Thailand Travel Information

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Currency Conversion Site   Chiangmai Mail   Thai Visa.com   Travel Housing Options   Retire 2 Thailand

Make the Most of Feasting Internationally 12 tips on eating well while traveling and still stay on a budget.

Tuk-Tuks, the covered three wheeled motorcycles with a back seat will take you right to your location and are available every day and at most hours. Their prices are higher than songtheows (the base price usually starts at 40B), so expect to bargain. Generally, they will hold two passengers, or one with a lot of packages, but we have seen 3 or more people packed into them!

Private taxis are available usually by Guesthouses and hotels, waiting for customers from inside. You can schedule tours, shopping sprees to neighboring villages, or hire them for half or full day excursions that you create. If you want a private driver for any reason, a good base rate is 100B per hour +/-. You can have them wait for you while you keep a doctor's appointment or visit the factories.

Timetables for trains, buses and flights go to Getting Around Thailand - Maps, history, hill tribes, golf courses, festivals, resorts, health guide.

Visa Run

Easy as Pie: Extending a Tourist Visa at Chiang Mai Immigration Office

There is a VIP bus that leaves from the arcade bus station in Chiang Mai and goes to the border town of Mae Sai. This is a commonly used 'border run' for visitors to renew their Visas. Buy your tickets a day or two ahead of when you would like to go. If you leave early from Chiang Mai, this border run can be done all in one day. You must have either $10 USD or 1,000 Baht cash for the Burmese border fee. You will get stamped out of Thailand, stamped into Burma, and then stamped back into Thailand, giving you another Tourist Visitor's Visa.

Latest Thai Visa Rules

In order to limit the amount of foreigners using “back-to-back” border runs, Thai Immigration has issued a new regulation regarding the 30 days tourist exemption. Starting with immediate effect, travelers arriving through a land-based border checkpoint without a visa obtained in the neighboring country will only be allowed a 15-day stay. Passengers arriving via an international airport will, as usual, be given a 30-day stay, as will travelers with Malaysian passports who cross at a land border.

For 60-day stays, travelers will need to obtain the correct visa from the Thai Embassy or Consulate in each country before entering Thailand.

The police order number 778/2551 confirming the changes has been issued by the Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau in Bangkok and the above information has been verified by Chiang Mai Immigration.

Overstaying Visa

The Immigration Police fine for overstaying one’s visa rose from 200 Baht to 500 Baht per day on March 15th, 2006. However the maximum ceiling remains at 20,000Baht. Overstaying visas is viewed very seriously by the Thai authorities, some of whom describe it as a ‘criminal offence’. Arrest - even on a ‘visa trip’ to get a renewal - has been known, followed by a night in free but uncomfortable cell.

Thailand has now changed their visa rules as of October 1, 2006. You can stay in Thailand not exceeding 30 days per each entry and a cumulative duration of stay not exceeding 90 days within a 6 month period counting from the date of first entry.

All inquiries on visa matters should be made in person to Chiangmai Immigration near the airport, ideally Tuesdays-Thursdays when their pressure may be less!

Another vital ‘no-no’ is gambling. All gambling (except on-track betting at horse race courses) is illegal. It is even illegal to be in the same building where gambling is taking place. A friendly card game may attract police attention!

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Fresh & Wraps, 125 Moon Muang Road, Chiangmai, Thailand. Fresh salads, good eggs benedict, great coffees, free wifi.

Archers Restaurant and Bar, 133/4 Ratchapakinai Rd. Sriphum, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50200, Tele: Mark: 083. 6377621, Sa: 084. 1865788. www.facebook.com/archerschiangmai

THE HOUSE Restaurant and Wine & Tapas Bar, 199 Moonmuang Rd. T. Sriphum A. Muang Chiangmai, Tele: (053) 419011-14, 09-7551395, Email: thehouse@cm.ksc.co.th Open 7 days a week, Kitchen 6 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Bar 6 p.m. - Midnight. Outstanding fusion cuisine prepared by a Chef with a bright future. The restaurant has elegant atmosphere. Exquisite appetizers, salads, and entrees are artistically displayed and packed with flavor. Comparable meals would cost you triple in most other cities. For the two of us, including wine, $50USD. Definitely worth your time.

