After having the most superb Chinese lunch at Jia Tong Heng Restaurant & shopping for some half hour at the small shopping arcade outside Jia Tong Heng Restaurant, we drove here to this Thai Service Apartment where our Thai Rental Car Agency is at its basement, to pay for our car rental fees.

This Thai rented car has brought us all around Chiang Mai, from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, to Phya Meng Rai, from Phya Meng Rai to Chiang Rai, then from Chiang Rai all the way to Mae Sai, then back to Chiang Rai from Mae Sai, then back from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai again!

Rain or shine, this car has given us much comforts & lots of convenience travelling around the North of Thailand for the past 6 days & nights!! And especially to our most wonderful Thai friend, who is our greatest chauffeur for all these days & nights, we must say the biggest Thank You!!

We spent some time at the Thai Car Rental Agency settling our car payments, inclusive of extra $50 Singapore Dollars for the broken Side Mirror incident which happend earlier this noon.

Below is a Slideshow containing photos taken of our car & the Car Rental Agency’s surroundings :

Here below shows us arriving at Chiang Mai International Airport for our 6pm flight home to Singapore after we left the Car Rental Agency – the time now is 3.30pm.

We’ve all our travelling luggages, including our 2 Boxes of Thai Mango Sticky Rice desserts, checked in, & got our flight Boarding Passes. And as there’s still 2 & half hours to our flight departure, my brother & our Thai friend decide to go run some errands at Central Airport Plaza together.

So we bid farewell to our Thai friend cos we won’t be seeing her again before leaving Chiang Mai – Dad shakes hand with her, while Mom & I hug her as we thank & say Goodbye to her. And our eyes are wailing up in tears as we do so, & then Mom start to cry. And upon seeing Mom crying, both our Thai friend & I follow suit cos we can no longer control our tears as my brother & she start to walk away from us……….So sad so sad (

We know we’re gonna miss her so much as she’s become a very dear close friend to us, & we really appreciate how much she’s done for us driving us around here in the North & bringing us to visit so many interesting places & eating so much wonderful special Cuisines!!

Well, we really hope to see our most dearest Thai friend soon again, & best with her Mom, Dad & younger sister, cos Dad has actually invited her family & her to come visit us in Singapore the last time we visited her family home in Phya Meng Rai.

Well, it’s now shopping time for me here at Chiang Mai International Airport as Mom & Dad settle down for Coffee inside a small Thai Cafe called “NINETY-FOUR COFFEE” inside the Airport.

I still remember my hubby Dear & I used to have its Club Sandwiches & its Tutti Fruitti Berry Smoothie here at the same Cafe last Dec just before our flight home to Singapore, & they were both so good & yummy!!

And today, I’m back here at this Thai Souvenirs Shop inside Chiang Mai International Airport to hunt for more Thai Souvenir Magnets just like I remember it was here last Dec – the only thing I didn’t know last Dec was that this Thai Souvenirs Shop is the ROYAL THAI GOVERNMENT HANDICRAFTS CENTRE - THE BIGGEST THAI HANDICRAFTS CENTRE :

I spend some amazing time shopping inside this Biggest Thai Handicrafts Centre & am very happy to find some great Thai Souvenir Magnets to add on to my World Souvenir Magnets Collection – all packed inside this below Shopping Bag :

The Souvenirs sold in this Biggest Thai Handicrafts Centre are much more costly, but some of their souvenirs, especially the Souvenir Magnets, can’t be found outside here. Well, at least to me cos I’ve never seen them anywhere else except here in the Airport!! Besides their quality & workmanship are fine & very good!

Well, the followings are my Thai Souvenir Magnets which I just purchased from the Biggest Thai Handicrafts Centre :

My authentic Thai Elephant Souvenir Magnet :

My most exotic Thai Royal Barge Souvenir Magnet – the exquisitely crafted Royal Barge is a blend of Craftsmanship & traditional Thai Art :

My “Thailand is the Origin of Muay Thai” (Thai Boxing) Souvenir Magnet – Muay Thai is a form of Hard Martial Arts. It’s a long history in Thailand, & it’s the National Sport in the country. Muay Thai uses Kicks & Punches in a Ring with Gloves similar to those used in Western Boxing.

Referred to as “The Art of the Eight Limbs”, the Hands, Shins, Elbows & Knees are all used extensively in this Thai Boxing. Thus a Nak Muay (a practitioner of Muay Thai), is able to execute Strikes using “8 Points of Contact”, as oppised to the “2 Points” (Fists) in Western Boxing, & the “4 Points” (Fists, Feet) used in the primarily sport-oriented forms of Martial Arts : 

My “Thailand is where Buddhist Temples Prevail” Souvenir Magnet – There’re over 312000 Buddhist Temples spread around Thailand. Temples are called “Wat” in Thai, & they’re grouped into 2 main groups – Temples which are permitted to carry out Religious functions, & Temples which are used only for Living quarters for Monks.

Classified into 2 main categories - Common Temples & Royal Temples where there’re about 200 Royal Temples which were built by Royalty or came under their sponsorship in Thailand :

My Thai Angels Souvenir Magnets :

 My most precious Thai Boys Souvenir Magnets :

Below is my “Thai Boy Playing on Songkran Day in Thailand” Souvenir Magnet – Songkran is the Thai New Year, & it’s celebrated every year from April 13 to April 15. Throwing of Water is the most obvious celebration of Songkran – where people roam the streets with containers of Water or Water Guns, or stand by the roadsides with Garden Hoses & drench one another wet with Water!!

The Throwing of Water originated as a way of paying respects to people, by gently pouring a small amount of Lustral Water (water blessed from Monks) on people’s hands or over their shoulders. Then young Thais start pouring Water on strangers to relieve the heat (as April’s the Hottest month in Thailand), & this further evolved into Water Fights & Splashing Water over people riding vehicles.

