TheLoneRider
a nomad in search of Easter Eggs
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai II 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.

Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai II

Amjad PakistanAmjad Pakistan
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 PutthawiboonNeng 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!

Yichin YangYang 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 ArnousSaffiya 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!

Goizane BasqueGoi 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 PilzSabrina 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 YoungAli 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 ChangMimi Taiwan
Mimi Chang Mimi C. | Mimi Chang 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 and NicolaAlan & 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:
  1. Shifting Peoplescape Of Chiang Mai July 2020
  2. The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
  3. Secret Sunrise: Nelson Mandela International Day July 17, 2019
  4. Farewell Picnic with Alan and Nicola July 15, 2019
  5. Optimizing Life thru Heart Math May 8, 15 and 22, 2019
  6. Fascinating Peoplescape Of Chiang Mai II May 22, 2019
  7. Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
  8. Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
  9. Peoplescape Of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019

Izabela OrzelowskaIza 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.

Jhantira KhamlaengYing 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:
  1. Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
  2. Fascinating Peoplescape Of Chiang Mai II May 22, 2019
  3. Tok Sen Massage from Ying May 8, 2019

Amm Prajna PitchayaAmm 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 WangYvonne 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 LanewalaHasan Pakistan
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 and ScottVaida & 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 WatsonKatie 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 Yoga by Gigit | Learn English Learn English | Travel like a Nomad Nomad Travel Buddy | Donation Bank Donation Bank for TheLoneRider

conversation with Amjad of Pakistan
with optimizer, Neng
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
going Chinese with Bee
with Nawa Hotel staff at Songkran
red colored day with Chai
post yoga class coffee with yogins
all smiles with Sabrina
meeting Iza at Thapae East Bar
reconnecting with Amm after 3 years
Ali stopping by for coffee
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
Pad Thai with Yvonne
with Katie at Nawa Saraan's Zen garden
with the adorable Mimi
Vaida and Scott at Nawa Saraan Zen garden for coffee connection
with Vicenzo, Goi and Yvonne at Malee Garden Bistro
Ying giving me a Tok Sen therapy

Chiang Mai Peoplescape blogs

  1. Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
  2. The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
  3. Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
  4. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
  5. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Oct 2019) Oct to Nov 5, 2019
  6. The Conscious Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Aug 31, 2019
  7. Kaleidoscope of Chiang Mai's Peoplescape July 27, 2019
  8. The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
  9. Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
  10. Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
  11. Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016

Reader Comments:

Katie WatsonKatie United Kingdom
(May 29, 2019)What a beautiful post 🙂❤ thank you so much for your words here x
Saffiya ArnousSaffiya France
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! ❤ 🙂

Leave a comment?

Next stop: The Outsiders


Google Map

Chiang Mai, Thailand

important places in Chiang Mai IMPORTANT PLACES
Chiang Mai Bus Station Bus Station
Chiang Mai Train Station Train Station
Chiang Mai airport Chiang Mai International Airport
Nong Buak Hard Park Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily

hotels in Chiang Mai HOTEL
Chiang Mai Arun Dara Villa Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening
Chiang Mai Nawa Sheeva Hotel Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe
Chiang Mai Nawa Saraan Hotel Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location
Arun Suite, Chiang Mai Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families

birds nest restaurants in Chiang Mai RESTAURANT
La Pizza Chiang Mai La Pizza Chiang Mai - Italian pizza, pasta, wine, dessert, coffee
Chiang Mai birds nest restaurant Natural Bird Nest by Burapa - authentic bird's nest soup

Thai massage in Chiang Mai WELLNESS
ITM – International Training Massage School ITM - International Training Massage School - Chiang Mai's most prestigious massage school
Float Chiang Mai Float Chiang Mai - sensory deprivation float pod
Chiang Mai, Royal Thai Lanna Massage Zira Spa - upscale authentic Thai massage and spa treatment

motorcycle rental in Chiang Mai MOTORBIKE RENTAL
Chiang Mai birds nest motorcycle 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
  1. North Gate Pub - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays by the 11pm band
  2. Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
  3. 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
How to Get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok 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)

