GETTING AROUND
Sam-lor
For relatively short distances, you can take a sam-lor (pedaled tricycle) for Bt20 - Bt30 per head. Fare may go up to Bt40-Bt50 for longer rides.

  

 Tuk-tuk
You may also take a motorized sam-lor, also known as tuk-tuk. Rates are not standard but the ride is quicker. Remember, always bargain with a smile.

Red pick-up cab
The most common means of transport is the red cab, which looks like covered pickup trucks where passengers sit on back benches. Sometimes, these red cabs are mistaken for regular buses because of their size. Others use it as a communal taxi.  Before boarding, ask where it is going. Pay the driver Bt15 if there are other passengers. If not, tell him where you’re going and ask how much would it cost. Don’t hesitate to bargain
 
Airport transfers
To get to or out of the airport you can take a private limousine or a song-taew (red pick-up cab). Most hotels provide airport transfers. train transfers

The Chiangmai-Bangkok route is serviced by three classes that operate from 5am - 10pm. These are the Rapid (Bt421, Bt471); Sprinter (Bt481) and Special Express (Bt611, Bt681, Bt1,193) classes. Phone reservations are not accepted. Call 053-247-462 to check seat availability, 053-242-094 for advance trip schedules, and 053-245363/-4 for same-day trips.  Or call the Chiang Mai depot on Charoenmuang Road at 053-244795 for more information.

Bus transfers
Arcade bus station. The arcade is located on the eastern end of Kaew Nawarat Road near the super highway intersection (Highway 118). Call 053-242-664 to check schedules. The bus trip from Chiang Mai to Bangkok takes about nine hours. One-way fare is from Bt403–Bt605. Most bus companies provide transfer services to and from the Arcade. The majority of bus companies are located at the Anusarn Market and Saeng Tawan Cinema areas.

Chang Puak Bus Station: Located on the southern section of Chotana Road, (053-211-586). Here, buses leave for Chiang Rai via the northern route (Highway 107), passing through Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, Chaiprakarn, Fang, Mae Ai and Thaton from where passengers can take a long-tail boat to Chiang Rai : Chiang Mai-Tha Ton, Bt90 (fan); Chiang Mai-Om Koi, Bt110 (fan);  Chiang Mai-Fang, Bt120 (air-con van). Fare to other destinations depend on distance.

THE THRILLS THEY CALL WHITE WATER RAFTING

THE TRILLS THEY CALL WHITE WATER RAFTING
For 36 hours, participants try to navigate numerous rapids
Whether you're looking for adventure or prefer a quiet, relaxing journey, there's no better way to explore some of northern Thailand's most spectacular sights than by navigating its rivers on board an inflated or bamboo raft.

The whitewater-rafting season begins during the rainy season in mid-June and can last until late January. That's also the time when Thai Adventure Rafting offers exciting trips down the Pai river, the only way through Mae Hong Son's Lum Nam Pai Wildlife Sanctuary. For the next 36 hours, participants try to navigate numerous rapids while marveling at the surrounding wilderness.

Two rivers closer to Chiang Mai also offer the same experience. The Mae Jaem River that flows through Ob-Luang National Park has a number of grade four rapids, while the Mae Taeng River, flowing through Hui Nam Dang National Park, is ideal for a short day trip.

It takes a bit of courage to take on the elements, but the task is made easier with the availability of a good boat, an experienced guide, and a change of dry clothes. For those who want added thrill, try a kayak or a boogie board instead.

If whitewater rafting strikes fear into your heart, then the alternative would be bamboo rafting. Most trekking packages offer it as part of their itinerary

Just past the Mae Rim, Mae Sa and Mae Taman rivers are a couple of starting points for a leisurely trip. Cast off at either Mae Sa Elephant Camp and Mae Taman Rafting & Elephant Camp and just let the raft float at a lazy pace. As it drifts with the current, the stillness is broken only by the sound of the water splashing against it

From the forest, one hears the distinct screeches of different birds and shrill cries of monkeys. The last village now seems far behind and all around, only trees, rocks, and endless water are visible. Yes, it is the silence that accompanies this exciting trip that stays in the memory.

