About Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai presents a wonderful contrast to Bangkok. It is Thailand's second largest city, though only one fourth the size of the capital and different when compared to the capital in many respects. Chiang Mai is an attractive destination with sights and charms peculiar to itself and a place steeped in history. Located 700 kilometers north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is less than an hour from the capital by plane and is served by several daily flights. Air-conditioned overnight train or coach can are also available. The city known as ‘Rose of the North’ presents a superb contrast. Whereas Bangkok is a mere 200 years old, Chiang Mai was founded in the late 13th century and is one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in Thailand. It was once the capital of Lanna – an independent Thai kingdom. Since then it has retained its cultural heritage to a certain degree.
Chiang Mai is the land of magnificent temples and nature in its beautiful form. It was originally built and decorated with colorful porcelain chips and religious sculptures. Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Chiang Man are the temples that will grab your attention. Trekking and hiking are popular sports in Chiang Mai.
The city is located in a fertile valley some 300 meters above sea level, which is the reason for its slightly drier and cooler climate than most other parts of this country. The population is estimated to be 250,000. The province itself is large, measuring 130 kilometers from east to west, and 320 kilometers from north to south .Apart from Thai nationals, it is the home of many minorities who are I possession of Thai citizenship. There are some 300 temples in the city and on its outskirts.
Within the city's original perimeter, still marked by moat and fortified gates, are numerous ancient Buddhist temples and other monuments reminding us of a distinguished past. The other interesting sights would be Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, and Phuping Palace – the summer residence of the Royal Family. The city has recently been undergoing a process of regeneration and although it is much more contemporary in nature, it has not lost its touch of the glorious past.
Climate
Cool Season: late October to end February. The average temperature
is 21 C and is much cooler at night. The coolest months are, of
course, December and January.
Hot Season: early March to end of May. The average temperature is 29.9 C and the hottest month is April.
Rainy Season: early June to end October. The average temperature is 25.5 C. The wettest month is September.
Culture
Chiang Mai has a very distinct culture. Their beauty, hospitality
and good manners are legendary throughout Thailand. In the past,
Chiang Mai has been a city of economic, religious and political
importance. Present day Chiang Mai too has its own dialect and its
own cuisine.
Festival
Chiang Mai celebrates many annual festivals. Three are particularly
lively and lovely. These are the "Flower Carnival" – the first
Friday, Saturday and Sunday of every February: "Songkran" – 13-15
April each year; and "Yi Peng" – full moon day of the twelfth lunar
month, generally mid-November.
The Flower Carnival celebrates the period when Chiang Mai's temperate and tropical flowers are in full bloom and there are colorful floral floats and parades.
Songkran celebrates the traditional Thai New Year. Chiang Mai celebrates Songkran with 3 days of merry making, pilgrimages, beauty parades, dancing and water throwing.
Yi Peng is Thailand's loveliest festival when, under the full moon, people float away onto rivers, canals, lakes and streams banana-leaf boats bearing a lighted candle, incense, a flower and small coin to honor water spirits and drive away the past year's sins.
Arts & Crafts
Chiang Mai is one of the world's largest centers of cottage
industries. Numerous handicrafts are traditional to the region and
craftsmen, using skills passed down from generation to generation
and thereby continue to produce marvels like silverware, lacquer
ware, celadon pottery, silk and cotton, hand-painted paper umbrellas
and more.
Here is a true shopper's paradise and there is plenty of scope for browsing of unusual gifts and souvenirs. Even if you are not interested in buying you can pay a visit to Bo Sang just to see the crafts in making.
FAST FACTS
Emergency help
Telephone - 191
Airport Tourist Police Office
60 Moo 3, Airport Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 922191.
Arcade Tourist Police Office
2 T Watket, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50000. Tel: 053 242664.
Night Bazaar Tourist Police
Changklan Road, T Changklan, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100.
