MARCH – MAY 2018 $8.00
WWW.HERWORLD.COM/WEDDINGS
DIVINE
TRADITIONS THAT MATTER
DETAILS • • • • • •
MEANINGFUL WEDDING RITUALS
JEWELLERY MAKEUP FLOWERS DRESSES CAKES SETTINGS
LOVE, CHIANG MAI
UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING & HONEYMOON DESTINATION
ACTRESS REBECCA LIM ON HEARTBREAK, LESSONS LEARNT & FALLING IN LOVE ON HER OWN TERMS
$24,900 WORTH OF PRIZES AT THE WIN! OVER HER WORLD BRIDES FABULOUS WEDDINGS EVENT!
PHOTOGRAPHY VEE CHIN STYLING STEVE THIO, ASSISTED BY JIMMY TAN HAIR & MAKEUP ELAIN LIM/HP 9173-1108, USING SHU UEMURA JEWELLERY GOLDHEART JEWELRY
D RE AM Y G OW NS, SPARKL I N G ACCE SSORI E S & M ORE
Actress Rebecca Lim looks beautiful in this fit and flare number with intricate lace layers. Gown, DIGIO BRIDAL.Â
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LOVE,
Chiang Mai
Dressed in shimmering gowns ďŹ t for a princess bride, Mediacorp actress Rebecca Lim immerses herself in the charm of Chiang Mai, where modern buildings stand side by side with venerable temples and the vestiges of the Old City. PHOTOGRAPHY VEE CHIN STYLING STEVE THIO, ASSISTED BY JIMMY TAN
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Spectacular Spot Popular with locals and tourists, and a great location for your shoot, Mon Cham sits at the top of a small mountain. About an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai’s Old City, it is significantly cooler, and the roads are lined with stalls selling fresh produce, food and souvenirs, as well as alfresco eateries. The walk to the scenic peak takes another 15 minutes, but is well worth the spectacular, 360-degree view of the surrounding valleys and misty mountains in the distance. Once you’re done with your pictures, check out the hipster cafes and restaurants selling shakes, iced teas, brownies, cakes and local dishes, as well as small open-air wooden pavilions and pretty flower gardens. For more information, go to www.tourismthailand.org/ Attraction/Mon-Cham--6153. Crystal-embellished and beaded chiffon gown, DIGIO BRIDAL.
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Reac h for the Sky Take your love higher and get hitched in a hot air balloon above Chiang Mai. If you’re getting solemnised, let the operator know when you book the ride. If not for your “I dos”, then at least put this on your honeymoon checklist. Also note that balloon flights usually take place in the early morning as balloons need cool and stable conditions in order to operate safely, and sunrise is the most suitable. For more information, go to: www.balloonadventurethailand. com/locations/chiangmai.php. Cropped lace top with matching skirt, $1,800 to rent or $2,800 to buy, RICO-A-MONA.
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"I CAN TICK RIDING IN A HOT AIR BALLOON OFF MY BUCKET LIST. WHAT A PHENOMENAL EXPERIENCE; SO SMOOTH AND AMAZING. AND JUST LOOK AT CHIANG MAI'S LANDSCAPE!" — REBECCA
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Light & Easy With such a beautiful dress for your outdoor wedding, wear your hair loose and wavy, and consider a stunning, monochromatic look. Sweep a wash of bronzey shadow over the eyelids, intensifying the colour at the outer corners to create a subtle winged effect. Next, line the eyes with black eyeliner and add mascara. Then blend in a dusty rose blush. Bring the entire look together with a bold, matching lipstick. OPPOSITE
Lush & Luxe The gorgeous pool at Sibsan Luxury Hotel Rimping overlooks the rushing waters of the Ping River. Bordered by towering trees and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, it’s the ultimate chill-out place for honeymooners, and a great venue for poolside weddings. Crystal-embellished lace and tulle gown, $950 to rent or $1,850 to buy, BOW & PETAL.
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Light the Way Shot in the Suan Son Bo Kaew’s lush pine tree plantation, a landscape reminiscent of the European countryside, and popular with local brides. Early in the morning and as the sun sets, it is flooded with light. Its beautiful atmosphere and cool breezes make it perfect for a shoot and romantic picnic afterwards. For more information, go to: www.chiangmaicitylife.com/citylifearticles/picnic-spots/ Cropped lace top with matching skirt, $1,800 to rent or $2,800 to buy, RICO-A-MONA. Lace and tulle capelet, DIGIO BRIDAL.
