Guide ChiangMai

It’s happening now! This year, it started on 20 May and will last till 27 May. Where? Wat Chedi Luang, where the Inthakin Pillar or Pillar of the City resides. Thai people come to pray to this totem used in ancient Thai fertility rites.

This is the only time of the year when the shrine that houses the Pillar is open to public.

Seems like the giant panda Lin Hui in Chang Mai Zoo is showing signs of pregnancy. She’s been eating less and sleeping more during the day. Other changes were increasing hormones and changes in its eating behavior after the artificial fertilization was conducted three months ago. The pregnancy results won’t be confirmed so soon though. It’ll probably take a few more months.

Well, the zoo used artificial insemination as a last resort after videos of “panda porn” failed to whip Chuang Chuang into baby-making action.

Good news for tourists!

Chiang Mai Grand Sales 2009 - May 31 to August 2

30% to 70% discounts at department stores, hotels, restaurants and shops in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Governor Amornphan Nimanant said:”"There will be about 300 participants, with 100 hotels, 50 restaurants, 50 spas, 30 golf courses, 20 tourist attractions and others joining the promotion. The province will spend Bt1.5 million to host the event.”

Golf Promotion - May 1 to June 30

Golf course operators will offer a single green fee of Bt800 per time.

Source: The Nation

Guess what happens after tons of people walk up Doi Suthep? Tons of rubbish get left by the roadside. It’s an ugly sight. Even with posters urging people not to do it, this year the same thing happens again. Imagine plastic cups and other food containers littering the side of the road winding all the way up the mountain. In the aftermath of the previous night’s walk, workers diligently clear away the rubbish the next day.

Here’s a sample of the public awareness poster: