CHIANGMAI : information of CHIANGMAI

General Information

Experience 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, Visitors will be amazed at 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.




If you hire a car or motorbike make sure it is insured. A motorbike can be hired for as little as 150 baht per day and a car for 800. If you do not have an international driving license, check that your country's license is valid in Thailand. Remember that in Thailand people (usually) drive on the left side of the road. Road signs are surprisingly well posted and you will find Chiang Mai (province, not city) a pleasure to drive around. The city can be rather hectic with its mass of one-way systems.




Only in Bangkok do most taxis have meters - Chiang Mai has fewer than 20 - and these are sometimes not used, so always negotiate your fare or insist the meter is turned on. Also always negotiate your fare before you get into a tuk tuk or a Chiang Mai red mini-taxi (songtaew), the two most common vehicles plying the city's streets. Songtaew should cost a standard fee of 12 baht per journey anywhere in the city in the day time, though, once again, make sure you are both on the same page before embarking. Also make certain that the driver really knows where you want to go. Remember that most Thais can not read a map and are hopelessly bad at giving accurate directions.






If you are sensible you will find Chiang Mai one of the safest and most friendly places in the world.




How to get there

By Car from Bangkok (approximately 8 hours)

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.




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 northernmost 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 Rail

Express and rapid trains operated by the State Railways of Thailand leave for Chiang Mai from Bangkok’s 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.




Once Here

Once you are in Chiang Mai you have three options for transportation: do it yourself, public transportation or taxi services.
Do it yourself is great if you are a confident driver. An international drivers' license should see you on the road either on a bicycle, motorbike or rented car, all of which are easily found throughout the city. Hiring a car and going on a road trip up country is the best way to go - good sign posting, great scenery, resorts and hotels dotted throughout the north.




Public transportation is sketchy at this point, but CLICK HERE to see the bus route, which is constantly being improved upon, but still leaves a lot to be desired as there are limited routes and numbers of buses. Still, this is a cheap, cheerful, air-conditioned and safe way of getting around the city.




Chiang Mai has metered taxis which are probably the most expensive (but safe, and air-conditioned) form of transportation, though there are limited numbers and are easier to find in the city centre. The famous Thai tuk tuk are everywhere and you must bargain hard and get your fare settled before hopping in. Then there are the ubiquitous songtaew - converted pickup-trucks with seatings and a roof - which should cost a flat fee of 12 baht per inner-city trip, though once again, make sure that you and the driver are in agreement before jumping in.