THAI BOXING ART

THAI BOXING ART
When professional fighters around the world armed with their respective fighting style pummel on the ring, Muay Thai destroys all challengers

Once upon a time a Thai prisoner of the Burmese army was bidden to win his way out of captivity in a bout. Early chronicles mentions his name as Nai Khanomtom, who single-handedly knocked to the ground about a dozen of Burmese fighters using bare hands, feet and elbows. That is where we start to trace on record about Thailand's national sport the Muay Thai.

Although our estimates of the time of its origin go back about 2,000 years ago (apparently from China and India), the sport has been mostly popularized when King Naresuan institutionalized the art for Thai warriors as a form of defense in unarmed combat. In fact, it was the favourite sport of kings.

A story goes that when King Sen Muajing Ma died, his two sons contended for the throne in this way, Muay Thai. And some of the kings during the Ayutthaya period excelled in the art. Most popular story is that of the King Phra Buddha Chao Sua, who loved to disguise him as a commoner to get access into the ring and even defeated the national champion.

So far those are well-rounded epic traces of this world-renowned and most ferocious and deadly martial art widely known as "Thai Boxing" or "Muay Thai" in Thai dialect. It is the fastest growing martial art in the world and it has the reputation of having the most murderous kicking techniques where hardly a year passes that no one is get killed. When professional fighters around the world armed with their respective fighting style pummel on the ring, Muay Thai destroys all challengers. So this probably has inspired Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris and the rest.

Each fight starts with both corners performing a ritual, limbering up routine as a way of honouring and paying homage to their trainers. The ritual dance is Rum Muay Thai. It's a sacred talisman earned after years of dedication to the art. The dance starts with "wai kru", you will see them kneeling and bowing on canvass three times, which represents an act of respect to the "boxing spirits" or their teacher. This may round up the ritual after which the headbands are removed and the fight begins. Many observed that you might know beforehand who is going to win by viewing the way they perform the rituals.

And the powerful kick starts. Any part of the body except the head is used. The knockout blows can come everywhere. But movements are with graceful swiftness and artful pummeling. The blows are defined but always come in surprises. Elbows and knees are more decisive and are considered the best tools in inflicting pain and defeat to an opponent. Although punching is taken as the least effective form of attack, it is indeed the best-coordinated blow to conceal a quick, powerful and fatal kick. A winner is awarded for a knock-out or a points decision given bay panel of judges.

Each fight consists of five rounds of three minutes with a two-minute break between rounds. Accompanying the fight is music stimulated by action in the ring, rising and falling as the boxers battle it out. Throughout the fight is a never-ending surprise.

Today, Muay Thai can be seen all over Thailand, at venues ranging from hastily thrown together rings at village fairs to modern air-conditioned stadiums of international standard. It is a must-see in any tourist agenda.

 Where to watch Thai Boxing
Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)
Gawila Boxing Stadium, Charoenmuang Road: European Boxer and Thai Boxer. Most exciting & interesting flight in town. The standard stadium only one in Chiangmai. Ticket Bt400 will also be sold at stadium every Friday. Start at 7.30 p.m. Timetable can be change without prier notice, please contact Mr.Dang at 09-852-6947.Where to learn Thai Boxing

Lanna Muay Thai, 64/1 Huay Kaew Road. Tel / Fax. 053-892102: Muay Thai is Thailand home grown martial arts. As a sport, it is more exciting that ordinary boxing and more effective as a form of self-defense. It has English - speaking instructors and the fee is just Bt250 a day. Open daily 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Soonkeelavetket Gym (Chay-Yai-Gym)
Chiangmai-Lumphun Road, 800 m. from Maeping Police Station. Tel 053-282371, 01-950-6703, 09-434-5553, 06-524-8523, 06-093-5819: Muay Thai courses. Coached by Chay-Yai Sitheppitak and 10 trainers former superstar Muay Thai 7-10 years experience. Open daily 7 .m.- 6 p.m.

