Siripanna Villa Resort Chiang Mai

Among the extensive and high range of hotels within Chiang Mai downtown, many things have changed from the old days. But unlike the others, Siripanna Villa Resort Chiang Mai aims to deliver a friendly traditional Lanna style resort with an architectural design based upon the city’s Lanna heritage.

With the outstanding interior design conceptual “Contemporary Thai Hospitality” emerges its red roofs, open-sided pavilions, extensive use of golden teak, and lushly green gardens. Each building is connected by bridge-walkways roof free to embrace the golden sun.

Most of the ancient trees have been nicely preserved and almost half of the land was turned into a wonderful Lanna Field. This resort hotel is on an intimate scale and offers all the warmth of a traditional Northern Thai hospitality. The extremely charming Royal Sala Spa Suite, with extra room area of 150.00 sq.m and 173.00 sq.m of Gazebo with a roof top garden and Jacuzzi. Moreover, every flamboyant room is also prompted with bathroom with separate bathtub and shower room, extra king size bed & twin beds, 42” LCD TV with satellite program and DVD Player as well as full-stocked mini-bar. Cool breeze and sweet scented flowers planted around the compound will allow you to relax in an enchanting natural environment making it an authentic venue to stay.

Siripanna Villa Resort Chiang Mai is easily accessed just 800 meters directly from Chiang Mai Railway station and only 6 km. from Chiang Mai International Airport through a local road linked to Chiang Mai Gymkhana Sports Club. From the unique design of authentic style plus suitability in Lanna art and culture, it pleasantly combines richness in style reflecting the true spirit of Lanna culture. All this leads to a wonderful experience at Siripanna Villa Resort Chiang Mai, the princess of magnificent Lanna.

Information…

Siripanna Villa Resort Chiang Mai
36 Ratcha U-thit, Tambol Watkate,
Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50000 Thailand
Tel. +66 (0) 5337 1999
Fax. +66 (0) 5337 1900
E-mail: svc@chr.co.th

Sinativa Spa Club Chiang Mai

The original Chiang Mai Spa established since 1997, with high quality and unwavering concept of management “What others cannot offer, we can,” makes Sinativa Spa Club one of the best Destination Spas in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The spa is nicely located in the heart of Chiang Mai downtown set in the topical green garden. Here, you will find the Sinativa Spa Club ready to relax and pamper you in true Lanna style.

Sinativa offers a full range of uniquepackages: a 3 hour package will include a skin detoxification, facial treatment, a relaxing full body holistic aroma massage, an anti-oxidant body scrub, herbal steam, and a mineral / scented floral bath in Jacuzzi. The guests will be relaxed and fully revived after they unwind and let their cares, aches and pains waft away with the light breeze. Furthermore, Sinativa also uses skin-care products made only from the most valuable and suitable substances extracts from selected forests, fields and oceans providing the skin with everything that it needs to become beautiful, soft, firm and healthy.

The spa is housed in a fascinating old Lanna Thai residence perfumed with sweet fragrance most appealing to the sense of smell such as lavender, rose, and jasmine to give you that first leisure in life. Switch off your hectic life and come experience a spa journey that leads to your own sense of wellness. Calm down your spirit at a place where you belong, Sinativa Spa Club.

Information…

Sinativa Spa Club22 /1 Nimmanhemin Rd. Soi 9Tel. +66 (0) 5321 7928 Mobile: +66 (0) 8665 92545Free Transportation Opening hours: 9.00 a.m. – 22.00 p.m.

Lanna Come Spa Chiang Mai “A Touch of Sib Song Panna”

Lanna Come Spa is the first Thai Northern spa which proudly showcases its distinctive Sib Song Panna style. Come feel the genuine contemporary atmosphere of upper northern region and enjoy all this natural beauty while luxuriating in the comfort of our warm welcome in Sib Song Panna style: a combination of Thai culture and our several mixing tea served with Thai delicious desserts.

