This weekend we had yet another visitor and I had another excuse to head out to the Chiangmai Celadon studios outside of Doi Saket. It is one of my favorite handcraft centers and is certainly one of the most interesting ones to visit for anybody that has the time to make the trek. Along with the wonderful showroom displays of their most recent work, you can actually watch all the steps involved in making these beautiful products. Read More
Black House (Baan Dam)
When we arrived at Le Meredien Resort last week at the end of our four hour scooter trip through the hills and valleys north of Chiangmai, we really had no idea what sights around the city we wanted to see. As we were walked towards our room by one of the young, female employees at the resort, she told us we should check out Black House, if we were looking for something interesting to see. Black House? I had never heard of it but decided to do a little research once we got settled in our room.
After ten minutes on my computer, I decided that the place was definitely worth trying to hunt down. It is basically the residence of Thawan Duchanee as well as a collection of over forty unique structures that house his own work along with a large personal collection. Born in Chiangrai and educated in Thailand and Europe, Duchanee is Thailand’s most celebrated artist and one of the foremost representatives of Thai and Asian art. Duchanee has been working on this project for over thirty years and only recently opened his property to visitors. I managed to find some rough directions to the place on one of my favorite travel blog sites and off we headed the next day. Read More
Maesa Elephant Camp – fun for the whole family!
Elephants! They are all over Thailand! Wherever you go in this country, you will probably be within range of riding, visiting or working with these magnificent animals. And by taking part in any of the tourist activities surrounding them, you will also become part of the ongoing elephant controversy. There is constant talk of animals being mistreated and exploited for the sake of tourism. On one hand there are the purists who continue to argue that all animals should be left in their natural surroundings and not be subjected to being on display for the rest of us. On the other hand, there are the millions of tourists who enjoy watching and participating in animal shows around the world. I am going to continue to be apolitical and sit on the fence on this one! Read More
