Thru our eyes we see the World
-
My eyes are my history. They contain the archives of all my memories. Eyes
wide open or shut tight, I can still see them, the faces and places I have
loved...
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Back to Work Tips - My First Day After the CNY Hols and Top 3 Tips
I am by nature an organised and focused person. I work well with action lists and I’m good at prioritising, but since it's the first day I'm back after my "extended" holiday - seriously I did think that I was due in today instead of yesterday - I shall give it a rest for today and just start simple planning for the rest of this week. Anyways here I am albeit a bit tired out from being on holiday and raring to get back into the daily grind.
Frankly there's one major project that I'm on at this moment. In fact my one and only ever since my "engineered" demise into corporate obscurity by some unscrupulous demons at work. Kudos and thank you.
Tip No # 1 - Close the Door
Do not worry about saying NO to unreasonable requests for your time and energy. Note that I used the word "unreasonable" - it becomes reasonable when the person asking you is either the person that employs you or is your immediate superior (or your significant other).
Tip No # 2 - Oral
No. Not of that particular kind. The oral here is actually in the spoken word-sense. When communication is getting prolonged because of endless e-mails or memos or anything in writing - cut it short by just settling it with the sweet sound of your voice. Sometimes, it's all that is needed.
Tip No # 3 - Space it Out
The most basic of all - do what you can in time and with the time you have. Now that's powerful. How else are we supposed to work? Break apart the tasks in hand into simpler portions of work. Delegate what you can and do the rest but in the time allocated.
Alright I think that’s enough for the moment, all the best and have yourself a great year ahead!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Top Business Success Secret
1st released ezinearticles.com
What is the secret or secrets of a successful business? Are there surefire success formulas that have somehow eluded us? Or are we in the wrong business to start with? Just what exactly do we need to improve? What is that missing component? Later when your business starts to grow from having an expanding base of customers, repeat sales, and money starts flooding in while expenses trickle down, I hope it dawns upon you the simplicity of it all because it surely ain't no rocket science as you will soon understand!
The secret of today's more successful businesses is no secret at all. All businesses have it - so just exactly, what do we all have but is not working in the way it is supposed to do and bring in the business that we so desire?
Starting to sound familiar?
Yes, my dear friend in business. The answer is in marketing. Marketing is used to bring the product and service to the consumer. It involves every aspect of your business and you either knowingly put it to use or not.
The difference between the Marketing you deploy in your business with that of your competitor is the level of EFFECTIVENESS their Marketing is against yours.
(Ivan Loh: Competitors Are So Categorized Because You Consider Them More Successful™)
Therefore, the answer is NOT JUST marketing but EFFECTIVE MARKETING.
Let's presume that you already have a well developed product or service that's a killer, well in demand and a breeze to sell. But sales are simply not forthcoming. No one is aware of your business existence. Few are noticing your ads and even less are responding - and out of those few that do respond, only a small percentage is actually buying.
Effective marketing is not about spending more on advertisements, promotions, and personal selling (components of the Marketing Communication Mix). If not what is? UNDERSTAND THIS WELL - IT IS NOT WHAT WE SPEND BUT THE QUALITY OF THE MESSAGE COMMUNICATED THAT MATTERS. How else are we to communicate what we have to offer to the consumer, if not through the components of the Marketing Communication Mix? You still use it but with better results from having a message that has clarity, is meaningful, and consistent.
Effective marketing is about having a consistent and quality message that shouts out clearly the benefits and choices you offer. Be prepared to lose the customer when they start failing to understand what your benefits and choices are to and for them. THEREFORE, SPEND ALL THE TIME YOU NEED IN CREATING THE RIGHT MARKETING AND SALES MATERIALS FOR YOUR BUSINESS - Rule Of Thumb: Don't pass it on to the customer until you are absolutely sure that the message is what you intend for them to receive. You don't want to confuse them from the beginning!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Malaysia Driving The 3 Evils
Getting to the office is becoming tougher day by day. First there's the IDIOT (Inconsiderate Drivers In Our Traffic). Second, motorcyclists who buzz around like mosquitoes, and last but not least that sweet young thing who crossed the road this morning at a road bend (when the pedestrian walk is only within 3 feet away in slow motion and without a care for on-coming traffic - didnt even flinch when blasted with the mighty horn!). What is the world coming to?
