Chiang Mai, Thailand – September 2008 - Astudo Hotel & Resort Management’s portfolio has been expanding rapidly across Thailand over the last few years. After successfully launching several resort properties under its X2 Resorts, Away Resorts and Le Bayburi brands, Astudo has the honor to proudly present their latest development Away Mae-Rim - Chiang Mai, scheduled to open in November 2008.
Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located some 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among some of the highest mountains in the country. The city stands on the Ping River, which is a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River.
In recent years Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city. It has many attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come each year. Chiang Mai's historic importance is derived from its important strategic location on an ancient trade route. Long before the modern influx of foreign visitors, the city served as an important centre for handcrafted goods, umbrellas, jewelry (particularly silver) and woodcarving.
The resort, set on 25 Rai (40,000 square meters), is ideally located in the tranquil Mae-Rim valley. This superb property provides the finest relaxation, a spa and excellent food and beverages. Understated rooms in huge sub-tropical surroundings offer lovely views over the surrounding mountains and a sense of calmness. A perfect place to relax and rejuvenate or to explore the well known Mae-Rim Valley.
The resort offers a combination of 50 rooms, comprising of:
- 2 Duplex Villas of 60 sqm.
- 1 Villa of 45 sqm.
- 13 Mini Suites of 45 sqm.
- 21 Pool Villas of 35 sqm.
- 5 Clubhouse Rooms of 30 sqm.
- 8 Budget Rooms of 20 sqm.
The standard room facilities offer individually controlled air conditioning, a mini bar, a personal safe and hairdryer, tea & coffee making facilities, DVD & CD player and satellite TV. The facilities of the resort include a restaurant offering a wide variety of Seafood, Thai and International cuisine, a spa, a swimming pool, a bar, a lounge and library.
Away resorts are the epitome of peaceful hideaways. All resorts offer guests every opportunity to truly slow down and enjoy their holiday but at the same time provide an interesting and unique array of activities and tours to provide a perfect balance for your holiday. A key hallmark of Away Resorts is their relaxed casual atmosphere, blended with high levels of individual service.
About Astudo Hotel & Resort Management
Astudo Hotel & Resort Management (www.astudo.com) is an international hotel management group based in Thailand. It manages 3 brands, with several properties in a growing portfolio and a fourth brand soon to be released.
X2 Resorts (www.X2resorts.com), Thailand’s first designer hotel chain, first launched in Kui Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan - December 2007 and followed by Samui, Suratthani - June 2008. Future X2 resorts anticipated to open in mid 2010 are X2 Koh Tan and X2 Koh Kood.
Away Resorts (www.awayresorts.com), Tropical Polynesian favour resorts, first launched in Koh Kood, Trat – October 2007 and followed by Chumphon in September 2008, Mae-Rim, Chiang Mai, Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Samui in late 2009.
October 29, 2008
October 28, 2008
Chiang Mai Hotel-quintessence of Worldly Comfort
Chiang Mai Hotels
gives its guests the best opportunities to explore the natural and the man made treasures of the city. Located 700 kilometers north of Bangkok, this mountainous city of Thailand stands along the Ping River. Though the city witnesses a flourishing economy the lack of cosmopolitan factor helps it to retain its innate beauty. Chiang Mai is proud to have almost 300 Buddhist temples all across the city. Attending some of the famous festivals of city can also be a pleasure for many. Set against the backdrop of majestic peaks, this historically and culturally rich city is a perfect hideaway for many.
Accommodation type found in the city offers a number of options to all its guests. One can find a large number of luxury resorts as well as a good number of cheap hotels all across the city. Most of the Chiang Mai hotels are located at convenient places. Be it riverside or a mountain side, city center or on the outskirts of the city, you can easily spot a hotel of your choice.
Business travelers can opt for hotels that are located close to the Chiang Mai International airport or those that can provide an easy access to the business area. There are several hotels that are tucked along the slopes of the mountain. Surrounded by verdant greenery and picture perfect villages, these hotels are perfect for nature lovers. The hotels located on the outer fringes of the city provide travelers an easy access to Chiang Mai and the neighboring cities.
There are many hotels in the several regions of Chaing Mai like Dai Angkhang, Night Bazar, MaeRim, Hang Dong and others. Travelers who wish to spend every single second of their vacations in complete luxury can choose from the star hotels. The luxury hotels which have become synonymous with comfort, style, luxury offer a pleasant stay to all. You can feel a touch of sophistication in everything that the hotels offer to its guests- starting from accommodation to warm services.
