Chiang Mai a la Carte

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.

09/02/2025

The samlors of Chiang Mai in action during the fantastic Flower Festival Parade yesterday morning. What would a Chiang Mai parade be without its samlors? It was great to see them and let’s make sure they will not disappear from the streets of Chiang Mai.

24/12/2024

Lampang, known as the “City of Horse Carriages,” is a hidden gem that remains authentic, underrated, and often overlooked by travelers. Easily accessible, Lampang can be reached by train—a scenic journey that takes you through the lush landscapes of Khuntan National Park.

This charming city boasts a fascinating history. Once the economic center of northern Thailand before Chiang Mai rose to prominence, Lampang retains its old-world charm and cultural richness. It’s a destination best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, and we recommend spending at least one night explore its attractions. A day tour simply doesn’t do justice to the wealth of interesting sites and experiences here.

Unlike other destinations, Lampang remains largely untouched by mass tourism. In many places, you might find yourself as the only visitor. One exception is Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a magnificent Buddhist temple that appears virtually unchanged over the past century. Lampang is a city waiting to be discovered—rich in culture, history, and local charm. It’s a perfect escape for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in northern Thailand.
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is undoubtedly the most famous attraction in Lampang, but there’s much more to explore in this charming city. Don’t miss the chance to visit the historic Louis Leonowens House. Don't miss the restored Shan temple at Wat Mon Cham Sin, the Burmese-style Wat Sri Chum and a nostalgic ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

12/11/2024

Great trail!

19/10/2024

Yesterday we visited the Chiang Klan area of Chiang Mai and were very pleased to see the famous Night Bazar back in action. Also adjoining markets such as the Galae food market, the Phaploen (formerly Ploenrudee and Anusarn markets were open. Chiang Mai is back!

17/10/2024

I took these pictures yesterday at Kad Luang aka the Warorot Market, the big market on the Ping River. It is the oldest market of the city and a must-visit place for tourists.
The market had been back in business for several days already. The basement is still closed but the food stalls have been moved temporarily to the 2nd floor. The flood was not the first disaster that overcame this market. In February 1968 fire destroyed the market after which it was rebuilt. This is our favourite market in Chiang Mai and we are happy to see that it is recovering from the devastating floods earlier this month. Don’t miss visiting this market when you are in Chiang Mai and take your time! It is a wonderful place.
Kad Luang is also the home to most of the still active samlor (three-wheel bicycle taxi) drivers of Chiang Mai.

14/10/2024

Last weekend we visited Chiang Rai. It was very quiet probably because tourists are still concerned about the flooding situation. There is no need to be concerned. In Chiang Rai everything has been back to normal already for a couple of weeks. We visited the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) and the wonderful Wat Huay Pla Kang. Besides we wandered around Kad Luang, the market of Chiang Rai, and visited the Saturday Walking Street. The cool season is about to start and there is no better time to visit this great city in the North of Thailand!

03/09/2024

Images of the samlor ride from Kad Luang to the Old City of Chiang Mai with participants of the Fam Trip for the Ministry of Industries and Commerce of the Government of Nagaland in India. This morning they enjoyed exploring Chiang Mai with our beloved samlor drivers. We have supported the samlor community of Chiang Mai since 2016.

25/07/2024

The Sydney Australia office of the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) also recommends our Chiang Mai samlor tours! 🙂

Writer John Borthwick discovers that Chiang Mai is far more than a “Mini-Me” Bangkok. Here are John's Top Ten Chiang Mai attractions and experiences.

19/07/2024

Wat Phra That Doi Wao is a temple in the town of Mae Sai, the gateway to Tachileik in Myanmar. This temple has been known as the “scorpion temple” because there is a giant statue of a scorpion on the temple grounds. Since last year Wat Phra That Doi Wao has a so-called Skywalk, an enormous iron and glass walkway on huge pillars that offers views of Mae Sai, Tachileik and far into the mountains of Myanmar. This Skywalk has attracted many, mostly local tourists.

The color purple has become the dominant color of this temple complex, so besides white and blue temples, Chiang Rai province now has a purple temple. You can either take a purple songtaew for 30THB roundtrip up to the temple or walk the naga staircase. The entrance fee to the Skywalk is 50THB per person, for which they will provide textile covers for your shoes so you will not damage the glass floor of the skywalk. If you visit Mae Sai I recommend visiting Wat Phra That Doi Wao. There are also some good food stalls in the temple grounds.

10/07/2024

Great!

26/05/2024

These are images of a samlor trip for guests of the 137 Pillars House this morning. We are still organizing these trips almost on a daily basis to support the drivers and to preserve the samlor, the traditional bicycle taxi, in Chiang Mai. There are now only about 25 samlors left in Chiang Mai, so you have to book your trip well in advance.

13/04/2024

I took these pictures before the fantastic parade. It was a wonderful day! Thanks, Chiang Mai!

19/03/2024

Last Saturday I had a look at the start of the Monk's Trail to Wat Pha Lad to see if the trail is still open. There is a banner on the new gate asking people not to enter “a forest conservation area” in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park until April 30. The Pha Lad Nature Trail, several waterfalls and other areas are excluded though.
The entrance of the trail has changed quite a lot since my last visit. The old information boards have disappeared as well as the grey garbage bags. There is now a bamboo gate and new boards with information about the trail, about the history of Wat Pha Lad as well as old photos of the temple, some of I had never seen before. Most of these photos were taken during the visit of King Rama VII in January 1927.