Thailand International Dog Show 2008
April 22, 2008
SmartHeart Presents: Thailand International Dog Show 2008 is the largest annual dog show in Thailand. It serves as a gathering place for owners and their dogs to enjoy special activities together and to find a wide array of dog care and healthcare products and services at special prices. Along with the exhibition and dog show competitions, educational seminar sessions are also provided for dog owners to learn about proper caring from dog experts.
Date: 26-29 June 2008
Venue: IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center
Show Hi-light: Dog show championships and competitions, “Green Dog….Green World” fashion show, demonstration of dog “hydrotherapy” and “water treadmill,” microchip injection at special price.
Activities: Dog games and entertainment, obedience course, dog care workshops and seminars, and mobile clinic for dog medical check-up.
Contact: IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., Tel: +66 2 833-5122
For more information about Thailand International Dog Show on 2008, please visit our website www.thailand-dogshow.com
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Royal Beauty at Doi Angkhang
April 16, 2008
One of the coldest places in Thailand, Doi Angkhang in Chiang Mai, is renowned as a scenic wonderland of orchards, flowers and forests. The area attracts tourists to enjoy the chilly beauty of this picture-perfect valley in the mountains 1,400 metres above sea-level. Here, the ever-present influence of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, can be sensed at the Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang which has done so much to effect the greening of the valley, bringing agricultural affluence
and a better quality of life to the ethnic people there.
Royal Intervention
It was not always such an attractive place to live. In the 1960s, Doi Angkhang was remote, isolated, with no roads and off limits to outsiders. Its occupants — refugees from Yunnan in China and Black Musers grew opium, peaches and rice, living in poverty with no proper access to education or medical treatment.
King Bhumibol learnt about Doi Angkhang while travelling nearby in 1969. As we had a helicopter, the King decided to fly to the top of the mountain to see for himself,explained His Serene Highness Prince Bhisadej Rajani, Chairman and Director of the Royal Project Foundation. There were poppies and peach trees, but the hillsides were extensively deforested through slash and burn cultivation.
It was time for intervention. The King purchased land to set up the first research station for temperate fruit, vegetables, trees and flowers. According to Prince Bhisadej, His Majesty asked us to find temperate fruit to grow on Angkhang, because he thought that income from the fruit would be higher than from poppies.
It was. The Royal Project persuaded two or three families to grow some fruit. We helped them cultivate the fruit, harvest and sell it. They earned a lot of money. Once word got around about the income coupled with the King™s influence, everyone wanted to grow fruit, recalls Prince Bhisadej. After that it was easy.
Today, the Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang is the flagship for the Royal Projects, and the premier research station in Thailand for temperate fruits, testing new strains and cultivating fruit saplings for extension throughout the Royal Projects.
Other goals set by King Bhumibol are also evident. The hillsides are covered in new forests and agricultural plots that have helped eliminate poppy cultivation; four schools provide education for children; a small medical centre keeps everyone healthy; and there are now good roads to the outside world.
Read Full Articles:www.TATnews.org
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Chiang Mai Night Safari
April 15, 2008
Chiang Mai Night Safari (CnS) is a goverment nature theme park which is built to promote Chiang Mai tourism regarding to the government’s policy apart from arts, cultures, traditions, and the beauty of nature which are the main fascinating tourist attractions. The government also works for the promotion of Chiang Mai Airport in order to make it an international airport which will allow Chiang Mai to be the tourist center in Indo-China and Southeast Asia. Therefore, if you are looking for a place to visit, a place to hang out at night amidst the real natural environment where you can relax and learn ecosystem, wildlife and natural resources not only in terms of quantity but also quality, Chiang Mai Night Safari is the best answer for you.