After enjoying our relaxing warm welcome, we offer you a variety of spa treatments like Aroma Massage, Stone Massage and Ayurveda Massage for Hydrotherapy massage. Massaging in the water by Ozone Jet, this extraordinary jet is unique from all others as it is part of the hot tub's filtration system. When an ozonator is installed, the ozone is introduced into the water through this jet with color therapy to help sanitize the tub. The ozone will appear as a stream of small bubbles and will be active during heating and filtration cycles. Amazingly, 200-300 calories are burnt for a convenient 30-minutes massage. The most treatment that we would like to suggest is “Vichy Shower Massage”, a relaxing massage performed under sprinklers with water heated to match your body temperature. This massage increases circulation and lymphatic flows which aids the body in cleansing itself of toxins. Totally an incredible experience you don’t want to miss!

We also have several facial treatments like Skin Detox, Hydra Treatment, or making shining & bright face after a sun burnt immediately disappear with just the first use of our Professional skin care. Furthermore, the treatment that you definitely must try at Lanna Come Spa is “Gold Class Spa” which has the ingredient of pure gold. All our products in Lanna Come Spa are well selected from Thai local wisdom, Thai herbs and oversea imports.

Information…

Lanna Come Spa 88 Sridonchai Rd.,Changklan, Muang, Chiang Mai 50000 Thailand Tel. +66(0) 5327 4377 Fax. +66(0) 5323 5768

90/9 Home Mood Cuisine Chiang Mai

Winter nights are so charming with crickets lovingly singing in the moonlight beams. Cool breeze and dazzling star embellish a delightful night. Occasionally after the rain, it seems like we can almost touch the rainbow over there. Every night in the rainy season, hundreds of hundreds of sparkling fireflies come out to celebrate their new circle of lives again. This is a wonderful happening at “nine-o-nine”.

This sweet little cuisine refreshes your body and mind with quality food and nature’s beauty. Dinner is a perfect time to revitalize and gain your strength. 90/9 expertly blended every dish mixing the good old days and the modern style such as the unique appetizer baked prawn with cheese served with garlic rice. Additionally, besides serving the finest Thai food, another favorite is the Grilled sirloin served with black pepper sauce. And please don’t forget to try River prawn with Panang sauce serve with black pasta and many more dishes on the menu guaranteed to taste super yummy. Just come take a seat under the big tree shade, spacious green garden surrounded with sweet scent of colorful flowers and whispering wind while having your favorite food. This is the easiest and most enjoyable way to take your stress away while cleansing your heart and soul filling it with gratification.

The location is along an attractive country road in Tambon Sunpheesue Amphoe Muang Chiang Mai. Separated from the Outer Ring, the road runs parallel to the Mae Ping River that leads you to a lovely home mood restaurant “nine-o-nine” an engagingly eye-catching restaurant that will surely bring you more joy and laughter among its natural tranquility.90/9 is opened from 5.00 p.m.-11.00 p.m. everyday except for the period of Nov. 2-9 of each year saved for Meditation Course.

Information…

90/9 Home Mood Cuisine 90/9 M.3 Tumbon Sanpheesua Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand Tel. +66 (0) 5311 0732-3Mobile. +66 (0) 8494 88909Fax. +66 (0) 5311 0732

Wat Chedi Chet Yod in Chiang Mai

Wat Chedi Chet Yod located on the Chiang Mai-Lampang Super Highway, Wat Chedi Chet Yod is among the oldest temples in Chiang Mai and Lanna Kingdom. It is one of the most significant temples in terms of architectural style and aesthetic value. Buddhism had an important role in the Lanna Kingdom during the reign of King Tilokaraj (1441-1485). In the temple, there was a Bo tree which was planted by the order of the king. This became the origin of the name Wat Maha Botharam. In 1477, the king also held a meeting for senior monks to revise the Tripitaka. This gathering was known as the Eight World Buddhist Council and it was the first of such event to happen in the land of the Thai people. Interesting Facts: Seven-spired Square Chedi (Stupa)The shape of the stupa resembles the one of Mahabodi Temple in Bodhi Gaya in India. The top part or the roof consists of seven spires. The base, on the outside is decorated with stucco featuring angels in various costumes and in different postures such as sitting in meditation and standing. The stucco is the oldest and most unique in Lanna. The popular name “Wat Chet Yod” is derived from this seven-spired stupa.