Traditionally, the main activity of Songkran was to visit & pay respects to elders, family members, friends & neighbours. People may also go to Buddhist Monasteries to pray & give food to Monks. It’s the time to make New Year resolutions, to refrain from bad behavior, or to do good things, & a time for cleaning & renewal, giving their homes a thorough cleaning.

In Northern Thailand, people may carry handfuls of sand to the monastery to recompense the dirt that they have carried away on their feet during the rest of the year. The sand is then sculpted into Stupa-shaped piles & decorated with colorful flags.

In Chiang Mai, the Buddha Images from the City’s important Monasteries are paraded on ornately decorated Floats through the streets so that people can toss Water at them, ritually “Bathing” the Images. The Thais believe that in doing so, they’ll have Good Luck & Prosperity for the whole New Year :

Below is my “Thai Cock Pet in Thailand” Souvenir Magnet – the Cocks are cherished Pets which are well-cared for by the Thais, who use the birds to participate in their favourite pass time or Thai National Sport – Thai Cock Fight :

My “Thai Boy Walking on Coconut Shells in Thailand” Souvenir Magnet  – Coconuts are called “Maprao” in Thai. In the past, Thai children made use of the Coconut Shells to play a Game called “Dern-ga-la” or “Walking on Coconut Shells”.

Simply making 2 holes on the sides of half a Coconut Shell (called “Kapho” in Thai), & passing a small string through the holes, the Thai children step on the Shells with the strings in their hands, & try to walk on the Shells. And whoever arrives at the winning point first wins the Game :  

My “Thai Buddhist Novice Collecting Alms in Thailand” Souvenir Magnet – It’s a Thai Tradition that young men, at the age of 20, spend a period of time in the Monkhood, in order to forward the merits to their parents who have given them birth & brought them up.

Boys under the age of 20, or older men who are not ready to obey the 227 Buddhist Precepts required for Monkhood, can also be ordained as Buddhist Novices, who need to only obey 10 Buddhist Precepts.

These Thai Novices learn how to dress themselves properly in Saffron Robes & collect Alms from devotees in the communities surrounding the Temples. Most importantly, these Novices study the Theory of Buddhism & practise Buddhist Meditation. The Thai Novicehood program usually lasts between 15 to 30 days, after which, the Thai Novices are disrobed, hopefully to become better persons :

My “Thailand is the Land of Smiles” Souvenir Magnet – The Land of Smiles is a description of Thailand given by visitors. Called “Yim” in Thai, Smiling has become a part of Thais’ everyday’s way of life in their expressions of embarrassment, shame, remorse, tension, fear & even sadness.

For my personal travelling experiences, I think the Thai people from Northern Thailand are the most courteous, most helpful & best smiling people in the country, & that’s the main reason why I like visiting Chiang Mai.

Well, here below are several specific Thai Smiles in Thai, & their English translations :

“Yim Thang Nam Taa” in Thai - “I’m so happy I’m crying” Smile

“Yim Yae Yae” – “I know things look pretty bad but there’s no point craying over spilt milk” Smile

“Yim Yaw” – “I told you so” Smile

“Yim Sao” – Sad Smile

“Yim Thak Thaan” – “I disagree with you” Smile

“Yim Mai Awk” – “I’m trying to Smile but I can’t” Smile

“Fuen Yim” – “I should laugh at the joke though it’s not funny” Smile

“Yim Thak Thaai” – the polite Smile for someone you barely know

Below show my “Thai Buffalo Riding” Souvenir Magnet – Called “Khwai” in Thai, Buffaloes have played an integral part in Thai culture & Thai society, where they’ve been used for centuries by Thai peasants to plough rice fields.

Haha, I still remember last Dec when my hubby Dear & I had our Buffalo (or Ox) Cart riding here in Chiang Mai & that was as close to riding Buffalo, & that was so cool & so much fun!! 

The following is my “Thai Monkey Coconut Picker in Surat Thani Thailand” Souvenir Magnet – Surat Thani is the largest Southern Province in South Thailand, covering an area of 12891 kms & bordered by the Gulf of Thailand to the North & East. Located 644 kms from Bangkok, Surat Thani literally means “City of the Good People”; its name given by King Vajiravudh (RamaVI) of the Srivijaya Empire.

Thai Monkeys play a major role in collecting Coconuts in Thailand because human beings don wana do that kind of work. And Monkeys In Surat Thani have contributed greatly to Thailand’s Coconut Industry, which produces yearly some 933000 tons of Coconuts on 280000 hectares of land, mostly in the Southern peninsula of the country.

After shopping at the Biggest Thai Handicrafts Centre inside Chiang Mai International Airport & having greatly expanded my current World Souvenir Magnets Collection, I went back to meet Mom & Dad at NINETY-FOUR COFFEE Cafe, & that was when I met 2 really nice Mom & Daughter Australians who had been chatting with Mom & Dad.

I joined in their conversations chit-chating with one another – the Aussie Mom lives in Sunshine Coast, while her daughter is working in a Brisbane University, which the more made our conversations longer & interesting cos I was telling them my hubby Dear used to study in the University of Queensland in Brisbane, while I was from Deakin University, Geelong Victoria………..& that we (including Mom & Dad) used to travel alot to Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cold Coast etc etc!! It was overall so much excitement bringing back much sweet Aussie memories )

And this Aussie Mom & daughter pair will also be taking the same flight to Singapore with us!! They’re actually on a 1 night 1 day Transit in Singapore, on their way back to Australia. And Aussie Mom was telling us they wana visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens the next day before their night flight back to Australia, & I was sharing with them which nearest train station to go to, & to take a bus to the Gardens etc.

And remembering the shopping areas inside Chiang Mai Airport Departure Lounge cos I was here last Dec, Mom, Dad & I soon parted with the Aussies Mom & daughter cos we wana check into the Thai immigrations earlier so that we can do some more last minute shopping before leaving Chiang Mai!!