There are several well- tailored suites and rooms that are meticulously designed with a multitude of facilities. Added to the world class amenities are the attentive services of the staff. You can dine in the on-site restaurants or can come for a drink in the bars. There are also several conference rooms to make your business, seminars, conventions a complete success. Recreational facilities offered to the hotels include trendy gymnasium, solarium, sauna, massage center and a lot more.
The facilities offered in the cheap hotels of the city do not lag behind when compared to those offered by the luxurious hotels. The rooms offered to the guests provide them with the best stay. Most of these hotels also offer business, dining and recreational facilities to all. But what excels all these is the service of the staff.
gives its guests the best opportunities to explore the natural and the man made treasures of the city. Located 700 kilometers north of Bangkok, this mountainous city of Thailand stands along the Ping River. Though the city witnesses a flourishing economy the lack of cosmopolitan factor helps it to retain its innate beauty. Chiang Mai is proud to have almost 300 Buddhist temples all across the city. Attending some of the famous festivals of city can also be a pleasure for many. Set against the backdrop of majestic peaks, this historically and culturally rich city is a perfect hideaway for many.
Accommodation type found in the city offers a number of options to all its guests. One can find a large number of luxury resorts as well as a good number of cheap hotels all across the city. Most of the Chiang Mai hotels are located at convenient places. Be it riverside or a mountain side, city center or on the outskirts of the city, you can easily spot a hotel of your choice.
Business travelers can opt for hotels that are located close to the Chiang Mai International airport or those that can provide an easy access to the business area. There are several hotels that are tucked along the slopes of the mountain. Surrounded by verdant greenery and picture perfect villages, these hotels are perfect for nature lovers. The hotels located on the outer fringes of the city provide travelers an easy access to Chiang Mai and the neighboring cities.
There are many hotels in the several regions of Chaing Mai like Dai Angkhang, Night Bazar, MaeRim, Hang Dong and others. Travelers who wish to spend every single second of their vacations in complete luxury can choose from the star hotels. The luxury hotels which have become synonymous with comfort, style, luxury offer a pleasant stay to all. You can feel a touch of sophistication in everything that the hotels offer to its guests- starting from accommodation to warm services.
There are several well- tailored suites and rooms that are meticulously designed with a multitude of facilities. Added to the world class amenities are the attentive services of the staff. You can dine in the on-site restaurants or can come for a drink in the bars. There are also several conference rooms to make your business, seminars, conventions a complete success. Recreational facilities offered to the hotels include trendy gymnasium, solarium, sauna, massage center and a lot more.
The facilities offered in the cheap hotels of the city do not lag behind when compared to those offered by the luxurious hotels. The rooms offered to the guests provide them with the best stay. Most of these hotels also offer business, dining and recreational facilities to all. But what excels all these is the service of the staff.
October 27, 2008
Visiting Chiang Mai – Top 10 Attractions and Activities
Visitors to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand come for the quaint, unhurried pace of life, the bargain shopping and the potential to break out on retreats into the mountains and jungle with a trekking trip. Whatever your reason for coming, Chiang Mai promises plenty of opportunities for excitement, relaxation and historic journeys into the city's past.
A trip to Mae Sa
A 30-minute drive to Mae Sa is a fun event for the entire family, as the area is packed with activities. Tourists venture out for the orchid nurseries; the well-known Elephant Camp where visitors can ride elephants and watch performances including a football match played by elephants; a snake farm and bungee jumping. Finally, the Mae Sa Waterfall offers a place to relax or perhaps go hiking.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai is well-known for its handicrafts, silk and large markets. This all comes to a focus at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a veritable shopper's dream. Stretching the entire length of Chang Klan road, this market has become more of a tourist's domain than it once was. Here you'll find an assortment of jewellery, clothing, antiques, silver, all manners of souvenirs and knock-off designer items. It's open every evening until midnight. This is where you’ll find many of Chiang Mai hotels.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Situated south of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is a unique wildlife preserve and often makes for a comfortable cool weather retreat after spending time in the city. It's the tallest mountain in Thailand at a grand height of 8,415 feet. Camping is permitted in the park and the natural surroundings make for an excellent getaway. This is one of the best places for trekking in Northern Thailand.
Wat Phratat Doi Suthep
Overlooking the Old City of Chiang Mai, the mountain of Doi Suthep holds one of Thailand's most sacred temples. The 300-stair climb leads you to the large chedi and golden spire. This large temple complex dates back to the 14th century and the view of the city achieved from the marble courtyard is worth the trip alone. No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without visiting Doi Suthep. Ask the concierge at the hotels for assistance getting up there, it’s one of the most important in Thailand.
