![people of Chiang Mai, Thailand](/images/icons/icon_people.gif)
![Peoplescape of Chiang Mai](/2019/mar/chiangmai_peoplescape/thumbnails/chiangmai_peoplescape.jpg)
Peoplescape of Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
A Gathering Space at Nawa Saraan Hotel
I'm a people-person and a place's peoplescape remains one of the highlights for me. What makes it unique this time around, is I have the serenity of Nawa Saraan Hotel's stone garden/Koi pond to invite new friends to. Here, I can whip-up my coffee concoction, offer freshly grated turmeric or ginger tea, toss a pizza or experiment on piadina to celebrate looming friendships - without the expense of meeting up in cafes or trendy restos.
![Peoplescape of Chiang Mai](/2019/mar/chiangmai_peoplescape/images/chiangmai_peoplescape.jpg)
Mike
From Day 1 I met him, Mike has always been my benefactor - from accepting my barter offer 3 years ago, all the way to now, where he offered me a dream job - to be the soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel. He has been very supportive in my efforts to play that role. Now, I am officially a part of his organization. Mike is tough as nails but fair and generous - even when no one's looking (so it's not for show). I've already lost track of how many times he has helped me in my journey. I keep finding ways to express my gratitude. With Nawa Saraan, I now have that option (despite the obvious benefit to me as well).
Mike blogs:
- 2022: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2022
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Oct 10, 2022
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Jul 31, 2022
- April Chronicles 2022 Apr 30, 2022
- February Chronicles 2022 Feb 28, 2022
- 2021: A Year In Review Dec 31, 2021
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug 31, 2021
- Continuing Friendships in Chiang Mai Jun 30, 2021
- On the Brink of Hunger, the ENABLERS Come to Light Jun 21, 2021
- Morphing Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 31, 2021
- Coffeemates, Breadmates and Yogamates in Chiang Mai Jan-Mar 2021
- 2020: A Year In Review Dec 31, 2020
- Shifting Peoplescape Of Chiang Mai July 2020
- 2019: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2019
- Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24-Mar24, 2019
- Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
- Overnight in Pai with Mike Jan 1, 2019
- 2018: A Year In Review Dec 31, 2018
- Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Dec 12, 2018 - Jan 1, 2019
- Mike Chong Aug 8, 2018
- Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa Aug 4, 2018
- Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Aug 3, 2018
- Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
Bee
During my previous visit, Mike introduced me to his lovely wife, Bee, where we all had pizza and bird's nest soup. This visit, I got to know her a little more. She tagged me along the furniture mall and Makro as she bought hotel supplies/furniture for the 4th hotel the couple will be opening up - Arun Hostel. I consult with her about local life and where to source things in the city. She is helpful and gracious about her ways.
Karen
Burningman buddy, Hanka, gave me a heads-up about her friend visiting Chiang Mai - Karen. It was spot-on connection with Karen. We spent the evening over vegan food and Blues at Northgate. Lots of sharing. I thought we'd be hanging out a lot, but I had my massage course and she had her out of town trips. She was a free spirit who loved life and welcomed it with open arms. Before I knew it, she was gone for BKK. But it was all good while it lasted.
Wenyuan
We were introduced by Mike and the three of us gelled, with Mike joining us if he could squeeze time out of his busy schedule. Wenyuan and I were practically inseparable during her 4-day stay in Chiang Mai. We both stayed at Nawa Saraan and Chiang Mai became our playground - coffee talks by the stone garden, yoga, long walks to the movie house, cheap eats, etc. She is smart, grounded and anchored in character. She had long term plans for Chiang Mai with her vision of a tea house, but pressing matters constrained her to go back home. We keep in touch across the ocean...and I miss her company as I write this.
-
Wenyuan blogs:
- Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24-Mar24, 2019
- Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
Irene
Irene was perhaps the most endearing guest teacher from the Thai massage course at ITM. I liked her vibe and energy. After the course, I invited her to join me for morning coffee. Spending time with her is like having the ease of a comfortable glove - there's just an earthly warmth and fit to our headspace. She reciprocated by inviting me for breakfast at Satiphan. She is generous in sharing what she knows as she is gracious in her ways. She would be a regular at Nawa Saraan for lazy coffee talks and reconnection.
