Minibus & Bus Time Table

What does the number 350 mean?

350 is the most important number in the world—it’s what scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Two years ago, after leading climatologists observed rapid ice melt in the Arctic and other frightening signs of climate change, they issued a series of studies showing that the planet faced both human and natural disaster if atmospheric concentrations of CO2 remained above 350 parts per million.

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Planning a Trip

For rock-bottom prices, check with new budget carriers such as Air Asia (tel. 05392-2170; www.airasia.com); they fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for as little as 800B (US$22/£12). Nok Air (tel. 05392-2183 or tel. 1318; www.nokair.com) offers similar deals (book well in advance via the Internet, or via ticketing agents listed on their sites), while SGA (tel. 02664-6099; www.sga.co.th) works in tandem with Nok Air to provide connections to Chiang Rai and Pai from Chiang Mai. One-Two-GO (tel. 05392-2159; www.fly12go.com) also has regular flights.

Chiang Mai International Airport (tel. 05327-0224; about 30 minutes from Old Town) has several banks for changing money, a post and overseas call office, and an information booth. Taxis from the airport are a flat 100B (US$2.85/£1.55) to town, a bit more for places outside of Chiang Mai proper. Buy a ticket from the taxi booth in the arrival hall, and then proceed to the taxi queue with your ticket.

By Train — Of the seven daily trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the 8:30am Sprinter (11 hrs.; 611B/US$17.45/£9.40, second-class air-conditioned seat) is the quickest, but you sacrifice a whole day to travel and spend the entire trip in a seat. The other trains take between 13 and 15 hours, but for overnight trips, second-class sleeper berths are a good choice (881B/US$25/£14 upper berth, air-conditioned; 791B/US$23/£12 lower berth, air-conditioned). Private sleeper cabins are also available, but at 1,353B (US$39/£21), the cost is the same as flying.

Purchase tickets at Bangkok’s Hua Lampong Railway Station (tel. 02223-7010 or 1690) up to 90 days in advance. For local train information in Chiang Mai, call tel. 05324-5363; for advance booking, call tel. 05324-2094. Reservations cannot be made over the phone, but you can call and check to see if space is available.

By Bus — Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are many and varied: from rattle-trap, non-air-con numbers to fully reclining VIP buses. The trip takes about 10 hours. From Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal close to the Mo Chit BTS (tel. 02936-2841), six daily, 24-seater VIP buses provide the most comfort, with larger seats that recline (755B/US$22/£12). There is also a frequent service between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, Phitsanulok, and Chiang Rai.

Most buses arrive at the Arcade Bus Station (tel. 05324-2664) on Kaeo Nawarat Road, 3km (2 miles) northeast of the Thapae Gate; a few arrive at the Chang Puak station (tel. 05321-1586), north of the Chang Puak Gate on Chotana Road. Expect to pay 60B to 150B (US$1.70-US$4.30/95p-£2.30) for a tuk-tuk, and just 30B (85¢/45p) for a red pickup, songtaew, to the town center and your hotel.

Visitor Information

The TAT office is at 105/1 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd., 400m (1,312 ft.) south of the Nawarat Bridge on the east side of the Ping River (tel. 05324-8604). There are a couple of free magazines available at hotels and businesses — Guidelines Chiang Mai, Welcome to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and What’s on Chiang Mai — which contain maps and useful information. You can also find any of a number of detailed maps distributed free, chock-full of adverts for local shopping, dining, and events.

City Layout

The heart of Chiang Mai is the Old City, completely surrounded by a moat (restored in the 19th century) and scattered remains of the massive wall, laid out in a square aligned on the cardinal directions. Several of the original gates have been restored and serve as handy reference points, particularly Thapae Gate to the east. The most important temples are within the walls of the Old City.

All major streets radiate from the Old City. The main business and shopping area is the 1km (2/3-mile) stretch between the east side of the Old City and the Ping River. Here you will find the Night Bazaar, many shops, trekking agents, hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants — and some of the most picturesque backstreets in the area.

To the west of town and visible from anywhere in the city is the imposing wall of Doi Suthep Mountain, where, at its crest, you’ll find the most regal of all Chiang Mai Buddhist compounds, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, standing stalwart as if to give its blessing to the city below. The road leading to the temple takes you past a big mall, a strip of modern hotels, the zoo, and the university.

The superhighway circles the outskirts of the city and is connected by traffic-choked arteries emanating from the city center. If driving or riding a motorbike in Chiang Mai, the many one-way streets in and around town are confounding. The moat that surrounds the city has concentric circles of traffic: The outer ring runs clockwise, and the inner ring counterclockwise, with U-turn bridges between. The streets in and around the Night Bazaar are all one-way as well. This means that even if you know where you’re going, you’ll have to pull your share of U-turns.

Getting Around

By Bus — There are five routes in and around the city, each charging a fixed 10B (30¢/15p) fare. Services start at 6am, finish close to 10pm, and run approximately every 15 minutes. From Chang Puak Bus Station, there is frequent, inexpensive bus service to the nearby craft villages of Sankampaeng and Bo Sang, and to Lamphun.

