NY Times 36 Hours in Chiang Mai Thailand
Full Article: 36 Hours in Chiang Mai, Thailand
36 Hours in Chiang Mai, Thailand
By JOSHUA KURLANTZICK
BLESSED with a cooler climate than Bangkok and buffered by lush mountains, Chiang Mai has long served as a backpacker’s gateway to Thailand’s northern reaches. But an influx of Thai artists and Western expatriates has turned this quiet city into a vibrant destination in its own right. Design studios have sprung up in town, fusing traditional Thai with modern twists. Age-old curries are now paired with Australian red wines and croissants. The area around Nimanhaemin Road now looks like South Beach, packed with BMWs and Art Deco homes, alongside contemporary art galleries run by young Thais with purple hair and nose rings. But traditional Chiang Mai is still there. Walk away from Nimanhaemin into the old city and you’ll see shaved monks meditating and backpackers chowing down on banana pancakes.
Continued on nytimes.com
Labels: 36 Hours in Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, NY Times, Thailand
Free Maps of Bangkok Thailand on Google Maps
Google has free maps of Asia inside Google Maps. These now include road and street maps of major cities. Check out Bangkok Thailand Google maps here:
Link to Google Maps
Labels: bangkok, Google Maps of Bangkok, Thailand
Full Moon Party in Koh Panghan
The Full Moon Party in Koh Panghan is one of Thailand's most famous repeating festivals. Every month there is a Full Moon Party in Koh Panghan on Had Rin Nok beach, and thousands of people visiting Koh Panghan take part.
As the name implies, the Full Moon Party in Koh Panghan takes place on the night of the full moon, which changes monthly. Music and dancing are all part of the Full Moon Party, and the party lasts all night.
Labels: Full Moon Party, Koh Panghan, Thailand
Koh Samui Thailand
Koh Samui, Thailand, is a popular destination for sun worshippers and beach lovers. Located in southern Thailand, Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand.
Koh Samui is best known for its beautiful white sand beaches, but there are plenty of other Koh Samui activities to be enjoyed as well. People visiting Koh Samui can view the Leam Suwanaram Temple, witness Koh Samui's stunning Namuang Falls, go ATV riding in Koh Samui, do some sport fishing off the coast, or ride a zip line through the trees in Koh Samui's jungle.
Patong Beach Phuket, Thailand
The most famous beach in Phuket is Patong Beach. With its beautiful blue water and white sand, Patong Beach is a breathtaking sight. That said, Patong Beach also has its darker side; the areas around Patong Beach are heavily built-up with a myriad of gritty souvenir shops, crowded restaurants, and loud nightlife. If you're looking for seclusion, Patong Beach is probably not for you. If you're looking for a lively party, Patong Beach might be just what you want.
Best Time of Year to Visit Thailand
In general, the best time of year to visit Thailand is November to February. During this time the weather is cooler and there is less precipitation.
There are regional variations in seasons and temperatures in Thailand. Central, eastern, and northern Thailand weather tends to be cooler. November to February is still the best time of year to visit Thailand in these areas, but farther north it will be colder.
The best time of year to visit Thailand's southern areas is slightly different, and depends on your destination. The best time of year to visit Thailand's southwestern areas like Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi is November to April.
The best time of year to visit Thailand's southeastern areas like Koh Samui and Hat Yai is May to October.
Labels: Thailand
Airlines that Fly to Thailand
The following are airlines that fly to Thailand:
Airlines that fly to Thailand from the US:
Northwest Airlines has flights from the US to Thailand
Thai Airways has flights from the US to Thailand
Airlines that fly to Thailand from Australia:
British Airways has flights from Australia to Thailand
Emirates has flights from Australia to Thailand
Jetstar has flights from Australia to Thailand
Qantas has flights from Australia to Thailand
Thai Airways has flights from Australia to Thailand
Tiger Airways has flights from Australia to Thailand
Airlines that fly to Thailand from Hong Kong:
Bangkok Airways has flights from Hong Kong to Thailand
Cathay Pacific has flights from Hong Kong to Thailand
China Airlines has flights from Hong Kong to Thailand
Emirates has flights from Hong Kong to Thailand
Finnair has flights from Hong Kong to Thailand
Gulf Air has flights from Hong Kong to Thailand
Kenya Airways has flights from Hong Kong to Thailand
Thai Airways has flights from Hong Kong to Thailand
Airlines that fly to Thailand from Singapore:
Air Asia has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Bangkok Airways has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Cathay Pacific has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Finnair has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Jetstar has flights from Singapore to Thailand
SilkAir has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Singapore Airlines has flights from Singapore to Thailand
snowflake airlines has flights from Singapore to Thailand
SWISS Airlines has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Thai Airways has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Tiger Airways has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Transaero Airlines has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Turkish Airlines has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Valuair has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Labels: Airlines that fly to Thailand, Thailand
Phuket Thailand
The island of Phuket, Thailand is one of Asia's most popular beach destinations. With the azure water of the Andaman Sea and its white sand beaches, Phuket attracts visitors from all over the world.