Thai massage and spas
Places to get a massage can literally be found on almost every street of the Old City, and prices range depending on quality and accessibility. Thai massage is world-renown, and some of the most skilled masseurs can be found in the more upscale spas, which also offer body scrubs and detox and beautification treatments. Even at these high-end facilities, the money spent is still fantastic value when compared to the superb quality of the treatment.
Chiang Mai Zoo
Don't be surprised if a local asks you if you've visited the zoo yet—most likely, they're wondering if you've seen the pair of pandas which are on loan from China, an endless source of pride for locals. These are only two of the more than 6,000 animals on display at the zoo which sits at the base of Suthep Mountain, from where there are wonderful views of the city.
Courses and training
Chiang Mai overflows with all sorts of courses in which tourists can enrol for only a few days or weeks at a time. Due to the affordable prices and the comfortable atmosphere in Chiang Mai, visitors are tempted to dig in and stay a while. So whether you're looking to learn the art of Thai massage, perfect your Thai cooking skills or study Thai boxing, you'll find it here for every level and length of time. When in Thailand this is highly recommended.
The Old City
A tour of the Old City is easily done on foot or by bike, and is the best way to come face-to-face with Chiang Mai's legacy. Portions of the old wall were restored in the 19th century, and the 700-year-old moat that surrounds the city has been beautifully preserved. The city gates have also been restored, and each marks an important commercial avenue in or out of the city. Temples are spread across the entire Old City, and some of the more important include Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phrasingh and Wat Chiang Mai.
Adventure sports
Any number of adventure sports can be organised through travel agencies in Chiang Mai. Some of the more popular outings include white-water rafting on the Mae Tang River, which is 1 hour, 30 minute drive out of town; mountain biking on Doi Suthep with the added bonus of spending time at the temple if you make it all the way to the top, and rock climbing at Crazy Horse Buttress. There's also an outdoor climbing wall located to one side of the Night Bazaar. Trekking in Chiang Mai is perhaps the biggest drawcard
Trekking Northern Thailand
It's impossible to list the major attractions of Chiang Mai without mentioning trekking. Tour guide operators use the city as a springboard from which to organise trips into the surrounding mountainous jungles. Expeditions are packed with a variety of activities and range from daytrips to several night journeys that include hiking, elephant riding and bamboo rafting. Routes are planned around hill tribe villages, where overnight accommodation is provided. Trekking is the best way to see rural Northern Thailand.
Remember to book your Chiang Mai hotels early in the high season.
A trip to Mae Sa
A 30-minute drive to Mae Sa is a fun event for the entire family, as the area is packed with activities. Tourists venture out for the orchid nurseries; the well-known Elephant Camp where visitors can ride elephants and watch performances including a football match played by elephants; a snake farm and bungee jumping. Finally, the Mae Sa Waterfall offers a place to relax or perhaps go hiking.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai is well-known for its handicrafts, silk and large markets. This all comes to a focus at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a veritable shopper's dream. Stretching the entire length of Chang Klan road, this market has become more of a tourist's domain than it once was. Here you'll find an assortment of jewellery, clothing, antiques, silver, all manners of souvenirs and knock-off designer items. It's open every evening until midnight. This is where you’ll find many of Chiang Mai hotels.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Situated south of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is a unique wildlife preserve and often makes for a comfortable cool weather retreat after spending time in the city. It's the tallest mountain in Thailand at a grand height of 8,415 feet. Camping is permitted in the park and the natural surroundings make for an excellent getaway. This is one of the best places for trekking in Northern Thailand.
Wat Phratat Doi Suthep
Overlooking the Old City of Chiang Mai, the mountain of Doi Suthep holds one of Thailand's most sacred temples. The 300-stair climb leads you to the large chedi and golden spire. This large temple complex dates back to the 14th century and the view of the city achieved from the marble courtyard is worth the trip alone. No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without visiting Doi Suthep. Ask the concierge at the hotels for assistance getting up there, it’s one of the most important in Thailand.
Thai massage and spas
Places to get a massage can literally be found on almost every street of the Old City, and prices range depending on quality and accessibility. Thai massage is world-renown, and some of the most skilled masseurs can be found in the more upscale spas, which also offer body scrubs and detox and beautification treatments. Even at these high-end facilities, the money spent is still fantastic value when compared to the superb quality of the treatment.