Central Police Station
169 Ratchadamnoen Road, T Phrasing, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel:
053 276040, 053 276485, 053 276040, 053 277477.
Traffic Police Office
28 Praisanee Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel: 053 246101, 053
242720, 053 233890, 053 234051
Chiang Mai Ram 1 Hospital
8 Boonruangrit Road, (northwest corner of the moat, near Central
Mall) T Suthep, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 224861, fax: 053
224880
Website: www.ramhospital.com
Email: the_docbangkok@yahoo.com
Special Fire
Emergency: Tel - 199
Municipality Fire Station
1, Wangsingkham Road, T Changmoi, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50300. Tel:
053 259191, 053 259199, 053 234444, 053 234193.
Chiang Mai Gate Fire Station
Chiang Mai Gate, Bamrungburi Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50000. Tel:
053 277582.
Changphuak Fire Station
71 Soi 4, Changphuak Road, T Sripoom, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50300.
Tel: 053 222852.
Electricity Problems
208 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road, T Watkat, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50000.
Tel: 053 241 777
Telephone directory enquiries:
Tel - 1113
Traffic accidents help:
Tel - 1193
Please scroll down for hospitals, dentists, clinics, specialists,
pharmacies and health insurance, even pet care.
Chiang Mai Central Memorial Hospital
186/2 Changklan Road, T Changklan, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel:
053 277090, fax: 053 271624.
Chiang Mai Neurological Hospital
Suthep Road, T Suthep, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 222285,
fax: 053 217703.
Chiang Mai Ram 1 Hospital
8 Boonruangrit Road, T Suthep, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053
224861, fax: 053 224880.
Website: www.ramhospital.com
Email: the_docbangkok@yahoo.com
Dr Wong Hospital
111/10 Soi 3, Charoenmuang Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50000. Tel: 053
247519, fax: 053 243624.
Lanna Hospital
103 Chiang Mai - Lampang Road, T Patan, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50300.
Tel: 053 357234, fax: 053 408432.
Website: www.lanna-hospital.com
Email: lanna@lanna-hospital.com
Maharaj Hospital
10 Suthep Road, T Suthep, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 221
517-8.
Malaria Centre
18 Boonruangrit Road, T Suthep, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053
221529, 053 894271.
McCormick Hospital
133 Kaewnawarat Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50000. Tel: 053 241311,
fax: 053 241177.
McKean Rehabilitation Institute
68-69 Ko Klang Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50000. Tel: 053 241633.
Mother and Child Health Centre
51/18 Prachasamphan Road, T Changklan, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100.
Tel: 053 276856.
Nakornping Hospital
Maerim Road, A Maerim, Chiang Mai 50180. Tel: 053 890755.
Email: hin_nakornping@hotmail.com
Polyclinic Hospital
157/17 Chiang Mai - Hod Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053
272788.
Rajavej Hospital
316/1 Chiang Mai - Lampoon Road, T Nonghoi, A Muang, Chiang Mai
50000. Tel: 053 801999, fax: 053 801440.
Ruampaed Hospital
21 Nantaram Road, T Hayya, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel: 053
273576-7, fax 053 279256.
Siem Pakdee Hospital
50 Sridonchai Road, T Hayya, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel: 053
276084, 053 273 581.
St Peter Eye Hospital
150, Chiang Mai - Lampang Road, T Changphuak, A Muang, Chiang Mai
50300. Tel: 053 225011, 053 225016.
Suanprung Mental Hospital
131 Changlor Road, T Hayya, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel: 053
251084.
Big Smile Dental Clinic
Apartment C, Amari Rincome Hotel, Soi 1, Nimmanhemin Road, T Suthep,
A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 895179. Open: Mon-Sat 8:30am -
8pm.
Chiang Mai Dental Clinic
159/5 Changphuak Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 217557.
Open: Mon - Sat, 8am - 8pm.
