Old Man Day in Mae Wang

               Welcome everybody, My first trip is "Old man day". Let's start at Mae Wang Municipality on Nov 20, 2009.  First of all, before talking about my trip, I would like to introduce Mae Wang district  ( Amphur Mae Wang) where is the place I stay here most of my life in the north of Chiang Mai about 35 Km or just 30 minutes driving.  The district is subdivided into 5 subdistricts (tambon) with population of 31,120 people and in the area of 601.68  km².

                I got the tour guide license for more than 4 years but I never used it. Luckily, I was joined the government training course again last month and it makes me more exciting and alert to be a tour guide again.

            

             Therefore, I think about how to work it, Um..., start from my place  (Mae Wang) first,  and if it got a good feed back  I will continue in other place of Chiang Mai and nearly province.

            I hope my blog can enjoy all of you who want to travel in Chiang Mai.  If you have any comments please do not hesitate to let me know. Thank you in advance and hope to see you in Chiang Mai.

             By car, from Central Chiang Mai you go south using Highway No.08 (Chiang Mai - Hod). After going about 21 km. you turn left towards Mae Wang District and after about another 8 km. you will see the Mae Wang Municipal Tourist Information Center on your right. In the center, we have a libraly & internet center, a fitness center and an "OTOP" souvenir shop.

             You can use many kinds of fitness equipment in the fitness center by just paying only 10 baht per day or become a member for 4 months by paying a membership fee of just 100 baht. You can also enjoy free aerobic dance class every evening at around 6 - 7 pm.

           Most of the products in the " OTOP" souvenir shop are made by villagers living within Mae Wang District.  We named these products "OTOP" which means One Tumbon ( or sub-district) One Product.  I am personally amazed and surprised that I have never seen some of these products before.

          The" Old Man Day" will begin with competitions among the villages to make products such as coconut brooms, coconut shell dippers and bamboo baskets. Then there will be a competition to see who can play the Singing Bamboo Top (an amazing and funny handmade toy that makes loud noise!) in the longest time.

          In the event they have many activities such as traditional Northern Thai dancing & Singing show, the old man health check up and demonstration how to make umbrella, molding, dessert, herbal juice and traditional toy etc.

           The highlight of the event is the free distribution of towels to all old people. Uhm! unfortunately I still young and pretty ... :P

                The event finishes at around 3 pm.  Most of the old people seems happy. Judging from their smiles and laughters, I think this is one of the best event for these old people because it is not often that you can find them participating in events like this.  We have to thanks the Mae Wang Municipal for arranging this wonderful event.