Friday, February 5, 2010
Kuala Lumpur's Grand Dang Wangi Station
KUALA LUMPUR (Opening Soon) - Located next to its old predecessor which resembled an old beat base, the new Police Headquarters and Quarters in Dang Wangi KUALA LUMPUR is set to open soon. Construction seems complete as I passed or should I say inched by as I made my way in the after work rush traffic. Never did understand why it's called rush traffic when traffic is so congested - nobody is rushing anywhere!Anyways, once opened the 2 Block, 12 and 20 stories respectively for Administrative and Living Quarters development will improve the quality of life around Dang Wangi - better police presence = better safety. What really caught my eye was the Childrens Playground...
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Jackie Chan's Dream Travel Itinerary
First destination: Hong Kong
Hong Kong is my hometown and of course it’s on my list of places that people should visit in China. The first place you should go in Hong Kong is Victoria Peak so that you can look down and see how amazing the city looks from up above. Next, take a ride on the Star Ferry; it’s the best deal in Hong Kong. Other places I suggest you go are Nathan Road, the New Territories, and the outlying islands. Although Hong Kong is small in size, there is a lot to see, so make sure you stay for a long time!
Second destination: Beijing
Beijing has always been an interesting place to visit and in the past few years it has become even more attractive. To get a feeling for Chinese history and culture, I suggest visiting the Forbidden City, the ruins at Yuan Ming Yuan, and the Badaling Great Wall. To experience the new Beijing, you should visit some of the magnificent structures built for the 2008 Olympics.
Third destination: Wuyi Mountain, Wuyishan City, Fujian Province
Wuyi Mountain is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever laid my eyes on. I found this place while filming The Forbidden Kingdom and I’ve encouraged many of my friends to visit. Wuyi Shan (’shan‘ is ‘mountain’ in Chinese) is famous for its River of Nine Bends, dense rainforests, and 36 mountain peaks. You can take a raft tour of the river and if you are lucky like I was, you will have an informed and humorous guide who will tell you great stories as she manoeuvres the raft down the river.
Fourth destination: Xi’an, Shaanxi Province
Xi’an is another place I discovered because I was making a film there. You must visit the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum and see the army of terracotta soldiers. Xi’an has so much history and there’s a lot to see. Don’t miss the museum where you can learn about the Silk Road (Xi’an is the easternmost part of the Silk Road). You should also see the Drum Tower, the Bell Tower and the beautiful pagodas.
Fifth destination: Harbin, Heilongjiang Province
When you visit Harbin, you get a feeling sometimes that you are in Russia or Europe because of the style of buildings there. The city is quite interesting because of the influences of so many different cultures. But the most wonderful thing about Harbin is the yearly Ice and Snow Festival which lasts for a month in January. Artists create ice sculptures and combine them with coloured lights to make a beautiful display that people come from all over the world to see.
Hong Kong is my hometown and of course it’s on my list of places that people should visit in China. The first place you should go in Hong Kong is Victoria Peak so that you can look down and see how amazing the city looks from up above. Next, take a ride on the Star Ferry; it’s the best deal in Hong Kong. Other places I suggest you go are Nathan Road, the New Territories, and the outlying islands. Although Hong Kong is small in size, there is a lot to see, so make sure you stay for a long time!
Second destination: Beijing
Beijing has always been an interesting place to visit and in the past few years it has become even more attractive. To get a feeling for Chinese history and culture, I suggest visiting the Forbidden City, the ruins at Yuan Ming Yuan, and the Badaling Great Wall. To experience the new Beijing, you should visit some of the magnificent structures built for the 2008 Olympics.
