More Hotels And Shopping Malls To Be Open In 2008-2010.

[infernalman7]

I have read an article (in Thai from Prachachat Business) about the new government's plan on Chiang Mai. They say they are now going to take Chiang Mai and Phuket more seriously than ever before (I doubt). But of-course, Thaksin has always dreamt about making Chiang Mai a better place.

First this article says that more hotels and shopping malls are going to be opened or started off the construction:

- Shangri-La (opened) with 281 rooms

- Le Meridian (opening really soon) with 391 rooms

- Dusit Hotel (expected to be opened in 2009, renovated from Royal Princess)

- Banyan Tree Chiang Mai Hotel (construction begins 2008)

- Park Hyatt (under construction)

- JW Mariott (plan proposed, if the new city plan has been approved by the cabinet)

New shopping malls and mini-malls:

- ZEN Department Store on 2nd Floor of the Le Meridian Hotel

- TAWAN Plaza

- Expansion of Kad Farang

- La Villa Supermarket on Nimmanhaemin Road

Changes on current shopping malls:

- Central Airport Plaza will start to offer reserved parking for Central Platinum Card and Krungsri GE - Kasikorn Bank Platinum VISA card holders.

- The Mall and Central Group is aiming to buy Kad Suan Keaw shopping mall and its hotel

- The owner of Chang Beer (also the owner of Night Bazaar, Le Meridian Chiang Mai, Pantip Plaza) is ready to make BIG changes to the Night Bazaar, similar to the current projects in Siam Square (after he won the bid from Chulalongkorn University)

At last, the Chiang Mai University has plan to move its green campus out from Nimmanhaemin Road as that area can be turned into cash. This is a crucial step since the university will be privatized within next year.

More over, the central government granted the city to start BRT project within the city.

This is interesting. If you could read Thai, make sure to grab a copy of Prachachat Turakit newspaper dated February 12

Edited February 13, 2008 by infernalman7

[lannarebirth]

Some friends of mine who were the chief subcontractors of finish work at the Shangrila Hotel, tell me they have won the job to do all finish work for hotel resort complex to be built near Hang Dong. I'm sure they told me it was to be the biggest project of it's kind here, ever, at over 2,000 rooms, but that really seems hard to believe. Perhaps I didn't understand correctly. For now they have a 3 tower condo project in Bangkok in Suk 74, but say they'll be back to start here within the year. Wow! if true.

[infernalman7]

Some friends of mine who were the chief subcontractors of finish work at the Shangrila Hotel, tell me they have won the job to do all finish work for hotel resort complex to be built near Hang Dong. I'm sure they told me it was to be the biggest project of it's kind here, ever, at over 2,000 rooms, but that really seems hard to believe. Perhaps I didn't understand correctly. For now they have a 3 tower condo project in Bangkok in Suk 74, but say they'll be back to start here within the year. Wow! if true.

Yeah, its very hard to believe all these projects.

After the new government forms, seems like all business sectors are like ... awaken again which is good!

[FolkGuitar]

I have read an article (in Thai from Prachachat Business) about the new government's plan on Chiang Mai. They say they are now going to take Chiang Mai and Phuket more seriously than ever before (I doubt). But of-course, Thaksin has always dreamt about making Chiang Mai a better place.

First this article says that more hotels and shopping malls are going to be opened or started off the construction:

- Shangri-La (opened) with 281 rooms

- Le Meridian (opening really soon) with 391 rooms

- Dusit Hotel (expected to be opened in 2009, renovated from Royal Princess)

- Banyan Tree Chiang Mai Hotel (construction begins 2008)

- Park Hyatt (under construction)

- JW Mariott (plan proposed, if the new city plan has been approved by the cabinet)

New shopping malls and mini-malls:

- ZEN Department Store on 2nd Floor of the Le Meridian Hotel

- TAWAN Plaza

- Expansion of Kad Farang

- La Villa Supermarket on Nimmanhaemin Road

Changes on current shopping malls:

- Central Airport Plaza will start to offer reserved parking for Central Platinum Card and Krungsri GE - Kasikorn Bank Platinum VISA card holders.