Chiang Mai Zoo
Don't be surprised if a local asks you if you've visited the zoo yet—most likely, they're wondering if you've seen the pair of pandas which are on loan from China, an endless source of pride for locals. These are only two of the more than 6,000 animals on display at the zoo which sits at the base of Suthep Mountain, from where there are wonderful views of the city.
Courses and training
Chiang Mai overflows with all sorts of courses in which tourists can enrol for only a few days or weeks at a time. Due to the affordable prices and the comfortable atmosphere in Chiang Mai, visitors are tempted to dig in and stay a while. So whether you're looking to learn the art of Thai massage, perfect your Thai cooking skills or study Thai boxing, you'll find it here for every level and length of time. When in Thailand this is highly recommended.
The Old City
A tour of the Old City is easily done on foot or by bike, and is the best way to come face-to-face with Chiang Mai's legacy. Portions of the old wall were restored in the 19th century, and the 700-year-old moat that surrounds the city has been beautifully preserved. The city gates have also been restored, and each marks an important commercial avenue in or out of the city. Temples are spread across the entire Old City, and some of the more important include Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phrasingh and Wat Chiang Mai.
Adventure sports
Any number of adventure sports can be organised through travel agencies in Chiang Mai. Some of the more popular outings include white-water rafting on the Mae Tang River, which is 1 hour, 30 minute drive out of town; mountain biking on Doi Suthep with the added bonus of spending time at the temple if you make it all the way to the top, and rock climbing at Crazy Horse Buttress. There's also an outdoor climbing wall located to one side of the Night Bazaar. Trekking in Chiang Mai is perhaps the biggest drawcard
Trekking Northern Thailand
It's impossible to list the major attractions of Chiang Mai without mentioning trekking. Tour guide operators use the city as a springboard from which to organise trips into the surrounding mountainous jungles. Expeditions are packed with a variety of activities and range from daytrips to several night journeys that include hiking, elephant riding and bamboo rafting. Routes are planned around hill tribe villages, where overnight accommodation is provided. Trekking is the best way to see rural Northern Thailand.
Remember to book your Chiang Mai hotels early in the high season.
October 26, 2008
Thailand Vacation Series - Chiang Mai
Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city's 700-year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town.
For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around" was common. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.
The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity.
Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest.
Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom on Thursday, 12th April 1296 during the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded.
From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was very religious and founded many of the city's temples, which are still important today.
At the height of its power, the Lanna Kingdom extended its territory far into Burma and Laos, and southwards to Kamphaeng Phet a province above Sukhothai.
The Burmese conquered the Lanna Kingdom in 1556 ending the dynasty founded by King Meng Rai that lasted over 250 years. As Burma had occupied Chiang Mai for nearly 200 years, Burmese architectural influences are visible in many temples. At the end of the 18th century, King Taksin the Great regrouped the Thais in the south and finally drove the Burmese out with the help of King Kawila of Lampang thereby regaining Thai independence from Burma. Chiang Mai was then governed by a succession of princes who ruled the north as a Siamese protectorate under the Chakri dynasty. In the late 19th century, King Rama V appointed a high commissioner in Chiang Mai and it was only in 1939 that Chiang Mai finally came under the direct control of the central government in Bangkok the same time the country was renamed Thailand.
In the past, Chiang Mai was only accessible by river and elephants. More convenient access was achieved only when the railway line was completed in the late 1920's. Moreover, the first motor vehicle driven directly from Bangkok arrived in Chiang Mai in 1932. Such isolation was more favorable to Chiang Mai as it helped to nurture and preserve the unique Lanna culture.
When we look at Chiang Mai today, it is the economic, cultural and communications hub of northern Thailand complete with excellent infrastructure, good roads, by passes and road tunnels, and reliable communications infrastructure.
Most of Chiang Mai's mountains are oriented from north to south. Together they create a multitude of streams and tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang. One of Chiang Mai's distinctive features is Doi Inthanon, Thailands highest peak, which is 2,575 meters above sea level. In addition, the province boasts flat, fertile valleys, which spread along the banks of the largest and most important river in Chiang Mai Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.
For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around" was common. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.
The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity.
Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest.
Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom on Thursday, 12th April 1296 during the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded.
From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was very religious and founded many of the city's temples, which are still important today.
At the height of its power, the Lanna Kingdom extended its territory far into Burma and Laos, and southwards to Kamphaeng Phet a province above Sukhothai.
