City Name: Chiang Mai
Where is it located?: Chiang Mai is in northern Thaikand on the Ping River.
Why do people go there?: Northern Thailand is characterized largely by forested mountains and many colorful hill tribe people; trekking and river rafting add to this. Chiang Mai is the principal northern city and a good base from which to explore the surrounding countryside.
How do travelers get there?: Regular bus service from Chiang Mai Arcade bus terminal to Bangkok (696 km), Chiang Rai (182 km), Mae Sai, Mae Hong Son (342 km), Golden Triangle (9 km North of Chiang Saen), Pha Yao (222 km), Chiang Khong, Lamphun (21 km), Lampang (92 km)
Currency: Baht
City Code: 53
Other phone tips: In a tourist center such as Chiang Mai, phone communication is well-suited on international standard. There are public telephones found at primary tourist area where international calls can be performed by using calling card.
Population: 1.7 million
Languages: Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%
Neighborhoods: Th Moon Muang
Attractions: Night Bazaar,Wat Chiang Man
Accommodations: Chiang Mai Hostels
Tourist Office: Thailand Tourism Office
Off-the-beaten-path: Tribal Museum, Doi Suthep
Health Issues: With the exception of Dengue fever, this is few health risk with visiting Thailand.
When to go: It tends to be coolest from November to February. It’s downright hot from March to May. In the summer months, from June to October, it’s usually raining, but you can go to southern Thailand where the weather is better.
Common Phrases: Khop khun khup (Kaa)=Thank You, Khun Chue aria=What’s Your Name?, Phom (Chan) chue. . .=My name is . . ., Sabai dee mai khup=How are you?, Phom (Chan) sabai dee khup (kaa)=I’m fine, thanks, Gin kao yung,=Have you eaten yet?, Phop gun mai= See you again!, lagon khup (kaa)=Goodbye!
City Specific Events: Flower Carnival: February. Chinese New Year: February, Songkran Water Festival: April, Winter Fair: December
How to get around?: Motorcycles are the most convenient way to travel in Chang Mai or in any town or city in Thailand except Bangkok. Prices vary between 20-30 Baht/day for a bicycle and 100-150 Baht/day for a 100cc Honda Dream bike.
Good to know: Chiang Mai is a great base for exploring a number of routes in Northern Thailand. Consider the implications of trekking to see hill tribes whose culture is be decayed because of an influx of tourists, EVERYDAY, to see the traditional way of life.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The main airport for travelers taking flights to Chiang Mai is the Chiang Mai Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Chiang Mai travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
