Advice for Visitors to Chiangmai, Thailand
Chiangmai, Thailand
Many guide books on Thailand only partially cover the subject of health and well-being while traveling in the country, so I would like to give you some advice about protocol, health, and the law. Hopefully it will help you to enjoy your travels in Northern Thailand.
When you arrive in Chiangmai, it helps to know a bit about transportation within the city. At the airport, train station, or bus station, you will probably be met by the representatives of various guesthouses and hotels and tour operators. If you have a specific place in mind and you don’t see the specific signboard, you can always call the place to have someone pick you up from the train station, airport, or bus arcade depot. Taxis are available at the airport, with a price of 150 baht to most destinations.
Moat and 700-Year-Old Wall Surrounding the Old City Meeting and making friends with different people is an exciting part of travel anywhere. In Northern Thailand, it helps to know a bit of the language and something about the protocol. To say “hello”, say “Sawasdee Krup” for men and “Sawasdee Kha” for women. To learn more Thai before you come, an excellent free teaching website can be found at the . You will gain loads of respect from the Thai people if you learn just the basics.
The Thais put a lot of emphasis on manners, so it’s a good idea to learn to say “Thank you”. In Thai, it’s “Kob Khun”, followed by “Krup” or “Kha” for women. The “wai” made by placing your palms together in front of the upper chest is the traditional Thai gesture of greeting or respect, and the gesture is always appreciated. The custom is that younger people “wai” elders first, so let the children and persons you think are younger than you “wai” before you “wai” them.
The advice given on this page is by no means comprehensive, but it presents many of the fundamental cautions that will help you get the most out of your trip to this beautiful country. If you would like more detailed medical or health information, please speak with a doctor or other trained professional. For legal or travel safety information, contact the Chiangmai Tourist Police.