Chiang Mai Dental Hospital
1/42 Moo 3, Chiang Mai - Lampang Road, T Changphuak, A Muang, Chiang
Mai 50300. Tel: 053 411150.
Website: www.chiangmaidentalcenter.com
Email: dental@chiangmaidentalcenter.com
Dr Sawaeng Dental Clinic
279 Nimmanhemin Road, T Suthep, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053
223646. Open daily 8:30am - 8pm.
Good Teeth Dental Clinic
164/101 Changklan Road, T Changklan, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel:
053 818666. Open Mon - Wed, Fri - Sun 9am-8:30pm.
Special Dental Clinic
Chiang Mai University, Suthep Road, T Suthep, A Muang, Chiang Mai
50200. Tel: 053 944437. Open daily 9am - 8pm.
Fortune Dental Clinic
Tel: 053 281881, 01 9931993
Website: www.fortunedentalclinic-thailand.com
Email: info@fortunedentalclinic-thailand.com
CM Dental Clinic Chaingmai
Website: www.dentalchiangmai.com
Email: info@dentalchiangmai.com
Ratchawong Optical
2-4 Ratchawong Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50300. Tel: 053 234977,
fax: 053 251 546. Open Mon - Sat 8am - 7pm.
Somphet Opticians
139 Moonmuang Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 418058. Open
Mon - Sat, 8am - 8pm, Sun, 8am - 1pm.
Dr Siri (dermatologist)
199 Moonmuang Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 214108.
Dr Somchai Clinic
131 Kotchasarn Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel: 053 281861-4.
Open daily 8am - 8:30pm.
Loikroh Clinic
62/2 Loikroh Road, T Changklan, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel: 053
271571, fax: 053 208717. Open Mon - Fri, 8am - 1pm, 4:30 - 8:30pm /
Sat 8am - 1pm / Sun 4:30 - 8:30pm.
Huaykaew Polyclinic
477 Huaykaew Road, T Suthep, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 223
060.
BUPA Health Insurance
56/22 Chiang Mai - Lampang Road, T Changphuak, A Muang, Chiang Mai
50300. Tel: 053 218222, fax: 053 218313.
Website: www.bupathailand.com
Email: Chiangmai@bupa.co.th
Klung Wetchapan Pharmacy
191/1 Moonmuang Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 211657.
Mungkala Traditional Chinese Medicine
21-27 Ratchamanka Road, T Prasing, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel:
053 278494, 053 208431, fax: 053 208432. Open: Mon-Sat, 9am -
12:30pm, 2:30 - 7pm.
Peeramit Pharmacy
1st Floor, Chiang Mai Pavilion, 145 Changklan Road, A Muang, Chiang
Mai 50100.
Roongkasem Pharmacy
125/3 Changklan Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel: 053 274312,
053 275024. Open: Mon - Sat, 9am - midnight, Sun, 6pm - midnight.
RX Pharma Chemists
185/5 Changklan Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel: 053 273456.
Open Mon - Sat, 8:30am - 9:30pm.
Salaya Pharmacy
153 Moonmuang Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 213033. Open
daily 8:30am - 11:30pm.
Siam Drug and Micromart
G floor, Central Airport Plaza, Mahidol Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai
50200. Tel: 053 903575. Open 9am - 9pm.
Chiang Mai University Animal Hospital
130 Huay Kaew Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 216224.
Chiang Mai Pet Care
30 Soi 7, Nimmanhemin Road, T Suthep, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200.
Open daily 10am - 8pm. Tel: 053 222130, fax: 053 215607
A selection of centrally located branches for each banking group.
Bangkok Bank
53-59 Thapae Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel: 053 270121, 053
270123.
Website: www.bbl.co.th
Bangkok Metropolitan Bank
119 Changklan Road, T Changklan, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel: 053
274634-5.
Bank of Asia
149/1-3 Changklan Road, T Changklan, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel:
053 282903.