Wat Chedi Liam or Chedi Ku Kham in Chiang Mai

Wat Chedi Liam or Chedi Ku Khamin according to historical evidence, this temple was originally named “Wat Ku Kham”; Ku means ‘stupa’ and Kham means ‘gold’. It was built in the year 1188 by the command of King Mangrai during his reign in the Northern region. Distinctive feature of Wat Chedi Liam (Chedi Liam Temple) showing great influence of religious structure construction from the Lanna architecture is the pyramid like shape stupa. Made from bricks, the stupa is then covered with white cement with the balconies enshrining 15 Buddha images under each arch totaling to the amount of 60 Buddha images from all 4 sides.

The angular base is guarded by the 4 lions sitting and facing outward faithfully on watch. Between each lion rest the Buddha images displaying Pagan-Myanmar influence. The side of each arch is decorated with stucco floral vines and 2 protective serpents with their tails entwined all the way to the top on each side. At the top of each stupa is a delicate metal decoration distinctively different from other temples.

Wat Lok Moli in Chiang Mai

Wat Lok Moli another treasured temple by the people of Chiang Mai is Wat Lok Moli (Lok Moli Temple). The exact origin date is not known but after World War 2 the Fine Arts Department registered this historical temple as an archeological site in the year 1959. Presently, this precious structure is used as a modern day blue print to unravel the splendor of Lanna Architecture’s past for the students of the Faculty of Architecture, Chiang Mai University. What distinguishes this site from other temples in the Northern region is the unique dimensional stucco designs decorating the entrance gable with distinctive Lanna style displaying wisdom and fine craftsmanship of the Lanna artists in that era.

Interesting Facts:

Wiharn Luang The temple was built with teak wood, a distinctive feature of Lanna architecture. On both sides of the stairs leading up to the temple are two mythical serpents creating an awesome feeling. The front part is colorfully decorated with colored glass with the 3-tier roof overlapping on top. The floor is painted black to brilliantly reflect the shimmering glass colors that seem to dance vividly right before your eyes. The ceiling is adorned with gilded wood carvings chronicling the life cycle of the Lord Buddha. The beauty is just beyond any descriptive words.

Wat Pan Tao in Chiang Mai

Wat Pan Tao located on Phra Pok Klao Road, Phra Sing District, Amphur Muang, this temple is believed to be dated as old as Wat Chedi Luang (Chedi Luang Temple). As the legend goes, this place had many kilns used for creating Buddha images for Chedi Luang Temple. Thus, the name “Pan Tao” meaning ‘thousand kilns’ was given. Similar to the name but slightly different in pronunciation, this temple housed the Buddha image name “Phra Pan Tao” meaning ‘thousand times’. It has been said that if you made a wish, whatever it might be, would multiply to hundreds and thousands of time.

Interesting Facts:

Wiharn Luang Pan Tao shrine perfectly displays all the artistic elements of the most beautiful wooden Lanna structure in the North. Above the arch gable is the beautifully hand craved exquisite peacock, the royal emblem and a symbol for the Northern royal court. It stands gracefully on a Hmon (mythical animal carrying “Thep Pachchunna” the rain god) distinctively showcased in an elegant triangle frame. The only feature that is not Lanna is the wooden style panel wall, called “Fa Ta Paa” by the Lanna people. These particular panel walls were generally found in houses of the Central region part of Thailand. The roof structure is precisely built by jig sawing the pieces together without using a single nail. Presently, Wat Pan Tao is registered as a national archeological building since 1980.

Wat Chiang Man in Chiang Mai

Wat Chiang Man located on Ratchapakhinai Road, this temple is the oldest and the first of its kind in Chiang Mai. After the establishment of the city in 1296, King Mangrai ordered the construction of the stupa at Ban Chiang Man. This particular location was chosen because it had served as a temporary royal pavilion for the King as he waited for the completion of the city construction. He named the pavilion “Wiang Lek” meaning ‘city of steel’. Later, as a sign of his dedication to the faith of Buddhism, King Mangrai made an offering of this historic site and proclaimed it as the first royal temple. Thus, the auspicious name “Wat Chiang Man” meaning ‘Temple of the City of Strength’ was given.