Vesna
Vesna was one of ITM's Level 5 students who wanted to train and certify Thai massage therapists. That's how we met. She had a gentle persuasion as much as a keen eye for subtleties. I liked her muted but anchored presence. I invited her for brunch (serving my pizza French toast) and had a fun and insightful conversation. Her friend joined us and together, they took me to an art exhibit by Rushdy at Mimme where I met more of her friends. It was a wonderful time but short-lived - as she was on her way back to Serbia. We continue to keep in touch.
Anastasia
In the first 7 weeks I'd been in Chiang Mai, despite due diligence in seeing her again, it never happened. If a person wants something to happen, she will find a way to make it happen. If not, then she'll find all excuses why it can't. I had to walk away and attend to other looming possibilities on the horizon. But in a surprising comeback, my universe had us reunited, only to be separated again - it was such an emotional drain. She has an imposing but fleeting presence. Strong but vulnerable, loving yet aloof, worldly yet insulated, amalgamated and at the same time fragmented. Yes, she's a blurred dichotomy of contrasts on a broad spectrum where she oscillates within the varying shades of gray. I've always likened her to be wind that flows around you...don't grasp it, don't own it, don't even try to comprehend it. I had to learn that the difficult way. Just let it be and enjoy the breeze...while it lasts...then move on.
Anastasia blogs:
- Continuing Kaleidoscope Of Chiang Mai's Peoplescape July 27, 2019
- Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Mar24, 2019
- Peoplescape at the Wat Pa Tam Wua Forest Monastery Jan 1, 2019
Ryan
I met Ryan at the Reiki-share event at BrainSpa - his disarming smile caught my attention. As a general rule, anyone with good energy, I reach out to. We had a long share over coffee as he talked about his journey and where it is taking him. Currently, he is Reiki Master at Focusing Love where he deepens his practice. Ryan has many modalities under his belt, not just Reiki. His daily practice lasts up to 7 hours! That's like being a monk. Like me, he approaches spirituality with critical thinking.
Sarah
Like Ryan, I met Sarah at the Reiki-share - another presence that stood out. She finally accepted my coffee invite where we talked about our journeys. She runs the Chiang Mai Intuitive Center, a living arts studio providing the community with arts, education, and wellness programs. Sarah is at her best teaching teachers how to teach intuitively. She's devoted to her practice of counseling people...perhaps too devoted as it takes its toll on her. When not in the service of humanity, she's into meditation, painting, singing a new song daily, or watching the sky out the window to self-inquire. And yes, she can sing! Her integrity serves as her moral anchor. Subsequent coffee talks added dimension to a brewing friendship where I glimpsed layers to her spiritual grounding.
Hanka
I met Hanka at the airport from Burningman in 2003 and I've invited her a few times to my pizza nights in Toronto. We've remained connected through the years across the oceans but it's only during this visit that we got to sit down and talk at length about matters-that-be.
Her message about the exponential doomsday timeline brought about by climate change was nothing less than alarming. I knew it was coming, but I didn't know it was going to happen that fast - extinction level within our lifetime! Had I heard that from someone else, I may have dismissed it as alarmist thinking. But with Hanka, it's serious business. She knows better. She's been up to speed with the issues for the last 2 years with the leading experts and has radically changed her life in anticipation of the inevitable. She's not an alarmist...just a pragmatist who deals with facts without the sentimentalist baggage and does what needs to be done.
It wasn't all doom-and-gloom talk, we talked about so many other things under the sun. I've had conversations with many intelligent people but talks with Hanka take on a different level - facts are discussed with analysis, insight and call-to-action. I can only be glad she stopped by Chiang Mai on her global travel and shared time with me. Love you, Hanka ❤. My merits and affection go with you.