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Blooming Glory The Orchid Pavilion at the Royal Ratchaphruek is a must visit. You will be amazed at the varieties of stunning orchid blooms that ďŹ ll the entire canopied space. Large, lush and in vibrant hues, the soaring orchid displays are perfect for selďŹ es and portraits. Beaded, crystal-embellished and embroidered tulle A-line gown, DIGIO BRIDAL.
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Princess Bride Shot at the Royal Pavilion at the Royal Ratchaphruek. Named after Thailand’s royal flower, the Ratchaphruek (cassia fistula or golden shower), this 80ha park features thousands of different flowers and trees that thrive in Chiang Mai’s cooler climes, and is a pretty backdrop for your portraits. Rebecca poses in front of the Ho Kham Royal Pavilion, which is constucted entirely from teak and decorated with gold carvings. For more information, go to: www.renown-travel. com/daytripschiangmai/ratchaphruek. Beaded, crystal-embellished and embroidered tulle gown, DIGIO BRIDAL.
Resort to Romance The beautiful fivestar Sibsan Luxury Hotel Rimping sits on the banks of the Ping River, and its architecture harks back to the glorious days when the Lanna Kingdom reigned. The hotel has a host of fabulous venues that cater for different kinds of celebrations. It also has a wedding and banquet team to handle all your requests. For more information, go to: www. sibsanhotel.com.
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Old-World Glamour Elegant walkways, trickling fountains and gentle ponds create a serene ambience at the Sibsan Luxury Hotel Rimping. Honeymooners will love the sense of privacy and subtle luxury that the hotel exudes. Beaded, sequinned and embroidered tulle and satin gown, $850 to rent or $1,600 to buy, LOVE STORY WEDDING BOUTIQUE.
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Set forSerenity Filled with restored antiques as well as handcrafted homeware and ceramics, and dedicated to showcasing Lanna art in the most accessible and elegant way, the Sibsan Luxury Hotel Rimping seems almost like a grand museum that evokes that golden era and culture of the old kingdom. Crystal-embellished and beaded duchesse satin gown, DIGIO BRIDAL.
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Radiant Shimmer Shot at Sibsan Luxury Hotel Rimping, Rebecca looks radiant with perfect skin that glows with just the slightest shimmer. Her brows are strongly deďŹ ned as are her eyes and lips, which both have a sensuous shimmer. Beaded and crystal-embellished duchesse satin gown, DIGIO BRIDAL.
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Grand Entrance Shot at Tha Pae Gate, one of the most famous landmarks of Chiang Mai. Part of the crumbling city wall, which was once part of a fortress for the Old City, and remains as a geographical boundary to this day, it was first built in the 13th century, and has been re-built over the years. The area around it boasts more hotels, bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops than anywhere else in the city. For more information, go to: www.chiangmai. bangkok.com/attractions/tha-pae-gate. Lace and duchesse satin gown with mandarin collar, DIGIO BRIDAL.
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Modern Traditions Shot at Vieng Joom On, a lovely teahouse by the Mae Ping River in Chiang Mai‘s Old City. “Vieng” means tea while “Joom On” is pink. It is famous for its exclusive teas – there are 50 different kinds – which are usually served with a colourful array of delicious Thai cakes and other scrumptious desserts. The interiors are awash in pastel hues and trimmed with gold in a baroque style. You can sit in the pretty air-conditioned enclave or sip tea on the outdoor deck facing the river. You can also hold your traditional tea ceremony here followed by a cosy reception. Check with the management if you intend to take pre-wedding pictures as well. For more information, go to: www.chiangmai.bangkok. com/dining/vieng-joom-on. Lace and duchesse satin gown with mandarin collar, DIGIO BRIDAL.
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Unforgettable Shot at the Maetaman Elephant Park & Clinic, just 50km north of Chiang Mai City. We learnt about the conservation efforts made for these gentle giants, as well as how their keepers care for them and ensure their good health. To get your pictures taken with the elephants in ceremonial dress, you will need to call in advance to make the arrangements. For more information, go to:Â www. maetaengelephantpark.com. Embroidered and beaded satin gown, $1,700 to rent or $2,800 to buy, RICO-A-MONA.