We’re now walking towards the Chiang Mai International Airport Departure Lounge – eager for more shopping haha :

But to my disappointment, nothing catches my eyes as I shop in the Departure Lounge :

Mom, however, did buy a made-in-USA Handbag for herself from the below Thai Duty Free boutique inside the Departure Lounge :

Well, my brother is finally back here at the Airport, alone from his Central Airport Plaza trip (with our Thai friend).

And while waiting to board our flight in the Departure Lounge, this very cute active sociable dark-skinned dark curly haired 3-year old French Singaporean (& I believe of Thai mixture too) girl with her French parents, comes touching me & asking me lots of questions in English about my red fringe hair, & clipstick color, & showing me her toys & sweets etc etc.

Time passes fast as I’m entertaining this little cutie girl, & the time now is past 5.30pm - time for us to board our 6pm SilkAir flight MI705 home to Singapore.

 And here’s my SilkAir flight MI705 Boarding Pass :

I’m now onboard MI705, seated here with baby Cowtie :

Cowtie was originally from Chiang Mai when I found him at a Flea Market, & brought him back home to Singapore with me & my hubby Dear. And I’ve brought him back here 6 days ago to visit his hometown, & now, he’s flying back to our home in Singapore with me again!!

“La Gon, Laew Phob Gan Mai” (meaning “Goodbye, See You Again!!“) – Cowtie says in Thai as he bids farewell to his beloved hometown of Chiang Mai from our flight’s window :

For myself, this’s been a great 2nd Chiang Mai trip of mine – & it’s specially memorable cos Mom & Dad are with me this time round!!! And once again, I’ve gathered many fond & sweet memories of this wonderful trip to bring back home to Singapore to share with my hubby Dear!! Hmm…….I miss him so much so much & I can’t wait to see him again!!! 3 more hours!! Only 3 more hours to go & I’ll be able to see him again heheh!!  

Hooray Hooray our flight is now taking off & flying home to Singapore from Chiang Mai!!! Yippie Yippie I’m so happy so happy!!!

Below is a Slideshow of photos taken of the beautiful bird’s eye views of lovely Rose Capital of North Thailand – Chiang Mai :

Our In-flight dinner time – Mom’s Chicken with Fried Rice with baby Corns & Green Vegetables, Fruits & Orange Jucie Set : 

And here’s my Stewed Beef with Mash Potatoes with steamed Broccoli & Carrots, with Fruits & Orange Juice Set :

Warm & yummy Stewed Beef & Mash Potatoes – simply delicious!!

And here’s our In-flight entertainment Mr Bean Cartoon Show which I think is the same show that was on during our flight from Singapore to Chiang Mai 6 days ago :

Well, Mom & I chatted on the plane, while trying to take a nap in-between, & at times, I tried snaping photos of the night sky from our flight’s window – but of course, my camera wasn’t good enough to capture anything out there haha!!

Finally, our plane landed in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 – WEW!! It’s so good to be back home!!!

The Singapore time now is almost 10 pm, which is one hour ahead of Chiang Mai time, which means we’ve to now wind back our watches 1 hour ahead. Immediately upon landing, I ring up my hubby Dear on my cell phone – heehee I know I’m not supposed to turn on my phone yet, but I miss his voice so much so much haha!!

Anyway, on our way out to the Singapore Immigration counters, we again meet the 2 Aussies Mom & daughter whom we met earlier in Chiang Mai International Airport!! We chatted again for a while – I asking them to have great fun in the Singapore Botanic Gardens & enjoy their one day & night in Singapore before their flight home to Australia tomorrow night!! Then we bidded farewell to one another & parted ways…..

Then I told Mom, Dad & my brother not to tell my hubby Dear that I’ve brought him so much Thai Goodies such like the Mango Sticky Rice desserts & Roast Pork!! The idea is to lie to him that I’ve never got any of these for him at all haha!! Naughty Naughty Me heheh!!

After stopping by the Singapore Duty Free Wine & Liquor shop to purchase some Wines & Beers, & picking up our Travelling luggages, & of course never forgetting our 2 Boxes of the Thai Mango Sticky Rice desserts, I’m now walking straight out of Singapore Changi Airport Arrival Hall!!! And hey, I already saw my charming hubby Dear waiting outside the Arrival Hall from afar earlier & we started waving excitedly at each other……now I’m nearing him as I’m walking towards him…………..

Hahah we’re finally back together again heheh…………& I can’t wait to tell my dear hubby all my travelling stories & the great many Cuisines I had during my trip!! And I’m so proud telling him that I’ve even been to Myanmar (Burma), making him so envious haha!!!

And of course I can’t bear lying to my hubby dearie about the Thai goodies any longer but blurt out the truth to him as we’re settling down at home making him gushing out in laughters & happiness hahaha!!!

Sunday is finally here today, the day we’re going to Warorot Market to buy our Thai Mango Sticky Rice (called “Kao Neow Ma Maung” in Thai), & hopefully, the Thai Chinese Roast Pork, to bring back home with us to Singapore!

Well, we were initially hessitant about going to Warorot Market as we’d been pre-warned by our Thai friend that it’s not safe for us to be at crowded places here in Chiang Mai, especially in the Night Bazaar & Warorot Market, cos of the current on-going PAD Protest in Thailand against Samak the Prime Minister.

However, we decided that we won’t be that unlucky to get into any harm. Besides, Mom kept reminding me that my hubby Dear is longing for the Mango Sticky Rice back home in Singapore!! Haha!! So our Thai friend, my brother & I, left Mom & Dad to rest in Holiday Inn, while we started our journey downtown Chiang Mai to Warorot Market to buy our Thai Mango Sticky Rice, & hopefully, the Roast Pork heheh!!

And along our way, something happened as we were driving - our car got hit on its left side mirror!!Our Thai friend was driving pretty fast on this road when I think she must be driving too close to the left side of the road & hit one of the cars parked there!!! It all happened so fast our left side mirror must have been hit cos it broke lose & flew off right past infront of my brother’s & my eyes cos we were both seated on the left side of our car!!!

Our Thai friend wasn’t even aware of what happened except got a great shock afterwards!! And we were so lucky we were not hit any closer or else the broken mirror might come flying straight into the left side windows of our car & onto my brother & I!! What a close shave!!!! Thank God!!! Thank God!!!!

Well, here we’ve arrived at Warorot Market, & we’re at this Thai Duck, Chicken & Pork Stall – the same old Stall where the most helpful & kindest Thai Chinese Teochew Auntie brought me to buy the most delicious Chinese Roast Pork here in Warorot Market when I was visiting with my hubby Dear last Dec.

And YES, I’m so happy that this same Duck, Chicken & Pork Stall is open today!! And YES YES, the seller is the previous same Thai lady whom I still remember I bought the Chinese Roast Pork from last Dec!! See she’s smiling at me too & I wonder if she actually still remembers & recognises me?!?!? Haha I’m so excited!!

Wow, she’s got so many Ducks & Chickens, & even other cuisines like Braised Pork & Pork Intestines etc in her Stall today!! But for Roast Pork…….hmm………she’s got only one piece left!!! Well, it’s a pretty BIG chunk of Roast Pork though that she’s still got left – at 1.2kg. But that’s not even enough to share between Mom & I, who both wana have at least a kg to bring back home to Singapore!!

Like I mentioned in my earlier posts, we all love Chinese Roast Pork!! And yes yes, some of you must be thinking & saying Singapore also has Roast Pork, why wana buy Roast Pork here!?! Well, like I mentioned before, this Thai Chinese Roast Pork which I ate last Dec was so so tasty & good!! And somehow, the Roast Pork from here seemed so much fresher & tasted much more fragrant & better than most ones back home in Singapore!!

Best of all, the Roast Pork here come with fresh sliced Cucumbers & diced Coriander Leaves which when eaten together, the Roast Pork tastes even greater!! And well, my hubby Dear & I just love them so much we always dream of biting into these Thai Chinese Roast Pork again haha!!

So in this trip of mine to Chiang Mai, besides the Mango Sticky Rice, my hubby Dear has also been bugging me to buy the Roast Pork back home for him!! Hahaha isn’t he so greedy ha!!!

Well, I just bought the only last big chunk of 1.2kg Roast Pork from this Stall & the Thai lady seller is so happy cos guess there’s hardly anybody who would buy such a whole chunk from her any normal day ha?!!! And guess what?! It only costs me 350 bahts, which is equivalent to $15 Singapore dollars - So cheap!! 

And well, persistent & clever me start to look around in her neighbouring Stalls in the Warorot Market hoping to find some more Thai chinese Roast Pork to buy home. And YES YES I did find one more CHUNK!! It’s at the 3rd some kind of Stewed Pork Stall from this Duck, Chicken & Pork Stall, & it’s got also one last piece of 1.25kg Roast Pork left!!!!

Haha the young Thai seller looks stunned & so surprised yet pleasantly smiling that I immediately asked for the whole chunk & paid for it – at 450 bahts!! Well, the Roast Pork here costs a little more expensive but hey it’s but only about $19 Singapore dollars, still pretty okie!! But most importantly, the Thai Chinese Roast Pork is so so yummy you won’t regret eating them!!

Well, here’s our next destination in the Warorot Market – the Thai Mango Sticky Rice Stall. But hey, that Thai lady boss is not around today but instead there’re 3 other helpers, & they all look kinda identical with that lady boss, so guess they must all be family :

Heheh, we’re now back at this same Mango Sticky Rice Stall where we’d already pre-ordered 15 packs of the desserts 2 days ago when we were here. And as requested by the Stall’s Thai lady boss, our Thai friend has also pre-called her earlier this morning before we came here, to inform her that we’re coming in.

And we actually pre-ordered another extra 13 packs, rounding up to 28 packs of Mango Sticky Rice altogether!! They’re actually my 15 packs & Mom’s 10 packs to bring home to Singapore, & 3 packs for us to salvage later in Holiday Inn haha!! 

Now, below’s the most freshly prepared most fragrant most yummy full of Fresh Coconut Milk aroma Thai Sticky Rice (called “Kao Neow” in Thai), contained in the huge Steel bowl :

This Thai Stall actually weighs each & every packet of their Sticky Rice, & so are their Mangoes, which they weigh in order to put the right amount into each pack of their Mango Sticky Rice dessert & the pricing of each & every pack is dependent on their weights.

Here are some of our big & small Thai Mangoes (called “Ma Maung” in Thai) :

We requested that the Stall packs all our Mango Sticky Rice desserts into Boxes like this :

And guess what!?!? Actually Mom & I had again re-increased our orders from my very initial 10 to 15 to 20 packs now, & Mom’s initial 5 to 10 to 16 packs, plus our initial 3 to now 4 packs for eating in Holiday Inn, which altogether comes to a grand BIG total of 40 PACKS!!!

40 PACKS of Mango Sticky Rice?!?!!! Hahaa we must be CRAZY CRAZY ha you must be thinking!!! Well, like I say all the time in my earlier posts, this particular Mango Sticky Rice dessert is simply superb that you seldom get to eat elsewhere that we can’t resist not buying more & more……….besides their portions are also not too huge!! OR rather, think we’re just BIG EATERS ha heheh!!!

