TheLoneRider
a seeker in search of Easter Eggs
CHIANG MAI EVENTS

Chiang Mai, Thailand EVENTS

Feb 26, 2021 | 6pm-7pm | Ecstatic Dance

Ecstatic Dance with Dj Alan Heart, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Feb 27, 2021 | 5pm | Full Moon Ceremony

Heart Space, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Feb 23-Mar 4, 2021 | 12pm-1:30pm | Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga, Chiang Mai Holistic, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Mar 6, 2021 | 5pm-7pm | Archetypal Wisdom Dance

Heart Space, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand

12 Chakras

Muladhara Chakra
Muladhara
LAM
Svadhisthana Chakra
Svadhisthana
VAM
Manipuraka Chakra
Manipuraka
RAM
Surya Chakra
Surya
Manas Chakra
Manas
Anahata Chakra
Anahata
YAM
Visuddhi Chakra
Visuddhi
HAM
Lalana Chakra
Lalana
Bindu Chakra
Bindu
SHIVOHAM
Ajna Chakra
Ajna
OM
Brahmaguha Chakra
Brahmaguha
Sahasrara Chakra
Sahasrara
OM


Ajna (third eye chakra) Oct 7, 2020

Ajna (third eye chakra)

Other Names: "eye of intuition", "third eye", "divya chakshu" (divine eye), "jnana chakshu" or "jnana netra" (eye of knowledge)
English translation: "command", "source of knowing"
Location: situated slightly above the midpoint of the two eyebrows
Diety: Ardhanarishvara (half man, half woman god, a composite of Shiva and Parvati)
Vayu (energetic wind):
Shakti (power): hakini (imagination, clairvoyance, intuition and inner knowing toward self-realization and spiritual understanding)
Mudra: sambhavi mudra
Mantra: Om Hakini Namaha
Element: light
Form: ajna chakra is symbolized by a two-petalled silver lotus representing the 2 major nadis, Ida (full moon) and Pingala (glowing sun). In the center is a black lingam and an OM mantra sign

Statement: "I am intellectually realized. I have clarity of vision and thinking. My intuition is accurate. I see things without the cobwebs and clutter. I see the world in black and white with a very minimal shade of gray (uncertainty, doubt, indecision). Nothing can touch me, nothing can disturb me. But experientially, I still do not feel the spontaneous ecstasy of life."

Ajna (third eye chakra)
Ajna Chakra resides between the 2 eyebrows

Ida and Pingala Nadis
At the level of the ajna chakra, ida and pingala become one and end the duality of yin-yang, male-female, sun-moon, etc. From their initial root at the muladhara, winding up and meeting at the chakras (svadisthana, manipuraka, anahata, vishuddhi), they become one with sushumna. These three psychic nadis merge to become part of the sushumna. (It should be noted that in Yoga Makaranda, T Krishnamacharya says that ida and pingala start at the muladhara and end at the opening of the nostril. They do not extend all the way up to the ajna chakra). This is very symbolic. Prana (energy rising up through the sushumna) and consciousness are revealed to be one and the same thing - prana (energy) reaches up beyond the spine, into and beyond the brain stem and into the ajna chakra (consciousness). The principle of ida (moon, female, chandra) merges with the principle of pingala (sun, male, surya) to become one. At this point, the ego no longer exists and duality ends.

Last Stop
Ajna's existence and significance are so important in mind-expansion that no further development of wisdom and unlayering of the self follow unless the ajna is awakened. Ajna is the bridge between man and the infinite, the bridge between source and man. It is through ajna that man sees the supreme and it's also through ajna that the supreme sees man.

Ajna is also the last chakra where man can follow a blueprint in ascending the kundalini power. From the Ajna going up the higher chakras (bindu, sahasrara, bramaguha, etc.), there are no set procedures, no paths to follow - only a leap of faith into the ineffable realm.

Characteristics: The Witnessing Center
This is the center where one becomes an actor on the stage of the world, seeing everything as almost a dream. All actions, thoughts and objects, including one's own body and mind, are observed from the center of one's being. This is the witnessing center - there is no personal identification. You become the objective, non-reactive observer.

Example: Anger
At the muladhara chakra level, the mind and body react to the sensation - the mind becomes agitated, the breath becomes fast and shallow and the body gets ready for a flight or fight response. However, at the ajna chakra level, there is no such mind-body reaction - just observation. The mind simply witnesses the sensation of anger without reacting to it. It observes anger calmly, equanimously, without losing its balance.

Siddhis (Supernatural Powers)
The ajna chakra is pervasive in many cultures because it is powerful. The ajna is so revered that in Hindu tradition, they mark this sacred spot with a vermilion bindi.