Chiang Mai Night Safari is located at Doi Suthep-Pui National Park which covers Tambon Nhong Kway, Hang Dong District, and Tambon Mae Hia, Muang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai Province. It’s about 324 acres consisted of Mixed Deciduous Forest and Dry Dipterocarp forest. Chiang Mai Night Safari is 12 km away from downtown Chiang Mai. By car, it takes only 15-20 minutes from the Chiang Mai Airport, the train station or the bus terminal to Chiang Mai Night Safari. Therefore, Chiang Mai Night Safari is the only nearest natural forest from downtown where the environment still perfectly stays in beauty and in peace of nature.
Chiang Mai Night Safari is constructed to be a world class nature theme park consisted of many projects to be done. Today, the first project including wildlife area, musical fountain and water screen, has already been completed. To accomplish the whole objectives, other projects will be gradually established.
Chiang Mai Night Safari was established after Singapore Night Safari and China Night Safari Guangzhou. Chiang Mai Night Safari is 2 times larger than Singapore Night Safari and it is considered to be the most beautiful night safari in the world.
Chiang Mai Night Safari is aimed to support outdoor activities for family members as well as to promote Chiang Mai’s tourism since we have found out that most visitors like to come with their family. Therefore we provide opportunities for them to get together and enjoy the activities.
Chiang Mai Night Safari was unofficially open in November 18, 2005 and it was officially open in February 6, 2006. Until today, there have been approximately 2.5 million visitors which are a lot more than what we expected at 1.3 million per year As a result, we can say that Chiang Mai Night Safari has been perfectly accomplished according to the originally financial analysis plan.
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Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center
April 15, 2008
“A Museum” is a highly considered building to remake stories of passing time as the origins of today’s rich historical records, in addition to a collection of beautiful ancient objects. Nevertheless not many people realize the value and importance of our ancestors practices in former times. Such lack of interest among locals may conceptualize the museum to become the site only of priceless knowledge to which we never open our hearts to learn. As a native of Chiding Mai it is a great opportunity for us to investigate our ancient Lanna roots at Chiding Mai City Arts & Cultural Center We are very honored for the warm welcome by the Mayor of Chiang Mai Mr.Boonlert Buranupakorn.
A long pathway on a wide terrace to the unique and elegant museum that specifically belongs to Chiang Mai residents we are told of its historical backgrounded of 1oo years As the dwelling house of the Northern rulers this site was very large covering Wat Sadue Muang the central temple of Chiang Mai around 700 years ago. Later on governors from Bangkok arrived here to reform the ruling order and seek an appropriate site for the central administrative office. Princess Dararasamee an
Prince Inthawarorot devoted this area to locate the central administrative office of northern Thailand in the reign of King Rama 6. After the country’s reformation in 1932, the office then became the Chiang Mai City Hall until it moved to relocate on Chotana road in Maerim district. The Chiang Mai Municipality and scholars together with private organizations jointly renovated the building to the present museum as the center for conservation tourism in Chiang Mails inner old city. The building was under budget supported and approval to be used in 1997. Additional restore lion and construction for exhibitions was complete in 2002
The Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Centre was created to help local people understand the city’s historical importance, to help them understand their roots, and to foster a sense of pride in their identity in order to preserve the beauty of local customs and culture. In addition, the centre contributes to conservational tourism by preserving the heritage of the old city centre and giving visitors the opportunity to know and understand the city of Chiang Mai
Location : Prapokklao Rd., T.Sriphum, A.Muang, Chiang Mai 50200
Tel : 0-5321-7793, 0-5321-9833 Fax : 0-5321-9833
Website : www.chiangmaicitymuseum.org
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Chiangmai Map
April 14, 2008
chiangmaiguideline.com contains all infomation of traveling around Chiangmai province, which comes up with a Map Directories that consists of places and great services such as hotels, shops, restuatants and more than 500 interesting places over the city. In additional, visitors are welcome to use our online-booking accomidations in a very special price. We have over 1,500 of terrific hotels in main provinces of Thailand.
For those who are interested in adding your bussiness on our Map Directories, please contact us at: service@chiangmaiguideline.com
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Songkran 2008
April 14, 2008
Songkran 2008 13-16 April 2008
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Splashing blessings on everyone in sight
April 13, 2008
While the water splashing will flourish, the traditional values of Songkran are the focus of the 2008 celebrations.