Third destination: Wuyi Mountain, Wuyishan City, Fujian Province
Wuyi Mountain is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever laid my eyes on. I found this place while filming The Forbidden Kingdom and I’ve encouraged many of my friends to visit. Wuyi Shan (’shan‘ is ‘mountain’ in Chinese) is famous for its River of Nine Bends, dense rainforests, and 36 mountain peaks. You can take a raft tour of the river and if you are lucky like I was, you will have an informed and humorous guide who will tell you great stories as she manoeuvres the raft down the river.
Fourth destination: Xi’an, Shaanxi Province
Xi’an is another place I discovered because I was making a film there. You must visit the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum and see the army of terracotta soldiers. Xi’an has so much history and there’s a lot to see. Don’t miss the museum where you can learn about the Silk Road (Xi’an is the easternmost part of the Silk Road). You should also see the Drum Tower, the Bell Tower and the beautiful pagodas.
Fifth destination: Harbin, Heilongjiang Province
When you visit Harbin, you get a feeling sometimes that you are in Russia or Europe because of the style of buildings there. The city is quite interesting because of the influences of so many different cultures. But the most wonderful thing about Harbin is the yearly Ice and Snow Festival which lasts for a month in January. Artists create ice sculptures and combine them with coloured lights to make a beautiful display that people come from all over the world to see.
Singapore Sun Festival 2010
The Singapore Sun Festival, the Leisure Event of the Year is Singapore’s leading music and lifestyle festival. The Singapore Sun Festival which was inaugurated by IMG Artists in October 2007 is an annual multi-arts and integrated lifestyle Festival that celebrates the ‘Art of Living Well’ through the 7 disciplines of Music, Visual Art, Literature, Film, Wine, Food and Wellness. The Singapore Sun Festival exposes both Singapore citizens and foreign visitors to many superb, high-quality and prestigious event. The Festival brings top international and regional artists to Singapore every year, including world premieres and exclusive performances by stars from all over the world. Singapore Sun Festival 2008 was recently awarded Leisure Event of the Year and is now firmly established as the leading leisure event for Singapore and the region.
The Festival is a global life-style brand owned by the global arts management group, IMG Artists. The Singapore Sun Festival is the 3rd installment and exclusive Asian continental home of this leading global festival which is already celebrated annually in Cortona, Tuscany (Italy) and the Napa Valley, California (USA).
Happening this 2010 from 29 October till 7 November!
The Festival is a global life-style brand owned by the global arts management group, IMG Artists. The Singapore Sun Festival is the 3rd installment and exclusive Asian continental home of this leading global festival which is already celebrated annually in Cortona, Tuscany (Italy) and the Napa Valley, California (USA).
Happening this 2010 from 29 October till 7 November!
Cut Your Credit in 7 Easy Steps
Help! My customers just won’t pay me on time – some don’t even bother to! Cash flow’s bad with money flowing out faster than money crawling in…
Are you to blame yourself? Yes and No. Yes because you allowed it to happen without pre-empting the possibility of the event happening. No because it is your right to be paid for products delivered and services rendered. But just how often do we come across good customers who pay when they are expected to or pay without being asked?
Here are just some ways to cut your credit risk in 7 easy steps and minimize your business from closing down:
1. Pull out your customer statement of accounts
Take a trip down memory lane to visit those customers who just love to see their account with you grow faster than a fixed deposit account. Hang on. That’s your money that’s being tied up here that we are talking about. Sure, it'll bring back memories of the excitement not so long ago when the orders flooded in and business was deemed good because sales figures were good. But without looking at your debtor records regularly, you won't know what hit you until it’s too late. So go find those files!
2. Make the most of your credit given
The easiest way to avoid giving credit is not to do business, but I'll assume that you don't find that a very viable strategy. You can, however, pick customers where you know that it is safe to give credit or reduce giving credit. Know your customers.
