Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
SUPERHIGHWAY OF YORE: MAE PING RIVER
In ancient times, Thai cities were intimately tied to the waterways for sustenance and transportation. The funda-
mental role of rivers in everyday life often elevated them from thoroughfares to revered entities honoured by such
festivals as Loi Krathong.
Chiang Mai's exalted river,
Mae Ping
, connects the forested highlands and fertile agricultural valleys to the
commercial centres on its 569km course before it merges with Chao Phraya River. It feeds a vast agricultural sys-
tem of rice paddies, coffee plantations,
lam yai
orchards, strawberry fields and flower gardens, and was the
primary thoroughfare for the teak trade in the 19th century.
The river's historical role can still be observed in the area known as
Wat Ket
, which runs along the city's east-
ern riverbank, originally settled by Chinese merchants and Western missionaries. Today there are still old-fash-
ioned wooden shophouses and missionary-sponsored schools and hospitals along Th Charoenrat. For more river
history, hop aboard a traditional watercraft affiliated with
Scorpion Tailed River Cruise
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
( 08 1960 9398;
www.scorpiontailedrivercruise.com
; Th Charoenrat; ticket 500B) . Tours de-
part from Wat Srikhong pier near Rim Ping Condo. The river along this stretch is wide and muddy with a mix of
urban and rustic scenery.
North of Chiang Mai, the river carves a windy path out of the mountains through a jungle canopy and rural
landscape. Kayak tours led by Chiang Mai Mountain Biking & Kayaking (
Click here
)
explore these scenic bits of
the river and offer the added benefit of nature sightseeing without as much sweat.
Language
Being a university town, Chiang Mai is an affordable and affable place for continuing
education opportunities in Thai language.
American University Alumni
(AUA; 0 5327 8407;
www.learnthaiinchiangmai.com
; 73 Th Ratchadamnoen; group course 4800B)
Conducts
six-week and eight-week Thai courses that work on mastering tones, small talk and basic
reading and writing. Classes meet for two hours, Monday to Friday. Private instruction is
also available.
LANGUAGE
Payap University
(
http://ic.payap.ac.th
;
Th Kaew Nawarat, Kaew Nawarat Campus; classes from 8000B)
A private university
founded by the Church of Christ of Thailand; offers intensive Thai language courses in
60-hour or 120-hour modules. There is also a three-day course in Thai language, culture
and professional ethics (5000B) offered to foreign teachers.
LANGUAGE
Thai Boxing