If caitanya (consciousness or cosmic intelligence) is focused on the ajna chakra, one acquires the power to control everybody. Through the movements of recaka (exhalation) and puraka (inhalation) in the nadis (energy pathways) of the two nostrils, if one practises pranayama by keeping the breath in the nostrils and circulating and moving the prana vayu, then the nadis below the nostril get purified. One develops a divine lustre, one is able to see the atman (true essence, soul) and through this blessing will be able to see all the events that are occurring around the world without moving from their position. Caitanya citta vritti (cosmic intelligence in the activities of the mind) in the ajna chakra is extremely helpful for a long life.

Ajna bridges a direct mind-to-mind communication between two people, usually between a guru and his disciple. It is inferred that Ramana Maharshi communicates silently with his followers, saying that verbal words are too limited to convey ideas from a higher realm.

Neti Benefit
There are other reasons for the use of neti (nasal cleansing using a neti pot filled with saline solution) such as the stimulation of various nerve endings in the nose; this leads to improvement in the brain and organs to which these nerves connect and also helps in the stimulation of ajna chakra, the midbrain psychic center.

Satvic
Vishuddhi and ajna, are higher and positive chakras in the satvic realm (above tamasic and rajastic). One tends to follow dharma (eternal and inherent nature of reality), where one's actions and thoughts indicate progress in spiritual life with a progressively more illuminated states of mind.

Rudya Granthis
The granthis are psychic knots or hurdles present in specific chakras. They are hindrances representing ignorance and attachment and prevent ascension to higher levels. There are three granthis - brahma, vishnu and rudra granthis.

Rudra granthi resides in the ajna chakra. It is associated with attachment to psychic powers such as telepathy, clairaudience and other mind phenomena. This psychic knot is an attachment to power. One must dissolve the ego for further ascent, in the same way that a moth leaves the chrysalis to fly away as a butterfly. All these psychic knots prevent the kundalini power to ascend to the sahasrara chakra. However, when the rudra granthi is pierced (transcended), a flute-like sound is perceived - the kundalini is said to be rising.

I think this is where most evolved people (gurus, swamis, sensei, etc) get stuck. When they realize a certain power (miracles, turning water into wine, walking on water, producing ash from thin air, etc.) and can attract a following, it becomes intoxicating - people give you money, women spread their legs, intellectuals abandon critical thinking, zealots beg you to command them. The ego is god-dified and the progression on the path comes to a screeching halt. The kundalini shakti or prana vayu (energy) cannot go beyond the rudya knot and is therefore stuck and stagnates.

Pineal Gland
A noteworthy mention is this pea-sized organ inside the brain whose present-day function is not known to science. It is widely regarded as a vestige of primal man when humanity was in its early stages of evolution. However, on a per-unit count, this has the highest blood flow in the body next only to the kidney. This phenomenon suggests that the pineal gland performs a vital function that is not currently known or quantified.



In yoga however, the pineal gland plays a powerful role as the physical organ translating the subtle levels of the ajna into a human experience. Ajna is the eye of intuition and intellect. Together, they activate telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, and other siddhis.

Asanas
Sirsasana takes center stage as it activates the pineal gland and ajna chakra. As a general rule, any inversion asana (forward bend, headstand, handstand, downward dog) causes the energy flow towards the ajna chakra. Additionally, any asana requiring focus and balance (tree, eagle, hand-to-big-toe, etc.) also enhances the activation of the ajna chakra.

Ending Thoughts
Ajna Chakra allows us to see the big picture. What big picture? I would liken this to my experience of Burning Man. Before Burning Man, I was a working stiff toiling from 9-5, a boss looking from my back, and my self-worth contingent on the 'job'. Without the job, I'd be lost. It defined me. Food on my table, payment for the mortgage, social standing, self-image - they were all defined by the job. That was the horizon for me.

But with Burning Man, where I marinated under the scorching heat of the desert for a full week, experiencing a utopian reality unimaginable in the default world, I saw the big picture. I saw an infinite horizon that was far more animated, far more colorful, and teeming with endless possibilities, that revealed the illusion of the 'job horizon'.

I was a different man when I came out of the desert. I left my corporate job, followed my bliss and surrendered to the greater forces at play. For 10 years now, I had been traveling homeless with very little money, no job, no property, but I always end up in amazing places, meeting the right people, and stumbling upon opportunities that open up doors.

Metaphorically, I can say that Burning Man gave me a glimpse of how I can architecture my reality when my Ajna Chakra is activated. To the extent that this realization and empowerment were brought about by the third eye, anyone who has experienced this transformation will attest to the Ajna Chakra and all the possibilities that lay ahead. I am not claiming that my Ajna Chakra has opened up. But I will claim that I had been given a rare glimpse of just how powerfully it can transform you and align the universe to manifest your karmic process.

