Akha Hill Tribe Products stall is now open Saturday & Sunday at Tha Pae Gate.
Don't forget that if you are coming to Chiang Mai, Thailand brush up on your Thai at http://thai-tones.com/

Wow! We went to http://thai-tones.com/ and found one of the best Thai language courses that we have seen so far.i.e.
The Thai language is a tonal language. Tones are the core of the language. They are essential; as important as any vowel or any consonant. Tones distinguish the meaning of one word from another.
Each syllable is pronounced with one of five distinct tones – middle, low, falling, high, or rising. The middle tone starts at a middle pitch level, rises slightly and returns to mid-level. The low tone starts low and gradually falls even lower. The falling tone starts high and falls to a low pitch. The high tone rises to a peak and then drops. The rising tone starts at mid-level and gradually rises.
Learning the five tones can be difficult at first. Once you have broken the tone barrier, you have grasped the core of the Thai language. Persistence is the key.

Siam Chiang Mai. The Rose of the North | Guest House

Siam Chiang Mai   

.

by Grant Wills

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Siam Chiang Mai. The Rose of the North.

Chiang Mai is Thailand's 2nd largest city and the centre of culture and arts in Thailand. Chiang Mai celebrated its 700th year anniversary about 9 or 10 years ago.

Siam Chiang Mai is the Home of adventure Tourism in the far North of Thailand.

Chiang Mai was the capital of Siam for many years, being serviced from the south by river barge on the Mai Ping River. The large morning markets are still situated by the Mai Ping. All the main Consulates are still in Chiang Mai, with the British Consulate taking up a large block.

The British had considerable influence here in the 1800s and early 1900s, helping the Thai Government set up the mail, railway and transport infrastructure.

Thailand means FREELAND. Thailand was never colonized as they had a very astute King who did his schooling in Europe, When the British and French started encroaching on Thailand he summoned the respective consoles to his Palace and put forth the proposition that went something like this.

We have (the Kings personal army) 5000 battle trained elephants with full body armour, you have cannon. Your cannon will take out some of my elephants but the other 4000 will trample you to death, we also have a massive army of foot solders that will mop up any survivors.

To the British consul he said as a peace offering I will give you all the land on the other side of the mountains bordering Burma. As for Thailand at this time of history it was very hard to service (because of the mountain range).

To the French he said something along the same lines but offering them all the land on the other side of the Mekong river. Both Governments looked at the logistics of the situation and accepted the proposition.

Thailand has always maintained large armed forces as it was surrounded by hostile Countries who over the last 1000 years or so have each at one time or another ruled the whole Area. During the cold war America supported Thailand to the hilt with planes, tanks, equipment and training.

During the Vietnam War the Americans had many bases here, Airport bases at Uban Thani etc. Then came Air America (but that's a whole story on its own) with arms for drug deals, CIA backing of the Hill tribe Drug Lord Armies, as in the CIA's mind they were the bastion against Russian and Chinese communist forces.

Many of the treaties put in place in the cold war with the Shan people etc of Burma are still in place today and ratified by each incoming Prime Minister.

Thailand was the launching pad for the secret War in Laos, Cambodia and of course Vietnam.

That all said explains why the Thai's are such a happy care free people, they have never had there spirit broken and don't have the undercurrent of hate that you see in a lot of the old French and British colonies.

Thailand is a sub Tropical paradise, with plenty of lush rain forests, rivers and lakes. The mountains of the north run down to the flatlands and ocean.

Chiang Mai is 11 or so hours by train from Bangkok or 1 hour by plane, It has its own International Air port, so depending on were you are coming from you can fly straight into Chiang Mai. If you take the train from Bangkok the overnight sleeper is a good idea (book a bottom bunk) you get on the train, they serve dinner, make up the beds and you wake up in the morning for breakfast coming into Chiang Mai all for the price of dinner back home.

Thailand is a safe pace to travel; I have traveled back and forth from New Zealand for many years making 20 or more return trips with out ever having any thing stolen or the like.

Getting over 16,000,000 tourists a year, tourism is its no one $ earner surpassing the rice crop for export $'s.