Songkran is without doubt the most popular of all Thai festivals and rightly so.
It marks the beginning of a new astrological year and its exact dates are determined by the old lunar calendar of Siam. This year the three-day festival falls on 13 to 15 April.
Traditionally, April 13 is known as Maha Songkran Day and marks the end of the old year, April 14 is Wan Nao, while April 15 is Wan Thaloeng Sok when the New Year begins.
While the festival has its roots in Buddhist heritage, the washing of Buddha images, merit making, traditional family values and the sprinkling of water in respect for elders, it is best known for the fun and sanuk everyone gains from splashing copious quantities of water on all who happen to pass by.
Songkran is celebrated with gusto by young and old, throughout the country. City communities and villages in rural Thailand forget their troubles and concentrate on the serious of business of having fun as well as cooling off, during the height of the summer’s scorching tropical temperatures.
Probably of all the national festivals, this is the one that foreigners love to experience the most. They will come across water splashing festivities wherever they travel giving them an opportunity to share in a festival that is immensely popular, while still retaining a link to its traditional roots and values.
One of the traditional values points to the Thai family and the opportunity for family members to express their respect for their elders. Younger members of the family pour scented water on the hands of their parents, and grandparents. They may present them with gifts or tokens of their love. In return, elders wish youngsters good luck and prosperity.
In temples, elder members of the family gather to make merit, offering alms to the monks. They may help clean the temple courtyard, or perform bathing rites for Buddha images
In by-gone days, the fun of splashing water on friends or strangers had to wait until the late afternoon when the religious duties and ceremonies were over.
Today, the lines are often blurred with the younger generation making the most of the three-day opportunity to splash water on everyone in sight.
Possibly the most famous of the Songkran celebrations takes place in Chiang Mai. It attracts thousands of visitors, from all over Thailand as well as international tourists determined to share in the fun.
Often simply called the Chiang Mai Water Festival, the core of the celebrations will be held, 13 to 15 April, at the city’s main irrigation canal, with parades and cultural performances as well as arts demonstrations. The actual opening ceremony will be held 12 April, at the Royal Flora complex when the Minister of Tourism and Sports will declare the festival open.
There are other opportunities to join in Songkran festivities regardless of where you are travelling.
In the North:
Chiang Saen Water Festival runs from 13 to 21 April, in Chiang Saen district of Chiang Rai province. In the Golden Triangle area, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, a ceremony, during the day, will pay homage to the town’s Buddha image. In the evening, the visitors can join a Lanna-style dinner, known as Khan Tok, or shop for handicrafts on a street closed to traffic, also the venue for folk dance performances.
Si Satchanalai Water Festival, from 13 to 15 April, at Si Satchanalai district, Sukhothai province, features parades and water splashing in the Si Satchanalai Historical Park. The town is 67 km north of Sukhothai and is a popular stop on Around North Thailand tours.
Northeast
Thai-Lao Water Festival, from 13 to 17 April, plays out on the banks of the Mekong River in Nong Khai town that faces Laos and its capital, Vientiane. Sports competitions will be organised in the week preceding the festival.
Koon Flower and Sticky Rice Road and Water Festival in Khon Kaen province, features parades, performances and water splashing on Si Chan Road, known as sticky rice road for its profusion of vendors selling this staple northeast food.
Ubon Ratchathani Water Festival, in the city centre, will feature a Thai-Indochina Food Festival at Thung Si Mueang Park, which will sell speciality dishes and food items representative of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Nakhon Phanom Water Festival has an unusual theme of noodles. The main event will be held on Sinthorn Vichit Road or Khao Pun Road (rice flour noodle road) where booths will sell products and dishes made of rice flour noodles, the speciality of this province.