The Duke's Two locations - one on the east side of the River Ping between the Nawarat Bridge and the Thailand Tourist Authority and the other in the Night Bazaar next to McDonald's. Voted one of Thailand's Best Restaurants by the Thailand Tattler, 2007 and voted Chiang Mai's Favorite Restaurant by  City Life Magazine readers. Falling off the bone ribs, seafood, salads, soups, pizza, steaks and specialties. 49/4-5 Chiang Mai - Lamphun Rd. Telephone 0. 5324. 9231 or 0. 5381. 8603.  Email: Manager@wherestheduke.com

Jerusalem Falafel, 35/3 Moon Muang Rd., A.Muang, Chiangmai, Thailand. Tele: 053-270208, email: jerusalemfalafel@hotmail.com , Open daily 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., closed Friday. Freshly made cheese and yogurt for sale, 12 kinds of salads, hummus, kebabs, shawarma. Delicious, nice for a change of pace, clean and good value. Medium price range. Offers full take out and catering service. Tell Zahavit and Chang we sent you!

California Miguel's Cafe has simply the best Mexican food in Chiang Mai. Open 9 am to 11 pm closed Mondays. Caters for parties and take away. 106/1 Chiayaphum Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Tele: 053.874.148. Reasonably priced, good portions, served in his open air cafe.

Lanna Palace Hotel, 184 Changklan Road, Muang, Chiangemai, Thailand. Tele: +66(0) 5381-9277-8, 5381-9327-31 email: rsvn@lannapalace2004.com Website: www.lannapalace2004.com Has a very decent Thai and Western buffet daily, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 120B pp. Live music. Upstairs there is an elegant Chinese restaurant that offers a 7 course meal for 139B pp. Also recommended.

Riverside Bar & Restaurant, 9-11 Charoenrat, tele: 05324-3239. Located right on the banks of the Mae Ping River, this very popular bar and restaurant serves up a good variety of both Western and Thai food. Live music plays nightly with the bands at either end of the rambling wooden restaurant, there will be American Folk, Jazz, or Rock and Roll. They offer a dinner cruise which is romantic, and allows you to view the lights of the city from the view of being on the river. Open nightly. Highly recommended.

Raming Tea House Organic tea and coffee, healthy cuisine and afternoon tea in an elegant Lanna colonial Teak house. Garden. Open daily, 158 Thapae Rd. T. Changmoi, A. uang Chiang Mai, Thailand. Tele: 66. 53. 234. 518.9  

Pom Pui Italian Restaurant, 24 Soi 2, Th Moon Muang, tele: 05327-8209. Open daily 11am-11pm. Casual garden setting located near the Top North Guest House. Moderately priced. Pizzas, a large range of pastas, lamb, chicken, salads, and some vegetarian selections.  Offers Italian wines, espressos, and ice cream too. Franco, the owner/chef is the real deal. Pre-ow, who runs the floor, is a delight. Try the Pollo Parmaniana for a tasty full-plate meal! Highly recommended.

Mad Dog Pizza 19/1 Moon Muang, (opposite DK Bookstore on the other side of the moat) tele: 053:273002, email: maddog@thaimail.org They are best known for their excellent collection of music, large sports TV and most currently, a wifi hotspot. Pizzas are decent, the  stuffed spuds are tasty and huge, the roast pork dinner is delicious. Nick, the farang owner, is a bit crusty but like we said, he has great taste in music. Pool tables, wine by the glass and draft beer by the frosty mug. Worth at least a stop by. He's been here for years.

U.N. Irish Pub 24-24/1 Ratchawithi Rd., Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand. Tele: 053. 214. 544  

Kasem Store A great import store where westerners can find fresh baked goods, your favorite brands of mustards, sauces, coffees, cereals, cheese, meats, pickles, jams and more. Two locations 8/4 Nimmanhemin Rd. Tele: 053.400112-3 or 19 Ratchawonfd Rd, Chang moi Tele: 053.234986. Worth a visit!

