General Information:

Location
Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand

Time zone
(GMT + 7) Chiang Mai, Thailand is 7 hours in front of London, England

Electricity
220 volts / Two pin prongs are standard (flat & round)

Telephone: Country & City Code
+66 (053)

Climate / Thailand
Rainy Season: (June to October) the rainy season brings light showers to heavy downpours, although it does not rain everyday and tends to fall during the evening leaving plenty of time for sunshine during the day. 

Cool Season: (November to February) the cool season is the best time to visit most parts of Thailand when the weather is more bearable, cooler and less rain fall if any at all. 

Hot Season: (March to May) the hot season can become quite uncomfortable due to the humidity and average temperatures soar to 35 °C to 40 °C in the central regions. 

Note: temperatures can change dramatically depending on which region of Thailand you are in but it is very easy to move around Thailand and enjoy your holiday whichever season you wish to travel.

Useful Telephone Numbers

• Chiang Mai Tourist Board (053) 248 604       
• Immigration (053) 277 510       
• Tourist Police (053) 248 130       
• Siam Hospital (053) 411 234       
• Lanna Hospital (053) 357 234       
• Municipal Hospital (053) 272 560 
• American Express: (02) 273 5100
• Dinner Club (02) 238 2920
• Visa, Master Card (02) 256 7326-7

Getting To Chiang Mai / Around

Chiang Mai By Air:
Chiang Mai, International Airport, is situated close to the main city. Most of the hotels and attractions can be reached within 20 minutes of the airport. A metered taxi into the city will cost 100 baht but expect to pay a little more for an airport taxi (20 to 40 baht extra).There is also a bus service that operates a service into the city for around 15 to 20 baht or hire a tuk-tuk (three-wheeled motorised taxis) for 60-70 baht. Most hotels and guesthouses offer a free pick-up/drop-off service.

Chiang Mai By Bus:
Buses to Chiang Mai depart from Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal, situated very close to Mo Chit skytrain station. Air-conditioned buses leave every morning at 8.30 am to 10.30 am and late evening 8.00pm to 9.30pm. The journey takes an average of 10 hours.There are cheaper buses although due to the journey time we would recommend the much more comfortable air-conditioned buses.
Note: Most buses arrive at the Arcade Bus Station. If you travel with a private bus company, they may drop you off at another location.

Chiang Mai By Train:
Trains depart daily from Bangkok||s Hua Lampong Railway Station for Chiang Mai daily.The journey takes around 11 hours but the scenery is breathtaking .For overnight trips, first and second-class sleeper berths are an excellent way to travel. Note: Prices and travel times vary depending on the type of comfort and class. Visit:State Railyway of Thailand for more information.

Transport In Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai By Local Transport:
Tuk-tuk (three-wheeled motorised taxis), Songtaews and Motorcycle Taxis: are a common mode of transport within Chiang Mai and can be easy to find. Prices are reasonable although, like taxis, negotiate a price when departing on longer journeys.

Chiang Mai By Car / Motorcycle:
Car and motorbike rental shops are reasonably priced and provide an excellent way to explore Chiang Mai. Note: Always hire a vehicle from a reliable company and check the hire agreement very carefully. Check the type of insurance cover and the condition of the vehicle before renting. Please keep to the speed limits and respect the local way of life. Don||t forget to wear a helmet. It is illegal not to.

For bookings or more information on air, bus or train times contact:www.tma-travel.com

Chiang Mai Attractions                             

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is Located right in the centre of the city just of the Ping River and is known as one of the best markets in Thailand and offers a wide-range of shopping from open air street vendors to sidewalks and small boutiques, Selling a range of goods that include local handicrafts, Thai silk, DVDs and some mouth watering food.

Chiang Mai Zoo is located on the road to Doi Suthep and has some wonderful views of the city. The zoo is home to thousands of species of wild plants and flowers and at least 400 different species of animals .The most famous being two giant Pandas loaned by China.Chiang Mai Zoo is a great place to spend the day especially for families with children.

Note: Admission is 40 baht, although you will be required to pay an extra 100 baht to see the pandas but is worth the price and is needed to maintain their enclosure.

Wat Chiang Man is located within the walls of the old city, near the Chang Puak gate. Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. It has some beautiful Northern Thai architecture, and several building are painted with red lacquer and covered with gold leaf. The doorways are decorated with coloured mirror pieces.

Wat Chedi Luang is located near to Tha Pae Gate. This impressive temple once housed the precious Emerald Buddha, now in Bangkok. The ruined but impressive brick chedi was heavily damaged in 1545 in a major earthquake but went under major reconstruction in 1991 and has now been partly restored to its former glory.

Doi Inthanon National Park - Doi  Inthanon is the largest mountain in Thailand at (2,565 meters above sea level). It is located in Chiang Mai province and about 2 hours drive from the city. Visitors head to Doi Inthanon for the breathtaking views, spectacular waterfalls and of course to watch some of the most interesting wildlife that Thailand has to offer.

The best way to explore Doi Inthanon National Park is by car or motorcycle, although tours can easily be arranged through TMA Travel. Note: This is a National park and charges will apply.

Mae Sa Elephant Camp is located on the banks of a small river deep in the jungle with a welcoming waterfall at the entrance. Known as the largest elephant camp in northern Thailand with an estimated 70 elephants, it makes a great day out from the city.At the camp, there are a variety of activities to entertain you. Elephant shows, riding, logging and even a football match are just some of the activities on offer.

A ride on an elephant can cost from 100 baht to 1,000 baht, depending on the length of time required. (Usually the price would be for two people). Note: Show times vary depending on the season. At the time of writing they are 8:00 am, 9:00 am and 1:30 pm.

Mae Sa Snake Farm is located 3.5 kilometers from Mae Rim. Snake handlers show a variety of non-poisonous and poisonous snakes with cobras being the highlight. The farm gives tourists a unique opportunity to hold a live cobra and python in their hand. Show times are at 11:30, 14:15 and 15:30 with an entry fee.

Mae Rim Monkey School is located 20 kilometres north of Chiang Mai. This is a good place to see monkeys perform tricks such as riding a bicycle and playing basketball they will also show you how they train the monkeys to climb trees and retrieve coconuts.

Mae Sa Waterfall is located 23 kilometres north of Chiang Mai on the Mae Rim-Samoeng Road. This waterfall is in Soi Suithep-Pui national park and is a popular tourist destination for the local people as well as tourists. Impressive scenery, lush green jungle and an eight tiered waterfall makes it a great place to take a stroll.Note: This is a National park and charges will apply.

Wat Phrathat (Doi Suthep) is a must for anyone who visits Chiang Mai. Located high in the mountains and perched on a cliff face, Wat Phrathat (Doi Suthep) offers a superb view over the city of Chiang Mai. The temple can be approached by climbing a steep staircase comprising 306 steps or tram rides, which are available to take you up as well as down.

Once inside the temple grounds you will come across a stunning golden chedi standing 78 feet high and 38 feet wide, covered in gold leaf.The temple is still visited by Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. The basic admission charge is 30 baht for foreign visitors or 50 baht with a 2-way tram ride included.