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Perfect Setting Shot at the Sibsan Resort & Spa Maetaeng’s Maetaeng River View Cafe and Wine Bar. The gorgeous and eclectic jewel-hued furnishings contrast beautifully with the dark wood interiors. With views of the Mae Ta Man River nearby and flower gardens, the cafe is popular for wedding ceremonies and photo shoots. Beaded lace and tulle gown, $850 to rent or $1,600 to buy, LOVE STORY WEDDING BOUTIQUE. OPPOSITE
Joyful Escapade Shot at Mon Cham, with the very polite, adorable kids from the Hmong hill tribe, one of Northern Thailand’s many indigenous ethnic groups. The Hmongs use motifs and patterns to represent their daily life and culture on the designs of their clothing. Plus, no two pieces are the same as every garment is handcrafted to communicate a stage in the wearer’s life. For more information, go to www.tourismthailand.org/ Attraction/Mon-Cham--6153. Crystal-embellished and beaded chiffon gown, DIGIO BRIDAL.
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Gorgeous for Dinner Shot at the Kalapa Spa at Sibsan Resort & Spa Maetaeng, which is a lovely example of Lannastyle architecture. Couples can rejuvenate themselves with an exotic spa experience before their big day. The spa can also host exclusive, alfresco Northern Thai dinners for intimate parties in its lobby area. For more information go to: www.sibsanresort.com. Beaded lace ďŹ t and are gown, $2,200 to rent or $4,800 to buy, RICO-A-MONA.
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HAIR & MAKEUP ELAIN LIM/ HP 9173-1108, USING SHU UEMURA JEWELLERY GOLDHEART JEWELRY SHOT ON LOCATION CHIANG MAI, THAILAND THANKS TO ELAINE SEAH & TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND FOR ITS GENEROUS SUPPORT
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Romance
& ADVENT URE Chiang Mai is fast becoming a hotspot for unique destination weddings and unforgettable honeymoons. Steve Thio sifts out the best of this city in Northern Thailand.
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I am a sucker for romantic holidays, and have been fortunate to visit cities, like Maldives, Paris and Bali, that make you just want to hug and hold hands, and go all lovey-dovey at the mere mention of their names. Now here’s another: Chiang Mai. A place to relax and recharge your batteries, it is a surprisingly romantic and exciting destination for weddings as well as honeymooners with an adventurous spirit, and a desire to try something new with their partners. My first visit to Chiang Mai was over a decade ago and I’d found it too rustic for my city-bred soul. Of course, that didn’t stop my Thai friends from trying to convince me to revisit it by persuading me with how different it was now, and how they loved it for its hipster charm. So, with an itinerary planned by our generous hosts from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, I arranged a working trip with MediaCorp artiste Rebecca Lim to experience the wonders of the sprawling modern city that has grown up and around ancient Chiang Mai, as well as to suss out locations for unique pre-wedding photo shoots and celebrations, as well as charming resorts for memorable honeymoons.
GET WED IN THE MOUNTAINS Beach weddings and celebrations are so predictable – and becoming tougher to endure with the rising temperatures around Singapore. It’s much cooler in the hills and mountains of Chiang Mai, with its lush greenery and gorgeous scenery. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the hot weather or sandflies, or flowers wilting. Rebecca and I first stayed at Sibsan Resort and Spa Maetaeng, Chiangmai, an elegant establishment with luxurious villas and suites on the banks of the Mae Ta Man River, and from which one could get to most of the must-visit attractions in about 20 minutes. ➝
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The villas are constructed entirely from teak wood and replicate the classic design and architecture of the region’s past, when the Lanna Kingdom ruled over Northern Thailand from the 13th to the 18th centuries (Chiang Mai was its last capital city). Surrounded by manicured gardens, as well as tropical forests, it had the most up-to-theminute facilities and services. It also had this incredibly laidback vibe that made us long to stop and smell the roses – and then take a long dip in its gorgeous pool before leisurely wandering throughout the rest of this sprawling establishment. In fact, it was while we were walking about that we discovered that the resort had its own vegetable garden from which its Maetaeng River View Cafe and Wine Bar, a colourful and
eclectic cafe in a Lanna-style house, got its supplies. There was a wedding going on at the beautifully furnished cafe while we were there – a traditional Thai celebration with all the pomp and colour. The venue itself, complete with flowering gardens and an open layout offering gorgeous views of the Mae Ta Man River, was a sight to behold. We were equally mesmerised by the startlingly red, arched bridge with nature its backdrop. Truly dreamy! For the evening festivities, the resort decorated the main restaurant and pool area with locally cultivated blooms, satiny fabric and sparkling fairy lights that highlighted the gorgeous architecture of the main building and the smaller spa settings.