From Chiang Mai you can book and plan small excursions into the unknown ha (Burma, Laos and China) with return air tickets from as little as $50 - $150 or you can book on a over land cross river execution to Laos. Traveling up to Chiang Kong and then across the river to Laos. http://Siam-ChiangMai.com

While in Chiang Mai stay at Mai.s Home Stay Guest House

Chiang Mai's No. 1 quality Home Stay Guest House in Northern Thailand

We invite you to share our home and environment

Because we will only take one set of paying guests we are able to offer a fairly private and very relaxing environment , with pool, waterfalls ,and the sound of running water etc. almost your own private resort, up to 5 star Hotel standards.

Accomodation , 2 Adults , can add a mattress for a child in the same room, Also we have a spare room which could be made available for 3 children (at our discretion).    The room has 1 single bed and 1 set of bunks.

Exclusive use of main bedroom,(new 32inch  colour TV with english programs and movie channels, refrigerator, table and chairs,refrigerator. )with ensuite and balcony , and the extra bedroom if required.

Welcome to  shared use of main kitchen , lounge TV room. , computer room .

Unlimited use of pool and facilities .

We are located at Karn kanok 1 development , a gated community with 24/7 security and closed circuit cameras . It is made up of friendly Thai families , and several foreigners (farang) with Thai wives . The development boasts a clubhouse located within park like grounds , with a playground , gymnasium ,sauna, restaurant and swimming pool.

Things to do and see may include visits to the night market in the city ,a day in the city checking out the bars and eating places , a visit to the large temple complex on Suthep mountain overlooking Chiangmai city , a visit to a hill tribe village , Kings project and hot springs at San kampaeng

Mai and Bruce run a high quality operation with every thing you would expect from a top class operation. They only rent out 1 unit at a time 1500 THB / $50 usd a night (min 3 days).

You can visit the new site we (XanDreams.com) have just built for Mai's Unique Boutique Homestay at http://mais-ubh.com/index.html

They offer transport to all the local spots + have 2 motor bikes for rent

It is estimated that there are 15,000 expats living in Chiangmai , many of whom are retired . This is because they know they are in a safe , welcoming environment so come and stay on our Home. Unlimited use of pool and facilities.

.

I Highly recomend staying at 

Mai's Unique Boutique Home stay

Mai's Guest House & Home stay, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai's No. 1 quality Home Stay Guest House in Northern Thailand

We invite you to share our home and environment

Because we will only take one set of paying guests we are able to offer a fairly private and very relaxing environment , with pool, waterfalls ,and the sound of running water etc. almost your own private resort, up to 5 star Hotel standards.

Accomodation , 2 Adults , can add a mattress for a child in the same room, Also we have a spare room which could be made available for 3 children (at our discretion).    The room has 1 single bed and 1 set of bunks. 

Exclusive use of main bedroom,(new 32inch  colour TV with english programs and movie channels, refrigerator, table and chairs,refrigerator. )with ensuite and balcony , and the extra bedroom if required.

Welcome to  shared use of main kitchen , lounge TV room. , computer room .

Unlimited use of pool and facilities .

We are located at Karn kanok 1 development , a gated community with 24/7 security and closed circuit cameras . It is made up of friendly Thai families , and several foreigners (farang) with Thai wives . The development boasts a clubhouse located within park like grounds , with a playground , gymnasium ,sauna, restaurant and swimming pool

Things to do and see may include visits to the night market in the city ,a day in the city checking out the bars and eating places , a visit to the large temple complex on Suthep mountain overlooking Chiangmai city , a visit to a hill tribe village , Kings project and hot springs at San kampaeng

Mai and Bruce run a high quality operation with every thing you would expect from a top class operation.

They only rent out 1 unit at a time 1500 THB / $50 usd a night (min 3 days)

You can visit the new site we (XanDreams.com) have just built for Mai's Unique Boutique Homestay at http://mais-ubh.com/index.html

They offer transport to all the local spots + have 2 motor bikes for rent

It is estimated that there are 15,000 expats living in Chiangmai , many of whom are retired . This is because they know they are in a safe , welcoming environment so come and stay on our Home. Unlimited use of pool and facilities

Mai's Unique Boutique Home stay : Guest House

Mai's Unique Boutique Home stay

Chiang Mai's No. 1 quality Home Stay Guest House in Northern Thailand

We invite you to share our home and environment

Because we will only take one set of paying guests we are able to offer a fairly private and very relaxing environment , with pool, waterfalls ,and the sound of running water etc. almost your own private resort, up to 5 star Hotel standards.