Bank of Ayudhya
222/226 Thapae Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel: 053 251812,
fax: 053 251131.
DBS Thai Danu Bank
171/21 Changphuak Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 211061,
fax: 053 221545.
First Bangkok City Bank
32-38 Changmoi Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50300. Tel: 053 251723,
fax: 053 251724.
Thai Farmer Bank
169-171 Thapae Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel: 053 270151,
fax: 053 282679.
Krung Thai Bank
164 Charoenmuang Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50000. Tel: 053 244701,
fax: 053 248588.
Ratanakosin (United Overseas Bank)
137 Huaykaew Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 211091, fax:
053 211095.
Standard Chartered Nakornthon
183 Changphuak Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50300. Tel: 053 210340,
fax: 053 210161.
Savings Bank
18-24 Thapae Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50300. Tel: 053 236068, fax:
053 244085.
Siam City Bank
5 Thapae Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel: 053 275737, 053
276528, fax: 053 272733.
Siam Commercial Bank
17 Thapae Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel: 053 276122, fax: 053
272465.
Website: www.scb.co.th
Thai Military Bank
207 Changmoi Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50300. Tel: 053 251058, fax:
053 251062.
Air
Air Asia
Chiang Mai International Airport, Chiang Mai, 50000. Tel: 0 2515
9999.
Website: www.airasia.com
Air Mandalay
92/3 Sridonchai Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50100. Tel: 053 818049,
fax: 053 818051.
Website: www.air-mandalay.com
Bangkok Airways
60 Moo 3, Airport Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 281519,
fax: 053 281520.
Website: www.bangkokair.com
Chiang Mai International Airport
60 Moo 3, Airport Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 270222.
Visit web site
Lao Airlines
Nakornping Condominium, Huaykaew Road, T Changphuak, A Muang, Chiang
Mai 50300. Tel: 053 223400-1.
Website: www.laoairlines.com
Orient-Thai Airlines (One-Two-Go)
Chiang Mai International Airport, T Suthep, A Muang, Chiang Mai
50200. Tel: 053 922159, fax: 053 922159, email: reservation@orient-thai.com.
Website: www.fly12go.com
Thai Airways International
240 Prapokklao Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 270222-4,
fax: 053 418258.
Website: www.thaiairways.com
Bus
Arcade Bus Station (long distance and regional)
260/4 Keawnawarat Road, T Watkat, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50000. Tel:
053 242664.
Changphuak Bus Station
Changphuak Road, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: 053 211586.
Rail
Chiang Mai Railway Station
473 Charoen Muang Road, T Watkat, A Muang, Chiang Mai 50000. Tel:
053 247462.
Getting to Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is about 800 km north of Bangkok and a 90-minute journey
by air. It is connected to Bangkok by rail and road and it has
connections to several international destinations.
There are several ways of getting to Chiang Mai, including bus,
train and airplane. Bus is the cheapest but the least comfortable
one. Many opt for the overnight sleeper train, which takes longer.
There are even cheaper options like the flights which cost as little
as 100 baht.
Chiang Mai International Airport has connections to and from
Bangkok, Phuket, Singapore, Luang Prabang, Taipei, Kunming, Rangoon,
Mandalay and Chittakong, as well as domestic flights to Mae Hong Son
and Chiang Rai. There are at least 30 flights a day between Chiang
Mai and Bangkok on a number of airlines, with the recent
introduction of budget fares from Air Asia, Taksin Air and Orient
Thai. These should be booked online at least three weeks in advance.
Singapore Airlines flies to and from Chiang Mai on Sundays, Tuesdays
and Fridays.
Getting to Chiang Mai by train is another popular option with budget
travelers. There are eight trains a day and they leave at 06:55,
08:30, 16:00, 16:45, 17:50, 20:30, 21:00. The journey can be
painfully slow (11 hours) and the overnight sleeper is recommended.