People visiting Phuket can enjoy a range of activities. Phuket diving and snorkeling are popular, as well as Phuket's golf courses, eco-tourism in Phuket, and boat tours in Phang Nga Bay. Phuket nightlife centers on the famous Patong Beach, where people visiting Phuket can party the night away.
Pictures of Thailand on Flickr
There are thousands of pictures of Thailand on Flickr!
Labels: Flickr, Pictures of Thailand, Thailand
Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant in Bangkok
Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant, Bangkok
6 Soi 12, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant in Bangkok is one of the most famous restaurants in Bangkok. Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant is run by Thailand's Population and Community Development Association, which believes that contraceptives should be as inexpensive as vegetables. Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant in Bangkok offers traditional Thai food and, of course, condoms.
Labels: Bangkok, Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant, Thailand
Bangkok Food from Street Vendors
There is no shortage of street vendors selling food in Bangkok. At any time of day or night, people visiting Bangkok can find a large variety of Thai food sold by street vendors.
Common types of food found in Bangkok's vendor stalls include pastry foods and fried meats and vegetables. If you plan to buy food from a Bangkok street vendor, make sure that it is thoroughly cooked and has not been sitting out for too long. If you have a sensitive stomach, think twice before eating food sold by street vendors in Bangkok.
Labels: Bangkok, Bangkok food, Thailand
Thai Currency
The Thai currency is the Bhat (THB). 1 Thai bhat equals 100 Satang.
Thai bhat coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50. Visitors are unlikely to use them, as they are worth very little.
Thai bhat notes come in denominations of 10 (very rare), 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000.
Labels: Thailand, Thailand Currency
Top 5 Sightseeing Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok Hotels
Bangkok has no shortage of hotels. Here are a few of my favorite Bangkok hotels:
Four Seasons Hotel, Bangkok
The Eugenia, Bangkok
Labels: Bangkok, Bangkok Hotels, Thailand
Jim Thompsons House Bangkok, Thailand
Jim Thompson's House in Bangkok is a great destination for visitors to Bangkok. Jim Thompson's House is a well-preserved traditional Thai house in Bangkok made of teak wood. Jim Thompson was an American living in Thailand who revived the silk industry in Bangkok.
People visiting Bangkok can tour Jim Thompson's House to see antiques and art from Thailand. Jim Thompson's House also has a good restaurant and a silk shop.
Jim Thompson's House Opening Hours: 9am-4.30pm
Jim Thompson's House Entrance Fee: 100 Baht.
Labels: Bangkok, Bangkok Sightseeing, Thailand
Floating Market Bangkok, Thailand
The floating market in Bangkok is a cultural adventure that requires an early start. The floating market in Bangkok closes in mid-day, so people visiting Bangkok are advised to wake up early to get to the market. Take a small boat to the floating market and browse through the fruits, vegetables, noodles, souvenirs, handicrafts, and spices while honing your bargaining skills.
How to get to the floating market from Bangkok:
Go to the Southern Bus Terminal, which is 25 km from Bangkok (taxis from Bangkok to the Southern Bus Terminal cost around 110-$150 Bhat). From the Southern Bus Terminal, take bus #78 (bus costs around 64 Bhat). The trip takes 2 hours. Get off at Damnern Saduak.
When you get to the bus stop, do not go with the boat operators who will approach you. They will charge around 1,000 Bhat for a motor boat ride through the floating market. If you walk 10-15 minutes to get closer to the market, you will find other boat operators who will take you for 150 Bhat.
Labels: Bangkok, Bangkok Sightseeing, Thailand
Wat Arun, Temple of the Dawn, Bangkok
Wat Arun is a spectacular sight on the banks of the Chao Praya River. The first thing visitors to Wat Arun see is the stunning 79m Phra Prang pagoda covered in ceramic and porcelain tiles. Although there are a lot of kitschy tourist shops around, Wat Arun in Bangkok is worth a visit.
To get to Wat Arun, take Arun Amarin Road or take a ferry from Tha Tien Pier.