Interesting Facts:

Chedi Chang Lom (Stupa Surrounded by Elephants)The highlight of this Lanna style stupa is its bell shape surrounded by 16 elephants standing guard around the square base. The elephants signify strength and support for the strong faith of Buddhism.

Wiharn Chaturamuk (Four – Corner Balcony Wiharn)The worshiping shrine holds the Phra Se Taang Kamanee or Phra Kaew Khao (Crystal Buddha) dated back more than 1,800 years old. The Buddha image has great significant religious value to the people of Chiang Mai. It is carved from crystal clear rock depicting the Lord Buddha in a meditation position. The temple also holds Phra Sila dated as far back as more than 2,500 years old. It is a stone Buddha image carved in the Northern Indian Pala style depicting the Lord Buddha taming the Nara Kiri elephant.

The Buddha image stands on the lotus base under an arch; his right hand hovering over the crouching elephant while his left hand is held up in a forgiving blessing position or giving a sermon as his disciples look on from the left side. It is priceless Buddha image well respected and worshiped by the people of all ages. The four walls of the temple are adorned with golden gilded painting telling tales of the Chiang Mai city establishment. The Lanna calligraphy and exquisite designs brilliantly display Lanna’s ancient arts.

The Wonders of Banana Tree

Many of us have the phrases “Easy-peasy”, “nothin’ to it” and “piece of cake” or maybe the Thai expression, “as easy as peeling a banana,” I agree that peeling a banana is easy, but many people neglect the banana’s significance and value. Bananas are invaluable in our lives in countless ways. With earth facing a crisis with global warming, banana trees are plants that can help save the planet. They not only grow quickly can be planted on every kind of terrain, but bananas provide moisture to soil also. Whenever I plant perennial plants, I always plant bananas as well as a helpful assistant. When the perennial plants are still small, the banana tree can provide shade and when the perennial plants are fully grown the banana tree can be moved to another location. The value of the banana tree is not limited to the above-mentioned reasons also however. Another important reason is that bananas are a good industrial crop which exemplifies the concept of a “Self-Sufficiency Economy.”

Bananas can be used in a variety of packaging and wrapping or used in oblations such as in an offering for a spirit invitation ceremony, or “Krathong” (banana float), or used in general decoration decorate your place, Its trunk can be used as string to bind and bundle things together due to its natural strength. Its blossom can be cooked or eaten while still fresh. Raw bananas can be cooked for food, light meals and dessert. Ripe bananas can be made into desserts, dried, deep-fried or just eaten providing high nutritional value.

I think there’s no country in the world that appreciates the value of the banana tree like Thailand. In my opinion, banana trees can relieve many of our burdens by reducing pollution through supporting the self sufficiency concept. We should all plant some banana trees in our backyard. This world be helpful too in case of an emergency because you can depend on the leaves, stem, blossom, and fruits to help your family and household. Of course it can also is used to supplement your income in the future

Information…

Baan Suan Klang Pa Pa Ta Vegetarian Restaurant located middle room of JJ Hobby Market Atsadathom Road, Chang Puek sub district, Muang district, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Children’s Shelter Home Union Chiang Mai

If you are born and have an opportunity to live with your parents in warm family, it will surely be like you are heavenly blessed, In contrary, it will be very desolate and lonely if we are born and have nobody; i.e. AID-infected orphans and who face physical deficiency (mostly deaf and mute). They need love and care from family like ordinary persons. Only few people may understand these children’s feeling, and sometimes they are discriminated. However, if there’s a hope; they will be light, once Khun “Joy” Thaneen Worrawittayakhun and Khun Ulrike Elisabeth Melster collaborating together to give these children warm family and hope under the title “Children’s Shelter Home Union Chiang Mai” which is an affiliate project with “School for life; Chiang Mai”. Both project have been established under family management and administration concept in order to give love and care of being warm family and also conserve the natural-living lifestyle for children, so that these children the natural-living lifestyle for children; so that these children the will have new home and new life under supervision of “Lakeland House”, located only 5 minutes walk from School for Life.

