December, 2025

Chiang Mai remains a place close to my heart -a second home with lots of memory lanes.
During a time of so much uncertainty in our world, Chiang Mai allows you to wander into beautiful quiet spaces, to reflect on the stories, connect to all the beautiful art, and to simply come back to nature.

Always wonderful landing in Chiang Mai with the first welcoming sight of Doi Suthep Mountain- and into the good weather window of December!

Wat Chiang Man was the first royal temple built by King Mengrai when he founded the city in 1296.
The people of Chiang Mai have held a deep faith in unseen powers – worshipping ancestors and guardian spirits of the land and nature. Formerly known as Kingdom of Lanna- a Million Rice Fields, the Lanna kings became patrons of the temples and the flourishing of Buddhist art. Brahmanism blended rituals and ceremonies for auspicious occasions – including the worship of Hindu deities, seeking protection, peace and prosperity. Notice the garudas, nagas and of course elephants, adorning the temples.

Enshrined also at Wat Chiang Man are two precious images – a Crystal Buddha which King Mengrai acquired from Lamphun- formerly Haripunchai kingdom and the Phra Sila- Marble Buddha – thought to have originated in Sri Lanka and which has the power to call for rain.
A favorite past time is to wander the town exploring the many wats.

Wat Ket Karam or Wat Gate
Dedicated to those born in Year of the Dog ( like me! )- Wat Gate is another special place to visit and sit.
This area dates back to 15th century attracting Chinese traders and Christian missionaries and today remains an interesting multi-cultural neighborhood.

Wat Gate can be reached by crossing the walking bridge from the Flower Market along the Ping River which remains open well into the night. The Ping River once served as the main trading post before the railway was built in 1922. Teak logs were transported down the Ping River connecting to the Chao Phraya River taking weeks to reach Bangkok. Some interesting history includes the life of Louis Leonowens, the son of the real Anna of Anna and the King. Louis retained a good relationship with King Chulalongkorn
( Rama V ) and was granted concessions working for the Borneo Company managing teak export. A short walk behind Wat Gate brings you to the upscale 137 Pillars House Hotel which restored the original plantation house where Louis Leonowens lived in Chiang Mai. It now serves as the hotel’s lounge and dining room.
https://137pillarshotels.com/en/chiangmai/

Louis went on to establish his own trading company, Louis Leonowens Ltd.
Louis passed away in England in 1919, but the Louis Leonowens Company still continues to operate in Bangkok. You may also enjoy reading about the fascinating real life story of Anna Leonowens:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3071736-bombay-anna

Full Moon night up at Doi Suthep Temple- to see the last Super Moon of the year.

Wat Tam Doi Tone– this special cave temple us about 1,5 hours drive from Chiang Mai in Mae Wang-
where you can hear silence and your true self which becomes your own best friend.

So nice to revisit this peaceful place. Open to visitors on Sundays or for meditation retreats held monthly.

As an elephant lover, on the way in Mae Wang, nice to stop at Tawan Riverside to have a coffee or a meal and watch elephants happily walking by chain-free these days.
Close by Wat Tam Doi Tone is the new land of Chai Lai Orchid Elephant Sanctuary where you best book a day or overnight trip in advance: https://chailaiorchid.com/

A Puppy Love morning back in town at another special little temple of Wat Phalad. These puppies are so lucky to be born here being looked after by the resident monks from Laos.

Wat Phalad is half-way up Doi Suthep Mountain either driving or by gentle hiking trail from behind Chiang Mai University. Mostly unknown to tourists some years ago, needless to say Wat Phalad is now very popular with visitors, so good to get there early and enjoy this special place.

Last year it was so nice that Metri and Metta got to visit from Bali.

Chiang Mai is filled with calm spaces if you look for them, and it is nice to find KALM-
an appropriate name for this Arts, Crafts and Culture Centre helping to keep craft alive…

KALM is located within the Old Town, so if in Chiang Mai, do check out what is happening at this beautiful space. Exhibits, workshops and yoga classes:
https://www.kalmvillage.com/

Sending Continued Best Wishes

May this Season of Light bring you Happiness and Good Health.
May Light of Hope Prevail for a New Year!

For more on Chiang Mai and When to Travel: https://alamasia.net/accomodations-chiang-mai/