Thaiwijit Poengkasemsomboon

"Thaiwijit Poengkasemsomboon is considered Thailand's foremost abstract artists. He creates works in a variety of media, and often works with abstractions that stimulate the viewer's emotions. Thaiwijit perceives himself as an ordinary person and his paintings are a reflection of an ordinary human's life."

http://www.rama9art.org/thaiwijit/index.html

Galare Chiang Mai

http://www.galare.com/

The owner of Galare Guest House, Ajarn Poonsak, is a retired professor from Chiang Mai University. Inspired after spending time in the United States, he decided to turn the family's business motel into Galare Guest House. Cheap and cheerful...

Doi Suthep

Baan Kingkaew

"Happy faces comes from loving careat Baan Kingkaew Wiboolsanti Orphanage. Since “Baan Kingkaew” opened in 1966, the home has worked continuously to improve and develop living conditions and the quality of care it provides for poor and otherwise homeless orphans.

Today, Baan Kingkaew provides a home for 50 children aged between 3 months to 6 years old. In their important early childhood years, we strive to ensure them a good quality of life in a loving, caring environment. Qualified and experienced carers including nannies, kindergarten teachers and a healthcare team drawn from relevant medical & health science faculties of Chiang Mai University, ensure the children are looked after around the clock."

http://www.baan-kingkaew-orphanage.org/

Studio Naenna

"Located in a charming and peaceful environment at the foot of Doi Suthep mountain in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Studio Naenna offers you a collection of exquisite clothing and eco textiles in ikats, silk, and cotton designed by our founder, many of which are dyed in natural dyes. Under the direction of Lamorna Cheesman, both the city branch "'Adorn' with Studio Naenna" and the main gallery Studio Naenna have a variety of hand woven products to suit all sizes and tastes. Tailor made and export products are also available. Studio Naenna is a learning experience. At our main studio, you can see our products being produced by hand, using natural dyeing, featuring 100% natural indigo vats and backstrap loom weaving. The Studio was founded in 1988 by Patricia Cheesman, an expert in antique, Lao and Thai textiles, and lecturer in Tai textiles, ceramics and contemporary design at Chiang Mai University."

Studio Naenna
138/8 Soi Changkhian, Huay Keow Rd
T. Changpeuak, Chiang Mai
Thailand 50300
Tel. (66-53) 226042
Fax (66-53) 217707

Minimal Chiang Mai

Housed in a roomy white building, Minimal Gallery is a downtown hot spot for art lovers. Located in Soi 13 Nimmanhaemin Road, this chic, minimalist bar & restaurant (and, of course, art gallery) is a space to view ever-changing art exhibitions from local artists, participate in debates and discussions about the contemporary art movement, interesting photographic exhibitions, the new style of graphic design and visual art, and other arty themes, or simply to sip a glass of wine, soak up the laid back ambience and enjoy a funky repertoire of smooth tunes.

24 /2 Nimmanhaemin Road Soi 13
Tel 081 6714662, 084 1693283
http://minimalgallery.org/

Wat Umong

"Wat Umong (or Oomong) is one of my favorite temples in Chiang Mai. It can be an especially magical place just after the rainy season has ended, around early October or November.

Wat Umong is unique in many respects. For one, it's built in the foothills of Suthep mountain and is still heavily forested. But the most unique feature of the temple are the tunnels which give the wat its name (umong is the Thai word for "tunnel").

The temple and its tunnels were built in the late 14th century. On a level open space, a large artificial mound was built and then criss-crossed with tunnels. The legend is that the temple was built like this for a highly regarded monk who was nonetheless a little crazy. The somewhat maze-like tunnels kept the mad monk from wandering off.

The monastery was later abandoned and wasn't used again until the 1940's. The long disuse is probably what accounts for the overgrown atmosphere of the temple. That's why the temple is so great to visit right after the rains have gone. The brick walls of the mound are covered with moss and small plants. Other stone works are covered in moss and vines."

Michael Holland
http://thailandforvisitors.com/north/chiangmai/umong/index.html