THINGS TO DO

 OVER THE EDGE  "BUNGY"
Another opportunity for thrillseekers to experience a rush of pure adrenaline
The cords are strapped tightly around your ankles. Then, you are asked to walk a few steps before plunging into the air. As the ground gets closer, you shout as your heart pounds and your pulse quickens. But just before hitting the bottom. you feel someone pulling you up. The tension is gone by the time you are lowered on to a bamboo platform and asked to lie down on a cushion. Your muscles are still tight as you recall the fear and excitement. You stand up slowly and contemplate what you have just done; a jump from the top of a 50-meter high tower.

Bungee jumping is believed to have originated from the South Pacific, where young men have for centuries been jumping from the top of a bamboo platform on the side of a hill with only vines tied to their ankles to prove their bravery to manhood.

Modern day bungee jumping began in 1979 when a group of Oxford University students belonging to the Dangerous Sports Club leaped from a bridge in Bristol. Since then, a number of adventure companies have created bungee jump facilities throughout the world to give thrillseekers yet another opportunity to experience a rush of adrenaline.

The Jungle Bungee Jump located in Mae Rim, which is just 20 minutes from Chiang Mai, is the only professional and fully licensed bungee jumping organization in Asia. It has been operating in Chiangmai for three years and in Thailand for a decade. It is
owned and operated by Sudarat (Long) and Ian Rauner of New Zealand, one of only a handful of licensed jump-masters in the world. All of the equipment used meet professional standards.

"The thrill of bungee jumping is incomparable. The hardest part is summoning enough courage to step over the edge. Some people scream, some don't, while others want to scream, but can't," the two often say.
Fees include a T-shirt, pictures of your jump and a "certificate of courage". Call 053-290442 for inquiries.

ROCK CLIMBING, DISCOVERING NATURE

It is the ultimate sport for thrillseekers and adventurous souls

From below, you hear the two guides, Son and Kat, shouting instructions on what to hold on to and where to step. But all of their words seem faint as you concentrate on the task at hand and slowly feel a rush of adrenaline.
The ground looks distant and the rocks menacing. And yet, the top seems farther. A few minutes ago, you saw the guides scamper up the cliff like spiders. They made is look so easy.

You reach with your right hand for the flat ledge above your head and step on something called a "foothold", which is really just a small piece of rock with enough room for a toe. Then, it's time to shift weight to the right, stand on one foot and try to place your left hand on a big hole in the rock that feels like a bucket. Climbers call this kind of hold a "jug".
Amazingly, your right foot doesn't budge and you before you know it, a chain bolted on to the rock is within grasp. The voices of the guides seem louder; you stop for a second and take it all in. Standing 30 meters above the ground on the side of a cliff, only the valley and the rain forest are visible.

Welcome to rock climbing, the ultimate sport for thrillseekers and adventurous souls.
A sport that has made Chiangmai one of few places in the world that is a must destination for professional climbers, who never miss an opportunity to visit Crazy Horse Buttress, a 70-meter high limestone cliff located in the eastern town of Mae On.

Thanks to Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures, there are now more than 70 climbing routes in the vicinity.
They hold daily climbing trips and offer one to five-day courses (introduction, advanced, professional) conducted by trained guides with a combined 18 years of climbing experience. They also provide equipment rental services. Rates include, transportation, food, water, instruction book, T-shirt, and insurance.

 Trekking
A center for treks into the mountainous northern areas, especially home of hill tribes, Chiang Mai offers unique opportunities for the adventures. Lush hills and virgin forests are scenic backdrops that will make your trekking by foot or on elephant back truly memorable. The most popular trails are in Doi Inthanon National Park where over 300 bird species and a wide variety of orchids and other flowers can be seen.
 