And in fact, I also told the Stall helper that I would like to buy all her Mangoes that are available in her Stall today, & she’s now confirming it as seen below :

This Box of Mangoes belongs to Mom :

And here’s my Box of Mangoes, still piling up………

Our 2 Boxes of Mango Sticky Rice desserts :

See, my Box is all filled up now of the Thai Mangoes, Sticky Rice, & the Packets of Fresh Coconut Milk :

Our 2 packets of Thai Chinese Roast Pork with Cucumbers & Coriander Leaves that we bought earlier here at Warorot Market :

More Newspapers are being used to fill up the space on top of our Mango Sticky Rice desserts inside the 2 Boxes, & they’re then sealed with brown tapes :

The Stall helper is tying the Boxes with strings now :

Haha see the below huge EMPTY Steel bowl – all its Sticky Rice is all gone now!!! All gone into our 2 Boxes heheh!! And guess the Stall helpers must be smiling with happiness cos we just bought all their Mango Sticky Rice of the day, & they can close business early today haha!!

Now, our 2 Boxes of 36 packets of yummy yummy Mango Sticky Rice desserts to fly home with us, plus 4 extra packs for eating later, are finally all ready to go – seen here below with our 2 packs of Roasted Pork with Cucumbers & Coriander Leaves :

And here’s the bill of our Thai Mango Sticky Rice desserts – a total of 1185 bahts which is about $52 Singapore dollars!! What a great great treat heheh!!

It’s now time to leave the 3-storey Warorot Market, which is filled with Thai goodies & cuisines, herbs & spices, clothes & fabrics etc :

And a big Thank You & Goodbye to the following Duck, Chicken & Pork Stall for its amazing Roast Pork!!

See below my brother (in green tee) walking off & carrying our 2 Boxes of Thai Mango Sticky Rice – they’re really heavy I can tell you!!

And what a cool pretty piled so high up Rattan Baskets Stall which we’re walking past right now when we’re about to leave Warorot Market :

Beaming with smiles all over, we’re now heading back to Holiday Inn to bring Mom & Dad the many many Thai goodies – bet they’ve been waiting long & hungry hoho…………

Looking forward to going back home to Singapore, we woke up very fresh & happy today, cos our flight home is at 6pm this evening. YES YES, we’ll still be going home as planned & not be affected by the current PAD Protests going on in other parts of Thailand, cos as at yesterday, we’d already managed to log in & confirm our flight seats!! Hoorays Long Live the King!! Long Live the King!!

And being our last day staying in Holiday Inn Chiang Mai, we’re now in its lovely River Terrace Restaurant for our breakfast – seen here inside River Terrace is a beautiful huge wooden Elephant carving made up of many big & small “Jumbos” :

And some kind of tall straight “Spring Onions-looking” plants deco – lovely :

We’re now looking at the River Terrace’s International Buffet spread, which is fantastically superb :

Different types of Breakfast Cereals :

Various types of yummy Cheese & Biscuits :

Cold Fruits Desserts & Yoghurt Selections on top Ice  :

Delicious Hams :

Fresh Juices :

Freshly prepared Salads & Dressings – Mom’s behind picking up Fruits :

Here below are the Porridge & Japanese Corners :

Besides many Caucasians staying here in the Holiday Inn Chiang Mai, there’re also many Japanese tourists, that’s why here’s the Japanese Corner specially for them :

Porridge Corner :

And below are the Porridge ingredients (such as Salted Eggs etc) & Vegetable Pickles Selections :

Here are the Pastries & Dim Sum Corners :

Bread & Dim Sums (contained in round Bamboo baskets) which usually only consist of mini Char Siew Bao (or BBQ Pork Buns) & Bean Paste Buns :

Fresh Loaves of Bread :

Many types of Margarines & Jams :

Here’s the Pastries Cormer :

Mom seated inside River Terrace about to have Breakfast now – btw, Mom’s wearing the beautiful genuine Pearl Necklace which I got her from Suzhou, China heheh :

Freshly prepared Omelettes with Hams, Cheese, Onions, Mushrooms & Tomatoes :

My Hammy Cheesy with Cucumbers garnished with Italian Dressing Plater…..hmmm……..I just love these :

My western plus local breakfast delights :

See the Poached Egg on top of half sliced round burger – that’s really yummy!! So are the Bacons :

Hard-boiled Egg with more fresh very crunchy Cucumbers with Sauteed Fried Fish, & Korean Kimchi which I simply adore :

Steaming hot Shrimps Porridge garnished with lots of sliced Gingers, Spring Onions & Fried Shallots – it’s my very 1st time eating Shrimps Porridge – I love Shrimps & I love to cook but I’ve never thought of cooking Shrimps in Porridge!!

The Shrimps Porridge tastes very good, with huge fresh Shrimps – real yummy yummy :

Bananas for Mom & Dad – Dad especially loves bananas, & he really likes the Thai Northern ones : 

River Terrace is situated by the side of Mae Ping River, seen here below :

Exit to Mae Ping River side from River Terrace :

I’m now standing outside River Terrace looking at Mae Ping River :

After our sumptuous Breakfast at River Terrace, we’re now going up to our rooms in Holiday Inn Chiang Mai – the Hotel elevator lobby :

Our 2 connecting Rooms No 1818 & 1819 :

Lovely Mom inside our Room carrying her Green Thai Handmade Embroidered Bag :

A most special reservation has been made by our Thai friend for our last evening here in the most beautiful Rose Capital of North Thailand, Chiang Mai.

As my hubby Dear & I had been to this same place here last December with my brother, & we’d tremendously enjoyed ourselves so much, I specially suggested that Mom & Dad come here too!!

And so here we’re right now, at Khum Khantoke for the Lanna style dinner & show.

Map of Khum Khantoke, which is located behind Carrefour Chiang Mai :

Well, if you’ve read my earlier posts “Visiting Thai Family” & “Lanna Thai Dinner“, you’d have known about & been pretty familiar with Khantoke dining, where diners sit cross legged on the floor sharing Northern Cuisines from a round wooden Khantoke tray while enjoying Northern classical dances – such modern Lanna style dining was invented by a famous businessman & Thai Scholar more than 30 years ago.

