Tours and Trekking Advice
Trekking to hilltribe villages is now very popular, with many companies offering
treks throughout the area. It is important - for your own sake as well as for
the villagers themselves - to choose a reputable trekking company. Inevitably
the villages closest to Chiang Mai have been affected by tourism, but still retain
their culture and identity. Visitors are requested to respect local beliefs and
customs when staying at local villages. (See tours) Visitor
Information - The TAT office is at 105/1 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd., 400m south
of the Nawarat Bridge on the east side of the Ping River (tel. 5324-8604) and
has info and a list of reputable companies. There are also a couple of free magazines
available at hotels. "Welcome to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai" has
good local info and detailed maps. Medical/Health care
No
vaccinations required but visitors are recommended to have injections against
Cholera and Hepatitis, as well as taking anti-malaria pills if traveling to the
more remote areas, especially if you are trekking. Best advice is to wear light
coloured clothing and cover up at night. Apply lots of mosquito repellent. Most
common drugstore medicines and insect repellent are generally available and there
are good medical facilities in all major cities and resorts. Hospitals/Clinics
Health care is very good in Chiang Mai. There are currently around twenty hospitals,
some are government run, and others are private. The government hospitals charge
less for their services, but receive outpatients only from 8:00-12:00 a.m. Private
hospitals receive outpatients all day. Both types of hospitals offer 24 hour emergency
and general care, with English-speaking nurses and doctors. Besides hospitals,
there are also many general clinics in Chiang Mai. Most open 5:00-8:00 p.m. for
minor illnesses. Probably more convenient than hospitals. Be aware that medical
treatment in Thailand can get expensive, so make sure you are well insured. Thai
traditional massage
Massage was used in ancient times as a means of
healing and combating sickness and disease, and has gained popularity among both
locals and tourists today. The art of Thai Traditional massage, as it is now called,
requires a comprehensive knowledge of the body-namely the bones, tendons, ligaments,
and muscles. It is said that Thai traditional massage is useful in helping to
relieve the pain and symptoms of chronic aches and pains in the muscles and bones.
Many people are also surprised at the soothing effects that the massage has in
helping to reduce stress. (See New Age
activities for more info) There are several traditional massage places
in Chiang Mai. Some specialise in massage, while others have herbal saunas and
skin care as additional services. There are also schools that will give lessons
in the art of traditional massage, and will charge from 2,000-2,500 baht (80-100
US$) for a week of schooling. On completion students receive a certificate. Photography
There
are shops offering photography related services on almost every street corner
in Chiang Mai. They are easily recognizable by their signs and displays. On average,
a roll of film costs 160-200 Baht depending on brand name and the ASA. plus the
cost for developing around 180 - baht. Visas
Visas can be extended in Chiang Mai at the Chiang Mai branch of the Immigration
Division of the Royal Thai Police Department (Tel. 277510), located 300 metres
(660 feet) before the entrance to Chiang Mai Airport. The division is open from
8:30-12:00 a.m. and 1:00-4:30 p.m. weekdays. For an extension permit, go in person,
talking a photocopy of your passport, along with two passport sized pictures.
Plan to spend at least an hour there. Dress politely, as the division enforces
a strict dress code. Money
American Express - Sea Tours Co. Ltd., 2/3 Prachasampan Rd., off Chang
Klan Road (tel. 5327-1441), is the American Express representative. ATMs
and money changers - Chang Klan Road and Charoen Prathet Road, around the
night market, has the most convenient major bank branches. Chiang Mai International
Airport has several banks for changing money and a post and overseas call
office. Emergencies
Emergencies--Dial tel. 1699 to reach the Tourist Police in case of emergency. When
to Go
Chiang
Mai has three distinct seasons. -
Cool
Season :
November to March the days are beautifully warm, and the evenings
cool enough to wear a sweater or light jacket. At higher altitudes, thicker clothing
is needed. (Late October to end of February). Average temperature 21º C dropping
rapidly at night. The coolest months are December and January. -
Hot
Season :
April and May can be uncomfortably hot, especially in the
afternoon, but nights are cool, and early mornings perfect for sightseeing. (Early
March to end of May) Average temperature 29º C. The hottest month is April. -
Rainy Season :
The rainy season, roughly
from June to mid-October gives a pleasant mix of tropical downpours and bright
sunshine, transforming the countryside into a lush green landscape, with masses
of tropical flowers. (Early June to end of October). Average temperature 25.º
C. The wettest month is September.
Communications
Post Office
The most convenient branch is at 186/1 on Chang Klan Road (tel. 5327-3657), with
a 24-hour branch at the airport tel. 5327-7382). The General Post Office is on
Charoen Muang (tel. 5324-1070), near the train station. The Overseas Call Office,
open 24 hours, is upstairs from the GPO and offers phone, fax, and telex services. Internet
If you're looking for Internet access, there are many cafes around, especially
in or around guesthouses in the Old City. | 