Wat Arun Opening Hours: 8.30am - 5.30pm
Wat Arun Entrance Fee: 30 Bhat
Labels: Bangkok, Bangkok Sightseeing, Thailand
Golden Buddha Bangkok, Thailand
Smaller and less opulent than either the giant reclining buddha or the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Bangkok's Golden Buddha still has its own charm. Made of solid gold and weighing over 5.5 tons, Bangkok's Golden Buddha is quite a sight.
Located in the upper level of the small Wat Traimit temple in Bangkok's Chinatown, the Golden Buddha in Bangkok is open to visitors for an entry fee of 20 Bhat. Visitors must remove shoes before entering the room, and photographs are allowed.
Wat Traimit and the Golden Buddha in Bangkok are located on Yaowarat Road near Hualamphong Train Station.
Labels: Bangkok, Bangkok Sightseeing, Thailand
Grand Palace Bangkok, Thailand
The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand is one of Bangkok's most visited destinations. The sprawling grounds, beautiful architecture, gold statues, and long history all attract visitors to Bangkok's Grand Palace.
Visitors to Bangkok's Grand Palace can walk around the grounds and through some of the buildings. Make sure to check out the Temple of the Emerald Buddha as well.
Labels: Bangkok, Bangkok Sightseeing, Thailand
Giant Reclining Buddha, Bangkok
One of the most visited destinations in Bangkok, the giant reclining Buddha is 46m long and 15m high and is plated in gold. Situated in Wat Pho, a large temple in central Bangkok, the giant reclining Buddha in Bangkok is worth a visit. People visiting Bangkok can see the Buddha and walk around the Wat Pho grounds to admire the other buildings and statues.
Wat Pho and the Giant Reclining Buddha are located Chetuphon Road, an easy walk from the Grand Palace.
Giant Reclining Buddha Opening Hours: 8am-5pm (closed 12pm-1pm)
Giant Reclining Buddha Entrance Fee: 20 Baht
Labels: Bangkok, Bangkok Sightseeing, Thailand
Four Seasons Hotel, Bangkok
The Four Seasons Hotel, Bangkok
Address: 155 Rajadamri Road, Bangkok, Thailand
The Four Seasons Hotel in Bangkok is one of Bangkok's premier luxury hotels. From the brightly-colored high ceilings in the lobby to the huge outdoor pools to the plush decor in the guest rooms, the Four Seasons Bangkok is the perfect place for a romantic getaway in Thailand's capital.
Standard rooms at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bangkok run from around USD$250-400, depending on the season.
Labels: Bangkok, Bangkok Hotels, Thailand
The Eugenia Hotel, Bangkok
Located in Bangkok's beautiful Sukhumvit neighborhood, The Eugenia Hotel is one of the most unique boutique hotels in Bangkok.
The Eugenia's motto, "It's not a hotel, it's a home!," is a fitting description of the comfy Eugenia. The Eugenia Hotel has only a small number of rooms, each of which is furnished with antique furniture and beautiful white linens. Downstairs is a small restaurant, a beautiful library, and an outdoor patio with a swimming pool.
Rooms at The Eugenia range from around $150-220/night.
Labels: Bangkok, Bangkok Hotels, Thailand
Thailand Do's and Don't's
Good manners is easy in Thailand with a few simple steps. Try the below to ensure success in your trip!
Avoid conflict. Thais appreciate a soft tone of voice and are very averse to conflict. Find a deferential way out of tense situations.- Avoid pointing or other confrontational behavior
- Don't point at anything with your foot
- Treat images of Buddha like you would a respected person
- If you're sitting not on a chair, sit so your feet are not in front of you
- Do not stare at people.
- When greeted with a wai, the traditional greeting, do not lower your head to acknowledge the wai
- If you pass an older person, dip your head slightly to appear more like their height
- Do not speak ill of the king, discuss politics or mention that the King was born in America
- At 8 AM and 6 PM in public, stand quietly for the national anthem.
Labels: Thailand
Thailand Bans Smoking Publically
Thailand, as of Dec 29, has banned smoking in all public places. Be warned, if you're a smoker, you're going to be confined to treatment like in New York City!
They're quite the trendsetter for southeast asia in this matter. In very few countries do you see such stringent anti-smoking policy.
Labels: Thailand
Bangkok Districts - Sukhumvit and others
Bangkok is a large, sprawling city of course. It is technically split up into 50 different districts but these are rarely used in practice. The six major ones are noted here. This is helpful in finding hotels and making travel arrangements.
1. Sukhumvit — The long Sukhumvit Rd road, changing name to Ploenchit Rd and Rama I Rd going west, is Bangkok's modern commercial core, full of glitzy malls and hotels. The Skytrain intersection at Siam Square is the closest thing Bangkok has to a center. This makes a good meeting point as well for travellers. Most of the western-style hotels are around here as is good shopping.