Central
Bangkok Water Festival gets underway,12 April, with a sound and light show at Arun Ratchawararam Temple, from 1800 to 2100. This year, the city will focus on a traditional style Songkran Festival by supporting and inviting people to make merit at temples and return to their villages up-country to be with their families. Water splashing on streets in the business district will be discouraged.
However, the city is promoting its Passport to nine royal temples for those who visit temples during the festival, with an incentive to win prizes. Water splashing will be encouraged only in specific areas such as Khao Sarn Road.
Phrapadaeng Water Festival, which follows different dates than most of the celebrations, will be hosted, 18 to 20 April, in front of Phrapradaeng district office, Samut Prakarn province. There will be parades, Thai-Mon traditional sports and performances.
Eastern seaboard
Bangsaen Water Festival, 16 to 17 April, is held a week after national celebrations at Bangsaen beach in Chonburi province. A competition to determine the most artistic sand pagoda takes centre stage with more than 100 miniature pagodas sculptured from the sand.
Pattaya Water Festival follows on from Bangsaen, 17 to 20 April. The water splashing celebration first moves to Na-Klua, a village just north of Pattaya, 18 April, Pattaya beach, 19 April and finally moving, 20 April, to Sattahip, a fishing and Naval town on the eastern seaboard.
South
Ranong Mineral Water Festival runs from 12 to 15 April, at Raksawarin Public Park in the centre of Ranong town, located on the Andaman Sea coast, some 300 km north of Phuket.
Here, people will enjoy the luxury of splashing mineral water on one another following the style witnessed in Myanmar’s traditional festivities. Also, during the four days, there will be booths selling tourism products and packages to Ranong province and other Andaman coast destinations.
Hat Yai Midnight Songkran, will be hosted 12 to 14 April, at Nipat Uthit Road in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province. The water splashing will start from 2200, 12 April to midnight on 13 April. Ceremonies to sprinkle water on the town’s Buddha images will be conducted on the mornings of 13 and 14 April.
http://www.tourismthailand.org
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ChiangMai General Information
April 12, 2008
Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city’s 700-year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town.
For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase “a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around” was common. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia’s most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.
The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai’s distinctive diversity.
Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest.
The Past
Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom on Thursday, 12th April 1296 during the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded.
From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was very religious and founded many of the city’s temples, which are still important today.
At the height of its power, the Lanna Kingdom extended its territory far into Burma and Laos, and southwards to Kamphaeng Phet a province above Sukhothai.
The Burmese conquered the Lanna Kingdom in 1556 ending the dynasty founded by King Meng Rai that lasted over 250 years. As Burma had occupied Chiang Mai for nearly 200 years, Burmese architectural influences are visible in many temples. At the end of the 18th century, King Taksin the Great regrouped the Thais in the south and finally drove the Burmese out with the help of King Kawila of Lampang thereby regaining Thai independence from Burma. Chiang Mai was then governed by a succession of princes who ruled the north as a Siamese protectorate under the Chakri dynasty. In the late 19th century, King Rama V appointed a high commissioner in Chiang Mai and it was only in 1939 that Chiang Mai finally came under the direct control of the central government in Bangkok the same time the country was renamed Thailand.
In the past, Chiang Mai was only accessible by river and elephants. More convenient access was achieved only when the railway line was completed in the late 1920’s. Moreover, the first motor vehicle driven directly from Bangkok arrived in Chiang Mai in 1932. Such isolation was more favorable to Chiang Mai as it helped to nurture and preserve the unique Lanna culture.
When we look at Chiang Mai today, it is the economic, cultural and communications hub of northern Thailand complete with excellent infrastructure, good roads, by passes and road tunnels, and reliable communications infrastructure.
The Setting
Chiang Mai, with an altitude of approximately 310 meters above sea level, is situated approximately 700 kilometers from Bangkok on the Mae Ping River basin. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the city covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometers and is the country’s second largest province. Chiang Mai borders Myanmar on the north, Lamphun and Tak Provinces on the south, Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun Provinces on the east and Mae Hong Son Province on the west. The terrain is mainly comprised of jungles and mountains, which are home to the hill tribes. In addition, wildlife and exotic flora may be found in the national parks.
