Roaming through Chiang Mai and Lanna / Encountering India in Northern Thailand

Text & Photography / Chen Yu-An | Collaborating Organization / Tourism Authority of Thailand

Chiang Mai, originally meaning "new city" in the Thai language, was established by King Mangrai, the then ruler, to consolidate his territory. Perhaps due to its mountainous surroundings, the city has a relatively slower pace of life, and its well-known image to the outside world has long been that of an ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom, the “Rose of the North,” and other quaint, small-town charm.
Today, while preserving its historical essence, Chiang Mai makes full use of its surrounding natural environment. With the successive opening of boutique hotels, creative restaurants, and design shops, the city offers endless surprises in dining, drinking, entertainment, and accommodation. The “new city” of Chiang Mai in the 21st century has given itself a brand-new interpretation.

Sipping borderless love tea with Thai celebrities
Every time you visit Thailand, you must drink a cup of sweet and refreshing iced milk tea to truly feel like you're walking the streets of Thailand. Watch as vendors skillfully pour reddish-brown tea mixed with condensed milk and regular milk into a glass filled with ice. Holding it in your hand, let the hot tea gradually blend with the ice as you sip it while walking—the indescribable sense of Thai happiness spreading from your tongue to your heart is unparalleled. And sitting at Vieng Joom On teahouse by the riverside in Chiang Mai, it’s just as relaxing and laid-back, but with an added touch of refinement. Here, you can experience a uniquely creative Indo-Thai afternoon, even frequented by Thai celebrities and dignitaries.
The owner of the teahouse is quite low-key, but the interior and exterior decor certainly aren’t shy—pink walls, dazzling peacock decorations, and gray tones set the scene with bold contrast.

The owner’s father was a tea enthusiast who, during an early trip to India, was deeply captivated by the Pink City of Jaipur. Determined to recreate this beautiful exotic vibe back in his hometown, he inspired the opening of this teahouse. The interior design is naturally inspired by the Pink City, and the Thai name of the shop also derives from its original meaning.
The teahouse currently offers 59 varieties of tea. Two rows of floor-to-ceiling tea canister cabinets sit at the corner of the shop, exuding an impressive presence. All the teas are sourced from Europe, China, and local Thai producers, and carefully selected and blended by 20 tea masters. The professionally chosen teas not only taste great but also have beautiful names. For instance, “Vieng Joom On” (Pink City), made with white tea, northern Thai rose, cloves, cinnamon, black tea, and ginger, has a faintly romantic reddish-brown hue and is also affectionately known as “love tea.” “Mea Pin Tea,” named after the riverside, is made with green tea, jasmine, and mint, offering a refreshing aroma.