  1. take the MRT train to Bang Sue Station. Take the #1 Exit to the north provincial trains
  2. 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.
  3. 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
Bus from Loei to Chiang Mai
  1. From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
  2. 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.
  3. 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)
  4. Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
  5. 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
    Happiness Series
    1. In Pursuit of Happiness Aug 2020
    2. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) Aug 31, 2020
    3. Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) Aug 28, 2020
    4. Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) Aug 25, 2020
    5. Lucious Annaeus Seneca (4BC–AD65) Aug 10, 2020
    6. Epicurus (341–270 BC) Aug 2020
    7. Socrates (470–399 BC) Aug 7, 2020

    Chakra Series
    1. Visuddhi (throat chakra) Sep 15, 2020
    2. Anahata (Heart Chakra) July 5, 2020
    3. Manas (mind chakra) Sep 1, 2020
    4. Surya (sun chakra) Aug 30, 2020
    5. Manipuraka (Navel Chakra) Aug 5, 2020
    6. Svadhisthana (sacral chakra) May 2020
    7. Muladhara (root chakra) Apr 26, 2020
    Young Farang and the Older Asian Couple
    1. Public Display of Affection Aug 9, 2020
    2. Dad-Zoned Aug 18, 2020
    3. Intelligent Romantic Break-up Aug 25, 2020