3. Use your business financing facilities -- wisely!
Business financing facilities gives those who are fortunate enough to qualify for them great means to fund their business and achieve important business goals. Using these facilities to finance credit given to customers is not practical.
4. Be smart about credit control
Millions of companies unwittingly into a credit crunch simply because they don't keep records or take the time to scrutinize the aging list. Missing out on proper systematic and consistent credit control is hazardous for your company’s financial health. And if you do it well, don't just assume that you will recover your money from the errant customer.
5. Give extra credit
No, I am not talking about the pat on the back. You can actually encourage customers who are good paymasters to spend more with you by upping the credit limited you give them. Customers love knowing that you give them extra credit that is available for them to take advantage whenever they want.
6. Think about next year
There's only so much you can do to cut your credit exposure and collect in a year. If you wait until the last minute to request for payment, you may never get your money at all. With some advance planning, you can get a head start on next year's business plan. Things like checking your credit exposure, withholding and monitoring helps put you in better shape next time around.
7. Celebrate!
With all this planning, your ability to do business is enhanced.
Are you to blame yourself? Yes and No. Yes because you allowed it to happen without pre-empting the possibility of the event happening. No because it is your right to be paid for products delivered and services rendered. But just how often do we come across good customers who pay when they are expected to or pay without being asked?
Here are just some ways to cut your credit risk in 7 easy steps and minimize your business from closing down:
1. Pull out your customer statement of accounts
Take a trip down memory lane to visit those customers who just love to see their account with you grow faster than a fixed deposit account. Hang on. That’s your money that’s being tied up here that we are talking about. Sure, it'll bring back memories of the excitement not so long ago when the orders flooded in and business was deemed good because sales figures were good. But without looking at your debtor records regularly, you won't know what hit you until it’s too late. So go find those files!
2. Make the most of your credit given
The easiest way to avoid giving credit is not to do business, but I'll assume that you don't find that a very viable strategy. You can, however, pick customers where you know that it is safe to give credit or reduce giving credit. Know your customers.
3. Use your business financing facilities -- wisely!
Business financing facilities gives those who are fortunate enough to qualify for them great means to fund their business and achieve important business goals. Using these facilities to finance credit given to customers is not practical.
4. Be smart about credit control
Millions of companies unwittingly into a credit crunch simply because they don't keep records or take the time to scrutinize the aging list. Missing out on proper systematic and consistent credit control is hazardous for your company’s financial health. And if you do it well, don't just assume that you will recover your money from the errant customer.
5. Give extra credit
No, I am not talking about the pat on the back. You can actually encourage customers who are good paymasters to spend more with you by upping the credit limited you give them. Customers love knowing that you give them extra credit that is available for them to take advantage whenever they want.
6. Think about next year
There's only so much you can do to cut your credit exposure and collect in a year. If you wait until the last minute to request for payment, you may never get your money at all. With some advance planning, you can get a head start on next year's business plan. Things like checking your credit exposure, withholding and monitoring helps put you in better shape next time around.
7. Celebrate!
With all this planning, your ability to do business is enhanced.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
8 Best Business Survival Secrets
Think of a business as a game with a list of points or rules to follow. Any respectable successful businessman—even newbies—will understand the first and most crucial resource in the game is not having enough capital, staff, or products – it is about having the passion, desire, and drive for the business. Business survival chances are only as big as your imagination.
Read on for more great ways to keep your business from failing: the 8 best business survival strategies,
1. Plan
So what’s the best way to start a business? Easy—you start with a plan. Plan for the desired results. Simple.
2. Beware the detour
We know business’s rough, but here’s the deal: When things are not working out to plan—making simple, smart tweaks to your business plan can save you a lot of misery. Carrying on against all odds and coming out victorious is highly impossible.
3. Beware of distortion
The problem with this is, people don’t necessarily stop to think when they need to. They keep trudging along thinking that their plan and associated actions are the best and one fine day it finally dawns upon them that, hey business is bad!