Top 10 Beach hotels for budget traveling in Thailand - Andrew Spooner picks 10 Thai beach pads from huts to beautiful, family-friendly resorts.

Boutique Hotels: @Chiang Mai, Bodhi serene, Ping Nakara, De Naga, Makka, Ninetynine, Rachamankha, Rimping Village, U Chiangmai, De Vieng, Nai Boutique House Coffee & Restaurant  .

Tri Gong Residence, 8 Sribhum Rd. Lane 1 A. Muang, Chiangmai, 50200 Website: www.trigong.com Tele: 053. 21. 4754, mobile: 08. 9755. 1385, Email: info@trigong.com  650 Baht per night, 12,000 month.

Thapae Gate Lodge, Travel Agency, Bar and Restaurant 38/7 Moon Muang Rd., Soi 2, Prasing, Muang, Chiang Mai, Tele: +66.53.207134, +66.53.207135. Email; thapaegatelodge@yahoo.com Offers 20 clean and comfortable rooms from 250 Baht for fan room and 400 Baht for air conditioned rooms. BoonPat, the manager, and his wife, Sandra speak perfect English. This newish lodge is right across the soi from The Top North, and has been getting high recommendations from the travelers who stay there.

Anodard Hotel, 57-59 Rajmankha Rod. Muang, Chiangmai, Thailand. Tele: 053-270755-8. Clean, offers a swimming pool and central location. Standard room with one bed, air con, monthly rate of +/- 600 baht a night. Twin bed +/- 550 for monthly rate.

MD House is located in the old walled section of Chiang Mai. All rooms have private bathrooms, satellite TV, in-room WIFI, access to swimming pool, mini-gym, and laundry service. They can arrange tours and taxi service.

Thailand Apartments for Rent This web site has some very good affordable apartments for rent in places like Chaing Mai, Chon Buri, Khon Kaen, and Rayong. Worth a look!

TL Residence Affordable stay with modern amenities. 194 Mahidol Rod., T. Padad, A. Muang chiang Mai, thailand Tele: 66. 53. 274. 629 Email: reservations@thetlresidence.com Daily, weekly, monthly rates  

Wangburapa Grand Hotel offers daily, weekly and monthly rates. Swimming pool, Wifi in the room, refrigerator, large rooms some with a view. 9-9/1-3 Moon Muang Road, Phrasingha, Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200. Tele: 053. 281. 1991-5 Email: wangburapa54@gmail.com   

Phuket Lodging

Although we have stayed many places in Phuket, one place stands out in value. Kata Sun Beach Inn offers good prices and good service with monthly rates off season. 1 minute walk to the beach. 188 Koktanot Road, Kata Beach, Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100 Thailand. Tele: (66-76) 284-265-67 Email: info@katasunbeach.com. Tell them we sent you!

The Hotel Little Mermaid has been recommended to us for both price and location. The town center is just right outside the door, and it is only a 50 meter walk to a 3 kilometer long white sandy beach. Located at 643 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Phuket, tele: +66-0-76-396-580, email: thelittlemermaid@hotel-mermaid.com Let us know what you think!

In the small rural town of Chiang Dao (40 baht bus ride from Chiang Mai), Baan Fah Sai offers 10 apartments for rent. Five are with air conditioning, and five are with fans. Daily, weekly and monthly rentals. Ask for Garry.

Things to Do

Sunday Walking Market has quickly become a local and tourist favorite. Currently located inside the Old City Walls of Chiang Mai beginning at the famous Tha Pae Gate, it covers dozens of streets on both sides of Ratchadamnern Road all the way to Wat Prasingh. Vendors of every sort selling clothing, food, music, beads, gems, hand woven fabric from Thailand and Laos, bags, candles, incense, coins  - you name it - all set up places to sell their wares. The plaza at Tha Pae Gate gets started closer to noon, and the inside streets start hopping around 4 p.m., and go on to about 10 p.m.