Holistic healing for your wellness and well-being
There are plenty of stress relief services such as traditional Thai massage, Swedish, Shiatsu and Aromatherapy massages available in spas in the city and in resorts. A highly recommended place, which offers a renewed sense of wellness, is the Tao Garden located on Doi Saket. The Tao Garden offers appropriate therapy to balance the body and mind, thus enhancing a peaceful inner self. The spa offers five unique therapies including aromatherapy, Chi Nei Tsang massage, Ayurvedic oil, and acupuncture as well as body wrapping. Tai Chi Chuan offers an intensive 10-day course three sessions daily, 7.00 to 9.30 am, 1.00 to 2.00 pm & 4.00 to 6.30 p.m. Call Keith at 0 5330 6012 ext. 201

Cycling tours/ Mountain biking
Chiang Mai’s mountainous terrain and scenic destinations make the province perfect for both cycling and mountain biking. Many tour companies offer biking tour programs that include guides, food and overnight equipment. There are also an increasing number of travel agents providing full-day cycling tours to several interesting destinations.

The tours usually head north from the Asian Games Stadium through the Mae Sa Valley. Alternatively, it is possible to experience the scenery along Maenam Ping, which flows peacefully through villages, old temples, farms, etc. For those who are serious about cycling, a longer route to Chiang Rai is available which includes visits to small villages of Lahu, Lisu and Akha hilltribes. Call 053-234239 for more information.


Rafting
Chiang Mai also provides good opportunities for rafting using bamboo or rubber rafts, as there are lots of rivers and streams flowing throughout the province. Popular routes include Mae Kok, Mae Chaem, and Mae Tuen rivers. All rives flow through lush forests and hill tribe settlements. Contact your local agents for more information.


Boat trip
To see most of Chiang Mai from a different perspective, take a leisurely boat trip from the Nawarat Bridge. The trip operates five times daily, 10 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m., and 5.30 p.m.

Sightseeing in the air
An alternative way to get a bird’s eye view of Chiang Mai is to board a Micro-light craft to see the city’s environments and its localities. Flights are available daily from 6 to 12 noon and 3 6 p.m. The pilot, your guide, will point out and explain places of interest visible from the air. At the end of the flight, you will receive a photograph taken by a camera mounted on the planes wing. For more information, call 053-868460 or visit the Chiang Mai Sky Adventure at 143 Moo 6, Chiang Doi, Doi Saket sub-district.

Go-kart
Enjoy the speedy go-kart at 254 Mu 8, Hang Dong District. There are 4 types of rides available, ranging from beginners to competition models. Call 053-430059 for more information.

Cooking classes
Thai cooking classes are fun and delightful. An increasing number of foreign tourists join Thai cooking classes to learn new skills that can be used at home. The Banthai Cookery School offers mostly vegetarian cooking lessons, conducted in an old-Lanna style house. It is located on 11 Ratrchadamnern Road Soi 5, opposite Wat Pan On. Call 053-357339 for more information.

Alternatively, the Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School (Tel. 053-206388) offers a 5-day course that includes an introduction to Thai ingredients, paste-making, a tour to the market and vegetable carving. Call 053-206388 for more information. 


Bird Watching
Endowed with rich natural deposits, Chiang Mai has a lot to offer to bird lovers. Its forests, perfect wildlife sanctuaries, are good observation spots for bird watching activities. Among several popular places are Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep. 



Elephant Safari
See elephants at work and ride them into the forest, where you can enjoy being closer to nature. Maetaman Valley, just 50 kilometers north of Chiang Mai, provides an excellent base for this activity. The whole trekking package may include trekking on foot, bamboo rafting, whitewater rafting or kayaking, an ox- cart ride, and an overnight stay at a hill tribe village. Call 053-206047 for more information.