-
Hanka blogs:
- Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24-Mar24, 2019
- 2018: A Year In Review Dec 31, 2018
- Revolving Peoplescape of Bangkok Oct 8 - Nov 8, 2018
Luna
I met Luna in Penang in June 2016, and somehow, we'd been bumping into each other here in Chiang Mai. A wonderful soul who has been traveling for the longest time like me as well, we sink into a comfortable niche talking about our travels and the conscious path. I hope her motorcycle injury heals well and restores her functionality back. I'm sure our paths will cross again.
-
Luna blogs:
- Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24-Mar24, 2019
- Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
Alan
I met Alan during Chris' album launch at Heart Space. I got a sense of his positive energy and invited him over for coffee. A conscious soul who builds community of like-minded people, we found ourselves along similar paths. As lead trainer and master coach, he conducts workshops on HeartMath, an esoteric science using biofeedback to activate your Intuitive Heart. He's a man of intelligence and dimension, much like most of the people who join me for my coffee talks. He also holds ecstatic dance sessions, attends yoga classes and has his fingers on the local ongoings of Chiang Mai's conscious community.
Alan blogs:
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug 31, 2021
- Everybody's Only Friend Aug 13, 2021
- Coffeemates, Breadmates and Yogamates in Chiang Mai Jan-Mar 2021
- Shifting Peoplescape Of Chiang Mai July 2020
- The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
- Secret Sunrise: Nelson Mandela International Day July 17, 2019
- Farewell Picnic with Alan and Nicola July 15, 2019
- Optimizing Life thru Heart Math May 8, 15 and 22, 2019
- Fascinating Peoplescape Of Chiang Mai II May 22, 2019
- Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
- Peoplescape Of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
Ending Thoughts
Some of them have left, some will come back, but those who are still around are more or less regulars to my coffee talk gathering. I'm still in Chiang Mai, still crossing paths with wonderful lives who will soon grace Nara Saraan's gathering space. Chiang Mai's peoplescape continues to fascinate.
--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit
|
Learn English
|
Travel like a Nomad
|
Donation Bank
Chiang Mai Peoplescape blogs
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Oct 10, 2022
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Jul 31, 2022
- Tom Maher's Muay Thai Fight Apr 8, 2022
- Peoplescape Mar 31, 2022
- February Chronicles 2022 Feb 28, 2022
- Welcoming the New Year Jan 31, 2022
- 2021: A Year In Review Dec 31, 2021
- Stepping Forward / Reaching Out Oct 31, 2021
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug 31, 2021
- Continuing Friendships in Chiang Mai Jun 30, 2021
- Morphing Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 31, 2021
- Coffeemates, Breadmates and Yogamates in Chiang Mai Jan-Mar 2021
- Guess Who's Coming to Bread Day? Mar 1, 2021
- Are You My Queen? Feb 25, 2021
- 2020: A Year In Review Dec 31, 2020
- 2020: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2020
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug-Sep 2020 Sep 30, 2020
- Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
- The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
- Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
- Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
- Coffeemates and Breadmates (Oct 2019) Oct to Nov 5, 2019
- The Conscious Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Aug 31, 2019
- Kaleidoscope of Chiang Mai's Peoplescape July 27, 2019
- The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
- Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
- Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
- Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
Reader Comments:
![Saffiya Arnous](/images/thumb/saffiya_arnous.jpg)
![France](/images/flag_france.gif)
Power of Laugh
(Mar 13, 2019) Cool one Gigit! I'll be back for turmeric/ginger infusion after Vietnam 🙂
![Vesna Milosavljevic Deleon](/images/thumb/vesna_deleon.jpg)
![Serbia](/images/flag_serbia.gif)
(Mar 3, 2019) My warm ❤ recommendation! Breakfast at Gigit's at Nawa Saraan...the best in my life! Thank you dear Gigit, always in my heart!🙂
![Ryan Sherman](/images/thumb/ryan_sherman.jpg)
![USA](/images/flag_usa.gif)
(Mar 3, 2019) It was great to swap stories with you Gigit!
