Wat Ket: A Riverside Gem in Chiang Mai

• Helloสวัสดี
  [sawasdee]
• Goodbyeลาก่อน
  [laa kon]
• Yesใช่
  [chai]
• Noไม่
  [mai]
• Please/You're welcomeโปรด/ยินดี
  [proht/yin dee]
• Thank youขอบคุณ
  [kop khun]
• Excuse me/Sorryขอโทษ
  [kor toht]
• How are you?สบายดีไหม
  [sabai dee mai]
• Fine. And you?สบายดีค่ะ คุณล่ะ
  [sabai dee ka khun la]
• Do you speak English?พูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม
  [poot paa saa ang grit dai mai]
• I don't understandฉันไม่เข้าใจ
  [chan mai kao jai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseขอดูเมนูหน่อย
  [kor doo menu noi]
• I don't eat meatฉันไม่กินเนื้อ
  [chan mai gin neuua]
• Cheers!ชนแก้ว
  [chon gaeo]
• I would like to pay, pleaseขอจ่ายเงินหน่อย
  [kor jai ngern noi]

• Help!ช่วยด้วย
  [chuai duay]
• Go away!ไปห่างๆ
  [bpai hang hang]
• Call the Police!โทรตำรวจ
  [tor tamruat]
• Call a doctor!โทรหมอ
  [tor mor]
• I'm lostฉันหลงทาง
  [chan long tang]
• I'm illฉันไม่สบาย
  [chan mai sabai]

• I'd like to buy...ขอซื้อ...
  [kor seuu...]
• I'm just lookingฉันแค่ดู
  [chan kae doo]
• How much is it?ราคาเท่าไหร่
  [ra kaa thao rai]
• That's too expensiveแพงเกินไป
  [paeng geen bai]
• Can you lower the price?ลดราคาได้ไหม
  [lot ra kaa dai mai]

• What time is it?ตอนนี้เวลาเท่าไหร่
  [dton nee welaa thao rai]
• It's one o'clockขึ้นหนึ่ง
  [keun neung]
• Half past (10)สามสิบครึ่ง
  [saam sip khreung]
• Morningเช้า
  [chao]
• Afternoonบ่าย
  [bai]
• Eveningเย็น
  [yen]
• Yesterdayเมื่อวาน
  [meua waan]
• Todayวันนี้
  [wan nee]
• Tomorrowพรุ่งนี้
  [proong nee]
• 1หนึ่ง
  [neung]
• 2สอง
  [song]
• 3สาม
  [saam]
• 4สี่
  [see]
• 5ห้า
  [ha]
• 6หก
  [hok]
• 7เจ็ด
  [jet]
• 8แปด
  [bped]
• 9เก้า
  [gao]
• 10สิบ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?...อยู่ที่ไหน
  [...yoo tee nai]
• What's the address?ที่อยู่อยู่ที่ไหน
  [tee yoo yoo tee nai]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ช่วยแสดงให้ด้วยได้ไหม
  [chuai sa daeng hai duay dai mai]
• When's the next (bus)?รถเมล์ถัดไปเวลาเท่าไหร่
  [rot mel taa bpai welaa thao rai]
• A ticket (to ....)บัตรโดยสาร (ไป...)
  [bat doy saan (bpai...)]

Wat Ket, located along the Ping River, was established in the late 14th century during the reign of King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai. This area was part of the original settlement plan for the city, designed to be a bustling hub for trade and commerce, given its strategic location. The temple, Wat Ket Karam, was built to serve as a center for both spiritual and community life, reflecting the early integration of Buddhism into daily living.

Throughout the centuries, Wat Ket became a focal point for trade, particularly during the Lanna Kingdom’s peak. The neighborhood's proximity to the river facilitated trade routes connecting Chiang Mai with neighboring regions. This interaction with diverse cultures brought various influences into the local architecture, cuisine, and customs, making Wat Ket a melting pot of Lanna and Burmese styles, as seen in the unique designs of the temples and homes.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Western powers began to exert influence in Southeast Asia, Wat Ket witnessed significant changes. The influx of Christian missionaries and colonial administrators introduced new cultural dynamics, leading to the establishment of schools and hospitals. This period marked the beginning of a more cosmopolitan identity for Wat Ket, as it adapted to modern influences while still maintaining its cultural roots.

In the late 20th century, Wat Ket evolved into a center for art and craftsmanship. The area became known for its traditional artisans who specialized in wood carving, silverware, and textiles. This revival of local craftsmanship not only preserved traditional Lanna culture but also attracted tourists interested in authentic Thai arts. The annual events held at Wat Ket celebrate these crafts, reinforcing the neighborhood's reputation as a cultural hub.

In recent years, Wat Ket has experienced revitalization efforts aimed at preserving its historical and cultural heritage. Local initiatives focus on maintaining the integrity of the temples and promoting sustainable tourism. The neighborhood has become a vibrant area for cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and community gatherings, showcasing the rich tapestry of life that defines Wat Ket today while honoring its storied past.

Wat Ket is easily accessible from other neighbourhoods in Chiang Mai. From the Old City, you can take a red songthaew (shared taxi) for around 20-30 THB, which will drop you off near the entrance of Wat Ket. Alternatively, you can use a tuk-tuk or grab a taxi for a more direct route. If you are coming from the Chiang Mai International Airport, a taxi ride will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Wat Ket is a walkable neighbourhood, and many of its attractions can be explored on foot. For those seeking to cover more ground, renting a bicycle is a popular option, with several rental shops available. Local songthaews and tuk-tuks can also be used for longer distances or to reach nearby areas. Public buses operate within the city but may not be the most convenient option for tourists.

Wat Ket is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep your belongings secure. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur, especially in crowded areas or markets. Areas around the Night Bazaar should be approached with caution after dark, as they can attract opportunistic criminals.

In the case of an emergency, dial 191 for police assistance or 1669 for medical emergencies. Local hospitals and clinics are available, and it’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies can be found throughout Wat Ket, offering over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples; avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do be respectful of local customs at religious sites; always remove shoes before entering temples. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers; don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a slight bow or a 'Sawasdee' (hello); don't engage in overly casual physical contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food and accept invitations to share meals; don't waste food or be picky about dishes offered.

To experience Wat Ket like a local, visit the bustling Sunday Walking Street Market for local crafts and food. Engage with the friendly vendors and try traditional dishes like Khao Soi. Explore the quiet backstreets to find hidden temples and local art galleries. Consider taking a cooking class to learn about Northern Thai cuisine. Lastly, don't miss the chance to take a longtail boat ride along the Ping River for a unique perspective of the area.