All trains departing from 16:00 onwards have comfortable bunks (some
without air-conditioning), except the 20:30 departure. We suggest a
second class (741 baht) bottom bunk on the 17:50, as the best
option. Trains depart from the Hua Lampong Station and have full
food services onboard at reasonable prices.
Buses depart at least every hour between 05:30 and 22:00 from Mo
Chit Station and take roughly 10 hours, with a similar schedule on
return journey from Chiang Mai's Eastern (Main) Bus Terminal. We
recommend VIP buses (fare 400 - 600 baht), offered by either the
government or private companies. These can also be arranged from
travel agents on Khao San Road and at other points around the city,
but be wary of agents who promise services that are never delivered,
such as reclining seats and air conditioners. Dress in warm clothes
as the Thais love freezing air conditioning and prefer to sit up all
night watching noisy videos onboard.
You can also hire a car in Bangkok or elsewhere for getting to
Chiang Mai, and drive up at your own leisure, stopping off in
Ayutthaya and Sukothai. The countryside is quite pretty and you
enter the mountains from Tak or Pitsanalok onwards.
Once in Chiang Mai, getting around is easily done by flagging down a
tuk tuk or songtaew. Negotiate your fare beforehand with the tuk tuk
driver (50 baht for a 10 minute journey - most places within the
centre) or hop aboard one of the red songteaw trucks which act as an
informal transport system and will take you along a popular route
for 10 baht, but may deliver you to your hotel for a little more.
There is a very limited bus service in Chiang Mai. Hiring bicycles
or motorbikes/scooters is also popular and practical.
TRAVEL GUIDE
Sam Lor (3 wheel)
For relatively short distances you can take a bicycle "Saam Lor"
(three-wheel). Short rides within the city cost between 20 and 30
Baht. Longer rides may cost as much as 40-50 Baht. It's a nice
leisurely way to look around.
Tuk Tuk
If you want a faster and some adventure services try Tuk Tuk. For a
short ride, it costs about 20-30 baht per trip and 40-60 baht for a
longer ride. Do negotiate the price for your destination. Tuk tuks
are not really in favor nowadays..
Red Cab
The red taxi so-called "Se-Lor", a modified pick-up truck with a
roof over the back, is the most common taxi for commuters in the
urban area. Visitors just tell them the destination and negotiate
the price before making a trip. They normally pick up and drop other
passengers along the way until they reach a final destination. It
normally costs about 10 baht per person but fares can go up
depending upon the destination. It is always better that he quotes
the price first and after that you can bargain.
WHEN TO GO
January weather is almost perfect, but it is considered the peak
season for tourists and prices for accommodations are at their
highest. It might seem a bit exciting to spend the New Year’s Eve in
Thailand but there is not much celebration. International
restaurants offer traditional meals from their home country.
February has the same weather as January, but with less tourist and
prices going back to normal.
From March you start to feel the heat but it is nothing unbearable.
If you like mangoes, that's the right time to come and enjoy the
fruit traditionally served with sticky rice and coconut milk.
In April temperatures are at their peak, but it is also the time for
the craziest celebration in the country: Songkran, the water
festival also called Thai New Year. Thais come from all the
provinces for the occasion. It might prove difficult to find
transportation/accommodation during the festival. Festivities last
about 5 days, and you don't feel the heat because you're drenched
from dawn to dusk with buckets of water (not always the cleanest)
thrown by everyone. This is also known as the alcohol festivals as
there is a huge consumption of alcohol during this period. Songkran
also witnesses a lot of road accidents.
In May there is regular evening thunderstorms. This could be called
Buddha month because he was born, enlightened and died in the month
of May. There are a lot of genuine celebrations in many temples.
Don't be shy; you can join even if you don't know the local customs.
June usually has very similar weather to May unless the rains hit
early. If you're a fruit lover then this is your month. Don't miss
the Mangosteens and above all the 'Jumbo Lychees’. The landscape
takes brownish shades after so many months without proper watering.