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BAAN MON MUAN This small resort with a restaurant was perched on a mountain slope. A traditional Thai establishment, known for its vegetable dishes with supplies coming from its own garden as well as neighbouring farms, it was filled with quirky
GET SATED! If you’re a hipster bride, there are quite a few alternative and beautiful restaurants as well as charming cafes serving Instaworthy, traditional Northern Thai food and/or creative fusion dishes prettily presented with edible flowers and leaves. Here are the ones we visited. MEENA RICE BASED CUISINE Serving healthy organic food, this charming rusticstyle restaurant turned out to be great for a casual, post-ceremony lunch. It made up for its offthe-beaten track location by being really pretty and great for photo ops. You can sit indoors or
outdoors under a massive tree. Inside, wooden furniture was dressed up with indigo tie-dye fabric, and surrounded by handmade ceramics and local flowers, as well as jars of rice seedlings for a more rustic ambience. The unique feature of this restaurant was the rice. How often do you see four different types of rice in four colours and all served in triangles? We had the option
to customise our order but chose from its menu instead, which included fresh salads and delicious traditional meat and fish dishes, including Roasted Sticky Rice with Garlic Pork and Deep Fried Fish Fillet with Lemongrass Salad. The Butterfly Pea Herbal and Riceberry Herbal Drinks, and cold pressed-to-order juices were also heavenly. www.fb.com/ meena.rice.based
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furnishings and details. It also had large, wrap-around windows and wide balconies, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mist-capped mountains and treecloaked valleys. We found the spacious open deck great for alfresco
cocktails or an informal evening reception. We also loved its beautiful landscaped gardens dotted with flowers, the streaming ponds, and animal figurines that created a pretty entrance for newly-weds. www.baanmon muan.com ➝
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VIENG JOOM ON TEAHOUSE If you have a sweet tooth like me, this well known local cafe will satisfy all of your dessert desires as it did mine. The colourful venue – pretty in wedding and hen party pictures – had a tree-shaded riverbank area with outdoor seating, and an air-conditioned space in pastel hues trimmed with ornate gold trims and colourful furniture. It is famous for its mind-boggling array of exclusive tea blends, all packaged in the
most gorgeous tins and boxes. Rebecca and I sat down with the rest of the Her World Brides team to a high tea set of scones, yummy tarts and the cutest petit fours! www.vjotea house.com
WOO – CAFE, ART GALLERY & LIFESTYLE SHOP Popular with expats and the uber stylish, this hip cafe was a unique dining and shopping experience, and a great place to chill at. Lavishly decorated with local blooms and filled with stylish furnishings and homeware, the
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ambience was chic yet comfortable enough for us to want to hang out and chat for hours. It served both traditional Thai and Western items, along with Woo Cafe’s signature fusion dishes. Why did we pick this as a potential reception venue? Well, we reckoned that it would appeal to your senses of
sight, sound, taste, touch and smell. You could have a small wedding dinner here and then get your guests to troop next door to choose their own favours from the extensive array of locally made decor items and homeware. www.woochiang mai.com
SIP BY THE RIVER COFFEE HOUSE Before flying home, we stayed at Sibsan Luxury Hotel Rimping in Chiang Mai town, said to be the best five-star boutique hotel in Chiang Mai. Very centrally located, it put us within walking distance of centuries-old temples and markets. We couldn't resist sitting down to a truly delightful high tea experience
that incorporated local flavours at the hotel's Sip by the River Coffee House. Located in a traditional wooden Thai house at the rear of the hotel, this elegant venue had an air-conditioned space and an outdoor deck that overlooked the River Ping
can enjoy local desserts while basking in the golden rays of the setting sun, and sipping Lanna-style coffee served in the finest Hermes crockery. Plus, it’s a good fit for an intimate reception after a sunset ceremony. In fact, the lovely white stone arch by the river that would
and its own green gardens. You and your partner (or wedding party)
be spectacular for this. www.sibsanhotel. com