4. Enjoy the conversation
It takes you experience from time spent in the business to learn. Enjoy that time spent on the business- never overindulge but instead keep some ME time for your self. Make time for your business and make time for your self as well. Rushing without forethought spells danger! Having ME time keeps you in balance.
5. Avoid handouts
Just because you want to keep the business running, you decide to reward and keep staff who are perpetually spending work time on games and other unproductive activities. Long term effects? Disastrous! Remove on sight when counsel fails. No compromise.
6. Don’t fall for temptation
In business we are tempted to spend. Be prudent. Spend what is necessary to keep the business running and cut back on what is wanted.
7. Invite the kids to the grown-up table
Spend time with the people in your business. Talk and share. You’ll be amazed at how much these people value the conversation and the things you’ll learn from it.
8. Do business responsibly
An eye for an eye or is it give a heart and get one in return? Anyways I prefer to say never do unto others what you won’t want them to do unto you. An honest business goes a long way.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Avatar in China
BEIJING: What has Avatar the Movie have to do with China? Well, a city in central China has renamed a mountain after this US blockbuster movie which has since surpassed Titanic in terms of box office collections. The majestic peak in Hunan formerly known as the "Heaven and Earth Pillar" is now known as "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain" states the Zhangjiajie city government. Apparently this mountain was used as a backdrop in the movie from stills taken in 2008. What comes after Avatar the Movie, why Confucius the Movie of course!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Malaysia Welcome to the Busy Corner Restaurant
KUALA LUMPUR (Sunday) - Ringgit Malaysia RM42.50 for 3 Claypot Chicken Rice, 2 Soups, and Tea for 5. 1 Boiled Pebble of Road Gravel in Soup - the type that's used with tar on most Malaysian roads - FREE.
Friday, January 8, 2010
World's Tallest Burj Khalifa
Rising 828 metres (2,717 feet) out of the desert sands, the Burj Khalifa is a wondrous glistening marvel concrete, glass and steel pinnacle.
Mad Cow's Disease
A TV documentary team decided to do a special on Mad Cow's Disease and so decided to visit a nearby farm to see what they could learn.
At the farm...
Farmer: Hullo! What can I do for you?
Reporter: I'm a TV Reporter and we are doing a Cow Scene Investigation special.
Farmer: Ok shoot...
Reporter: Can you tell what is this Mad Cow Disease?
Farmer: Lady I can tell you are not from around here are you? It's simple really. Do you know that the bull only mounts the cow one time a year?
Reporter: No why? But that is interesting. Tell me more.
Farmer: And I milk the cow everyday?
Reporter: Oh you do. But what has that got to do with everything?
Farmer: Imagine if you and I got together only once a year and everyday I play with your ....
The documentary was never aired.
At the farm...
Farmer: Hullo! What can I do for you?
Reporter: I'm a TV Reporter and we are doing a Cow Scene Investigation special.
Farmer: Ok shoot...
Reporter: Can you tell what is this Mad Cow Disease?
Farmer: Lady I can tell you are not from around here are you? It's simple really. Do you know that the bull only mounts the cow one time a year?
Reporter: No why? But that is interesting. Tell me more.
Farmer: And I milk the cow everyday?
Reporter: Oh you do. But what has that got to do with everything?
Farmer: Imagine if you and I got together only once a year and everyday I play with your ....
The documentary was never aired.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Kondo Sri Hijau Bandar Mahkota Cheras
KUALA LUMPUR - FRIDAY A post about nasty condo neighbours. After a late night out, I finally reached Kondo Sri Hijau in Bandar Mahkota Cheras only to find my parking bay (yes the one that was part and parcel of my unit as stated in the Sales & Purchase Agreement with the developer of this property) occupied by another car. I waited patiently and gave a few sounds of my car horn to alert whoever was parking in my private bay to move the accursed vehicle. However, no one came up to do. Raining as it was then, I got down from my car and walked to the Guard Post and made a report that someone was parked in my spot. The guard (a foreigner by the looks of him) reluctantly followed me in the rain to take note of the offender's vehicle number. That was the end of it I presumed.