Maybe not the best time for jungle trekking.
July – due to dry soils, the first heavy rains of the 'green' season
can lead to spectacular floods. In Chiang Mai the night bazaar area
can easily suffer, though it never last very long. You should still
get a majority of dry days (not always sunny). If you're a
photographer, skies can be very dramatic, especially when the sun
goes down behind the Suthep Mountain.
August is really up to your luck as to what kind of weather you
experience. Rivers fill up; it's time to enjoy some rafting in the
Pai area, or to take nice photos of the various waterfalls (great in
Doi Inthanon park).
Statistically speaking, September is the month with most rain though
not necessarily true. But floods can occur during this time.
October is when the rainy season comes to an end, you just wake up
one day, and the sky is bright blue and will remain like this for
months. Start you tour in late October.
November is the perfect time to visit Chiang Mai. The weather is
nice, the temperatures in the low 30°C, it's not the high season
yet, prices are fair. But most importantly, it is the time for the
beautiful Loy Krathong Festival. To be honest, it's in Sukhothai
that you'll see it under its most traditional aspect. In Chiang Mai
fewer and fewer women put on their best sarong and jewelry, still it
is great close to the Mae Ping River. Be careful, there is a lot of
firecrackers around (many kinds, they can be bought anywhere), maybe
not the best for young children, but kids would definitely love it.
December has great weather, high season, prices on the rise, the
Night Bazaar is crowded to its maximum.
WHERE TO GO
Wat Suan Dok
Has the North's largest chapel royal. The principal Buddha statue is
a huge cast image named Phra Chao Kao Tu.
Chiang Mai National Museum
Is situated near Wat Chet Yot and gas ancient Buddhist statues and
weapons.
Tribal Research Center
Is in Chiang Mai University, 5 kilometers from town.
Chiang Mai Zoo
Is near Huai Kaeo Arboretum, 6 kilometers from town
Doi Suthep - Pui National Park
Is in the area of Amphoe Mae Rim, Amphoe Hang Dong and Amphoe Muang,
covering 262.5 square kilometers. The office of the park is on Doi
Suthep route near Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Namtok Huai Kaeo
This waterfall is near Chiang Mai Zoo, 6 kilometers from the town.
The place is ideal for picnics.
Mae Sa Snake Farm
This farm is situated on Mae Rim Samoeng Road. The farm displays
snakes from all over Thailand and studies snake breeding as well.
Snake shows are there where visitor can see the extraction of venom
from the snakes.
Orchid Farm
This is along Mae Rim - Samoeng Road, is the centre of all northern
orchids. The two nearby orchid farms, Mountain Orchid and Sai Nam
Phung Orchid Nursery provide an opportunity for visitors to admire
"The Queen of the Forest" that blooms all year round.
Mae Sa Butterfly Farm
This is located at 5 kilometers on Mae Rim - Samoeng Road.
Mae Sa Elephant Show
Is on the Mae Rim - Samoeng Road. There is a demonstration daily
09.30 -11.30 hrs. Jungle Tour is also available after the show.
Contact: (053) 297-060 for more information.
NIGHTLIFE
Nightlife in Chiang Mai is much tamer and quieter than Bangkok, but
it is as much fun as in capital. People in this city like to enjoy
themselves and are happy to party with the many foreigners visiting
their town. In Chiang Mai there are plenty of relaxing bars, a
couple of banging discos, one street full of go-go bars, and a
smattering of karaoke lounges. Thailand is also very accepting of
the gay and lesbian scene.
The city is a great place for a pub-crawl because it's easy to walk
(or stumble) from bar to bar (crossing the city centre on foot takes
about 20 minutes). The Thais are fabulous singers, with repertoires
that include lovely Thai ballades, MOR, soul, blues and pop
favourites. There are also a number of discos, which have talented
DJs spinning dance floor anthems, cutting edge trance and house, and
retro classics.