MORE GLORIOUS FOOD! Here are other eateries to try out for your reception. KHAO SOI NINMAN When Rebecca and I arrived here, it was packed with locals and tourists from mainland China and Hong Kong. Tucked away in a little side street, this small place is famous for its very rich Thai curry noodles (Khao Soi) served with a choice of different toppings. Trust me – one bowl will not be enough! There was also a menu of select sides that included dumplings and skewered meat to complement our meal. www.facebook. com/pages/ Kao-Soy-NimmanChiangmai/ 450829188297435
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OHKAJHU We had our very first Chiang Mai meal here. Surrounded by organic vegetable and fruit farms, what made this quaint restaurant stand out from others was its menu of an amazing variety
of steak and salad dishes, home-made dressings, and yummy shakes and juices. It also used only organic and hydrophonic veggies picked fresh daily from its own gardens. www.ohkaj huorganic.com/ healthy-thing ➝
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NAKARA JARDIN BISTRO A lovely patisserie and bistro set in a tropical Frenchstyle garden on the banks of the River Ping, it is so picturesque and perfect for charming wedding receptions or pre-wedding shoots. The menu featured French cuisine and super yummy, freshlymade pastries. www.pingnakara. com/nakara_jardin SAMSEN VILLA Also on the banks of the Ping, this is a beautiful place for dining. As the Chiang Mai weather is cool throughout the year, most opt to eat on the outdoor deck, which overlooks the river and is surrounded by trees and flowering shrubs. We found it to be a lovely place for a solemnisation and daytime reception. www.samsenvilla. com
GET SHOOTING Chiang Mai, one of Thailand’s oldest cities, is the secondmost popular tourist spot
after Bangkok. It is renowned for its historic monuments – towering chedis (another term for a Buddhist stupa), ancient temples, and sprawling brick fort walls – as well as its laid-back charm, cool weather and rustic landscapes of rice fields and mist-covered mountains. It is also the centre of Thailand’s rich Lanna culture that was still evident in the beautiful architecture and elaborate artworks we saw everywhere. Here are our must-visits for couples planning their wedding or honeymoon and thinking of photo opportunities: MON CHAM Located on the ridge of a hill in the area of Mong Nong Hoi village, Mae Rim, Mon Cham is 40 minutes away from the city, and gives you spectacular 360-degree views. Note: the weather here is chilly every day of the year. www.tourism thailand.org/ Attraction/MonCham--6153
DOI SUTHEP-PUI NATIONAL PARK Named after the mountain where the hermit Sudeva lived on its slopes for many years before it became a national park of verdant forest and mountain ranges, Doi Suthep-Pui is perhaps most famous for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a Buddhist temple on the side of the mountain that we reached after a walk of 300 steps up the intricately carved mythical Naga Serpent Staircase. It is also well known for Bhubing Palace, the winter residence of the royal family. www.visit chiangmai.com. au/doi_suthep DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK This is part of the Himalayan mountain range, and includes Doi Inthanon – the
highest mountain in Thailand at 2,565m above ground. Here, we were surrounded by the natural wonders of lush forests, streaming rivers, and rugged terrain, as well landscaped gardens. It took about 90 minutes to reach the park from the city. Once there, we climbed to the peak. It was tiring but what an amazing backdrop for your pictures! www.thainational parks.com/doiinthanon-nationalpark HO KHAM ROYAL PAVILION IN ROYAL RATCHAPHRUEK Ho Kham, meaning “gilded hall”, showcases the traditional architecture of the Lanna Kingdom with its beautiful teak
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structure, multitiered roof and golden chofahs (decorative ornaments). Any thoughts we'd had about making this visit a fast one disappeared into thin air once we saw this awesome building inside the Royal Ratchaphruek, an 80ha park of landscaped
gardens named after Thailand’s national flower, the ratchaphruek (cassia fistula or golden shower). Another highlight was the Orchid Pavilion with a display of countless orchid species. www.renowntravel.com/ daytrips chiangmai/ ratchaphruek
GET EXCITED If your guests are staying over the weekend, or if you’re planning to honeymoon in Chiang Mai after the wedding, we found a host of activities to suit every mood and interest. MAETAMAN ELEPHANT CAMP One of the most memorable experiences of our trip! We fell in love these gentle giants as we learnt about their daily habits and lifestyle, the dedicated conservation efforts initiated by the staff, and the struggle to prevent them from being heartlessly exploited for commercial means.