Khun Joy told us about the school establishment “These children come from many places and each has their ower problem. We have to build a family as we have our teachers who also parents for each house. Then, children have right to choose and live in any house they want. They cannot change to live in other once they make their decision to enter a house. They have to be sure that can learn from our rules. Also, parents must have their techniques to bring up children as their own children. Children who and deaf and mute must learn sign language, which is different from other houses because all learning and details depend on teachers’skills.

Otherwise, we have to pay additional expenses, and that’s what we have to be economical. All of children have to study like others. But some may be behind-scheduled; for example children who are 12 years still attend grade-1 class. Although they are handicapped, they can attend class together with grade-2 students without feeling awkward.”

Children’s Shelter Home Union Chiang Mai & School for life, Chiang Mai is like place to treat these children to walk to bright future and have warm family. And offers opportunity to children who have physical deficiency to communicate with other people normally, By the way, this project will not happen if there is no support from us and related organizations, Are you ready to be a contributor and provide support to these children?

Information…

Children’s Shelter Home Union Chiang Mai located on Tambon Pamiang, Amphur Doisaket, Chiang Mai, Thailand Tel.087-1729909, www.childrens-shelter.com

Chiangmai Bakermart, Baker’s mate…

When you go out and want to buy some delicious biscuits, your only answer is a bakery. But it you to want make some delicious biscuits yourself “Chiangmai Bakermart” is your only answer.

Twenty years ago, Chiangmai Bakermart started providing a service which has become very well-known as the first and only complete bakery store in Chiang Mai Province that sells a whole range of baking ingredients, kitchen gadgets and food packaging materials. Nowadays, Chiangmai Bakermart is not only the best friend of bakery lovers, but can also meet the professional needs of restaurants and businesses from local coffee shops to luxurious hotel restaurants.

When you enter Chiangmai Bakermart, besides being impressed by the convenience of being able to purchase all baking product such as cookbooks, baking ingredients and food packaging material in one place, Chiangmai Bakermart also provides baking demonstrations and arranges seminars for interested customers.

All of this and more is available from your best friends at Chiangmai Bakermart for you…

Information…

Chiangmai Bakermart Partnership Limited located on Lamphun Road Nhong Hoi sub district, Chiang Mai, Thailand Open daily from 8.00 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.

Krok Lao Restaurant (Literally means “Laotian mortar”)

If I mention to any food which is easy to find, easy to cook, contains lots of nutrients, cheap and also northern region’s uniqueness, the first choice in my mind including me is definitely “Somtam”.

Although many people think Somtam (Papaya Spicy Salad) is only a plain food, can be found anywhere, and all the same every restaurant, it’s kinda true, I don’t argue their opinion. However, I would like to introduce a new native restaurant, called “Krok Lao” who serves very tasty papaya spicy salad, in cheap price and sanitary, located at McCormick Hospital intersection opposite to the Price Royals’ College, not too far, right? If you wish to look for something to fulfill your need, you’d better be trying to acquire it. Here at Krok Lao, the place is well-decorated and very clean. The interior is also spacious, well-arranged and well-ventilated. The most impressive thing to my is a hospitality from the ower who always welcomes, takes care and providers good service to every customer (sometimes I’m quite confused whether he is a waiter or owner). Besides, all materials used here are newly fresh and clean everyday while there are varieties of menu to choose; such as variety of papaya spicy salad (Thai style. Laotian style, with or without crab), charcoal-broiled chicken, charcoal-broiled pork neck, charcoal-broiled intestine, or freshly-hot charcoal-broiled meat from the stove or variety of tasty spicy salad.