Khum Khantoke Pamphlets :

Hey look here!! Dad’s about to ride the lovely decorated Khum Khantoke Trishaw with Mom seated beautifully on it : 

Haha Dad’s looking really cool in his poses & Mom’s just so pretty!!

We’re now stepping into the gorgeous Khum Khantoke which is made up of exquisite Northern Thai houses with Lanna setting surrounded with rich assortment of unique traditions & exotic Lanna arts & crafts :

We’re greeted by 3 most charming Thai ladies seated on low square wooden tables, one of whom is playing a traditional string instrument, another carving beautiful flowers out of fresh fruits, & the 3rd stringing fresh jasmine flower garlands : 

Mom & Dad with the beautiful Thai lady playing traditional string instrument :

Here’s the Khum Khantoke Welcome Sign : 

We’re now approaching the Khum Khantoke dining & show area :

This’s a big Lanna style hall instead of the huge open courtyard surrounded by Lanna style houses & pavilions where my hubby Dear & I, & my brother, dined at when we were here last Dec – this’s equally great cos I can experience a different place altogether heheh!!

Entering the Khum Khantoke hall now :

There’re already many diners inside the hall & what a fantastic Lanna style hall with very high ceilings & big beautiful hanging Thai Lanterns :

And there’s a performing stage decorated with a most beautiful huge Lanna artifact painting right in the middle infront of the huge hall. And we’re very happy cos we get to sit pretty infront & near the performing stage, as well as right beside the big open performing dance floor of the hall :

We get settled down on the floor quickly expecting to sit cross legged but to our surprise, there’re actually a lower raised-down open space under the floor beneath our wooden dining table for us to put our legs!!

Haha that’s really cool & a good thing cos it’ll be much easier & more comfortable for Mom & Dad now instead of them sitting cross legged!!

Here’s our huge spread of Khum Khantoke dinner cuisines from Northern & other parts of Thailand, on the round wooden Khantoke tray – they’re from the bottom centre (clockwise) – Stir-fry Green Vegetables with Cabbages, Deep Fried Chicken, Deep Fried Crispy Pork Rinds (called “Kaeb Moo” in Thai), Red Young Chili Paste, Crispy Rice Noodles & Chicken Curry :

And right in the middle of the Khantoke tray is a bigger plate of Steamed Pumpkin, Fresh Cucumbers, Boiled Green Vegetables, Cabbages & Long Beans, & surrounding the Green Chili Dip.

And then there’re our individual bowls of Clear Vegetable Soup & plates of plain Thai White Rice, as well as round rattan baskets of Thai Sticky Rice.

Thai Sticky Rice (called “Kao Neow” in Thai”) inside the round rattan basket :

And in addition, there’re the most delicious Fried Banana Fritters – Chiang Mai style!! Dear & I just couldn’t stop eating these Banana Fritters here at Khum Khantoke last Dec haha!!!

 Haha, we can’t wait any longer & all start digging in :

Mom & Dad enjoying our most deliciously yummy Thai Khantoke Cuisines :

Haha & do you know what’s the best of having Khantoke Cuisines?!?!! You can always ask for refill & refill & refill of not one but any of all the different varieties of delicacies & eat till your stomach is bloated haha!!

Heheh that’s just exactly what I plan to do tonight haha!!! After all, it’s our last night here in Chiang Mai so I’d better eat more more or else I’ll start missing all these beautiful Cuisines again once I’m back home in Singapore!!

Me with the whole huge spread of marvelicious Khum Khantoke Cuisines :

Hmm…..hmmm………we’re getting really full now………..Showtime starts at 7.45pm & it’s almost time now!! And we’ve actually been eating so much so much since 6.30pm when we 1st arrived here, & we’re feeling so pleased & beaming with smiles cos the Cuisines are so so tasty & good!!!

Except for one bad thing!! There’re actually mosquitoes around & especially in the lower raised-down open space under the floor beneath our dining table where we get to put our legs as we’re sitting on the floor. Sob Sob……….so sad so sad Dad & I get the most mosquito bites as we endure while indulging on our Cuisines haha!!

That was why I’ve always said it’s best to come visit Chiang Mai in December when the weather’s cooling & there’re no deadly mosquitoes!!! Just like last Dec when I was here dining at Khum Khantoke (in the open Courtyard) with my hubby Dear & brother – we never got any Mosquitoe bite at all throughout the whole night!!! That was so wonderful!!!

Anyway, I’m not about to let any Mosquito dampen my spirit on my last night in Chiang Mai cos I’m gonna enjoy to my fullest here tonight okie!!

Well, we were just each presented with a Jasmine Flower Garland which 2 Khum Khantoke Thai ladies dressed in cultural Mien & Hmong Hilltribes costumes came putting on each & every one of us dining inside the hall, followed by a Thai photographer who took photos of us posing with the 2 Thai Hilltribe ladies.

Now, the Thai Musicians start playing their traditional Thai wind & string instruments preparing for the show which is about to start - hippie hippie :

YES YES, the show’s finally starting now with the most impressive Opening Ceremony Dance - 2 groups of beautifully dressed Thais dancing their way gracefully into the hall from the 2 main back entrances : 

See their lovely Thai cultural costumes, accessories & headdressers - these dancers continue dancing on the dance floor…….

And then a uniquely dressed Thai dancer starts throwing fresh flower petals on the floor as she dances into the hall from behind, followed by a chain of male Thai traditional performers carrying offering ornanments or huge tall Thai lanterns & banners hung from tall poles, & they all dance & walk in a procession to the stage infront of the hall. And they continue dancing & performing like in a traditional ritual on the stage till the end.