The Burmese conquered the Lanna Kingdom in 1556 ending the dynasty founded by King Meng Rai that lasted over 250 years. As Burma had occupied Chiang Mai for nearly 200 years, Burmese architectural influences are visible in many temples. At the end of the 18th century, King Taksin the Great regrouped the Thais in the south and finally drove the Burmese out with the help of King Kawila of Lampang thereby regaining Thai independence from Burma. Chiang Mai was then governed by a succession of princes who ruled the north as a Siamese protectorate under the Chakri dynasty. In the late 19th century, King Rama V appointed a high commissioner in Chiang Mai and it was only in 1939 that Chiang Mai finally came under the direct control of the central government in Bangkok the same time the country was renamed Thailand.
In the past, Chiang Mai was only accessible by river and elephants. More convenient access was achieved only when the railway line was completed in the late 1920's. Moreover, the first motor vehicle driven directly from Bangkok arrived in Chiang Mai in 1932. Such isolation was more favorable to Chiang Mai as it helped to nurture and preserve the unique Lanna culture.
When we look at Chiang Mai today, it is the economic, cultural and communications hub of northern Thailand complete with excellent infrastructure, good roads, by passes and road tunnels, and reliable communications infrastructure.
Most of Chiang Mai's mountains are oriented from north to south. Together they create a multitude of streams and tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang. One of Chiang Mai's distinctive features is Doi Inthanon, Thailands highest peak, which is 2,575 meters above sea level. In addition, the province boasts flat, fertile valleys, which spread along the banks of the largest and most important river in Chiang Mai Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.
October 25, 2008
Owning a Pub in Chiang Mai - Easy Money or Hard Work?
For more than 3 years, I was the owner of The Doors Music Pub in Chiang Mai. I never forget the regular customers, who were mostly backpackers or young people who appreciated good music and a hassle-free and laid-back atmosphere. Many of them stayed in Chiang Mai for 3 months and when visiting my bar, they always told me that the life I lived is what they could only dream of.
Some of them even became determined to start a bar of their own, wanting to permanently return to Chiang Mai as soon as they had saved a nice stash of money back home. Usually I just talked along with them, and I knew it was just bar talk. Opening a successful pub is a hell of a job. The competition is severe and often Thai law does not protect your business.
It is more than 4 years ago when I finally decided to close my music pub, not because I didn’t earn enough money but mainly due to issues I was too fed up to cope with any longer. From all these customers with their brilliant ideas, not one soul returned. I guess it was not that easy for them to leave their family and friends and start a new life on the other side of the world.
I truly fully enjoyed each day of my pub’s existence and I can say without doubt that it was the best time of my life. It was so cool sharing my passion for The Doors’ timeless music and Jim Morrison’s poetry with so many, young and old free-spirited people and enthusiastic fans coming from all over the globe. Online Chiang Mai nightlife resource
Another pleasure was working together with my motivated team of three beautiful and spontaneous young Akha ladies. These girls were reliable and dedicated until the last day my pub was open. Sure! It was also neat to get slightly drunk many nights, together with new mates, and play the visitors’ requested tracks all night. Twice every year, I still meet three customers who I became good friends with during the time I had my pub.
Unfortunately, there are also negative things about running a bar which occasionally I had to deal with. There were wasted customers who behaved disrespectfully towards my staff. Some customers stole music books, ashtrays and even removed posters from the wall. Sometimes it was very hard to make loaded customers leave when it was closing time and once in a while there were stingy customers who managed to sneak out without paying the bill.
The Thai police is another topic which deserves to be mentioned here. Three different kinds of policemen used to pay my pub regular visits. Every month, a policemen dressed in civilian clothes came to collect the money I ‘owned’ him for ‘protection’. The first time he came by, he told me what day of the month I could expect him and the amount of money I had to pay. After the first meeting, the officer - always wearing sunglasses - never spoke again. He just looked at me while ticking his pen against the wooden bar. Well, I understood the silent message.
The bar next to me was run by two Thai girls and they had severe financial problems. After not paying the police for 2 months, they were forced to close the bar until they could pay their debt. One day a group of Thais started to play cards in their bar and only a few minutes later two policemen suddenly popped in and ‘arrested’ the law-breaking gamblers while the owners were ordered to close their joint and step into a police car.
Another officer from the tourist police visited my bar almost every Saturday at the end of his shift. It seemed he was very interested in one of my staff and always gave her compliments about her beautiful face and perfect body. He even gave her his phone number and asked if she was willing to go out with him sometime. He always drank several Thai whiskies but never paid for the drinks when he left, saying that I could ask him for help if I ever had any problems.