By Songtaew — Songtaews (red pickup trucks) cover all routes. Fitted with two long bench seats, they are also known locally as seelor (four-wheels). They follow no specific route and have no fixed stopping points. Hail one going in your general direction and tell the driver your destination. If it fits in with the destinations of other passengers, you’ll get a ride to your door for only 15B to 30B (43¢-86¢/20p-45p). Some drivers will ask exorbitant fees as if they are a taxi (especially when they’re empty); let these guys just drive on. If you can deal with a bit of uncertainty along the confusing twist of roads, a songtaew is a great way to explore the city.

Songtaews can also take you up to the top of Doi Suthep Mountain for 40B (US$1.15/60p) and only 30B (85¢/45p) for the easier downhill return trip.

By Tuk-Tuk — The ubiquitous tuk-tuk (motorized three-wheeler) is the next best option to the songtaew for getting around Chiang Mai. Fares are negotiable — and you will have to bargain hard to get a good rate — but expect to pay at least 40B (US$1.15/60p) for any ride.

When talking prices, it is good to write it down on a scrap of paper, so there is no argument when you get there and the driver asks for 200B (US$5.70/£3.10) instead of the 20B (60¢/30p) you agreed on.

By Car — Avis has an office conveniently located at the airport (tel. 05320-1798; www.avisthailand.com). Avis self-drive rental rates for Chiang Mai are the same as they are elsewhere in Thailand, from 2,500B and up (US$71/£38) for a compact sedan. Budget has an office at the airport and offers comparable rates and services; contact them at tel. 05320-2871 (www.budget.co.th). Both companies offer comprehensive insurance and provide good maps — even a mini guidebook.

There are dozens of local car-rental companies with sedans for 1,200B to 1,800B (US$34-US$51/£18-£28) per day, and Suzuki Caribbeans (oft-derided as a death trap) for as low as 1,000B (US$28/£15) per day. Most travel agents will arrange a car and driver for about 1,600B (US$45/£25) per day.

By Motorcycle — Many guesthouses along the Ping River and shops around Chaiyaphum Road (north of Thapae Gate in the Old City) rent 100cc to 150cc motorcycles for about 200B (US$5.70/£3.10) per day (discounts for longer durations). Larger 250cc Hondas (as well as others) with good suspension are commonly available and are the best choice for any trips up-country because of their added power and large fuel tanks; they rent for about 700B (US$20/£11). Helmets are mandatory — even if locals tend to ignore this law, they may be able to wriggle out of arrest, but as a foreigner, you won’t be let off lightly. Expect to leave your passport as security (don’t leave any credit cards). Traffic congestion and confusing one-way streets make riding within the city dangerous, so if you are tempted, employ defensive driving techniques and take it slow.

By Bicycle — Cycling in the city is fun and practical, especially for getting around to the temples within the Old City. Avoid rush hour and take great care on the busy roads outside of the ancient walls. Bikes are available at any of the many guesthouses in or around the old city and go for about 30B (85¢/45p) per day.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Read more: www.frommers.com

VIP Bus Time Table

Remark : Departure from Chiang Mai : Arcade Bus Station

Arrive to Bangkok : Mor Chit Bus Station

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Train Time Table Northern Line

Chiang Mai  -  Bangkok เชียงใหม่  -  กรุงเทพ

Remark: The above fares included 80 THB service charges

Contact : QUEEN BEE TRAVEL SERVICE  Tel. 053-275525

For more information contact us: queenbeetours@gmail.com, adisai2009@gmail.com   www.queenbeetours.com

Rock Climbing at Crazy Horse Sankampang

“razy Horse” Buttress, one of the most challenging and celebrated international climbing destinations in S.E. Asia, is located just 40 km from Chiangmai, in Sankampang.

his stunning 70 meter high limestone specimen with over 130 varied routes is heralded by experts & novices alike for its beauty… nested in a jungle setting, with its unique colors & contours.

e you a level 7A, or less experienced you will find a course to challenge your talents.

Chiang Mai Songkran Festival
Date : April 12 – 15, 2009
Venue : All around Chiang Mai

Featuring Lanna Thai New Year celebrations and festivities at temples, the city gates and around the city moat throughout the northern capital of Chiang Mai

One of the best places to experience Songkran is in Chiang Mai, where it is celebrated on a grand scale with a flavour uniquely and entirely its own, attracting visitors from far and wide.
This year, Songkran Thai New Year festivities scheduled for April 13-15, will be held at temples, in the vicinity of the city’s gates and around the city moat.

Devout Buddhists visit the temple for merit-making and to listen to sermons. Lustral water is sprinkled on sacred Buddha images, such as the Phra Buddha Sihing image, and also poured over the hands of monks in a gesture of reverence. Donations are also made to the temple. Enjoy traditional Thai cultural performances held in the temple ground.

One of the highlights of the festival is the ‘Songkran Beauty Queen Procession’ that takes place on Songkran Day itself – April 13. Meanwhile, many other events leading up to the main attraction are spread over several days and it is here that the visitor gets to see various aspects of Chiang Mai, first hand, — its culture, cuisine, arts and crafts, as well as the friendly people.

Activities
Phra Buddha Sihing procession
Buddha images bathing ritual
Merit-making activities and presentation of offerings to Buddhist monks
‘Rot nam dum hua’ bathing rituals as a gesture of respect to elderly relatives and other respected individuals
Lanna Thai cultural performances and folk games
Sand-stupa building contest
Songkran water-splashing around the ancient city moat
Chiang Mai Culture Street
International Food Festival

Contents adapted from publication of TAT Chiang Mai Office
supported by www.queenbeetours.com

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