--- 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


Kundalini Yoga for the Ajna Chakra by Lisa Grail


Ajna Chakra Sound Meditation by Transcending Vibrations


Ajna Chakra Guided Meditation by Eleonora Cosner


Ajna Chakra OM Chanting @ 432 Hz by Meditative Mind


Full Restore your Pineal Gland POWER @ 10000Hz 2675Hz 999Hz 45Hz 15Hz - Pineal Gland Activator by Lovemotives Meditation Music


Sources:

  1. Swami Satyananda Saraswati - A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya
  2. Tirumalai Krishnamacharya - Yoga Makaranda 1
  3. Sadhguru - Agna and Vairagya

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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
  1. Breaking the 5-Minute Breath-hold Barrier Feb 25, 2021
  2. Kirtan with Chiang Mai's Khun Thai Seekers Feb 7, 2021
  3. Breaking the 4-minute Breath-hold Feb 7, 2021
  4. Pranayama Primer Feb 2, 2021
  5. The Silent Killer is Baaack! Jan 12, 2021
  6. Learning the Thai Language Jan 9, 2021
  7. 2020: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2020
  8. Reversing/Slowing Down the Aging Process Dec 30, 2020
  9. Hike to Huay Keaw Waterfall Dec 20, 2020
  10. Yoga Mat Dec 19, 2020
  11. Hiking to Wat Pha Lat along the Monk's Trail Dec 19, 2020
  12. Are You Psycho? Dec 9, 2020
  13. Muffin Man Dec 8, 2020
  14. Polyamory Dec 4, 2020
  15. The Wim Hof Ice Bath Dec 3, 2020
  16. RSVP Nov 25, 2020
  17. High Intensity Interval Yoga (Yoga + HIIT) Nov 14, 2020
  18. Cleansing the Nadis (Energy Pathway) Nov 13, 2020
  19. Yoga for a 360-degree Core Nov 6, 2020
  20. Edward Witten: 'the smartest living physicist' Nov 4, 2020
  21. Srinivasa Ramanujan: Mathematician of the Divine Oct 27, 2020
  22. Bashar as Channeled by Darryl Anka Oct 26, 2020
  23. Vinyasa Krama and Ashtanga Yoga with Aida Yoga Oct 18, 2020
  24. Deepak Chopra: author, lecturer, healer Oct 12, 2020
  25. Facebook Friends Oct 1, 2020
  26. Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug-Sep 2020 Sep 30, 2020
  27. Siddhis (yogic super powers) Sep 30, 2020
  28. Learning the Import/Export Trade Sep 4, 2020
  29. Music and Magic at Justin's Birthday Bash Sep 3, 2020
  30. Biggest Stone in his Shoe Sep 1, 2020
  31. Abandoned Aug 25, 2020
  32. Intelligent Romantic Break-up Aug 25, 2020
  33. Dad-Zoned Aug 18, 2020
  34. Public Display of Affection Aug 9, 2020
  35. Gabriella's Birthday Bash at Mothership Resort Aug 8-9, 2020
  36. Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
  37. Yoga Class for Strength and Muscle Jul 30, 2020
  38. Yoga Class for Optimum Digestion July 29, 2020
  39. Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes Jul 27, 2020
  40. Hippie Night at Nawa Saraan Healing Space July 24, 2020
  41. The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
  42. Yoga Class to move Prana Vayu (energy) July 11-12, 2020
  43. Coming Back to Chiang Mai Jun 29, 2020
  44. Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 23, 2020
  45. Prasnopanishad: Understanding Prana Jan 17, 2020
  46. Hiking the Monk's Trail Jan 15, 2020
  47. Chaturanga Jan 10, 2020
  48. You Spooned Me Jan 3, 2020
  49. 2019: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2019
  50. Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
  51. Visiting Mae Sot Dec 27-30, 2019
  52. Let's Make it About You - an Epiphany Dec 17, 2019
  53. Shut-Up! Dec 7, 2019
  54. Roasted Red Bell Pepper Puree Dec 3, 2019
  55. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
  56. Bhujangini Mudra Nov 25, 2019
  57. Mathangini Mudra Nov 24, 2019
  58. Kaka Mudra Nov 23, 2019
  59. Pasini Mudra Nov 20, 2019
  60. Aswini Mudra Nov 18, 2019
  61. Sambhavi Mudra Nov 16, 2019
  62. Manduka Mudra Nov 15, 2019
  63. Tataka Mudra Nov 14, 2019
  64. Sakti Calana Mudra Nov 10, 2019
  65. Vajroli Mudra Nov 9, 2019
  66. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Oct 2019) Oct to Nov 5, 2019
  67. Yoni Mudra Nov 1, 2019
  68. Viparita Karani Mudra Oct 31, 2019
  69. Khecari Mudra Oct 30, 2019
  70. Mahadeva Mudra Oct 28, 2019
  71. Sacred Cacao - Chakra Dance Journey Oct 26, 2019
  72. Partner Healing with Natascha Oct 24, 2019
  73. Maha Bandha Mudra Oct 24, 2019
  74. Point-Of-Failure Birthday Workout Oct 22, 2019