It’s up to you to choose what you like. Also, for those of you who cannot eat spicy food, Krok Lao also serves you rice and curries, Ka Nom Jeen (Thai vermicelli eaten with curry) including dried sukiyaki. Once you visit here, you don’t have to look for food from anywhere else because it’s all complete. Another impression to this restaurant is the food price which is not expensive at all. I all agree that I almost choke with the food and its low cost. It’s worth paying during the era that everything seems to be expensive.

As I said since the beginning. If I am to choose sometime to fulfill my need. It’d better be something worth and pleasant for mine, even something ordinary like “Somtam” which is something simple. If you wish to look for delicious and low-price somtam, “Krok Lao” will be definitely one of undeniable choices for me.


Information…

Krok Lao Restaurant located next to McCormick Hospital opposite to the Prince Royals’s College Kaew Nawarat Road,Watgate sub district Muang district, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Charcoa House the Cozy Bed & Breakfast

The Charcoa Hotel and restaurant is located in the old city of Chiang Mai. At this loveable area they have created a lovely Bed & Breakfast for your relaxation and tranquility. I am sure you will enjoy your stay in this beautiful European country home. Charcoa serves you international meals, original Thai food, different appetizers and delicious coffee grown in the surrounding mountains of Northern Thailand. Certainly there are a lot of activities to do in and around Chiang Mai, so I would like to invite you to stay at this exclusive Hotel and enjoy your holidays in Chiang Mai.

The rooms at Charcoa Hotel are very well furnished. Their standard room offers refrigerator, air conditioning, flat screen TV and many other useful things like internet connection. They have accomplished the ambience of the rooms with stylish furniture and tropical plants and flowers. You will have a choice between double, single or twin rooms. All rooms have their private bathroom and a small balcony. Every room is located away from the street and is very quiet, so you can be sure to have a good night sleep after your adventures in Chiang Mai. You can choose your like; Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Deluxe Family Room, and Studio Attic Room.

Bakery is well known in Chiang Mai and I also think that customers will always remember the good taste of Charcoa Bakery goods. Charcoa bakes daily and also deliver their goods to many other coffee shops and restaurant. Open Daily 8.00 a.m to 9.30 p.m.

Information…

Charcoa House the Cozy Bed & Breakfast located on Sripoom road, A.Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand

91 Coffee

During the hurried moments of this winter season, when weekend holidays come, I all get urge to escape from the hectic city and replenish our energy amid a pleasant setting surrounded by nature. You can find this atmosphere at 91 Coffee where you will smell the tantalizing fragrance of 100% Arabica Catimor coffee which is derived from the Coffea Arabica Catimor strain and immunized from Leaf Rush which can effect coffee. This particular strain is imported from Portugal and is harvested by 91 coffee beans are red and ripe and then roasted according to certified menthods employing a royal project organic system which utilizes natural fertilizer and nutrients. Then, the best beans are selected and shelled using a water method which is clean, effective and environmentally sound. The beans are roasted in limited quanitities, just enough to sell in the shops or according to custom package as it is opened. By this strenuous process you can be sure that every cup of special espresso coffee is a masterful brew for coffee lovers.

During this winter season, if you who want to enjoy a peaceful natural setting, then just visit 91 Coffee and refresh yourself with a fragrant cup of coffee that will wash away your anxiety and fatigue from work. 91 Coffee always welcomes you with an open heart…


Information…

91 Coffee located…

Branch 1 : Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai Road (Kilometer No.48 on Highway NO.118)
30 Moo 2; Tambon Pamiang, Doi Saket district, Chiang Mai 50220
Open daily from 07.00 a.m. – 09.00 p.m.

Branch 2 : Mae Khachan Hot Spring
Open daily from 08.00 a.m. – 08.00 p.m.

Branch 3 : In front of Wat Puaklam located on Samian Road, Soi 7, Tambon Phra Singh, Muang district, Chiang Mai

Open daily from 08.00 a.m. – 08.00 p.m.
Free Internet Wi-Fi

Samsen Villa Restaurant "Taste of happiness"

At the side of Chiang Mai’s Ping River, the image of the last light of day and numerous street lights reflected in the river. Well-arranged garden and shady trees will definitely create unique atmosphere of tasting delicious food.