For a day of window shopping, stroll along Tha Pae Road outside the moat towards the Chinese market. Both sides of the street have beautiful stores, Hand Made Heaven and Kesorn Arts (for tribal art and clothing) are two of them. If you stop at one of the coffee shops along the way or have tea at the Raming Tea House, this walk to the Chinese market could be done in 2 mornings. Otherwise it can be a quick look over and done in one morning. But why not enjoy it?

Library at AUA, AUA Language Center, 24 Rajadamnern Road, Chiang Mai Thailand, Tele: 053. 277. 951 or 053. 278. 407, email: cm-thai@auathailand.org, website: www.learnthaiinchiangmai.com. Library hours M-F 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Reading room, collection of videos and DVD's for viewing at home or at AUA, internet and email service, coffee, tea, cold drinks. Access to information on American and Thai literature, education, history, arts, society, current events and language classes in both English and Thai are given.

Talk Talk Language School, 7/1 Soi 6 Sukasem Rd., Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200, Email: talktalklanguage@gmail.com Website: www.talktalklanguage.com One year course includes 1 year ED-Visa.   

Cooking at home Chiang Mai Cookery School will take you away from the crowds and place you into a secluded part of Sankhampaeng village, amidst stunning rice field scenery. Daily courses are offered where you learn 6 different Thai dishes. You can book and pay online or contact them directly at: 66/1 Moo 5, Soi 4, T. Sankhampaeng, A. Sankhampaeng, Chiang Mai  50130, Thailand, Local calls:  053-392601 Email address: cooking@cookingathome-chiangmai.com For rates, promotions and to see what's included in the price, click here.

Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School, 47/2 Moon Muang Road, opposite Tha Pae Gate, tele: 05320-6399, 05320-6315, www.thaicookeryschool.com. This school has been offering Thai cooking classes since 1993, and is owned by Sompon Nabnian and his English wife, Elizabeth. They offer 1-5 day courses for either the beginner or for those who have extensive cooking experience. It's fun, well run, reasonably priced at about 990 Baht per day. Classes run continuously, and you simply choose the course you want to take. Highly recommended.

Patara Elephant Farm Be an elephant owner for a day! Learn to care for and ride your elephant bare-back. A CD of your training pictures is available. Equipment and training outfits are provided. Duration 5-8 hours, cost of program B4,200 (approx. $130USD). email: pataraelephantfarm@hotmail.com. Elephants have been rescued from unsuitable working conditions and the proceeds from the trip helps keep them in a natural environment for a breeding program. Tele: +66. 81. 671. 0958.

Save Elephant Foundation - Dedicated to protecting Asian Elephants, 1 Rachamanka Road, Phrasing, Chiang Mai . 200 meters from Thapae Gate. Tele: 053. 272. 855, Fax: 053. 270. 884. Email: info@saveelephant.org   

If you are going to spend any time in Chiang Mai, you must take advantage of the excellent Thai massages offered everywhere. Half the price of what is offered in Bangkok, they are worth every baht. Although some places are edging the price up, we get our 2 hour Thai massage for 200 baht. The ancient art of Thai massage dates back to Buddha's private physician and is a sort of yoga that the masseur does for you with your body. If Thai massage does not appeal, many shops offer oil massage, foot and calf massage, and facials. Highly recommended.

ITM International Massage School, 59/9 Chang Puak Road, Soi 4/6, Chiang Mai, Thailand Tele: 053. 218. 632

   Shopping on Hang Dong Road or San Kam Paeng Road: Hire a driver and take half-a-day touring the factories located on these roads. Tours of the factories will show you the inside scoop on how the excellent quality of Thai goods are produced. Although you can probably get better prices for some items elsewhere, the selection offered at the factories is larger. Factories range from teak and rosewood furniture and carvings, to silk making, including extracting the silk threads from the silk worm cocoon, dying for deep color and then weaving the silk fabrics themselves. Silversmithing, hand painted umbrellas, hand made saa paper factory, celadon pottery and more. Highly recommended.