Then the following Thai dancers with very special huge Fan-like wings dance swiftly onto the dance floor :

And suddenly a huge white Thai Goat dancer suddenly enters the hall from behind & start dancing among the many dining guests on the floor. Unfortunately the Goat dancer never gets close enough to us for me to snap photos of, except this below last shot of it leaving the hall :

I’ve now put all my other photos taken of the lovely Khum Khantoke Opening Ceremony Dance in the following Slideshow :

It’s desserts time now – Pineapples, Water Melons & Sweet Honey Crackers

These Sweet Honey Crackers taste as good as last Dec’s when I ate them here at Khum Khantoke heheh :

The following is the Traditional Khon Dance depicting a Episode from Ramakian, the greatest Thai literary work, or a Thailand’s National Epic, influenced by the Indian Ramayana Epic, which is an ancient Sanskrit Epic.

In this Episode, Hanuman, God-King of the Apes, who supported Phra Ram (Son of King Thotsarot of Ayutthaya & Incarnation of Phra Narai - the Highest God), & acted as the Monkey General, was about to attack Lanka City when he got obstructed by Nang Suphunamucha who blocked his path with rocks. Hanuman chased her with the intent to kill her, but when he finally met her, he changed his mind.

Called the Traditional Khon Dance, this very interesting Episode is now being acted out by the following 2 traditional Thai dancers :

I’ve here below a pretty cool Video of the above Traditional Khon Dance which I took :

And here’s the famous legendary Hanuman, God-King of the Apes : 

Dad & Mom (wearing 2 Jasmine Flower Garlands including Dad’s) with the very charming Hanuman :

Me with my most fragrant Jasmine Garland, & handsomely masked Hanuman :

Mom & Dad posing happily with Traditional Khon Dancer Nang Suphunamucha :

And now it’s my turn with gorgeous Nang Suphunamucha :

Magnificently dressed Traditional Khon Dancers Hanuman & Nang Suphunamucha continue dancing & acting out the Ramakian Episode on the dance floor, which is right beside us – how great :

And here’s another ending Video I took of the wonderful Traditional Khon Dance : 

The following is the Tee Dance, “Tee” meaning “Umbrella” in Thai, & it’s one of the symbols identifying Lanna Ladies :  

I’ve included here a Slideshow containing the few photos taken of the lovely Tee Dance :

Now, here comes the very exciting War Dance with Drum which in ancient times, such dancing & vigorous beating of the Drum greatly supported & lifted the morals of the troops in battle : 

And here’s my Video of the very superb War Dance with Drum performance :

After the War Dance with Drum performance, the Thai Musicians continue playing their traditional instruments to prepare the start of yet another exciting performance – the Sword Dance.

The Sword Dance shows the pride in Martial Arts & the defence of Lanna with gently beauty, fluency & rapidness – below photos show the traditional Thai Sword Dancer kneeling on the dance floor laying out his Thai swords as he prepares himself for his dance :

And here’s my Video taken of the Sword Dance, though I feel a little disappointed with my Video cos I did not manage to capture the last moments where he dropped all his Swords……heheh I’m so bad ha!!

Well YES, he did drop all his Swords on the floor towards the end before my camera ran out of battery, which at the moments I wondered if it was done on purpose………but guess not cos he later recomposed himself again for the finishing act heheh, & hey I think this Sword Dancer is still pretty good afterall :

Now, we’d thought the Sword Dance is the last Khum Khantoke performance as many guests start to leave, but am I so glad that the following Hilltribe Dance happens just in time before we’re stepping out of the hall, so that we manage to stay on & watch )

We’ve seen Hilltribe dances when we visited the Hilltribe Village in Myanmar, & during our Lanna Thai Dinner in Chiang Rai, but this Khum Khantoke Hilltribe Dance is even much better & nicer cos it’s a dance combination of 4 different Hilltribes, made up of the dancers dancing in pairs as they traditionally do during their New Year celebrations :

Below is my very 1st attempt on my self-taken Video of the Hilltribe Dance, which I’ve to cut it so short cos of someone passing right infront of my camera (

Well, this Hilltribe Dance consists of dancers from the mountainous Northern Lisu Hilltribe (dressed in blue), & from their right Akha Hilltribe, Mien Hilltribe & Hmong Hilltribe :

Now, I’m most happy to show you the final output of my Hilltribe Dance Video :

We’ve now come to the end of our Khum Khantoke dinner & show, at least to us cos there’s actually still a traditional Rumwong Dance where members of the audience are asked to join in the dance with the night’s Dancers on the dance floor. “Rum” means “Dance” & “Wong” means “In Circle” – a fun relaxing dance originated in the Thai countryside before World War I.  

We’ve now left the Lanna style Khum Khantoke Hall :

And below shows the local Arts & Crafts Shopping area at the Khum Khantoke courtyard - too bad I can’t really shop cos Dad’s tired & needs to retire early for the night :

Hey the 3 Thai ladies are still here seated on their low square tables, working on their traditional crafts :

A beautiful tranquil night scene of Khum Khantoke with the beautiful huge Lily Flower lights above the pond – heheh I really like this photo shot of mine :

And here we’re outside Khum Khantoke where its lovely Trishaw stands :

Now it’s time for the Khum Khantoke guests to enjoy being part of a continuing traditional Thai Lanna culture whereby guests light up huge Balloons & let them go flying to the sky as a way of paying respects to the Goddness of River.