Most of Chiang Mai’s mountains are oriented from north to south. Together they create a multitude of streams and tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang. One of Chiang Mai’s distinctive features is Doi Inthanon, Thailands highest peak, which is 2,575 meters above sea level. In addition, the province boasts flat, fertile valleys, which spread along the banks of the largest and most important river in Chiang Mai Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.
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Useful Information
April 5, 2008
Chiang Mai Emergency Phone Numbers
As a tourist in Chiang Mai, it is always advisable to have with you a list of emergency telephone numbers of Chiang Mai. In case you face untoward incidents, these phone numbers will come in handy. There might be situations wherein you’ll require help from local people or administrators. Thus, it is beneficial to know the emergency telephone numbers of Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai’s telephone directories are easily available at telecom offices and with travel agents. Services like police, hospitals, fire tenders, local tourism authorities, travel agencies, public complaint forums, mobile operators, consulates in Chiang Mai , and others can be easily reached through these emergency phone numbers of Chiang Mai.
The city also has a special police cell dedicated to tourists, called the Tourist Police. This cell aims at providing tourists a safe and congenial atmosphere during their tour of Chiang Mai. If you are a visitor in Chiang Mai, call the tourist police in case of emergency or if you need guidance. For problems related to immigration and visas, you can contact the Immigration Bureau Police.
People manning emergency services in Chiang Mai are extremely helpful, cooperative and prompt. They will help in making your stay pleasurable and hassle-free.
The following list contains some of the most important phone numbers of Chiang Mai:
| Police
Tel: 191 |
Directory
Tel: 13 |
| Fire Services
Tel: 199 |
General Operator
Tel: 100 |
| Chiang Mai Police Station
Tel: +66 53 221 040 |
The Highway Police
Tel: +66 53 242 441 |
| The Tourist Police
Tel: 1699 Tel: +66 53 248 974 Fax: +66 53 248 130 |
Immigration Bureau (Police)
71 Airport Road, 50200 Tel: +66 53 277 510 Fax: +66 53 270 661 |
| Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 53 248 604 +66 53 248 607 |
Chiang Mai Hospitals
Chiang Mai is well known for its medical facilities. Hospitals in Chiang Mai play a very important role in the city’s progression as a topmost tourist destination in Thailand. People from the Southeast Asian region, and other parts of Thailand often come to Chiang Mai for medical treatment.
Known to have cured a number of chronic diseases, these hospitals have helped in furthering medical tourism in Chiang Mai . Specialists in all types of medical fields, these hospitals are run by both, the government and private institutions.
Chiang Mai’s hospitals use the most modern technologies in treating patients. Affordable and simple, these hospitals cater to the crème de la crème of the society as well as the common man.
Chiang Mai has a vast presence of hospitals and medical centers spread all over the city. These centers provide world-class medical infrastructure and high treatment levels.
There are various reasons for choosing Chiang Mai as the health destination. Medical services in Chiang Mai cost quite less in comparison to highly developed countries. The natural beauty of this city provides the perfect ambience for early recuperation of patients.
The hospitals in Chiang Mai are run by highly qualified and professional staffs that ensure proper attention and care. Government hospitals of Chiang Mai are meant for Thai citizens only. They only need to pay Bt 30 on their first visit or treatment. After that, all expenses are incurred by the government. Private hospitals are best for people who can afford to spend big bucks on treatment. However, services here are undoubtedly par excellence.
