiang Mai at Nawa Saraan Hotel Jan 2-6, 2019
Mike Chong Aug 8, 2018
An Intimate Conversation with my Universe in Chiang Mai Aug 8, 2018
Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa Aug 4, 2018
Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Aug 3, 2018
Yoga Exploration at The Yoga Tree with Gernot Aug 1, 2018
Laughter Yoga with Saffiya Arnous July 31, 2018
Yoga with Adam at Hidden House Yoga, Chiang Mai July 29, 2018
2 Weeks in Chiang Mai July 25 - Aug 7, 2018
A First Timer in Chiang Mai Apr 9-23, 2016
Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
Dance Mandala in Chiang Mai at The Yoga Tree Apr 19, 2016
Songkran Waterfight Festival in Chiang Mai Apr 13-15, 2016
Border Crossing from Siem Reap (Cambodia) to Bangkok (Thailand) to Chiang Mai April 9-10, 2016

Travel Tips for Thailand

How to Get a 60-Day Thai Tourist Visa and then Extend by another 30 Days

60-Day Thai Tourist Visa

NOTE: There is no need to go back to your country to get the Thai tourist visa. Any major city with a Thai Embassy will do. Apparently there is also no need to have an invitation from a Thai establishment to justify the visa.

Bring the following to the Thai embassy:
a) proof of money (bank statement will suffice)
b) flight booking to Thailand
c) onward flight back to your country from Thailand
d) filled-in tourist visa form
e) 2 passport pictures
f) hotel booking in Thailand (they didn't ask me for this but better be safe)
g) passport with at least 6 months validity
After handing over all the documents, they will ask you to come pick your passport with the visa the following day from 4 to 5pm. That's it!
NOTE: after 2 successful attempts, I was already questioned the 3rd time.

30-Day Extension

NOTE: When your 60-day visa is close to expiry and you want to extend your stay. No need to leave Thailand.

bring the following to the Immigration Office:
a) passport (make sure your Tourist Visa hasn't expired yet)
b) Baht 1900
c) photocopy of your passport + visa duration date stamp + TM6 card (white immigration card) and sign all the copies
d) completed TM7 visa extension form (available at the Immigration Office)
e) one 4cmx6cm passport picture
submit the above to the Front Desk. They will give you a stub with your number on it. Take a seat and wait for your number to be called
when your number is called, your picture will be taken. Then go back to your seat. They will call you again.
when they call you again, they'll give you your passport with your extended visa. That's it!
when there are no lines, the whole process can take only 10 minutes

Book Train Tickets in Thailand Online by Train36.com

General Travel Tips

arrive early - in case there is a snag (visa snag, documentation snag, transport ticket snag, etc.), you will have ample time to troubleshoot the problem if you arrive early (to the airport, to the bus terminal, etc.)
put detailed itinerary on the Calendar apps of your smart-phone according to timelines - this is where you do all your thinking and planning. Once written down, you don't have to think anymore while you are on the journey...you just follow the steps. This frees your mind for something else that might happen while you are already en route
avoiding scams - as a general rule, I ignore the touts or anyone I don't know who call out to me. The calling comes in many forms - "Hi! Where are you from?", "Excuse me! Excuse me!", "Where are you going?". I don't look them in the eye and I remain non-verbal with them. If you reply to them, you just gave them an 'in' to hound you. In order not to look rude, I smile and wave the 'not interested' hand to them, without looking at them.
power bank - hand-carry your power bank. Do not check it in. You can be called in when you are already inside the plane to go all the way to the loading dock so you can personally remove the power bank...and chances are, you'll have to surrender it to them. And you might delay the plane departure!

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