We are located at Karn kanok 1 development , a gated community with 24/7 security and closed circuit cameras . It is made up of friendly Thai families , and several foreigners (farang) with Thai wives . The development boasts a clubhouse located within park like grounds , with a playground , gymnasium ,sauna, restaurant and swimming pool

Things to do and see may include visits to the night market in the city ,a day in the city checking out the bars and eating places , a visit to the large temple complex on Suthep mountain overlooking Chiangmai city , a visit to a hill tribe village , Kings project and hot springs at San kampaeng

Mai and Bruce run a high quality operation with every thing you would expect from a top class operation.

They only rent out 1 room at a time 1500 THB / $50 usd a night (min 3 days)

You can visit the new site we (XanDreams.com) have just built for Mai's Unique Boutique Homestay at http://mais-ubh.com/index.html

They offer transport to all the local spots + have 2 motor bikes for rent

It is estimated that there are 15,000 expats living in Chiangmai , many of whom are retired . This is because they know they are in a safe , welcoming environment so come and stay on our Home. Unlimited use of pool and facilities

ChiangMai Rocks

WOW

Armed and Dangerous
ChiangMai is Rocking

Sawadee pee mai

(Happy New Year)

Songkran
is off to a good start

The only water cannons we have seen so far
are being "maned" by beautiful young girls.

ChiangMai is having its own Songkran with thousands of Thai families
joining in the fun

Our Stall is right in the center of
Thapae Gate

Akha Hill Tribe Products

Chiang-Mai-Homes.com
ChiangMai-Homes.org
This-is-ChiangMai.info
This-is-ChiangMai.com
Akha-Hill.com

ArThai | Thai art from ChiangMai
and the North of Thailand
Art Thai
ArThai.co.uk

Song Kran ChiangMai 2010

Akha-Hill.com

Information on

Chiang Mai

&

the Far North of Thailand.

Our Stall is right at the center

of Thaphae Gate

Song Kran is here again

This-is-ChiangMai.info

ArThai.co.uk

Akha-Hill.com

This-is-ChiangMai.INFO & Akha-Hill.com's new Office

Our new Office and Shop - House

Chiang-Mai-Homes.com
ChiangMai-Homes.org
This-is-ChiangMai.info
This-is-ChiangMai.com
Akha-Hill.com

ThaiTribe.com
ArThai.co.uk

to name a few are all run from our split level Office

• 
  
• 

  ThaiTribe.com

  Quality art and handy crafts from the North of Thailand
  
  Call in for a free coffee and chat with Andy or Grant when you are in ChiangMai
  

Click for large map for printing

www.ArThai.co.uk

ThaiTribe.com

ArThai.co.uk

Built by
XanDreams.com

Akha bags

Bags: Hand made with natural products.
Real Shells, beads etc Order code AH018

http://akhahill.awardspace.com/pages/db_products.html#bag5

http://akha-hill.com/

CMX LIFE

CHIANG MAI CITY LIFE

The City Akha of Chiang Mai work hard, play hard and die young.
At the bottom of the social economic scale.
(the class structure)




The Hill Tribe Akha are poor and also at the bottom of the social economic scale.
They have land, pigs, chickens, grow crops etc.
That is a very hard life. They live in bamboo Huts made from the surrounding jungle.

The City Akha can live in enything from a shanty town hut to a nice home
depending on the family structure.
The family is the welfare system in Thailand, so family is everything.
With out family they are living from hand to mouth.

With the whole family working the Night Bazaar and the CMX they have more chance of 3 meals a day.


Akha Hill.com

Akha Hill Tribe Products

All profit from Akha Hill.com and Akha Hill Tribe Products goes to the Akha that made the item.

http://this-is-chiangmai.info/

Site's built by
XanDreams.com

Condo | Chiang Mai | Thailand

Price | Sale 300,000 Baht (app $8500)

DISTRICT: Chiang Mai, CITY: CHIANG MAI
Srianant Condo Town
Building J - Room # 303
1 bedroom,1 bathroom, 4m x 8m
Style kitchen

This is a busy Condo with 2 Adults and 2 Young ladies
(10 & 12 years old) living here.





Kitchen area



Fire escape stairs at each end of the floor,


Wide safe stair well.




Large clean lobby.

