Chiang Mai a la Carte

11/10/2025

Kad Luang, also known as the Warorot Market, is Chiang Mai’s most vibrant and interesting market. In February 1968, a devastating fire, that started in a textile stall, razed the market to the ground. The market was rebuilt and rose from the ashes. A visit to the Warorot Market is essential for anyone exploring Chiang Mai. For an authentic experience, hop on a samlor (bicycle taxi) and join local drivers on a fascinating tour to visit this iconic market and its lively surroundings ➡️ https://www.chiangmai-alacarte.com/chiang-mai-tours/the-markets-of-chiang-mai-by-samlor/

16/09/2025

An update of the situation at the Golden Triangle and Mae Sai.

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16/07/2025

This is truly a remarkable find and worth visiting on the way from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Wat Si Sutthawat is a very interesting temple.

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21/05/2025

Samlors gathering this morning at the Three Kings Monument in the Old City of Chiang Mai before the start of a trip with students of an international school. We support the samlor communities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Please join us on a samlor tour to support the drivers and preserve the samlor as a heritage of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

25/04/2025

Chiang Rai has more to offer than White, Red and Blue Temples. Last weekend we made a great city tour with samlor drivers Amnuay and Jack. There are between 30 and 40 samlors left in Chiang Rai and some of them you can find, parked at the King Mengrai monument. They deserve our support. We already include samlor rides in many of our Chiang Rai trips. Soon we will present a fantastic Chiang Rai samlor evening tour!

14/04/2025

The impressive Procession of Bathing the Phra Buddha Sihing that took place yesterday in Chiang Mai was the highlight of the Songkran festival, which marks the traditional Thai New Year.
The Phra Buddha Sihing is a revered Buddha statue, housed in Wat Phra Singh in the Old City, is central to this procession but there are many other Buddha statues involved in this event. Thousands of people participate in this spectacular parade. People line the streets and pay homage by gently sprinkling or pouring scented water over the statue, symbolizing purification, renewal, and the bestowing of blessings for the new year. We took these pictures of participants gathering before the parade.

02/04/2025

Pictures of the survey for our Chiang Mai Food and Culture Tour by samlor this morning. We had a great time!
Join us and support the samlor community of Chiang Mai!

28/03/2025

The shaving ritual at Wat Ku Tao in Chiang Mai took place yesterday afternoon, before the official start of the three-day Poy Sang Long festival. It began with the boys—referred to as "sang long," meaning those who will become novices—having their heads shaved by a combination of family members, relatives, and monks. For some of the boys it was not easy. The festival will continue today and tomorrow. On Sunday the big parade will take place, starting at around 0700 in the morning.

26/03/2025

At the Tai Yai temple Wat Ku Tao in Chiang Mai preparations are underway for the yearly Poy Sang Long ceremony which will take place on March 28, 29 and 30. The Poy Sang Long ceremony is a rite of passage among the Tai Yai (also known as Shan) people. This Buddhist ordination ritual marks the transition of young boys, typically aged between 7 and 14, into novice monks. The temple is known for its characteristic “watermelon” stupa. For three days there will be parades, music and lots of people at the temple grounds. It is worth visiting Wat Ku Tao to witness the Poy Sang Long ceremony.

28/02/2025

Samlor ride today with Australian travel writer John Borthwick and samlor drivers Bum and Chit. We had a great time.
Please support the samlor community of Chiang Mai.

23/02/2025

During their visit to northern Thailand in 1927 (1926 according to the pre-1941 Thai calendar), King Prajadiphok and Queen Rambhai Barni stayed at Ban Pong Nak, or the "House of Many Windows," just outside the city of Lampang. They visited on two occasions: from January 10 to 13 and again from January 19 to 22.
Ban Pong Nak, built in 1925, was originally situated in the middle of a golf course, as seen in footage from the royal visit. Today, the house is located within Fort Surasakmontri, the compound of the 32nd Military District, along Highway No. 1 from Lampang to Phayao. According to available information, this remarkable house boasts an impressive 469 windows—though I haven’t personally counted them. Later, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) also spent a night in this historic residence.
Now serving as a museum, the ground floor houses exhibits related to World War II, while the second floor preserves the royal quarters, including a dining room, bedroom, and other chambers. Entrance to the house is free.