Finally, two times per year my bar got unannounced invaded by a group of very rude policemen. These men opened every drawer and cupboard, checked the ownership documents, cigarettes and whiskey license and my staff’s ID cards. One of them always had a long phone conversation with my Thai wife, who officially owned the bar. The usual questioning I had to undergo lasted for 1 hour. Questions included; why is your Thai wife not here? Do you have work permit? Do you serve customers? How much salary do you pay your staff? Why don’t you employ Thai girls (‘my girls’ being Akha hill tribe girls)? Each time they told me that if they ever saw me serving one customer, I would have to pay a huge fine.
I can happily say that running The Doors Music Pub was the most exciting time of my life, and I don’t regret one single day that my pub was open. Extensive Chiang Mai travel info I would even consider opening another pub again one day. If you’re not demoralised, why not go for it and open that special Chiang Mai bar.
Some of them even became determined to start a bar of their own, wanting to permanently return to Chiang Mai as soon as they had saved a nice stash of money back home. Usually I just talked along with them, and I knew it was just bar talk. Opening a successful pub is a hell of a job. The competition is severe and often Thai law does not protect your business.
It is more than 4 years ago when I finally decided to close my music pub, not because I didn’t earn enough money but mainly due to issues I was too fed up to cope with any longer. From all these customers with their brilliant ideas, not one soul returned. I guess it was not that easy for them to leave their family and friends and start a new life on the other side of the world.
I truly fully enjoyed each day of my pub’s existence and I can say without doubt that it was the best time of my life. It was so cool sharing my passion for The Doors’ timeless music and Jim Morrison’s poetry with so many, young and old free-spirited people and enthusiastic fans coming from all over the globe. Online Chiang Mai nightlife resource
Another pleasure was working together with my motivated team of three beautiful and spontaneous young Akha ladies. These girls were reliable and dedicated until the last day my pub was open. Sure! It was also neat to get slightly drunk many nights, together with new mates, and play the visitors’ requested tracks all night. Twice every year, I still meet three customers who I became good friends with during the time I had my pub.
Unfortunately, there are also negative things about running a bar which occasionally I had to deal with. There were wasted customers who behaved disrespectfully towards my staff. Some customers stole music books, ashtrays and even removed posters from the wall. Sometimes it was very hard to make loaded customers leave when it was closing time and once in a while there were stingy customers who managed to sneak out without paying the bill.
The Thai police is another topic which deserves to be mentioned here. Three different kinds of policemen used to pay my pub regular visits. Every month, a policemen dressed in civilian clothes came to collect the money I ‘owned’ him for ‘protection’. The first time he came by, he told me what day of the month I could expect him and the amount of money I had to pay. After the first meeting, the officer - always wearing sunglasses - never spoke again. He just looked at me while ticking his pen against the wooden bar. Well, I understood the silent message.
The bar next to me was run by two Thai girls and they had severe financial problems. After not paying the police for 2 months, they were forced to close the bar until they could pay their debt. One day a group of Thais started to play cards in their bar and only a few minutes later two policemen suddenly popped in and ‘arrested’ the law-breaking gamblers while the owners were ordered to close their joint and step into a police car.
Another officer from the tourist police visited my bar almost every Saturday at the end of his shift. It seemed he was very interested in one of my staff and always gave her compliments about her beautiful face and perfect body. He even gave her his phone number and asked if she was willing to go out with him sometime. He always drank several Thai whiskies but never paid for the drinks when he left, saying that I could ask him for help if I ever had any problems.
Finally, two times per year my bar got unannounced invaded by a group of very rude policemen. These men opened every drawer and cupboard, checked the ownership documents, cigarettes and whiskey license and my staff’s ID cards. One of them always had a long phone conversation with my Thai wife, who officially owned the bar. The usual questioning I had to undergo lasted for 1 hour. Questions included; why is your Thai wife not here? Do you have work permit? Do you serve customers? How much salary do you pay your staff? Why don’t you employ Thai girls (‘my girls’ being Akha hill tribe girls)? Each time they told me that if they ever saw me serving one customer, I would have to pay a huge fine.
I can happily say that running The Doors Music Pub was the most exciting time of my life, and I don’t regret one single day that my pub was open. Extensive Chiang Mai travel info I would even consider opening another pub again one day. If you’re not demoralised, why not go for it and open that special Chiang Mai bar.
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