The list below contains addresses and phone numbers of popular hospitals in Chiang Mai:
| Government Hospitals and Medical Centers | |
| Maharaj Hospital | 053-221122, 053-222082-5 |
| Nakhon Ping Hospital | 053890775-64 |
| Chiang Mai Ram Hospital | 053-224861-5 |
| Suan Prong Hospital | 053-276153 |
| Chiang Dao Hospital
A.Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai |
053455074, 053455248-49 |
| Chai Prakarn Hospital
A.Chai Prakarn, Chiang Mai |
053870584-6 |
| Chiang Mai Neurological Hospital | 053221676 |
| Dararatsami Hospital | 053297207, 053299167 |
| Doi Saket Hospital
A.Doi Saket, Chiang Mai |
053496171, 053495166, 053495571 |
| Doi Tao Hospital
A.Doi Tao, Chiang Mai |
053469018 |
| Fang Hospital
A.Fang, Chiang Mai |
053382754, 053453234, 053451444 |
| Hang Dong Hospital
A.Hang Dong, Chiang Mai |
053441693, 053442112-3 |
| Hot Hospital
A.Hot, Chiang Mai |
053461095, 053461127 |
| Mae Chaem Hospital
A.Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai |
053485073 |
| Mae Tang Hospital
A.Mae Tang, Chiang Mai |
053471478, 053471059 |
| Mar Ai Hospital
A.Mae Ai, Chiang Mai |
053459036-37 |
| Mae Wang Hospital
A.Mae Wang, Chiang Mai |
053363438, 01-9603609 |
| Mae On Hospital
A.Mae On, Chiang Mai |
053880745-6 |
| Mother and Child Hospital | 053276856, 053272740 |
| Private Hospitals and Medical Centers | |
| Special Medical Service Centre | 053-946900 |
| Rajawej Hospital | 053-801396 |
| Chang Puak Hospital | 053-220022 |
| Lanna Hospital | 053-357234 |
| Central Chiang Mai Memorial | 053277090-3 |
| Chang Puek Hospital | 053220022 |
| Chiang Mai Dental Hospital | 053411150-1 |
| Chiang Mai Ram Hospital | 053224851-69 |
| Chiang Mai Ram 2 Hospital | 053852590-6 |
| Lanna Hospital | 053357234-53 |
| McCormick Hospital | 053262200-19 |
| Rajavej Chiang Mai Hospital | 053801199 |
| Rhuam Path Hospital | 053270144-50, 053273576-7 |
| Fortune Dental Clinic | 053281881, 01-9931993, 01-6032828 |
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How to get there
April 4, 2008
By Car from Bangkok (approximately 8 hours)
Route 1: Drive on Highway No.1 (Phahonyothin) and turn left to Highway No.32 (Asian Highway) which passes Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, and Nakhon Sawan, then take Highway No. 117 to Phitsanulok and Highway No. 11 to Lampang, Lamphun and Chiang Mai. The total distance is 695 kilometers.
Route 2: From Nakhon Sawan, take Highway No. 1 passing Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Lampang, and Chiang Mai. Total distance is 696 kilometers.
By Bus
From Bangkok
There are ordinary, 2nd class and 1st class air-conditioned buses leaving for Chiang Mai daily (8.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m.) from the Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal). Call 02 936 3600, 02 936 2852, and 02 937 8055 for a more updated bus timetable. Private buses, which can be conveniently booked in tourist-oriented places in Bangkok, are also available. However, the public buses from the Northern Bus Terminal are generally more reliable. The journey takes approximately 10-12 hours, depending on traffic.
From Chiang Mai
If you travel to any districts in Chiang Mai, use Chang Phuak Bus Terminal located on Chotana Road, tel. 053 211 586. Destinations include those located along the northern route (Highway No. 107) which passes through Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, Chaiprakan, Fang and Mae Ai. Some buses continue to Tha Ton, the northern-most province of Chiang Mai.
If you wish to travel outside the province, use Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station. Contact tel: 0 5324 2664 for a more updated bus timetable. Destinations include Golden Triangle, Mae Sai, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Lampang, Lamphun, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Mae Hong Son (both old and new routes), Mae Sot, Mae Sariang, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat), and Udon Thani.