The Chiang Mai nightlife is unfortunately quite restricted after
midnight due to a current directive from the Governor to spoil the
fun. There have been considerable complaints from all quarters, but
only a selected number of places have so far been allowed to remain
open until 2am.
Bars are found all over the city, but are mostly congregated on
either side of the Moat's eastern flank (in the Tapae Gate area),
along the Ping River near Nawarat Bridge or in the vicinity of the
Night Bazaar. Some are lively and friendly; while others are quiet
and more mature. The Night Bazaar keeps Chiang Mai's centre busy
after hours, and there is plenty of late shopping and eating.
Karaoke is a national obsession and these lounges can be found all
over the city. Many of them attract a male clientele by including a
bevy of young hostesses who will sit and sing with you for a small
hourly fee. These can be found at Chiang Mai Land, a purpose-built
street off Changklan road, south of the city.
There is also plenty of good clean fun to be had. Multiplex cinemas
are found in the Kad Suan Kaew mall (also known as Central) and
Airport Plaza, both showing movies with English soundtrack. An ice
skating rink and bowling alley are also located in Central. There is
also a karting track and mini golf, as well as a Thursday night quiz
at the Irish Pub, while writers congregate at the Writers' Club and
Wine Bar on Friday nights to spin a yarn over some tipple.
EVENTS
Flower Festival is held in every first weekend of February. The
north is noted for its rich variety of flowering plants,
particularly temperate-zone specimens that are at their best during
this cool month. Spectacular floral floats are a memorable feature
of this annual event held in Chiang Mai, together with displays of
flowers, handicraft sales, and beauty contests.
Songkran Festival Held during April 13 -15. Songkran, the
traditional Thai New Year, is celebrated all over the country but
nowhere with more enthusiasm than in Chiang Mai. Part of the
celebration is religious with ceremonies and all but there is a
lighter side too. The festival also witnesses beauty contests,
parades, et al.
Yipeng Loi Krathong Held every November. In Chiang Mai, an unusual
part of the Loi Krathong celebration is the Yi Peng Loi Festival or
the ritual of the lighted balloon. The people launch colourful hot
air paper balloons into the sky, bearing their troubles away. In the
evening, all homes and shops are decorated with beautiful lanterns.
Later, traditional Krathongs are also floated on the river and other
waterways
Chiang Mai Winter Fair December 29- January 10, noon- late. It is
behind the Governor’s office, Irrigation Canal Rd (66-53-219291).
Petchabun Bo Sang Umbrella Fair & San Kampheng Handicraft Festival
January 15-17 Bo Sang, Chiang Mai
Ban Thawai Wood Carving Fair Demonstrations, contests and sales of
woodcarvings and local handicraft. The Chiang Mai celebration from
Jan 29 to Feb 4 includes local folk performances and a procession
highlighting the popular range of Northern Thai woodcrafts.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival February 5-7 with the main procession on
February 6. It showcases horticultural shows.
Teen Jok Fair is held in February 6-8 Amphoe Mae Jam. On February 6
boat races as well as a large drum competition will open the fair at
around 4pm. There'll be an exhibition of antique teen jok materials,
hand woven by local guilds of women, plus over 3,000 pieces of teen
jok on sale. Demonstrations of weaving and competitions by local
villagers added to the enjoyment. Call: (66-53-485052).
Phra That Cho Hae Fair February 25- March 1, Wat Phra That Cho Hae,
Phrae. Usually the provisional fair attractions are from Li-Khe
theatre and beauty contest to food and stalls.
Phra Buddha Chinart Fair To honor one of Thailand's most sacred
Budhha image enshrined at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in
Phitsanulok. There is also an event called Folk Theatre.
Thai Lue Tribal Legendary Fair March 6-7, Wat Bann Sop Waen School,
Phayao. Contact TAT: (66-53-717433, 744674-5).