Next stop: Being the Soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel
Chiang Mai INFORMATION
Chiang Mai Map
![Google Map](/images/google_tab.gif)
Chiang Mai, Thailand
![important places in Chiang Mai](/images/icon/municipality.gif)
![Chiang Mai Bus Station](/images/icon/attraction03.gif)
![Chiang Mai Train Station](/images/icon/attraction04.gif)
![Chiang Mai airport](/images/icon/attraction09.gif)
![Nong Buak Hard Park](/images/icon/attraction06.gif)
![hotels in Chiang Mai](/images/icon/hotel.gif)
![Chiang Mai Arun Dara Villa](/images/banner/nawa.png)
![Chiang Mai Nawa Sheeva Hotel](/images/banner/nawa.png)
![Chiang Mai Nawa Saraan Hotel](/images/banner/nawa.png)
![Arun Suite, Chiang Mai](/images/banner/nawa.png)
![birds nest restaurants in Chiang Mai](/images/icon/restaurant.gif)
![La Pizza Chiang Mai](/images/banner/la_pizza.gif)
![Chiang Mai birds nest restaurant](/images/icon/restaurant04.gif)
![Thai massage in Chiang Mai](/images/icon/massage.gif)
![ITM – International Training Massage School](/images/banner/itm.png)
![Float Chiang Mai](/images/banner/chiangmai_float2.png)
![Chiang Mai, Royal Thai Lanna Massage](/images/banner/zira_spa.png)
![motorcycle rental in Chiang Mai](/images/icon/motorcycle.gif)
![Chiang Mai birds nest motorcycle](/images/icon/mountainbiking04.gif)
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)
- 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
- B2000 full day elephant sanctuary
- B750 Chiang Rai one-day tour
- B1500 mountain biking scenic ride
Chiang Mai Trains by Train36.com
- Chiang Mai trains for Bangkok - 2 day trains, 3 night trains, daily schedule
- Train 14 to Bangkok - departs 5pm daily, arrives BKK 6:15am, 1st class and 2nd class sleeping accomodation, Special Express
- Chiang Mai trains to other destinations -
Chiang Mai to Bangkok Trains
source: railway.co.th- Check Train Schedule & Fares
- 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
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)
- take the MRT train to Bang Sue Station. Take the #1 Exit to the north provincial trains
- 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.
- 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
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).
Chiangmai Blogs by TheLoneRider
- Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019 - Oct 10, 2022
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Oct 10, 2022
- Siamaya Chocolates Oct 2, 2022 [an error occurred while processing this directive]
- September Snapshots Sep 30, 2022
- Carrot Cake Sep 12, 2022
- Making Coconut Bread Sep 3, 2022
- August Snapshots Aug 31, 2022
- Yoga Nidra with Chunyah and Tom Aug 18, 2022
- Coconut Pancake Aug 11, 2022
- July Snapshots Jul 31, 2022
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Jul 31, 2022
- Jason, Max and Elizabeth Pizza Nite Jul 28, 2022
- Yakiniku Dinner with Max and Jason Jul 25, 2022
- Icebath at Nawa Saraan Jul 6 - Oct 5, 2022
- June Snapshots Jun 30, 2022
- Tom, Chunyah and Simona Pizza Nite Jun 23, 2022
- Yoga Class Pizza Nite Jun 15, 2022
- Pranayama with Nicha Jun 14, 2022
- May Snapshots May 31, 2022
- Lover's Quarrel May 26, 2022
- Getting Lost on a Hike May 25, 2022
- Biohacker Meetup at 'Living with The Spirit' May 22, 2022
