Website:Siamaya Chocolate Store Hours: every day, from 10 am to 7 pm Office Hours: from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm Phone: +66 979212333 Address: 12/8 Wua Lai Rd Soi 3, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100 Google Map :Siamaya Chocolate Factory(new location), Chiang Mai, Thailand
Flat Art Design At first, it was Siamaya Chocolate's catchy art on the packaging that caught my attention - bold(bordering on loud), stylish, innovative and retro-chique. I actually kept the wrapper for inspiration.
As a web designer, I'm always on the lookout for innovative designs. I asked around if there is already a name for such a design approach. Elizabeth, also my chocolate benefactor, came back to me and said it was Flat Design. I looked it up and yes, the design came about when mobiles wanted icons that were catchy and not too laborious to illustrate. The design caught on with many permutations, the Siamaya being one of them.
The Chocolate When I started eating the chocolate, the first thing that I thought of was, "Hmmm...this is definitely not Hershey!". Like most artisan chocolates, it's not catered to the masses who expect chocolates to be sweet...sometimes, too sweet. Siamaya has enough sugar to smoothen the edges and round off the corners - but not to make it sweet. Wine-wise, it reminds me of Chateauneuf du Pape - it's supremely confident, almost snobbish, aloof and unapologetic. To some, it can be an acquired taste. Maybe for a standard 75g bar selling for B180 a piece, it's got to taste different!
The Pitch After downing one bar, I knew I had to have some kind of working relationship with the owners. I pitched a barter proposal through email. Kristian, the owner, replied with an invite for a chocolate tour/workshop. This is even better!
The New Location The tour/workshop was done in their new loft-style factory at the Weave Artisan Society, just south of Old City. It was spacious with room for future expansion. It had a cafe setting, a 'store front' to display the various flavors they carry, the workshop space, and of course, the chocolate factory itself together with the wrapping and assembly area.
Kristian, the Chocolate Guy After a few delays due to the move, I finally met Kristian. He's an upright guy, passionate, energetic, forward-thinking and forward-moving. Moreover, there's a lot of cacao-hacker elements in him. The innovations he and his partner Neil(whom he mentions to share credit with) undertake, thinking out-of-the-box, making bold moves, adhering to international industry standards (e.g. ISO 34101), being transparent to local chocolate manufacturers, empowering the often-neglected stakeholders (e.g. cacao farmers), are a testament that these guys are not just running a business. They are shaking and moving the local chocolate landscape to improve the industry standard - in consumer parlance, simply making better chocolates for everyone to enjoy.
with hands-on owner, Kristian
The Tour Kristian took me on a comprehensive tour of the factory, essentially teaching me Chocolate Making 101. I learned a lot of what goes on in the manufacturing process that consumers are oblivious about - roasting, grinding, conching, aerating, mixing (cacao vs milk vs sugar), anti-blooming, molding, etc. Every step of the way also entailed proper knowledge in optimizing heat and cold - to melt, deconstruct and restructure the chocolate. Ultimately, the end-product, that bar of chocolate you fork money on, has to have that perfect balance (flavor, acidity, roasting level, etc), that texture and consistency that just melts inside your mouth (no chewing), the glossy sheen (no blooming or specks that resemble snowflakes), etc. Yes, there is a lot to learn, and yes, there is a lot that goes on to ensure you enjoy that bar of chocolate.
Ending Thoughts At the end of the tour and the tasting, I came away that Kristian and Neil(although I haven't met Neil, Kristian mentioned him enough times for me to know that this business is a viable partnership between 2 people who share the same passion and vision) are not motivated by money. They are simply perfecting their game, which I see as 2 things - making the best chocolate on the planet and developing a viable business model that empowers its stakeholders and levels-up the local industry standard. Don't get me wrong, they play to win - but when they win, they ensure nobody loses. I love this model!
But forget about Kristian and Neil. Everything I said is just lip motion. Go out and buy a bar - yes, at B180 a pop, it's not cheap, but it won't break the bank either. That bar of chocolate is the perfect embodiment of everything I just said.
Simona (Oct 4, 2022) Your chocolate was very delicious. Rich and creamy. Also chocolate always tastes better shared with friends.
Elizabeth (Oct 3, 2022) Aaah, I love this!! I'm so happy I bought you that first bar. And honestly, who knew chocolate and Durian would make a good combo? And I didn't even know about their business model, so interesting. I love to contribute to companies like this. And it sure looks like you had a lot of fun!!
Rumi (Oct 3, 2022) They have amazing chocolate. I tried for the first time in Bangkok. The Masala Milk Chocolate! And the last week we tried Mango Chili and Coconut Curry 🙂🙂 Really amazing chocolates, they capture the aroma perfectly and the texture
(Oct 10, 2022) From a dizzying 8 classes/week with 4 students with customized sequencing on every single class, it came down to one class. It got me time to catch up with my writing and catch up with friends as well - coffee, bread and yes, pancakes too. People who left are now back, and new people have come into my social orbit. Of course, the regulars are there providing a semblance of anchorage and rooting...more »»
Chiang Mai INFORMATION
Chiang Mai Map
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
MOTORBIKE RENTAL
Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
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 Jazz Coop - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays at 11pm by the Chiang Mai Blues band
Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic
My Secret Cafe - near Wat Phra Singh. Tuesdays at 7:30pm for the changing front-act and 9:00pm for the Panic Band
Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
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
Book Online - direct booking with State Railway of Thailand. Best to register first. If going to BKK from CNX, click "Northern Line".
note -- big difference between booking direct with the State Railway and booking with an online 3rd party agent. 12GO was charging B1330 for the same trip that only cost me B941 with the State Railway.
note -- Oct 2022, I took the #10 Train from CNX to BKK, upper berth, 2nd class, a/c, sleeper, B941. The train was clean, fast, comfortable and modern. If you have heavy luggage that will cost more money in flight checkin, I would suggest this train. Otherwise, the flight now is so much cheaper it doesn't even make sense to take the bus or train.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train from Bang Sue Train Station
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).
Travel Tips for Thailand
How to Get a 60-Day Thai Tourist Visa and then Extend by another 30 Days
This process is BEFORE Covid 19. Not sure what it is now.
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
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!