  1. Movie Review: Tesla (2020) Sep 24, 2020
  2. Movie Review: Mulan (2020) Sep 10, 2020
  3. Learning the Import/Export Trade Sep 4, 2020
  4. Music and Magic at Justin's Birthday Bash Sep 3, 2020
  5. Movie Review: Tenet (2020) Sep 2, 2020
  6. Movie Review: Late Night (2019) Aug 20, 2020
  7. Dad-Zoned Aug 18, 2020
  8. Movie Review: Inception (2010) Aug 13, 2020
  9. Public Display of Affection Aug 9, 2020
  10. Gabriella's Birthday Bash at Mothership Resort Aug 8-9, 2020
  11. Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
  12. Yoga Class for Strength and Muscle Jul 30, 2020
  13. Yoga Class for Optimum Digestion July 29, 2020
  14. Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes Jul 27, 2020
  15. Hippie Night at Nawa Saraan Healing Space July 24, 2020
  16. The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
  17. Yoga Class to move Prana Vayu (energy) July 11-12, 2020
  18. Movie Review: Jojo Rabbit (2019) July 11, 2020
  19. Movie Review: The Kingmaker (2019) July 8, 2020
  20. Coming Back to Chiang Mai Jun 29, 2020
  21. Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 23, 2020
  22. Movie Review: Underwater (2020) Jan 19, 2020
  23. Prasnopanishad: Understanding Prana Jan 17, 2020
  24. Hiking the Monk's Trail Jan 15, 2020
  25. Chaturanga Jan 10, 2020
  26. Movie Review: Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) Jan 7, 2020
  27. You Spooned Me Jan 3, 2020
  28. 2019: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2019
  29. Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
  30. Visiting Mae Sot Dec 27-30, 2019
  31. Let's Make it About You - an Epiphany Dec 17, 2019
  32. Movie Review: Knives Out (2019) Dec 12, 2019
  33. Shut-Up! Dec 7, 2019
  34. Movie Review: Ford vs Ferrari Dec 5, 2019
  35. Roasted Red Bell Pepper Puree Dec 3, 2019
  36. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
  37. Bhujangini Mudra Nov 25, 2019
  38. Mathangini Mudra Nov 24, 2019
  39. Kaka Mudra Nov 23, 2019
  40. Movie Review: The Cave (2019) Nov 23, 2019
  41. Movie Review: Panic: The Untold Story of the 2008 Financial Crisis (2018) Nov 22, 2019
  42. Pasini Mudra Nov 20, 2019
  43. Aswini Mudra Nov 18, 2019
  44. Sambhavi Mudra Nov 16, 2019
  45. Manduka Mudra Nov 15, 2019
  46. Movie Review: Midway (2019) Nov 15, 2019
  47. Tataka Mudra Nov 14, 2019
  48. Movie Review: Zombieland: Double Tap (2019) Nov 11, 2019
  49. Sakti Calana Mudra Nov 10, 2019
  50. Vajroli Mudra Nov 9, 2019
  51. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Oct 2019) Oct to Nov 5, 2019
  52. Yoni Mudra Nov 1, 2019
  53. Movie Review: Judy (2019) Oct 31, 2019
  54. Viparita Karani Mudra Oct 31, 2019
  55. Khecari Mudra Oct 30, 2019
  56. Mahadeva Mudra Oct 28, 2019
  57. Movie Review: Roger Waters - Us + Them (2019) Oct 27, 2019
  58. Sacred Cacao - Chakra Dance Journey Oct 26, 2019
  59. Movie Review: Terminator: Dark Fate (2019) Oct 24, 2019
  60. Partner Healing with Natascha Oct 24, 2019
  61. Maha Bandha Mudra Oct 24, 2019
  62. Movie Review: Liam: As It Was (2019) Oct 23, 2019
  63. Point-Of-Failure Birthday Workout Oct 22, 2019
  64. Mula Bandha Mudra Oct 21, 2019
  65. Hugfest at Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai Oct 19, 2019
  66. Anushasan Mudra Oct 18, 2019
  67. Ling Mudra Oct 17, 2019
  68. Movie Review: Official Secrets (2019) Oct 15, 2019
  69. Jalandhara Bandha Mudra Oct 15, 2019
  70. Learning Thai with Cee Oct 13, 2019
  71. Uddiyana Bandha Mudra Oct 10, 2019
  72. Nabho Mudra Oct 9, 2019
  73. Movie Review: Joker (2019) Oct 8, 2019
  74. Maha Mudra Oct 7, 2019
  75. 20 Essential Mudras by T. Krishnamacharya Oct. 6, 2019
  76. Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri) Oct 3, 2019
  77. Cuddle Party by Abundant Love CM Oct 1, 2019
  78. Vayu Mudra Oct 1, 2019
  79. Movie Review: Hail Satan? (2019) Sep 29, 2019
  80. Visa-Run to Tachileik, Myanmar Sep 28, 2019
  81. Sankalpa Mudra Sep 27, 2019
  82. Surya Pradarshini Mudra Sep 26, 2019
  83. Movie Review: Ad Astra (2019) Sep 25, 2019
  84. Movie Review: Rambo 5 Sep 22, 2019
  85. Eye-Gazing at Heart Space Sep 20, 2019
  86. Prana Vayu (Pranic Wind) Sep 20, 2019
  87. 2-Week Yoga Challenge by Agnese Erba Sep 17, 2019
  88. Movie Review: Farewell Song (2019) Sep 16, 2019
  89. The Mudra Project Sep 13, 2019
  90. Movie Review: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) Sep 12, 2019
  91. Sunday Vinyasa Flow with Marina Forster Sep 8, 2019
  92. Shamanic Breathwork by Rachel Constantino Sep 4, 2019
  93. Movie Review: Yesterday (2019) Sep 3, 2019
  94. The Conscious Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Aug 31, 2019
  95. Movie Review: Midsommar (2019) Aug 28, 2019
  96. Of Winos and Yogis Aug 26, 2019
  97. Movie Review: Ready or Not (2019) Aug 22, 2019
  98. The 9 Jhanas of Buddha Aug 22, 2019
  99. Full Moon Ceremony at Heart Space Aug 15, 2019
  100. Yin Yoga - Water Element by Martina Barabas Aug 15, 2019