2. Silom — To the south of Sukhumvit, the area around Silom Rd and Sathorn Rd is Thailand's sober financial center by day, but Bangkok's primary party district by night when quarters like the infamous Patpong come alive. Watch out for the lady-boys.
3. Rattanakosin — Between the river and Sukhumvit lies the densely packed "Old Bangkok", home to Bangkok's best-known wats (temples). Yaowarat (Chinatown) and sights around the Chao Phraya River are also included here. Bangkok's backpacker mecca Khao San Road and the surrounding district of Banglamphu are located on the northern part of this area.
4. Thonburi — The quieter west bank of the Chao Phraya River, with many small canals and some offbeat attractions. Not much around here unless you have a lot of time to spend wandering.
5. Phahonyothin — The area around Phahonyothin Road and Viphavadi Rangsit Road is best known for the Chatuchak Weekend Market and the old airport. There are some ratty hotels here - best to avoid them!
6. Ratchadaphisek — The district north of Sukhumvit centered around Ratchadaphisek Rd (aka Asoke) and reaching from Phetchaburi Rd to Lat Phrao. This area has really opened up recently as the new metro line follows Ratchadaphisek road.
Source: wikitravel.org - Used under Creative Commons License
What does bespoke mean on signs?
It took me a while to figure this out. You'll see references to "bespoke suits" or "bespoke tailors." This means made-to-order or custom rather than off-the-rack. Signs like this one make more sense now!
Labels: Thailand, Thailand Suits
Tailors and suits in Bangkok
You'll see lots of advice on the net about the best tailors in Bangkok.
First, while you're there, you definitely SHOULD get a suit or shirts made. Man or woman, you'll find excellent quality fabrics, fashionable cuts and high quality tailoring.
DON'T get taken by crappy tailors though - there are lots of shady tailors that do substandard work that you could get back home for the same price.
From the major sites like FlyerTalk and others, there are a few recommended choices for good quality work.
Enlever ses vetements is run by a Thai-American named Louis. He does EXCELLENT quality work and is quite fashionable in his cuts. While his prices are a bit high ($500 for a high quality suit w/ shirt) you'll find no more stylish tailor in BKK.
Tramps in OP Place behind The Oriental is known for high quality materials.
Crown Tailor in Sukhumvit Road Soi 8 is also known for very high quality.
Georges on Soi 13 off Sukhumit has good feedback for durable shirts.
Some lesser choices:
Mr Bobby at Raja's is known for just average work. He caters to foreign tourists.
ANY of the tailors the tuk-tuk drivers take you to are probably poor quality. They give kickbacks to the tuktuk drivers, so naturally the drivers could care less about quality.
Labels: Bangkok, Thailand, Thailand Suits
Taxis from Bangkok's Don Muang Airport
Like the old Bangkok Airport, taxis are the best option between the airport and downtown. Estimate about 45 minutes from Sukhumvit to the airport - more if it's directly during rush hour.
If you've flown through Bangkok before, prepare to add 25% to previous estimates for both elapsed time and cost. Without traffic (late at night, early morning) it's taking ~ 30 min. to/from Sukhumvit/Asoke (Soi 21/Ratchadapisek) via the Bang Na-Trat Road, and the meter has been ~ 280 baht, + 40 for tolls.
From Don Muang, the travel time in late afternoon (4-ish) to Sukhumvit/Ploenchit hotels (Hyatt, Sheraton, IC) has taken anywhere from 45-75 mins in limo or taxi, with at least half the time in traffic once off the toll road.
Is it safe to visit Thailand after the coup?
< Pic title: longtail on the beach
(Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/beneteau/1558605/)
1) Rest assured, it's still safe! This coup is bloodless and almost a bureaucratic affair. There is no violence and no civil unrest. Except for the holiday granted the day after the coup, nothing really has changed that much!
2) Flights are unaffected. Flights are all operating on the same schedules. Note though that there is a new airport opening in Bangkok the week of 28 September, so be aware your flight details might be changing! See this link for more info.
3) Things might be even cheaper! Due to some kneejerk reactions (especially in Australian press) there have been a lot of cancellations throughout Thailand, including Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Check out the usuals like priceline.com, Orbitz and others to see whether rates have dropped.
Digg this!
Labels: Thailand, Thailand safety
6 Things You Need to Know About the New Bangkok Airport
< Pic title: Bangkok International Airport (BKK/VTBD)
(Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hyougushi/51556154/)
1) The new airport is called Suvarnabhumi. This is pronounced really differently - say "sue-wah-na-poom" to the taxi driver (and leave off the last 'i' which is silent).