The Khum Khantoke Thai ladies holding the white Balloons :

And a group of Taiwanese tourists about to let go of the huge lighted Balloon which they just lit :

Below is a Video taken of the huge lighted Balloon flying up into the night sky – too bad I again am so blur as to take my Video side-down, & only realising it after videographing it, & then it’s too late to recapture the moments all over again - what a silly waste (

Well, here’s a night photo shot of the flying high up into the sky lighted Balloon : 

And here’s the wooden Khum Khantoke Chiang Mai traditional Khon dancers portrait without their faces so that guests can place their faces behind the holes & be photographed – Aiya, last Dec when I was here with my hubby Dear, we didn’t have time to pose here cos our Hotel pick-up vehicle was waiting, & this time round I can’t take again cos Dear’s not here with me (

Well, we’re now back to our car at the Khum Khantoke carpark : 

Heheh, very interestingly, our Thai rented car has got no number on its licence plate :

Well, we’re now back inside our Hotel room in Holiday Inn Chiang Mai – seen here is my fresh fragrant Jasmine Flower Garland lying on my bed :

These Jasmine flowers smell so nice I still remember my babies Cowtie, Smartie & tiny Bread smell so great after wearing my similiar Jasmines Garland from Khum Khantoke here below in Mae Ping Hotel, Chiang Mai, last Dec – heheh :

Well, the following is the Khum Khantoke Portrait of Mom & Dad which was taken at the Khum Khantoke dinner and which we later bought for 100 baht each – Mom & Dad look so loving & sweet together, as always!! I love them so much!!

And here’s my Khum Khantoke Portrait – hahah I look so fat & big sized compared to the 2 pretty Hilltribe ladies behind me :

Hahah!! So happy & satisfied, we all had the most wonderful Lanna dining experience at Khum Khantoke tonight. The Thai Cuisines were all so marvelous we ate so well & full, & the traditional Thai dances & performances were simply spectacular & great!! 

What a beautiful last night here in Chiang Mai!!

From Maesa Elephant Camp where we watched the nicest Elephant Show, we drove to the below Shinawatra Thai Silk Showroom in Sankampaeng, Chiang Mai.

Owned by former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Shinawatra Thai Silk was established in 1929 & it’s the oldest hand-woven silk factory in Thailand.

Maps of Shinawatra Thai Silk :

Shinawatra Thai Silk Pamphlet :

Well, upon entering the Lanna style Shinawatra Thai Silk, we’re first each given the following Shinawatra Thai Silk Flower Bud Pin as a welcome gesture by a Thai lady who helps us to pin on our clothings, & then we’re served refreshing cooling homemade Thai Tea such as Lemon Grass Tea etc, & Longan Tea, which we all chose to have.

Then we’re led into Shinawatra Thai Silk where we can watch the Thai Silk making process from which of course I start to run as far away as possible cos of my fear for “animals” – the Silkworms of course!!! 

Haha!! Anyway, there’re many high quality & exquisitively designed silk products inside Shinawatra Thai Silk :

My brother bought a handsome Thai silk shirt & Mom bought a very lovely Thai silk blouse which I chose for her, but I forgot to take photos of them to show you (

And well, above is my very lovely Wedding Bride Plastic Bags Holder for my favourite homely kitchen - heheh she’s even wearing Gold earrings & her Gold Wedding Ring heheh!

We soon left Shinawatra Thai Silk & come to The World’s Biggest Jewelry Store here in Chiang Mai, the 1st Jewelry Store in Thailand to have received the International ISO 9002 & ISO 9001 : 2000 certifications :

Occupying a 2 acres site & opened since 1993, this Chiang Mai branch Gems Gallery emphasizes jewelries produced by local craftsmen & in particular, the use of the best genuine Jade, reflecting the Northern Thai Lanna style & culture.

We’re received with the warmest hospitality & Thai greetings of “Sawasde” by many colorful Thai-style dressed sales ladies at the main entrance of the Gems Gallery. And inside the Gems Gallery, we’re treated to refreshing “Welcome Drinks” in the comfort of a very well-furnished Guest Lounge.

As photograpy is not allowed once we step inside the Gems Gallery, I can but only show you my copy of The World’s Biggest Jewelry Store’s exquisite Booklet :

The Centre of the Asian Gem Universe, Thailand is blessed with natural resources, & from its Gem Mines come the Precious Stones recognised internationally for their quality.

And from the crystal clear water of the Andaman Sea in the South of Thailand come the beautiful Pearls.

Below are beautiful Thai Post Cards which I took from inside the Guest Lounge of the Gems Gallery for a small donation : 

Bathing Elephants of Chiang Mai Post Card : 

Hilltribe Girls from Northern Chiang Mai of Thailand Post Card :

The very famous Doi Suthep Temple of Chiang Mai Post Card – my hubby Dear & I had visited this beautiful Golden Temple last Dec when we were here in Chiang Mai :

Here below we’ve just arrived at a Thai Handicraft Souvenirs Boutique after leaving the Gems Gallery :

And outside the Thai Handicraft Souvenirs Boutique is another much smaller Thai Souvenirs Shop :

And I bought the following Thai Cutleries & Table Mats Set :

I really like the 6 small beautiful Elephant saucers – haha I’ve fallen in love with the Thai elephants ever since my hubby Dear & I took our 1st Elephant Jungle Trekking tour here in the North of Thailand last Dec!!

From visiting the Thai Souvenirs Shops, we drove on to the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai cos our Thai friend wana show us the luxury beauty of this most stunning 5-star Thai Palace-style Resort :

Map of Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai :

We’re now looking at the Resort Shopping Village (or Kad Dhara) from the main Resort Entrance where our car is parked :

And below is the Main Gate to the Oriental Mandarin Dhara Dhevi guest rooms’ areas :

Set in a 60 acres of natural landscapes with serene paddy fields & exotic plantations, the Oriental Mandarin Dhara Dhevi has guest Suites, Villas & Residences costing up to 120000 bahts per night!!

However, cos the Oriental Mandarin Dhara Dhevi is too big a Resort to tour around considering we’ve so little time before our appointed dinner, we can only walk quickly around the Resort Shopping Village & the Ceremonial Lawn (or Khuang Khong Khao) & their nearby surroundings.

And I’ve put my photos taken while walking these areas in the following Slideshow, but please pardon me cos the photos turned out not too clear (

I’ve also included here the website URL of Oriental Mandarin Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai where you can read & see more of the most magnificent luxury Resort in this beautiful Northern region of Thailand -http://www.mandarinoriental.com/chiangmai/ - Enjoy!!