  101. Movie Review: The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019) Aug 14, 2019
  102. Hatha Mix Yoga with Christin Aug 13, 2019
  103. Boy Blues Bar Rocks Chiang Mai Aug 5, 2019
  104. Back to my Beloved Chiang Mai Aug 1, 2019
  105. Kaleidoscope of Chiang Mai's Peoplescape July 27, 2019
  106. Secret Sunrise: Nelson Mandela International Day July 17, 2019
  107. Movie Review: Anna (2019) July 15, 2019
  108. Farewell Picnic with Alan and Nicola July 15, 2019
  109. Movie Review: Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019) July 4, 2019
  110. Secret Sunrise: Water July 3, 2019
  111. Hotel Review: Arun Suite June 27, 2019
  112. Movie Review: Rocketman (2019) June 25, 2019
  113. Bruce Lipton: Epigentics to Transcend Genes June 24, 2019
  114. Optimizing Life thru Heart Math May 8, 15 and 22, 2019
  115. Movie Review: Aladdin (2019) June 13, 2019
  116. Connective Cacao and Sound Journey June 12, 2019
  117. Movie Review: X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) June 6, 2019
  118. Chiangmai BLUES June 6, 2019
  119. Movie Review: John Wick 3 - Parabellum (2019) June 4, 2019
  120. Hatha Slow Flow with Neil Jefferson June 3, 2019
  121. Meditating with One Million Meditators Movement June 1, 2019
  122. Vinyasa Happy Flow Series by Vaida May 31, 2019
  123. Muay Thai at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium May 30, 2019
  124. Yoga Flow Through the 7 Chakras by Sabrina Pilz May 30, 2019
  125. The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
  126. Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
  127. World Meditation Day at Heart Space May 21, 2019
  128. Movie Review: Avengers: Endgame (2019) May 14, 2019
  129. Movie Review: Arctic (2018) May 13, 2019
  130. Abs Yoga by Gigit May 12, 2019
  131. Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
  132. Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
  133. Tok Sen Massage from Ying May 8, 2019
  134. Bruschetta: Nawa Saraan Style Apr 22, 2019
  135. Thai Cooking at Pra Nang Thai Cookery School Apr 20, 2019
  136. Movie Review: Hellboy (2019) Apr 15, 2019
  137. Bonding with the Elephants in Chiang Mai Apr 11, 2019
  138. Ziplining in Chiang Mai with Eagle Track Zipline Apr 10, 2019
  139. Movie Review: Shazam! (2019) Apr 4, 2019
  140. Movie Review: Captive State (2019) Mar 27, 2019
  141. Getting Thai Massage from Chiang Mai's Best (Lar Thanakrit Khamtanong) Mar 21, 2019
  142. Movie Review: Captain Marvel (2019) Mar 19, 2019
  143. Being the Soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel Mar 18, 2019
  144. Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
  145. Movie Review: Vox Lux (2018) Mar 2, 2019
  146. Movie Review: The Favourite (2018) Feb 25, 2019
  147. Curing Cancer with Yoga? Feb 21, 2019
  148. Movie Review: Alita Battle Angel Feb 19, 2019
  149. International Training Massage School (ITM): Level 1 Feb 11-15, 2019
  150. Sandesch Album Launch by Christoph Joerg Feb 13, 2019
  151. Movie Review: Spider-Man - Into the Spider-Verse (2018) Feb 3, 2018
  152. Movie Review: Green Book Jan 30, 2019
  153. Meditation in a Sensory Deprivation Tank at Float Chiang Mai Jan 29, 2019
  154. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) Jan 27, 2019
  155. Movie Review: Aquaman Jan 26, 2019
  156. Reiki Share at the Mastermind Brain Spa Jan 26, 2019
  157. Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
  158. 4 Days in Chiang Mai at Nawa Saraan Hotel Jan 2-6, 2019
  159. Mike Chong Aug 8, 2018
  160. An Intimate Conversation with my Universe in Chiang Mai Aug 8, 2018
  161. Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa Aug 4, 2018
  162. Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Aug 3, 2018
  163. Yoga Exploration at The Yoga Tree with Gernot Aug 1, 2018
  164. Laughter Yoga with Saffiya Arnous July 31, 2018
  165. Yoga with Adam at Hidden House Yoga, Chiang Mai July 29, 2018
  166. 2 Weeks in Chiang Mai July 25 - Aug 7, 2018
  167. A First Timer in Chiang Mai Apr 9-23, 2016
  168. Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
  169. Dance Mandala in Chiang Mai at The Yoga Tree Apr 19, 2016
  170. Songkran Waterfight Festival in Chiang Mai Apr 13-15, 2016
  171. 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.

  1. 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
  2. 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!
  3. 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.

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. when your number is called, your picture will be taken. Then go back to your seat. They will call you again.
  4. when they call you again, they'll give you your passport with your extended visa. That's it!
  5. when there are no lines, the whole process can take only 10 minutes
General Travel Tips
  1. 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.)
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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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