  75. Mula Bandha Mudra Oct 21, 2019
  76. Hugfest at Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai Oct 19, 2019
  77. Anushasan Mudra Oct 18, 2019
  78. Ling Mudra Oct 17, 2019
  79. Jalandhara Bandha Mudra Oct 15, 2019
  80. Learning Thai with Cee Oct 13, 2019
  81. Uddiyana Bandha Mudra Oct 10, 2019
  82. Nabho Mudra Oct 9, 2019
  83. Maha Mudra Oct 7, 2019
  84. 20 Essential Mudras by T. Krishnamacharya Oct. 6, 2019
  85. Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri) Oct 3, 2019
  86. Cuddle Party by Abundant Love CM Oct 1, 2019
  87. Vayu Mudra Oct 1, 2019
  88. Visa-Run to Tachileik, Myanmar Sep 28, 2019
  89. Sankalpa Mudra Sep 27, 2019
  90. Surya Pradarshini Mudra Sep 26, 2019
  91. Eye-Gazing at Heart Space Sep 20, 2019
  92. Prana Vayu (Pranic Wind) Sep 20, 2019
  93. 2-Week Yoga Challenge by Agnese Erba Sep 17, 2019
  94. The Mudra Project Sep 13, 2019
  95. Sunday Vinyasa Flow with Marina Forster Sep 8, 2019
  96. Shamanic Breathwork by Rachel Constantino Sep 4, 2019
  97. The Conscious Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Aug 31, 2019
  98. Of Winos and Yogis Aug 26, 2019
  99. The 9 Jhanas of Buddha Aug 22, 2019
  100. Full Moon Ceremony at Heart Space Aug 15, 2019
  101. Yin Yoga - Water Element by Martina Barabas Aug 15, 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. Farewell Picnic with Alan and Nicola July 15, 2019
  108. Secret Sunrise: Water July 3, 2019
  109. Hotel Review: Arun Suite June 27, 2019
  110. Bruce Lipton: Epigentics to Transcend Genes June 24, 2019
  111. Optimizing Life thru Heart Math May 8, 15 and 22, 2019
  112. Connective Cacao and Sound Journey June 12, 2019
  113. Chiangmai BLUES June 6, 2019
  114. Hatha Slow Flow with Neil Jefferson June 3, 2019
  115. Meditating with One Million Meditators Movement June 1, 2019
  116. Vinyasa Happy Flow Series by Vaida May 31, 2019
  117. Muay Thai at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium May 30, 2019
  118. Yoga Flow Through the 7 Chakras by Sabrina Pilz May 30, 2019
  119. The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
  120. Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
  121. World Meditation Day at Heart Space May 21, 2019
  122. Abs Yoga by Gigit May 12, 2019
  123. Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
  124. Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
  125. Tok Sen Massage from Ying May 8, 2019
  126. Bruschetta: Nawa Saraan Style Apr 22, 2019
  127. Thai Cooking at Pra Nang Thai Cookery School Apr 20, 2019
  128. Bonding with the Elephants in Chiang Mai Apr 11, 2019
  129. Ziplining in Chiang Mai with Eagle Track Zipline Apr 10, 2019
  130. Getting Thai Massage from Chiang Mai's Best (Lar Thanakrit Khamtanong) Mar 21, 2019
  131. Being the Soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel Mar 18, 2019
  132. Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
  133. Curing Cancer with Yoga? Feb 21, 2019
  134. International Training Massage School (ITM): Level 1 Feb 11-15, 2019
  135. Sandesch Album Launch by Christoph Joerg Feb 13, 2019
  136. Meditation in a Sensory Deprivation Tank at Float Chiang Mai Jan 29, 2019
  137. Reiki Share at the Mastermind Brain Spa Jan 26, 2019
  138. Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
  139. 4 Days in Chiang Mai at Nawa Saraan Hotel Jan 2-6, 2019
  140. Mike Chong Aug 8, 2018
  141. An Intimate Conversation with my Universe in Chiang Mai Aug 8, 2018
  142. Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa Aug 4, 2018
  143. Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Aug 3, 2018
  144. Yoga Exploration at The Yoga Tree with Gernot Aug 1, 2018
  145. Laughter Yoga with Saffiya Arnous July 31, 2018
  146. Yoga with Adam at Hidden House Yoga, Chiang Mai July 29, 2018
  147. 2 Weeks in Chiang Mai July 25 - Aug 7, 2018
  148. A First Timer in Chiang Mai Apr 9-23, 2016
  149. Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
  150. Dance Mandala in Chiang Mai at The Yoga Tree Apr 19, 2016
  151. Songkran Waterfight Festival in Chiang Mai Apr 13-15, 2016
  152. 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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