- Music and Magic at Paapu House May 5, 2022
- Breathwork + Icebath @ Alt_Chiangmai II Apr 20, 2022
- April Chronicles 2022 Apr 30, 2022
- Tombstone Epitaph Apr 29, 2022
- Kayaking along the Ping River with the BioHackers Apr 24, 2022 [an error occurred while processing this directive]
- Pizza Nite with Jerry, Paolo and Abby Apr 9, 2022
- Tom Maher's Muay Thai Fight Apr 8, 2022
- Breathwork + Icebath @ Alt_Chiangmai Apr 6, 2022
- Yoga with Leo Apr 5, 2022
- March Chronicles 2022 Mar 31, 2022
- Street Photo Mar 31, 2022
- Peoplescape Mar 31, 2022
- Chiang Mai's Recovering Music Scene Mar 31, 2022
- Street Photo Mar 31, 2022
- Yoga and Fitness Mar 26, 2022
- Friday Bitcoin Meetups Mar 18, 2022
- Pizza Nite with Aida and Sophie Mar 14, 2022
- Pizza Nite with Kevin, Jamie and Kris Mar 10, 2022
- In Search of Genetic Immortality Mar 5, 2022
- February Chronicles 2022 Feb 28, 2022
- Palm-Feeding Wild Birds Feb 26, 2022
- Cuckoo Feb 16, 2022
- Tell John Feb 16, 2022
- Pizza Nite with Kris, Simona and Mary Feb 15, 2022
- Pizza Nite with the Chiang Mai Boyz Feb 6, 2022
- Welcoming the New Year Jan 31, 2022
- January Snapshots Jan 31, 2022
- ABS Fitness Challenge Jan 16 - Apr 16, 2022
- Pumpkin Tahini Recipe Jan 3, 2022
- 2021: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Simona and Lisa Dec 28, 2021
- Tahini Salad Dressing Dec 27, 2021
- Baba Ganoush Recipe Dec 23, 2021
- 7 Universal Laws Dec 20, 2021
- Sacred Circuitry Dec 18, 2021
- Cave-Living in a Boutique Hotel in Chiang Mai Dec 14, 2021
- Tummo Yoga + Wim Hof Breathing + Full-Body Muscle Contraction Dec 13, 2021
- Monk Chat Dec 10, 2021
- Making Tahini and Hummus Dec 8, 2021
- Watering the Plants Hands-Free Dec 2, 2021
- Vietnamese Phin Coffee Filter Dec 2, 2021
- Tummo Yoga Dec 1, 2021
- The Bliss of Inner Fire: Book Summary/Review Dec 1, 2021
- The Bliss of Inner Fire: Heart Practice of the Six Yogas of Naropa Dec 1, 2021
- 'Must Experience' Cafés of Chiang Mai Nov 30, 2021
- British Hobnob Cookies Nov 22, 2021
- New York Cheese Cake Nov 22, 2021
- Dham's Poetry Nov 14, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Simona and Nat Nov 11, 2021
- Stepping Forward / Reaching Out Oct 31, 2021
- Cancel Culture Attack Oct 31, 2021
- Mantra Primer Oct 29, 2021
- Spinal Mobility Oct 7, 2021
- Swedish Cinnamon Rolls [Kanelbullar] Oct 4, 2021
- Just Bring 2 Chinese Oct 3, 2021
- Sep Snapshots Sep 31, 2021
- One-Leg Yoga Asana Sequences Sep 30, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Nut, Monika and Yuki Sep 27, 2021
- 23-Minute Ice Bath Sep 27, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Nut, Simona and Malee Sep 23, 2021
- Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) Sep 23, 2021
- Making Cornbread Sep 15, 2021
- Kombucha: 2nd Batch Sep 11, 2021
- Making German Stollen Bread Sep 9, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Jackson, Goi and Paapu Sep 6, 2021
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug 31, 2021
- Making Homemade Kombucha Aug 30, 2021
- Wrong Question to Ask This Crowd Aug 29, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Tom, Chunyah and Goi Aug 20, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Moms and Kids Aug 15, 2021
- Bahya Kumbhaka (breath-hold on the exhale) Aug 14, 2021
- Everybody's Only Friend Aug 13, 2021