- The Mall and Central Group is aiming to buy Kad Suan Keaw shopping mall and its hotel

- The owner of Chang Beer (also the owner of Night Bazaar, Le Meridian Chiang Mai, Pantip Plaza) is ready to make BIG changes to the Night Bazaar, similar to the current projects in Siam Square (after he won the bid from Chulalongkorn University)

At last, the Chiang Mai University has plan to move its green campus out from Nimmanhaemin Road as that area can be turned into cash. This is a crucial step since the university will be privatized within next year.

More over, the central government granted the city to start BRT project within the city.

This is interesting. If you could read Thai, make sure to grab a copy of Prachachat Turakit newspaper dated February 12

Can you imagine? Some actually suggested that Chiang Mai was losing its charm! How silly.

(When do the casinos open? )

[Ricardo]

Where are all the extra customers going to come from, to fill these new hotels & shopping-plazas, or will they simply canibalise the other existing businesses ?

[Ulysses G.]

I just can't see Chiang Mai as a big destination for rich tourists like Phuket is. There is no beach here and nothing else of great interest. We are lucky to get as many low budget and medium budget tourists that hang around for long periods of time as we do.

[cmsally]

Some friends of mine who were the chief subcontractors of finish work at the Shangrila Hotel, tell me they have won the job to do all finish work for hotel resort complex to be built near Hang Dong. I'm sure they told me it was to be the biggest project of it's kind here, ever, at over 2,000 rooms, but that really seems hard to believe. Perhaps I didn't understand correctly. For now they have a 3 tower condo project in Bangkok in Suk 74, but say they'll be back to start here within the year. Wow! if true.

There was a plan to build a big convention centre along the canal road to Hang Dong - maybe this is it.

[SoloFlyer]

when's the widening of Nimannhemin going to start, anyone know?

[FolkGuitar]

I just can't see Chiang Mai as a big destination for rich tourists like Phuket is. There is no beach here and nothing else of great interest. We are lucky to get as many low budget and medium budget tourists that hang around for long periods of time as we do.

Be patient, Grasshopper. The laws will change soon and the casinos will open.

I guess you didn't get the memo, er.... e-mail....:

Northern Thai News 39 – 14.02.2008

Chiang Mai is aiming at the high-end market of tourism

To attract more “quality” tourists in the future and shedding its reputation to be a backpackers destination for many years, Chiang Mai is gearing up to promote events and festivals more aggressively. Besides, after the festive hard opening of the Sofitel Riverside Chiang Mai last month, Shangri-La Chiang Mai and the upcoming Le Meridien Chiang Mai will guarantee that the “Rose of the North” is well prepared to welcome wealthy tourists in the long run.

This month’s main attraction is the Rachapruek Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) Exposition 2008, which has opened on February 9 and will last until February 17. Some 600 exhibitors from Thailand and other Mekong River countries offer goods for sale, including handicrafts, textiles, furnishings, ceramics, and diverse agricultural products. Also, there are food stalls from all over the region.

GMS Expo 2008 is destined to attract more than 300.000 visitors, stimulate trade between Northern Thailand and the other Mekong countries, as well as promote improving relationships between the Kingdom of Thailand, Union of Myanmar, Lao PDR, Kingdom of Cambodia, Vietnam and China, especially Yunnan. The Expo is organised by the Chiang Mai Provincial Authorities in co-operation with the Ministry of Commerce in Bangkok and with the aid of the Provincial Commerce Office plus the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce.

--------------------

My question; what is the criteria for "quality" tourists; those that spend a little money in a lot of places or those who spend a lot of money in just a few places?