We even made all-natural herbal “vitamin balls”, which we fed to the elephants by hand, and learnt how to make paper from large amounts of natural fibre sifted out of their poo. But our main takeaway from this visit was that to truly enjoy the elephants, you have to forget the rides. Instead, simply observing these magical beasts frolicking in the open fields is happiness in itself. Of course, you can still arrange to have your wedding pictures taken with the elephants, too. www.maeta manelephant.com CHIANG MAI X-CENTRE While you’re enjoying the company of your
bridesmaids, point your soonto-be husband and his motley crew in the direction of this place for thrilling activities. Adrenalin junkies will love the motorcycle or buggy rides on rugged
mountainous terrain and hills, the bungee jumps, and rolling down the hill in an inflatable Xorb ball! For the less adventurous, there’s paintball and go-karting. www.chiangmaixcentre.com
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BALLOON ADVENTURE THAILAND Another first for us was rising before dawn to ride in a hot-air balloon, and float 2,134m above the ground to catch the sunrise. Its beams streamed across alleys, and momentarily stained the clouds in misty golden hues. Seriously, there is no better way to enjoy the breathtaking view of Chiang Mai. As we soared higher and higher, we felt like we were in Disney's Up and headed towards heaven. Of course, we also instantly
thought about how amazing it would be to get married in one – and found out that Balloon Adventure Thailand not only does solo but wedding ceremonies as well. Spectacular! www.balloon adventurethailand. com FLIGHT OF THE GIBBON After our thrilling ride, we ziplined through the tropical forest! Also try forest trekking, abseiling and sky bridge walks (left). Who knows? You may get to see gibbons in their natural habitat. ➝
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THANKS TO ELAINE SEAH & TOURISM AUTHORITY THAILAND FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT; SITTIPONG WONGSOMBOON OF NORTHERN SMILE TRAVELS, AND OUR GUIDE, MS ROONGNAPA
AND WHAT'S A TRIP TO CHIANG MAI WITHOUT SHOPPING!
ANDAMAN INDIGO TIE DYE If you’re looking for couple activities, or something fun for overseas guests to do before or after your wedding, check out this small establishment that organises tie-dye classes and sells beautiful indigo blue merchandise, like clothing, fabric bags, scarves and pouches. Now, if you thought tie-dyeing was a simple artsy task for teens, you will be surprised at how painstakingly detailed (and fun!)
the process of designing your own masterpiece can be. As we waited for our creations to dry, we sipped organic coffee from a local farmer, who roasted and
ground the beans in front of us before serving a great brew. It was just so inspiring to see how passionate the locals were with their traditional crafts.
SUNDAY WALKING STREET MARKET This is in the heart of Chiang Mai’s old walled city and starts at Tha Pae Gate before it stretches for about a kilometre and a half down Ratchadamnoen Road. It’s open every Sunday from 4pm to midnight, and you should try to get there as early as possible as the crowd thickens considerably later in the evening. Be prepared to spend a few hours browsing and buying because there are so many goodies to be found here: affordable and unique handcrafted gifts for your guests, yummy Thai
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snacks, snazzy gifts, souvenirs, and more. Also vying for attention are large canvas paintings by local artists, who can sketch your portrait in a jiffy, and musicians playing different kinds of music – from jazz to Thai folk songs. www.chiangmai. bangkok.com/ shopping/ weekend-walkingstreets BANN TAWAI VILLAGE The largest handicraft village
in the world, this is famous for handmade merchandise, and has a bit of a Chatuchak vibe except that it features local artisans and craftsmen hard at work in their shops. Tired and hungry from shopping? Pop into one of the many eateries in the village for a quick bite and rest before continuing on your shopping adventure. www.ban-tawai. com