I parked at another bay, one that was not marked with a V to signify Visitor Parking and made the best of it. Carrying my heavy bags which contained work for the weekend, I plodded to my apartment unit on the 7th Floor. Worried that someone might encounter the same experience as I since I had parked in a private bay, I kept awakThey They e although it was already late into the night. I wrote a note with the message, "Please park elsewhere as this is a private bay. Park at your own!!!' and plodded downstairs to affix it to the windscreen of that vehicle parked in my private bay. Peeking out from my unit several times, my prayers were obviously answered as the owner of the offending vehicle finally decided to move their vehicle out of my private bay. That was the end of it I presumed.
Lo behold on Sunday afternoon, a couple (a man and a woman who called herself Connie) made their way to my unit's entrance and started complaining that I had scratched their car while they parked it at my parking bay as someone apparently had witnessed the alleged act. They kept insisting that it was alright to park in my bay as they thought that the owners were not around. All the while lamenting that I had scratched their car and it was extremely childish to do so. Thereafter, they said that the witness to the crime did not want to come forward and so they "decided" not to pursue this matter further adding that as neighbours in the same building block we should all be more tolerant of others. But not before adding to say that they recognised my car and would not be good if it got scratched! I can understand the hostility but to come and make a ruckus?
Very funny. Very funny indeed. Did they not realise the inconvenience caused by the denying others of their rightful place to park? Did they not know that it is wrong to occupy some one else's property without permission? Did they not know that it is wrong to simply accuse one of vandalism without concrete proof? The gall of it all!
It just goes to show that this day in our society, there are those who blatantly disregard the rules of society and when caught they can only defend their actions according to their shriveled minds that it is OK! Although this blogger loves life as it is, sometimes the actions of others are beyond tolerance. And, please don't get me started on those whom double-park behind us just to avoid walking or those that cut in our lane as we are driving...
I parked at another bay, one that was not marked with a V to signify Visitor Parking and made the best of it. Carrying my heavy bags which contained work for the weekend, I plodded to my apartment unit on the 7th Floor. Worried that someone might encounter the same experience as I since I had parked in a private bay, I kept awakThey They e although it was already late into the night. I wrote a note with the message, "Please park elsewhere as this is a private bay. Park at your own!!!' and plodded downstairs to affix it to the windscreen of that vehicle parked in my private bay. Peeking out from my unit several times, my prayers were obviously answered as the owner of the offending vehicle finally decided to move their vehicle out of my private bay. That was the end of it I presumed.
Lo behold on Sunday afternoon, a couple (a man and a woman who called herself Connie) made their way to my unit's entrance and started complaining that I had scratched their car while they parked it at my parking bay as someone apparently had witnessed the alleged act. They kept insisting that it was alright to park in my bay as they thought that the owners were not around. All the while lamenting that I had scratched their car and it was extremely childish to do so. Thereafter, they said that the witness to the crime did not want to come forward and so they "decided" not to pursue this matter further adding that as neighbours in the same building block we should all be more tolerant of others. But not before adding to say that they recognised my car and would not be good if it got scratched! I can understand the hostility but to come and make a ruckus?
Very funny. Very funny indeed. Did they not realise the inconvenience caused by the denying others of their rightful place to park? Did they not know that it is wrong to occupy some one else's property without permission? Did they not know that it is wrong to simply accuse one of vandalism without concrete proof? The gall of it all!
It just goes to show that this day in our society, there are those who blatantly disregard the rules of society and when caught they can only defend their actions according to their shriveled minds that it is OK! Although this blogger loves life as it is, sometimes the actions of others are beyond tolerance. And, please don't get me started on those whom double-park behind us just to avoid walking or those that cut in our lane as we are driving...
