A free Saturday night in Chiang Mai
First of all let me introduce myself, I am a Fleming and married to a Thai partner from Chiang Rai.
Have been living in Chiang Mai for several years in a multicultural “moo Baan” with nationals from the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, England and the US. Say a ratio of 65/35 percent ภาษาไทย/Farang.
Last Saturday, May 15, I went with my wife who loves the game, especially the English Premier League, to watch Thai football in the “700 Year Anniversary Stadium” built for the 1995 SEA Games in Chiang Mai. This is located in Mae Rim, close to Chiang Mai University (CMU)
The match was part of the “AIS Regional League”, say the Belgian 2nd class.
When we arrived there in the evening, the parking lot was already well filled. Bought a ticket for 30 baht, a stamp of a tiger on your hand and inside the stadium. The Thai had plastic bags full of beer with them and I think many of them came home “Maew” that evening.
Once you entered the grandstand, there was already a kind of folk festival going on with drums, horns, etc… let's say noise for thousands of people. No crush barriers and only three policemen seen. During the warm-up, the players were already encouraged as if it were "the match of their lives".
The match was of a mediocre level, also due to the heat, but was pleasant to follow.
Oh well, for the fans Chiang Mai FC vs Phitsanuloke FC: 4-0
The nickname of the local team is the Tigers and a few even dared to dress up as a tiger in this temperature.
For those interested, this is the website:
- www.ChiangMaifc.net
The matches are played one time in the “700 year” stadium and the other time in the old National Stadium near Chang Phuak Gate (Pratu Chang Phuak).
Football fans who want to sniff the local scent, this is an appropriate opportunity.
Yours faithfully,
Chris & Thanaporn Vercammen
P.S. until next…
Oooooh THAT the men should have known here in the Moo Baan
Baan som wang / Mae Rim, all football enthusiasts, and are glued to the BVN tube if there is even a glimpse of something with …….a green field haha
Fr.gr. Ria Wuite
After Chiangmai FC has played champion in the AIS regional Liga, the play-offs have now started for those who eventually moved to the Honorary Division.
Last Saturday, after achieving a home draw in the opening match (2-2), we won 2-0 at home against Rangsit University FC.
Next home game is against Buriram FC on November 7th at the 700year Anniversery Stadium, starting at 18:00 PM in Mae Rim
Buriram FC is likely to be the biggest competitor and around 10000 spectators are expected for the match and a pre-sale has now started at Robinson Airport Plaza.
The doors would be opened extra early for this game.
All info on their website (in Thai) but can always be translated with Google translate.
Everyone on duty!
Hi hi
I think you have great stories. i will arrive bangkok 11-12 i also want to go to chiang mai.
Do you know how to change from euros to baths?
What are the must see things in chian mai? Gr ann
Moderator: mentioning email address is not allowed.
Dear Anne,
You can exchange money at SuperrichChiangmai located on Loy Kroh Rd and at most banks in the Department Stores and the city.
The question of what you should definitely visit? Maybe take a look at the blog and I don't know what your priorities are either.
Doi Suthep and Wat Phra Sing as surname temples.
Mae Rim with the Orchid Farms and Tiger Kingdom!
An elephant ride and possibly Lamphun and Lampang is just a train of thought.
Wishing you every success on your trip
Thanaporn&Chris
It depends when you are in Chiangmai but the celebration of New Year's Eve is great in the center, thousands of hot air balloons being released give it a fairytale atmosphere and midnight a grand fireworks, really worth it.
In hotels there are free booklets containing all the sights, but these can also be found in the Thailand blog and on the internet.
The Superrich bank gives the highest rate and is located in the center diagonally opposite the Raming Lodge Hotel.
On the way to the Maesa Elephant Camp are several attractions / sights including the orchid farm but also the Monkey school, Snake farm etc. (not all equally clean / animal friendly); a trip on a bamboo raft is also very nice
Several hot springs in the area, waterfalls, caves, etc. The wood village of Ban Tawai is also nice to see, but, as Chris already writes, it depends a bit on your interest; Doi Suthep is a must.
Flight of the Gibbon and rafting are active options to do.
Of course the night market, but most of what you encounter here you will have already seen in BKK, although Chiangmai is cheaper.
A top place to eat (only Thai food) is The White House at the weekend; you will not meet many foreigners here, when the Thai have had a drink it always becomes a big party. The Riverside restaurant is also recommended and they also have European food here.
You can have a great time in Chiangmai Anne, have been coming here for more than 20 years and now live there; I never get bored here.
Have fun in 'my' city ;-)