- Vanillekipferl (German Vanilla Crescent Cookies) Aug 11, 2021
- Fighting Infection through Yoga Aug 3, 2021
- Too Close for Friendship Aug 2, 2021
- Manifesting: Epicurus' Pursuit Jul 31, 2021
- Homemade Rum Raisin Ice Cream Jul 30, 2021
- Ice Bath at Nawa Saraan Healing Space Jul 25, 2021
- Pizza Nite + Slack Line + Hammock Jul 23, 2021
- Yin-Yoga & Hypnosis with Christine Thiel Jul 20, 2021
- Pizza Nite with James and Nat Jul 19, 2021
- Antara Kumbhaka on Nadi Shodan Pranayama: Yogic Breath-Hold on the Inhale Jul 17, 2021
- Moving and Cashing-Out Bitcoin Jun 2 - Jul 11, 2021
- 'The Bow' Yoga Jul 7, 2021
- Yoga Classes with Calum Mar 27 - Jul 4, 2021
- Hike to Wat Pa Thammachat Waterfall Jul 2, 2021
- Pizza Brunch with the Yogis July 1, 2021
- Continuing Friendships in Chiang Mai Jun 30, 2021
- On the Brink of Hunger, the ENABLERS Come to Light Jun 21, 2021
- Hatha Vinyasa Yoga with Katharine Day Jun 17, 2021
- Pranayama Basics II Jun 16, 2021
- 36-Hour Love Life Jun 11, 2021
- Pranayama Basics I Jun 9, 2021
- Biohackers Meetup in Chiang Mai Jun 6, 2021
- Learning How to Breathe Jun 2, 2021
- Not the Usual Day-to-Day Life May 31, 2021
- Morphing Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 31, 2021
- Breathwork & Ice Bath with Jason Ryer of Zen Strength May 23, 2021
- It's Raining Bell Peppers May 7, 2021
- Yoga Classes with Nana Apr 20, 2021
- You Want to be Wonder Woman? Apr 8, 2021
- Kunjal Kriya / Vamana Dhauti (induced vomiting) Apr 1, 2021
- Coffeemates, Breadmates and Yogamates in Chiang Mai Jan-Mar 2021
- Varisara Dhauti (cleansing of the entire digestive tract) Mar 26, 2021
- Spiritual Backpacker Interview by Napasorn 'Cherry' Suvarnapradip Mar 23, 2021
- Private One-on-One Yoga Classes with Doriana Feb 17 - Mar 14, 2021
- Transformational Life Events Mar 13, 2021
- Guess Who's Coming to Bread Day? Mar 1, 2021
- Mula Shodhana (anal cleansing) Feb 27, 2021
- Are You My Queen? Feb 25, 2021
- Breaking the 5-Minute Breath-hold Barrier Feb 25, 2021
- Kirtan with Chiang Mai's Khun Thai Seekers Feb 7, 2021
- Breaking the 4-minute Breath-hold Feb 7, 2021
- Pranayama Primer Feb 2, 2021
- Heartbreak in every Song Jan 24, 2021
- The Silent Killer is Baaack! Jan 12, 2021
- Learning the Thai Language Jan 9, 2021
- 2020: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2020
- Reversing/Slowing Down the Aging Process Dec 30, 2020
- Hike to Huay Keaw Waterfall Dec 20, 2020
- Yoga Mat Dec 19, 2020
- Hiking to Wat Pha Lat along the Monk's Trail Dec 19, 2020
- Am I Psycho? Dec 9, 2020
- Muffin Man Dec 8, 2020
- Polyamory Dec 4, 2020
- The Wim Hof Ice Bath Dec 3, 2020
- RSVP Nov 25, 2020
- High Intensity Interval Yoga (Yoga + HIIT) Nov 14, 2020
- Cleansing the Nadis (Energy Pathway) Nov 13, 2020
- Yoga for a 360-degree Core Nov 6, 2020
- Edward Witten: 'the smartest living physicist' Nov 4, 2020
- Srinivasa Ramanujan: Mathematician of the Divine Oct 27, 2020
- Bashar as Channeled by Darryl Anka Oct 26, 2020
- Vinyasa Krama and Ashtanga Yoga with Aida Yoga Oct 18, 2020
- Deepak Chopra: author, lecturer, healer Oct 12, 2020
- Facebook Friends Oct 1, 2020
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug-Sep 2020 Sep 30, 2020
- Siddhis (yogic super powers) Sep 30, 2020
- Learning the Import/Export Trade Sep 4, 2020
- Music and Magic at Justin's Birthday Bash Sep 3, 2020
- Biggest Stone in his Shoe Sep 1, 2020
- Abandoned Aug 25, 2020
- Intelligent Romantic Break-up Aug 25, 2020
- Dad-Zoned Aug 18, 2020
- Public Display of Affection Aug 9, 2020
- Gabriella's Birthday Bash at Mothership Resort Aug 8-9, 2020
- Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
- Yoga Class for Strength and Muscle Jul 30, 2020
- Yoga Class for Optimum Digestion July 29, 2020
- Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes Jul 27, 2020
- Hippie Night at Nawa Saraan Healing Space July 24, 2020
- The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
- Prana Vayu Adhitthana Yoga Class July 11-12, 2020
- Coming Back to Chiang Mai Jun 29, 2020
- Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 23, 2020
- Prasnopanishad: Understanding Prana Jan 17, 2020
- Hiking the Monk's Trail Jan 15, 2020
- Chaturanga Jan 10, 2020
- You Spooned Me Jan 3, 2020
- 2019: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2019
- Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
- Visiting Mae Sot Dec 27-30, 2019
- Let's Make it About You - an Epiphany Dec 17, 2019
- Shut-Up! Dec 7, 2019
- Roasted Red Bell Pepper Puree Dec 3, 2019
- Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
- Bhujangini Mudra Nov 25, 2019
- Mathangini Mudra Nov 24, 2019
- Kaka Mudra Nov 23, 2019
- Pasini Mudra Nov 20, 2019
- Aswini Mudra Nov 18, 2019
- Sambhavi Mudra Nov 16, 2019
- Manduka Mudra Nov 15, 2019
- Tataka Mudra Nov 14, 2019
- Sakti Calana Mudra Nov 10, 2019
- Vajroli Mudra Nov 9, 2019
- Coffeemates and Breadmates (Oct 2019) Oct to Nov 5, 2019
- Yoni Mudra Nov 1, 2019
- Viparita Karani Mudra Oct 31, 2019
- Khecari Mudra Oct 30, 2019
- Mahadeva Mudra Oct 28, 2019
- Sacred Cacao - Chakra Dance Journey Oct 26, 2019
- Partner Healing with Natascha Oct 24, 2019
- Maha Bandha Mudra Oct 24, 2019
- Point-Of-Failure Birthday Workout Oct 22, 2019
- Mula Bandha Mudra Oct 21, 2019
- Hugfest at Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai Oct 19, 2019
- Anushasan Mudra Oct 18, 2019
- Ling Mudra Oct 17, 2019
- Jalandhara Bandha Mudra Oct 15, 2019
- Learning Thai with Cee Oct 13, 2019
- Uddiyana Bandha Mudra Oct 10, 2019
- Nabho Mudra Oct 9, 2019
- Maha Mudra Oct 7, 2019
- 20 Essential Mudras by T. Krishnamacharya Oct. 6, 2019
- Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri) Oct 3, 2019
- Cuddle Party by Abundant Love CM Oct 1, 2019
- Vayu Mudra Oct 1, 2019
- Visa-Run to Tachileik, Myanmar Sep 28, 2019
- Sankalpa Mudra Sep 27, 2019
- Surya Pradarshini Mudra Sep 26, 2019
- Eye-Gazing at Heart Space Sep 20, 2019
- Prana Vayu (Pranic Wind) Sep 20, 2019
- 2-Week Yoga Challenge by Agnese Erba Sep 17, 2019
- The Mudra Project Sep 13, 2019
- Sunday Vinyasa Flow with Marina Forster Sep 8, 2019
- Shamanic Breathwork by Rachel Constantino Sep 4, 2019
- The Conscious Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Aug 31, 2019
- Of Winos and Yogis Aug 26, 2019
- The 9 Jhanas of Buddha Aug 22, 2019
- Wicked Game: Anger and Pain August 19, 2019
- Full Moon Ceremony at Heart Space Aug 15, 2019
- Yin Yoga - Water Element by Martina Barabas Aug 15, 2019
- Hatha Mix Yoga with Christin Aug 13, 2019
- Boy Blues Bar Rocks Chiang Mai Aug 5, 2019
- Back to my Beloved Chiang Mai Aug 1, 2019