Fully Furnished

Right next to the Chiang Mai Ram 2 Hospital (Thep Panya)

1st right past the Hospital on the Chiang Mai - Mai Jo Highway.

Rimping Super Market is just down the road.

This condo is 5 to 10 minute walk from large open air food markets, Super Market. Hospital 2 minutes.

It is in easy reach of local golf courses and supermarkets.

• Quick sale as owner needs operation.
• It has a nice kitchen with all mod cons.
• 1 bedroom
• 1 bathroom
• Cable tv
• Internet access ADSL
  
• 24h Security
• Fully furnished
  
  

We are listing this for Ah Chau.


Ah Chau is Akha and one of the movers in the local Akha Christian movement.

Ah Chau runs House 3 at one of the local Christian missions for young 12 - 25 year old Girls in crisis and need.

They have 50 - 60 Girls getting schooling in Thai and English. Helping them over come the trauma of

the situation that they came from.



Now Ah Chau needs help. her American - Japanese Husband of 14 years and the father of her two Girls is sick.

They are trying to sell the Condo and her land to pay for his operation.

Contact the owner at

Phone Ah Chau 66 86 191 3804 (086 191 3804)

Ah Chau - acmayeu@hotmail.com


Mr. Bohsan - odasan1015@hotmail.com


or the web Master at grant@akha-hill.com


DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE OWNERS - CUT OUT THE MIDDLE MAN

This Condo is way below market price at only

$8500 us

A month or so's stay in Chiang Mai in an International Hotel will cost you that.
Many fall in love with Chiang Mai and come back year after year.


Akha-Hill.com



This-is-ChiangMai.info



Built by

XanDreams.com

Land in Housing estate | Sansai | Chiang Mail | Thailand

This ideal corner property is one of the last in a developed

housing estate.

Due to illness the owner is looking for a quick sale.

We are listing this on Akha-Hill blogspot for Ah Chau.

Ah Chau is Akha and one of the movers in the local Akha Christian movement.
Ah Chau runs House 1 at one of the local Christian missions for young 12 - 25 year old Girls in crisis and need.
They have 50 - 60 Girls getting schooling in Thai and English. Helping them over come the trauma of
the situation that they were rescued from.

Now Ah Chau needs help. her American - Japanese Husband of 14 years and the father of her two Girls is sick.
They are trying to sell the Condo and her land to pay for his operation.

600,000 Thai Baht. (around $17,000us)

Size 83.8 Delang Wa Approximately 1/4 of a Rai
(1 Delang Wa = 4 Square meters)

Situated close to Chiang Mai City in Sansai, just off the Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai highway.

All amenities are situated close by.
Schools (international and public) Hospitals, Doctors, Dentists, Golf Clubs.

You name it Chiang Mai has it. 

Chiang Mai has very large ex pat community.

 






Power and water are connected.


These four town houses opposite are built
on the same sized land.

If you don't have the means to buy Thai land (a Thai wife or Thai Business)

Ah Chau will lease for 10, 20 or 30 years.

Contact the owner at

Phone Ah Chau 66 86 191 3804  (086 191 3804)

Ah Chau - acmayeu@hotmail.com

Mr. Bohsan - odasan1015@hotmail.com

or the web Master at grant@akha-hill.com

DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE OWNERS - CUT OUT THE MIDDLE MAN

Akha-Hill.com

This-is-ChiangMai.info

Built by
XanDreams.com

House Ref # h110 |Chiang Mai | Thailand

Ray is an English "Chippy" (Builder Tradesman)
Ray has been in Chiang Mai for many years.
So is well suited for running his Chiang Mai Homes business.
He also owns and operates Ray's Bar in the Old City.
Check out the links below to his site's.

Price 1,800,000 THB

Expansive living areas and easy
indoor/outdoor flow makes
entertaining and living effortless.
2 golf courses within easy reach.

District: Sansai

This stunning house is Approximately 7 kilometers from Chiang Mai.


The property has a lot of potential. This house has an extremely warm feeling.

• Office.
  
  
• large lounge.
  
  
• Three bedrooms.
• Three bathrooms.
  
  
• Staff quarters.
  
  
• Children's swimming pool. 12x12
• large separate kitchen, laundry and toilets.
• Jacuzzi.
• 3 air conditioners, + fans in all rooms.