2) The switchover date is 28 Sept: all flights are scheduled to move to the new airport no later than 28 Sept 2006. However some international and domestic flights have moved ahead of time. If you're flying before the 28th, check with your particular airline's website. Some domestic flights (to less touristed areas) in particular are typically moved over already.
3) After the 28th, NO airlines will use the old Don Muang airport. Ideas are being floated - it may turn into a large market.
4) Getting a taxi is a pain! The new airport requires a shuttle to go almost 6 kilometers (4 miles) to the taxi stands. This is a major hassle - you're better off hanging out in the departures and flagging down a taxi driver who just dropped someone off. This way you avoid the airport fees as well as saving the shuttle time.
5) Plan for disruptions on the 28th. Some airlines like NOK Air are just not flying that day. Others will have interrupted schedules due to the move of equipment on the night of the 27th. If at all possible, fly a day before or after!
6) Lounges will be in disarray. If you're a frequent flyer, the lounges you normally come to expect will be all mixed up. Some lounges will be closed, some will be operating under different rules. For example, the British Airways and QANTAS combined lounge will be limited to ONLY first and business-class flyers. Other flyers will be denied regardless of status. Again, check on your airline or airline alliance website for details.
Good luck! Enjoy the new terminal and enjoy Thailand!
Digg this!
Is it safe to go to Thailand now?
Bangkok's airports have re-opened following a takeover by protesters. However, due to the recent violence and protests in Bangkok and the presently limited flight capacity of the airports, it is advisable to use caution if you plan to visit Bangkok at present.
On November 26, 2008, large groups of protesters seeking to oust Thailand's prime minister, Somchai Wongsawat, seized Bangkok international airport, forcing all flights to be cancelled until further notice. There were reports of blasts at both of Bangkok's main airports with reports of several people injured. All passengers were evacuated from the airports. There was another explosion at Don Muang Airport on December 2, 2008 that killed one protester.
Bangkok Airways used U-Tapao airport in lieu of BKK and DMK. On Monday, December 1, 2008, empty planes that had been grounded at Suvarnabhumi International Airport were flown out of the country.
A State of Emergency was declared and protesters announced on December 2, 2008 that Bangkok's airports would re-open on the morning of Wednesday, December 3, 2008.
The standoff between the Thai prime minister and the protesters has lasted for six months. On December 2, 2008, the Thai Constitutional Court banned the prime minister from politics and disbanded his party. At that point, the protesters handed back the airports and flights were resumed on a limited basis. Airports were back to normal operations on Friday, December 5, 2008.
If you are planning on visiting Thailand in the near term, make sure to check your country's Thai embassy website for full updates on travel advisory warnings for visiting Thailand.
Labels: Thailand, Thailand safety
Recent articles:
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Best Time of Year to Visit Thailand
Airlines that Fly to Thailand
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Is it safe to go to Thailand now?
Free Maps of Bangkok Thailand on Google Maps
Full Moon Party in Koh Panghan
Koh Samui Thailand
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Best Time of Year to Visit Thailand
Airlines that Fly to Thailand
Phuket Thailand
Pictures of Thailand on Flickr
Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant in Bangkok
Bangkok Food from Street Vendors
Thai Currency
Top 5 Sightseeing Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok Hotels
Jim Thompsons House Bangkok, Thailand
Floating Market Bangkok, Thailand
Wat Arun, Temple of the Dawn, Bangkok
Golden Buddha Bangkok, Thailand
Grand Palace Bangkok, Thailand
Giant Reclining Buddha, Bangkok
Four Seasons Hotel, Bangkok
The Eugenia Hotel, Bangkok
Elephants in Bangkok on streets
Thailand Do's and Don't's
Thailand Bans Smoking Publically
Bangkok Districts
What does bespoke mean on signs?
Tailors and suits in Bangkok
Taxis from Bangkok's Don Muang Airport
Is it safe to visit Thailand after the coup?
6 Things You Need to Know About the New Bangkok Airport
Is it safe to go to Thailand now?
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Previous Articles
- NY Times 36 Hours in Chiang Mai Thailand
- Free Maps of Bangkok Thailand on Google Maps
- Full Moon Party in Koh Panghan
- Koh Samui Thailand
- Patong Beach Phuket, Thailand
- Best Time of Year to Visit Thailand
- Airlines that Fly to Thailand
- Phuket Thailand
- Pictures of Thailand on Flickr
- Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant in Bangkok