By Train
Express and rapid trains operated by the State Railways of Thailand leave for Chiang Mai from Bangkoks Hua Lamphong Station 6 times a day from 8.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m. The trip takes about 11-12 hours for express trains. For more information, contact tel. 1690, or 02 223 7010, 02 223 7020. Chiang Mai Railway Station, tel. (053) 24 2094, 244 795, .247 462 245 363-4
By Air
Domestic airlines including Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Air Asia, Nok Air, Orient Thai Airlines, Air Andaman and Phuket Air operate several flights daily between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Thai Airways also operates domestic flights from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai and Phuket. International flights to and from Chitakong, Luang Phrabang, Khunming, Yangon and Japan (Narita) are also provided. Call 02 628 2000 (Bangkok), 053 211 044-7 (Chiang Mai), or visit www.thaiairways.com for more information.
Bangkok Airways also offers several flights daily on the Bangkok - Chiang Mai route, some with a stopover at Sukhothai. International routes to and from Jinghong and XiAn are also available. Call 02 265 5555, 265 5678 (Bangkok Office) or 053 27 6176 (Chiang Mai Office) or visit www.bangkokair.com for more information.
SGA offers flights to Chiang Mai. For more information, call Bangkok Office 66 2664-6099 or visit: www.sga.co.th
For Nok Air call 1318 or visit www.nokair.co.th for reservations. Apart from Bangkok-Chiang mai flight, the airlines also operate flights between Chiang mai and Udon Thani twice aweek.
For Orient Thai Airlines, call 02 267 2999 or visit www.orient-thai.com for more information.
Foreign Airlines operating flights from Chiang Mai to several destinations are:
Air Mandalay operates flights between Chiang Mai and Yangon on Sundays and Thursdays. Contact 053 818 049 (Chiang Mai office), visit www.myanmars.net/airmandalay or write to cnxrr6t@sita.gmsmail.com for more information.
Mandarin Airlines operates flights between Chiang Mai and Taipei three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. For more information call, 053 201 268-9 (Chiang Mai office) or visit www.mandarinair.com
Lao Airlines operates flights on the Chiang Mai Luang Phrabang route three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Call 053 223 401 (Chiang Mai office), visit www.laoairlines.com or write to qvcnx@loxinfo.co.th for more information.
Silk Air operates flights between Chiang Mai Singapore three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Call 053 276 459 053 276 495 (Chiang Mai office) or visit www.silkair.com for reservations.
Travelling within Chiang Mai
From Airport, Train and Bus Terminal to town
There is a licensed airport taxi service available at the taxi kiosk outside the baggage-claim area. Purchase a ticket and present it to the drivers waiting by the arrivals exit area. The trip will cost approximately 100 bahts for a sedan car that seats 4-5 people (with luggage).
From the airport, train station and bus terminal, you can easily get a song taew (red mini-bus). To charter a minibus or car, please check the correct fare at the TAT counter first.
Normally, first-class hotels provide complimentary transportation between the airport, railway station or bus terminals and the hotel for guests who have made advance reservations.
Short-distance travel
1. For relative short distances you can take a sam lor or tuk-tuk (a tricycle). Fares must be bargained in advance. Short rides within the city costs between 20 and 30 bahts. Longer rides may cost as much as 50 bahts.
2. Just new in town is the taxi-metre, the same as those running around Bangkok. The minimum (starting) fare is 35 bahts.
3. Song taew (red mini-bus) is the most common means of transportation in town. Passengers can hop in and out as they wish. Simply tell the driver the destination and negotiate the price before boarding. Fares range from 10-20 bahts depending on the distance.
4. Bicycles
Some travelers prefer to ride a bicycle around the city as most of the roads and alleys are accessible by bicycle. Bicycles can be rented from bicycle shops and certain guesthouses.
5. Rental cars
All major car rental companies such as AVIS, Budget, and Hertz, as well as Thai car rental companies are ready to provide suggestions on travel itineraries. The easiest way to locate a car rental company is to ask at the airport or the hotel, as those are the places where most companies are located.
Chiang Mai roads are in good condition with signs posted in English. Why not take a car for a spin?