ChiangMai-Homes.org



Ray's Rooms, Restaurant and Bar BLOG

Akha-Hill.com

This-is-ChiangMai.INFO

xd222.com

that's
XanDreams222.com

http://this-is-chiangmai.xd222.com/blog/

Children's Toy Day | Chiang Mai

The Christmas and New Year festivities are over; it has been a busy time for Croston House with many activities.
Check out our front page for them all.

Today (4th January 2009) was no different.
Croston House Children’s Home was invited to the annual Chiang Mai Toy Day.

Glenn driving the car, full of Children on the way to the Toy Day festivities.
Ros driving the new Truck, full of Children on the way to the Toy Day festivities out at Mai Rim.

The New Truck, Thank you all for your support.


Many taxi trucks fill of children escorted by the local big bike club
It’s a tour around Chiang Mai then out to the festivities at Mai Rim. All the children get a gift.

.

If you have any comments about the site, please feel free to get in touch at g_croston@yahoo.com.

Please click HERE to go to the official Croston House Children's Home website.

Click HERE to go to my personal website.

Phone (66) 086-3857118.

Or leave a comment here at the Blog.

------------------------

Check out some more sites that are following us;

http://this-is-chiangmai.info/

http://siam-chiangmai.co.cc/#Glenn

Akha Silver

http://siam-chiangmai.blogspot.com/

http://akha-hill.blogspot.com/

http://this-is-chiangmai-info.blogspot.com/

New Walking Street Opening | Kampangdin Rd. Chiang Mai

Kampangdin Road is in the heart of Chiang Mai
Running next to the canal not far from the night bazaar.

The new walking street is right at the far end of kampangdin Road away from Taipei Rd. in
one of the poorest area's of the City. Many Akha live along the banks of the Canal.

New Walking Street Opening, Kampangdin Rd. Chiang Mai

Sie's Stall

New Akha Hats from Akha Hill Tribe Products
Designed and made by Sie.


Sie

Sie's stall at the new Kampangdin Friday Night Walking Street.

Akha Silver Blog

XanDreams.com

Akha-Hill.com

1st Baan of Silver

This-is-ChiangMai.com

This-is-ChiangMai.info

Akha Swing | Thanksgiving Day 07

Last year was ideal for the swing.

How they got me on the swing I will never know!

A typical overcrowded utility truck, on the way back into the City.

Akha Silver Blog

XanDreams.com

Akha-Hill.com

1st Baan of Silver

This-is-ChiangMai.com

This-is-ChiangMai.info

Chiang Mai City Akha Harvest festival

The young ladies of Kampangdin sing an Akha song
(and not so young, my wife is at the back somewere out of sight)

Thanks to the rain the traditional Akha swing did not get a lot of use this year

Akha Thanksgiving Day 2008

Thanksgiving day 2008 Sansai, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Held for the City Akha at the local Akha Presbyterian Church Sansai, Chiang Mai.

Akha woman in traditional costume.

Abor
Abor is endearing name for an older man.

The Akha Harvest festival

The City Akha Give thanks for another bountiful Harvest.

Traditionally the Akha hold the Harvest Festival after the harvest of the rice crop.

The City Akha buy the rice from the local market but still hold "Thanksgiving Day"

to celebrate a bountiful year.

Char Puoo

Please don't quote me on the Akha words, I have written as they sound to me.
My Akha wife , who is 48 this year can not read or write Akha, Thai or English.
Some times we even talk at cross purposes. i.e. She hasn't a clue what I am talking about and visa versa. But we get by remarkably well. Her English is O.K. My Thai is limited and my Akha even more so.

Grant

Akha Silver Blog

XanDreams.com

Akha-Hill.com

1st Baan of Silver

This-is-ChiangMai.com

This-is-ChiangMai.info

7 Chiang Mai Akha Couples marry

This Saturday saw a large congregation of the City Akha at one of the local Christian Churches for seven marriage ceremonies.

The Wedding Party was held on the Church grounds.
The local Catholic Church in Chiang Mai run schools from primary right up to University and probably pre school as well so there were all the amenities for a 7 wedding party.

A bit light on the nosh I thought (and so did most of the people having lunch)
Have to try a different catering company next time.

14 poor families paid good money for that Wedding & Wedding party.

I will try to find out who they were so you don't use them the next time you throw a party in

Chiang Mai.

Akha Silver Blog

This is Chiang Mai INFO