Yoga and meditation class
After a long adventurous day, one may choose to be pampered in one of the spas in the area. Alternatively, it is possible to achieve freedom from the routine and mundane life by finding your inner path through either yoga or meditation lessons. Take time to heal the body, mind, soul and spirit and let time stand still. Many tourists and locals have found the practice extremely beneficial and awakening. Contact Mahachulalongkorn Rajavidialai (053 278967) for more information on a 2-day program on meditation for foreign visitors. It is offered at Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phalad. Yoga enthusiasts can call 053-271555, Hatha Yoga Center for more information.

Jungle revving
Experience the rugged terrain of Chiang Mai on an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV), imported 4-wheel motorbikes. The tour offers daily treks. Call 053-939113 or visit MAC ATV Tour at Km. 10 Mae Rim Samoeng Road. (near the Maesa Elephant Camp)

THINGS TO SEE

Doi Inthanon  National Park Orchid and wild bird sanctuary

This 1,005-square-kilometer park is located on Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain. It is part of a mountain range that runs across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Northern Thailand. The dense forest abounds with lichens and wild orchids – and wild birds. The best time to see its waterfalls is May through November. For wild flowers, it is December through
February. For birds, it’s November through March. Getting there: Travel 58 kilometers west of Chiang Mai via Highway No. 107 to Chom Thong, then turn right intoHighway No. 1009 and continue a further distance of 48 kilometers along Highway No. 1009 to the summit. A good but rather steep asphalt road takes visitors up, thus the vehicle must be in good condition. Visitors will pay an entrance fee at Km. 8.

 HMONG VILLAGE Splendid tribal lifestyle

This Hmong village has preserved its simple but splendid traditions and lifestyles. The village can be reached by taking a left turn at Km.12 and proceeding for seven kilometers. Only four-wheel vehicles in good condition can make the trip. Along the route, you can visit resorts, including Mae Sa Valley, Mae Sa Resort (which offers a nine-hole golf course), and Kangsadan Farm.
  

 MOUNTAIN ORCHID
Located at Mu1 in Rim Tai in the Mae Rim district, this plantation has been around for over 20 years. It breeds a huge variety of orchids using new technology. Call 053-297-343 beforehand if you want to visit.

MAE SA WATERFALL
This famous eight-tiered waterfall is located at Km. 7 along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route. Its towering trees help make the place breezy throughout the year. It is an ideal recreational spot for both residents and visitors.
Queen Sirikit Botanical GardenSiikit Queen Sirikit Botanical GardenQUEEN BOTANICAL GARDEN

Located near Km. 12 along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route, the botanical garden has a fine collection of Thai and foreign plants. Visitors can drive around the area and stop by the Thai Orchid Breeding Center, the Herbs Museum and the Research Center. The garden is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 053-298-171-5 ext. 4736 or 4739.

TRIBAL MUSEUM
The Tribal Museum is in King Rama IX Lanna Garden on Chotana Road.  This is an ethnology museum featuring the indigenous culture of nine hill tribes including Karen (Kariang), Hmong (Meo), Mien (Yao), Lisu (Liso), Akha (Iko), Lahu (Musoe), Lau, Thin, Khamu and the minority tribe of Malabri.  Each tribe possesses unique identity and culture.
The museum exhibits the ways of life, culture, beliefs and local wisdom of those tribes, which have been conveyed through artistic objects displayed in the museum. It is open daily to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 053-210-872.
Soi Pui Tribal VillageDoi Pui Tribal VillageDOI PUI TRIBAL VILLAGE

This village is a Hmong village situated on an asphalt road about three kilometers from Phu Phing Palace and about one hour from downtown Chiang Mai. The village presents the typical lifestyle of the Hmong as well as a scenic view of Doi Inthanon.

ROYAL WINTER  PALACE
The palace is located further up the mountain about six kilometers from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Its landscaped gardens are decorated with plenty of colorful, exotic flowers. It is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except when the Royal family is in residence which is usually from mid-December to early February.


NIGHT BAZAAR
Night BazaarThe night bazaars are a shopping haven where one can find handmade products and souvenirs from many Chiang Mai villages and hill tribes. Local cloths and fabrics are reasonably priced. Shops and stalls open at around 6 p.m.