Was this Rachapruek Greater Mekong Sub-Region Exposition 2008 advertised in Chiang Mai or only in HoChiMin City, Beijing, and Yangon? I still see signs for the Night Safari but none for the GMS Expo. Maybe I don't qualify as 'quality' material....

[el jefe]

My question; what is the criteria for "quality" tourists; those that spend a little money in a lot of places or those who spend a lot of money in just a few places?

Was this Rachapruek Greater Mekong Sub-Region Exposition 2008 advertised in Chiang Mai or only in HoChiMin City, Beijing, and Yangon? I still see signs for the Night Safari but none for the GMS Expo. Maybe I don't qualify as 'quality' material....

There are plenty of signs for the GMS Expo on the Canal Road and on Nimmanhaemin. I guess I qualify as "quality".

Has anyone been to the Expo? Is it worth going?

[Greenside]

Walking through the half empty ground floor of Pantip I noticed they've rented (or alloted) a shop front to the outfit selling retail space in the new centre opening up just across the road. Unless the rents are sky high in Pantip and the building is doing OK from the few tenants they have, it must be haemorrhaging money so who knows where anyone expects to find more from.

Tawan Centre - isn't that the new name for the space they divided under the bowling alley on the inside of the moat near Central?

[Greenside]

Was this Rachapruek Greater Mekong Sub-Region Exposition 2008 advertised in Chiang Mai or only in HoChiMin City, Beijing, and Yangon? I still see signs for the Night Safari but none for the GMS Expo. Maybe I don't qualify as 'quality' material....

Where is it being held? Yesterday they put a sign up near the Amara but I can't see where it's on.

[whatsupdoc]

@Tawan is near Pantip Plaza.

In addition to the list by the OP, the renovated shopping mall "The Plaza Chiang Mai", located at the nightbazar, will (re)open this year.

Edited February 14, 2008 by whatsupdoc

[FolkGuitar]

@Tawan is near Pantip Plaza.

In addition to the list by the OP, the renovated shopping mall "The Plaza Chiang Mai", located at the nightbazar, will (re)open this year.

Just in time!! The others are just getting waaaaay to crowded.

[el jefe]

Was this Rachapruek Greater Mekong Sub-Region Exposition 2008 advertised in Chiang Mai or only in HoChiMin City, Beijing, and Yangon? I still see signs for the Night Safari but none for the GMS Expo. Maybe I don't qualify as 'quality' material....

Where is it being held? Yesterday they put a sign up near the Amara but I can't see where it's on.

On the Royal Flora Ratchapruak grounds.

[whatsupdoc]

My wife pointed out that "The Plaza Chiang Mai" belongs to the owner of Chang Beer as well.

I do think that all the development at the Night Bazaar will attract more people. With the Zen department store and the new shopping malls the area will also be more lively during daytime.

[ihop]

Walking through the half empty ground floor of Pantip I noticed they've rented (or alloted) a shop front to the outfit selling retail space in the new centre opening up just across the road. Unless the rents are sky high in Pantip and the building is doing OK from the few tenants they have, it must be haemorrhaging money so who knows where anyone expects to find more from.

Tawan Centre - isn't that the new name for the space they divided under the bowling alley on the inside of the moat near Central?

Yep, just to confuse everyone the name of the recently renovated bowling alley/fitness center/spa at the northwest corner of the moat is Tawan Center. Why not, there are two Centrals.

[infernalman7]

Yeah, Jareon, the Chang Beer owner owns

1) Imperial Mae Ping

2) Centara Duang Tawan

3) Le Meridian

And more than 50% of the Night Bazaar area.

