Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chiang Mai Street Food Tours
( 08 5033 8161;
www.chiangmaistreetfoodtours.com
; tours 700B)
Cooking schools are all the rage in
Chiang Mai but for the rest of us who would rather eat than work, this tour comes to the
rescue. Morning and evening tours take curious appetites through the old city to sample
hallmark dishes. The evening market tour is a good introduction to this classic Thai dining
experience.
FOOD
MASSAGE: STRAIGHT UP, NO CHASER
Before there were spas in every corner of Thailand, there was just massage: a few mattresses on the floor and a
surprisingly strong practitioner who could bend, stretch and pummel knotted bodies into jelly without a painful
price tag. Thankfully Chiang Mai still has loads of these modest massage centres, many of which can be found on
the temple grounds in simple
săh·lah
(open-air pavilion, often spelt
sala
), continuing an ancient tradition of the
monasteries being a repository for traditional knowledge and healing. Here are a few recommendations to work
out the kinks of the road without causing injury to the wallet:
Vocational Training Center of the Chiang Mai Women's Correctional Institution
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(100 Th Ratwithi; foot/traditional massage 150/180B; 8am-4.30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-4.30pm
Sat & Sun) offers fantastic massages performed by female inmates participating in the prison's job-training rehab-
ilitation program. Despite their incarceration, the ladies aren't career criminals but eager to turn their lives around
with these new job skills. Those working in the centre are due for release within six months, and the money they
earn is used after their release. The cafe next door sells other rehabilitation initiatives, including baked goods.
Ban Hom Samunphrai
( 0 5381 7362;
www.homprang.com
; Saraphi; steam bath 200B, massage
600-1300B) is a unique time capsule of old folk ways, 9km from Chiang Mai near the McKean Institute. Maw
Hom (Herbal Doctor) is a licensed herb practitioner and massage therapist. She runs a traditional herbal steam
bath, recreating what was once a common feature of rural villages. Traditional Thai massage is also available.
150-250B) employs only blind masseuses, who are considered to be expert practitioners because of their
heightened sense of touch.
was established by the director of the Chiang Mai women's prison and offers post-release employment to the in-
mates who participated in the prison's massage training program. There are now five branches in the old city and
a full menu of massage treatments.
from 1700B) has a tranquil garden setting navigated by elevated walkways to private villas for single or couples
treatments. If you've had a spa experience elsewhere in Thailand, the Oasis will be a familiar friend, offering
scrubs, wraps, massage and Ayurvedic treatments.
Festivals & Events
Chiang Mai is famous for the Flower Festival, Songkran and Loi Krathong; make your
travel arrangements far in advance during these periods.