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Lin Ping the Panda Cub
Lin Ping, the panda cub Since its birth in May at the Chiang Mai Zoo to proud parents Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui (on loan from China), Lin Ping has been delighting visitors, Thais and foreigners alike. A 580m2 Snow Dome, built specially for the panda family, was opened in July but visitors have to shell out 150 baht (US$4.40) per person and brave chilling -5 degree Celsius temperatures. Lin Ping is usually in the nursery.
Other Chiangmai Treasures:
Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium A five-minute walk from the Panda Observatory, the 600-million-baht Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium claims to have the longest aquarium tunnel in the world, at 133m. The 66.5m sea water tunnel and 66.5m freshwater tunnel feature more than 20,000 freshwater and aquatic creatures of more than 250 species. Admission to the facility costs 450 baht per adult.
Sunday Walking Street The 2km stretch of Ratchadameon Road and the inner streets and alleys off the main thoroughfare come to life every Sunday from late afternoon to nearly midnight. Locals set up stalls on the footpaths and streets selling everything from arts and crafts to clothing, paintings and local snacks at unbelievably low prices. School children, teenagers and seniors also take to the streets, showing off their talent in local and western musical performances.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar Hundreds of stalls, street-side shops and malls line a long section of Chang Khlan Road nightly from late evening until nearly midnight. Popular buys include silks, cloths, handwoven fabrics, hilltribe crafts, silver accessories, woodcarvings and pottery. This is definitely a good place to practise haggling skills.
Bo Sang & San Kamphaeng route San Kamphaeng Road is flanked by shops, showrooms and factories that sell local artworks and handicrafts, ranging from woodcarvings, lacquerware, silverware, leather, ceramics, silk, cotton woven fabrics and antiques.
Bo Sang village is famous for mulberry paper parasols and colourful umbrella souvenirs.
Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center Since opening in 1971, the centre has been serving Khantoke Dinner while staging cultural performances in a traditional Lanna setting.
A tiered tray made of wood or rattan, Khantoke is traditionally used to serve meals in Thailand’s northern provinces. Cultural shows include fingernail and candle dances, Thai boxing and sword-fight exhibitions.
Chiang Mai Night Safari It may be a tad controversial having been built during the former Thaksin Shinawatra administration but the theme park has its merits as it boosted the province’s appeal by creating a nocturnal activity for visitors. The theme park’s Jaguar Trail that weaves around the Swan Lake is also open during the day. Guided tram rides of the Savanna Safari and Predator Prowl only operate at night. Each tram ride ends with a musical fountain and water-screen show.
Ratchaphruek Garden This was the venue for the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek horticultural exposition, from December 2006 to February 2007, to commemorate King Bhumibol Adul-yadej’s 60th anniversary on the throne. Since then, the garden has been open to visitors. Ratchaphruek Garden is located next to the Night Safari, some 30 minutes by car from downtown Chiang Mai.
Doi Inthanon National Park Sprawling 1,005km2 across Mae Chaem and Chom Thong districts, Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest mountain at 2,565m above sea level. Park entrance fees are 400 baht per adult and 200 baht per child. The park is open year-round but the attractions are quite seasonal. The best time to view the waterfalls is from May to November. Wild flowers are in full bloom from December to February. And indigenous and migratory birds populate the park from November to March.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Locals believe that tourists cannot claim they have been to Chiang Mai unless they have visited this mountaintop temple perched around 1,000m above sea level. In addition, according to local lore, good things will come to those visitors who take on the challenge of climbing the 290 steps to the temple. If that were not enough, the excellent views are an added incentive for the arduous climb. Located 15km from downtown, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep has been watching over the province for more than a millennium.
Khao Soy Finally, a visit to Chiang Mai is not complete without a taste of khao soy.