[The Dan Sai Kid]

Hey, more big empty shopping malls, a la pantip

[Sao Jiang Mai]

Having talked to some local GMs and editors of international travel mags, I believe that Chiang Mai is shaping up to be a leisure/lifestyle destination. So basically good restaurants, good bars and night life, good shopping, good spas, some lovely culture thrown in, good nature and easy access. The hotel industry aimes to promote itself. Basically the GMs of some new hotels say that they fully understand that it is up to them to market Chiang Mai. If they do it right - and we all know the power of marketing - and with the cooperation of international flights, it is feasible that Chiang Mai becomes a leisure destination. I personally go to a place for attractions/beaches/environment/culture, but it is very important for me that there is also the entire package. Many tourists are loyal to a brand and go for accomodation overall. Like I have met people at the Four Seasons who will just stay at FSs world wide, whatever the destination, I have met others who just go online and look up cool/trendy/fivestar hotels and just simply go there regardless of destination. Hotel junkies I call them. I am also a bit of a hotel junkie, so can sort of relate to it, though of course I also take into consideration the destination. We have the package now for the higher end tourists - the Horn Bar is excellent, The House, Le Crystal restaurants, all the wonderful shopping. It is simply looking at it from a different perspective.

Just came back from Siem Reap (shamefully, it was my first time) and was blown away, of course by Angkor, but also by the infrastructure of the entertainment. We had fab food, stayed at a super hotel and it all enhanced our experience. I can't stop gushing about Angkor and Siem Reap, I think that it is one of the best destinations in the world. I was in Egypt a few months ago and was more blown away by Angkor.

However, that having been said, the stupid idotic Rachaphreuk and its like has no place in Chiang Mai.

[Ulysses G.]

However, that having been said, the stupid idotic Rachaphreuk and its like has no place in Chiang Mai.

Please tell us more!

[PlaShadow]

Having talked to some local GMs and editors of international travel mags, I believe that Chiang Mai is shaping up to be a leisure/lifestyle destination. So basically good restaurants, good bars and night life, good shopping, good spas, some lovely culture thrown in, good nature and easy access. The hotel industry aimes to promote itself. Basically the GMs of some new hotels say that they fully understand that it is up to them to market Chiang Mai. If they do it right - and we all know the power of marketing - and with the cooperation of international flights, it is feasible that Chiang Mai becomes a leisure destination. I personally go to a place for attractions/beaches/environment/culture, but it is very important for me that there is also the entire package. Many tourists are loyal to a brand and go for accomodation overall. Like I have met people at the Four Seasons who will just stay at FSs world wide, whatever the destination, I have met others who just go online and look up cool/trendy/fivestar hotels and just simply go there regardless of destination. Hotel junkies I call them. I am also a bit of a hotel junkie, so can sort of relate to it, though of course I also take into consideration the destination. We have the package now for the higher end tourists - the Horn Bar is excellent, The House, Le Crystal restaurants, all the wonderful shopping. It is simply looking at it from a different perspective.

Just came back from Siem Reap (shamefully, it was my first time) and was blown away, of course by Angkor, but also by the infrastructure of the entertainment. We had fab food, stayed at a super hotel and it all enhanced our experience. I can't stop gushing about Angkor and Siem Reap, I think that it is one of the best destinations in the world. I was in Egypt a few months ago and was more blown away by Angkor.

However, that having been said, the stupid idotic Rachaphreuk and its like has no place in Chiang Mai.

The only thing missing…………is GOOD AIR! I am surprised I have not heard a word from the leading hotel managers/owners or other figures in the tourist industry about what the plan to do about the basics of all, air.

It must be very tough to explain the difference in the photos in the marketing material to the harsh reality of bad / extreme air pollution covering the biggest part of the high end tourist season, January to March.

[Sao Jiang Mai]

They have been lobbying the government to little success. I heard they talked to the Ministry of Tourism (actually went down to BKK en masse to meet with him). Basically what can they do if the gov and locals are not willing to act? The hotels are not the main contributors of emissions. It is we locals. And of course our neighbouring countries.

[Donnyboy]

Yeah, Jareon, the Chang Beer owner owns

1) Imperial Mae Ping

2) Centara Duang Tawan

3) Le Meridian

And more than 50% of the Night Bazaar area.

theres a rumour also that Chang has bought Porn Ping Hotel, you heard it here first!!