Samsen Villa opens its first branch in Bangkok which has become well known of its tasty food. Now, it is good opportunity for Chiang Mai people to taste variety of Thai, Chinese, European food and drink original-style beside Ping River with romantic atmosphere.

There are allover 300 items to choose whatever you like: such as deep-fried white snapper in black pepper, steamed deep-fried spare-ribs with special soybean sauce. roasted duck, and fish sauce deep-fried Chinese cabbage. For those who like Italian foods, we serve you special-quality beef steak, or varieties of lasagna. For desserts, we recommend you to taste banana frappe in which we do it immediately to serve at your table or Thai desserts; like sugar-plam seed in icy syrup, sweet sticky rice with mango or sweet sticky rice with durian to try after your meal.

Samsen Villa has become one of restaurants that I would like to recommend for its delicious food, good atmosphere and service that will never disappoint you…

Information…

SamSen Villa located beside Ping River, near Nakhonping Bridge, next to Rim Ping Condominium Tel. 053-306588

Mont Blanc patisserie de Chiang Mai

I love lazy Sunday afternoons spent sipping coffee and eating the desserts, before heading out for a ride under deep blue skies. To kick off a day like this I recently chose Mont Banc Patisserie for its beautiful and delicately made cakes, which are as much art as food.

This patisserie is renowned for its Japanese inspired French style cakes. The word ‘patisserie’ is the French word for Pastry shop. Thais will often call a shop selling cakes and pastries a bakery, but a bakery is actually a specialist in bread. A patisserie on the other hand specializes in cakes, pastries and desserts.

Panit Palapong, the owner graduated from a French affiliated patisserie school in Japan. At Mont Blanc Patisserie she combines the art of French pastry making with Japanese ingredients and contemporary design. But, she stresses the importance of not only appearance, but the quality of the ingredients as well. Mont Blanc Patisserie uses only Californian almond power, Belgium chocolate, and fresh cream and butter from New Zealand.

It is the pastry chef’s job to create new items for the menu – creations which should not only taste good, but look good too.

By then we realized the sky had already turned from blur to reddish orange and dusk was falling.

Leaving the shop, I thought of how lucky I was to be a Chiang Mai citizen where art is everywhere, even in things we eat.

“Perhaps we are the happiest people on earth.”

Information...

Mont Blanc located on Nimmanhemin Road, Muang district, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Wat Phrathat Sunantha in Chiang Mai

On the land where located Wat Phrathat Sunantha is a sacred ground is enshrined Lord Buddha hair and bone relics together with the relics of Arahans as written on the fan palm book aged 394 years old which is covered by a glass bell jar. It records the past events and over-thousand-year-old stories. It was found during the restoration of the pagoda on Saturday 12th January 1901 of the eight day the waning moon in Cow’s year by master Phra Krun Ba Mano Manochai. After the restoration had finished, the local villagers also add the valuable matter into the pagoda, Phrathat Sunantha. They engraved on the silver sheets and pray “Wishing a person with virtue mind has an opportunity to foster as it was foretold by the Lord Buddha – after the nipphana of the lord Buddha, at the end of two thousand years, this place will be prosperous again. People who believe in Buddhism will return by the Buddha’s influence.

Later on 25th December 1992, Master Phra Khru Nanthachetiyaphiban (To Kittisophano) together with his laymen, mother Aree Wasanamonthon and children had a chance to worship and pray in front of Phrathat Sunantha, and offered to foster the holy ground for the benefit of the Buddhism. Their wishes gave them strong mind power. It was when a sudden great crash of thunder occurred in a clear sky. Since then Phra Khru Nanthachetiyaphiban made the decision to reside at this pagoda. He informed the heavenly beings to inspire the Buddhists and forefathers no matter if they are the nobles, rich or poor from any nations, groups, or countries. Wishing them to be able to realize with their mind to come together to create this place to be prosperous and carry on the Buddhism until reaching five thousand years as mentioned by Lord Buddha.

Information...

Wat Phrathat Sunantha located on Amphur Mae Tang, Chiang Mai, Thailand