- Kaleidoscope of Chiang Mai's Peoplescape July 27, 2019
- Secret Sunrise: Nelson Mandela International Day July 17, 2019
- Farewell Picnic with Alan and Nicola July 15, 2019
- Secret Sunrise: Water July 3, 2019
- Hotel Review: Arun Suite June 27, 2019
- Bruce Lipton: Epigentics to Transcend Genes June 24, 2019
- Optimizing Life thru Heart Math May 8, 15 and 22, 2019
- Connective Cacao and Sound Journey June 12, 2019
- Chiangmai BLUES June 6, 2019
- Hatha Slow Flow with Neil Jefferson June 3, 2019
- Meditating with One Million Meditators Movement June 1, 2019
- Vinyasa Happy Flow Series by Vaida May 31, 2019
- Muay Thai at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium May 30, 2019
- Yoga Flow Through the 7 Chakras by Sabrina Pilz May 30, 2019
- The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
- Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
- World Meditation Day at Heart Space May 21, 2019
- Abs Yoga by Gigit May 12, 2019
- Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
- Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
- Tok Sen Massage from Ying May 8, 2019
- Bruschetta: Nawa Saraan Style Apr 22, 2019
- Thai Cooking at Pra Nang Thai Cookery School Apr 20, 2019
- Bonding with the Elephants in Chiang Mai Apr 11, 2019
- Ziplining in Chiang Mai with Eagle Track Zipline Apr 10, 2019
- Getting Thai Massage from Chiang Mai's Best (Lar Thanakrit Khamtanong) Mar 21, 2019
- Being the Soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel Mar 18, 2019
- Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
- Curing Cancer with Yoga? Feb 21, 2019
- International Training Massage School (ITM): Level 1 Feb 11-15, 2019
- Sandesch Album Launch by Christoph Joerg Feb 13, 2019
- Meditation in a Sensory Deprivation Tank at Float Chiang Mai Jan 29, 2019
- Reiki Share at the Mastermind Brain Spa Jan 26, 2019
- Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
- 4 Days in Chiang Mai at Nawa Saraan Hotel Jan 2-6, 2019
- Mike Chong Aug 8, 2018
- An Intimate Conversation with my Universe in Chiang Mai Aug 8, 2018
- Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa Aug 4, 2018
- Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Aug 3, 2018
- Yoga Exploration at The Yoga Tree with Gernot Aug 1, 2018
- Laughter Yoga with Saffiya Arnous July 31, 2018
- Yoga with Adam at Hidden House Yoga, Chiang Mai July 29, 2018
- 2 Weeks in Chiang Mai July 25 - Aug 7, 2018
- A First Timer in Chiang Mai Apr 9-23, 2016
- Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
- Dance Mandala in Chiang Mai at The Yoga Tree Apr 19, 2016
- Songkran Waterfight Festival in Chiang Mai Apr 13-15, 2016
- Border Crossing from Siem Reap (Cambodia) to Bangkok (Thailand) to Chiang Mai April 9-10, 2016
General Travel Tips
- 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!
Currency Converter
![](http://assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png)
»» next story: Being the Soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel
»» next Peoplescape story: The Fascinating Peoplescape Of Ho Chi Minh City
»» back to Peoplescape
»» back to Homepage
ARCHIVE:
2024 |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUN |
JUL |
AUG
1970 |
1973 |
1975 |
1976 |
1979 |
1981 |
1996 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
ALL BLOGS