This local favourite is a soupy dish of curry-like sauce using coconut milk as a base. Available at all local restaurants, khao soy can be served hot with egg noodles and meat or sprinkled atop deep-fried egg noodles. The flavours can be enhanced with condiments such as pickled cabbage, fresh shallots, lime juice and nam prik pao (chili paste). A word of caution though to the uninitiated – khao soy is on the spicy side.
Other Chiangmai Treasures:
Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium A five-minute walk from the Panda Observatory, the 600-million-baht Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium claims to have the longest aquarium tunnel in the world, at 133m. The 66.5m sea water tunnel and 66.5m freshwater tunnel feature more than 20,000 freshwater and aquatic creatures of more than 250 species. Admission to the facility costs 450 baht per adult.
Sunday Walking Street The 2km stretch of Ratchadameon Road and the inner streets and alleys off the main thoroughfare come to life every Sunday from late afternoon to nearly midnight. Locals set up stalls on the footpaths and streets selling everything from arts and crafts to clothing, paintings and local snacks at unbelievably low prices. School children, teenagers and seniors also take to the streets, showing off their talent in local and western musical performances.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar Hundreds of stalls, street-side shops and malls line a long section of Chang Khlan Road nightly from late evening until nearly midnight. Popular buys include silks, cloths, handwoven fabrics, hilltribe crafts, silver accessories, woodcarvings and pottery. This is definitely a good place to practise haggling skills.
Bo Sang & San Kamphaeng route San Kamphaeng Road is flanked by shops, showrooms and factories that sell local artworks and handicrafts, ranging from woodcarvings, lacquerware, silverware, leather, ceramics, silk, cotton woven fabrics and antiques.
Bo Sang village is famous for mulberry paper parasols and colourful umbrella souvenirs.
Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center Since opening in 1971, the centre has been serving Khantoke Dinner while staging cultural performances in a traditional Lanna setting.
A tiered tray made of wood or rattan, Khantoke is traditionally used to serve meals in Thailand’s northern provinces. Cultural shows include fingernail and candle dances, Thai boxing and sword-fight exhibitions.
Chiang Mai Night Safari It may be a tad controversial having been built during the former Thaksin Shinawatra administration but the theme park has its merits as it boosted the province’s appeal by creating a nocturnal activity for visitors. The theme park’s Jaguar Trail that weaves around the Swan Lake is also open during the day. Guided tram rides of the Savanna Safari and Predator Prowl only operate at night. Each tram ride ends with a musical fountain and water-screen show.
Ratchaphruek Garden This was the venue for the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek horticultural exposition, from December 2006 to February 2007, to commemorate King Bhumibol Adul-yadej’s 60th anniversary on the throne. Since then, the garden has been open to visitors. Ratchaphruek Garden is located next to the Night Safari, some 30 minutes by car from downtown Chiang Mai.
Doi Inthanon National Park Sprawling 1,005km2 across Mae Chaem and Chom Thong districts, Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest mountain at 2,565m above sea level. Park entrance fees are 400 baht per adult and 200 baht per child. The park is open year-round but the attractions are quite seasonal. The best time to view the waterfalls is from May to November. Wild flowers are in full bloom from December to February. And indigenous and migratory birds populate the park from November to March.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Locals believe that tourists cannot claim they have been to Chiang Mai unless they have visited this mountaintop temple perched around 1,000m above sea level. In addition, according to local lore, good things will come to those visitors who take on the challenge of climbing the 290 steps to the temple. If that were not enough, the excellent views are an added incentive for the arduous climb. Located 15km from downtown, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep has been watching over the province for more than a millennium.
Khao Soy Finally, a visit to Chiang Mai is not complete without a taste of khao soy.
This local favourite is a soupy dish of curry-like sauce using coconut milk as a base. Available at all local restaurants, khao soy can be served hot with egg noodles and meat or sprinkled atop deep-fried egg noodles. The flavours can be enhanced with condiments such as pickled cabbage, fresh shallots, lime juice and nam prik pao (chili paste). A word of caution though to the uninitiated – khao soy is on the spicy side.
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