Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center

Our last night in Chiang Mai we decided to go with the reccommendation of one of the taxi drivers and check out the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center. We weren't too sure what to expect, all he told us was that we would need to make a reservation and there would be dinner and dancing. When we were arrived and led into the hall where we would be eating there were a bunch of seats set up on the floor in different groups. We were led up to the stage to take our places. Soon after we sat down all the musicians came out and started to play traditional Thai music while our food was brought out to us. The tray they used was filled with Thai dishes, mostly from northern Thailand and they were brought out on something that resembled a lazy susan. It's called a Khantoke and used to be used for special occasions like weddings. The food was so yummy and when one of the bowls was empty someone would come and replace it with a full one for us. For dessert we had freshly sliced fruit.

While we were eating the dancing started. They were all classical Thai dances distinct to Northern Thailand. I had to research them a little bit because we couldn't really hear or understand the announcer during the show. My favorite dance was the finger-nail dance which apparently is supposed to mimic the movements of the elephants (which were held at huge value by the Thai people). Another really captivating dance was the sword dance where the dance was able to balance and dance with 16 swords all around his head and neck.

There were other really amazing dances and you'll have to go here to see the pictures but they were all slow moving really putting the focus on the movements of the hands and the wrists. It looked like it would take some patience to be able to get all these dances moving at the right angles and right times. It was also relaxing and enjoyable to watch. It was such a perfect way to finish our trip to Northern Thailand!