The Chiangmai Expats Club aims to help expats expand friendships and improve their quality of life in Thailand. Their aim is to serve the community of foreigners by making it easier to understand the laws, language and lifestyle needs of their members and guests. Meetings two times per month, info is shared on topics such as immigration and law enforcement officials, medical and insurance providers, business and property services and more.

Shiraz Gems & Jewelry 170 Thapae Rd., Chiang Mai, Thailand. shirazjewelry@cmnet.co.th Mr. Nasser is generous with his time and knowledge to answer all your questions about  buying gems and jewelry in Thailand. He specializes in rubies, sapphires of green, yellow, pink and blue, along  with many other gems of different origin. Wide selection of gold and silver. Many of his customers are young travelers as wellas professionals who buy gems to resell back home. Twenty three years at the same location.

Medical Info

There are pharmacies everywhere in Chiang Mai. In a third world country, they are your first line of defense in managing your health. If you cannot find what you want in one pharmacy, there are plenty from which to choose. I have a favorite Pharmacist, named Seng, who speaks English very well, always finds me the best price he can, gives me a discount on quantity purchases (mosquito repellent? vitamins? shampoo? dramamine?) and will order anything for me that he doesn't already have on hand. His blue tiled pharmacy, Pharma Square, is located inside the ancient Walled City of Chiang Mai, behind Tha Pae Gate. 21 Ratchadamnoen Road, Tele: 0-5328-5221, 0-1349-2213.

If you are looking for international health insurance, take a look at our Medical Insurance Options page for lots of suggestions. Take a look at our Medical Tourism page for a list of more Thai hospitals. 

Pongsakorn Dental Clinic, 25/1 Moonmuange Road, Lane 2 T. Phrasingha, A. Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Mondaya - Saturday 9am to 8pm Tele: 0. 5320. 6445. Email: pongsakorn_n@hotmail.com

Dentist, Dr. Waiyawut Manakhantikul, D.D.S., 69/8 Intawaroros, Sripoom, Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Tele: 66-05341-6369, email: m_waiyawut@hotmail.com, or m_waiyawut@yahoo.com. 05341-6368, 05341-6369. Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sun - 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Up-to-date technology and 100% sterilized equipment.  Well experienced dentist who speaks excellent English. Does modern dental care from cleaning to implants, root canals, and crowns. Clean office. Here is a rare dentist who loves his work, and keeps the patient's comfort in mind. Tell him we sent you!

Grace Dental Clinic 45 Soi 11 Nimmanhemin Rd., T.Suthep A.Muang, Chiangmai 50200, Tel: (66) 053-894 568 - 69   Fax: (66) 053-894 570, Office Hours :Mon - Sat 9.00 A.M. - 8.30 P.M. , Sun 9.00 A.M. - 5.00 P.M. Email: gracedental@thailandclinics.com  18 specialists, well qualified staff communicates in English and other foreign languages such as German, Mandarin and Japanese ( with translator ). Up-to-date technology available and high standard of sterilization. Full range of services offered including crowns, bleaching, dental implants and peridontics.

House of Dental Care at CLASS ONE Complex  95 Moo 1, Huaykaew Rod., A. Muang., Chiang Mai, Thailand 50300, Tele: 053. 217. 8456, Email: classonedentistry@gmail.com, since 2009.  

Chiang Mai Ram Hospital,  tele: 053-224851, 224861, 224871. Modern hospital with up to date equipment. Reasonable pricing for procedures and consultations. A reception desk inside has several friendly people manning the computers and they all speak a decent amount of English. If needed, they will dispatch an English speaking 'helper' to go with you to your consultation with the doctor. All doctor offices are computer connected, so your arrival at the front desk is sent to the appropriate doctor's office, where he/she will be expecting you. All normal hospital procedures are offered. 

Care Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand is set in the beautiful and tranquil Maerim Valley some 20 kilometers north of Chiang Mai, in the North of Thailand. The retirement facility is an enclosed 4 star facility built on 11 acres (45,000 square meters) of land with mountain views. The retirement facility has its own dedicated, professional nursing staff and carers specially trained to give good care and stimulation to the elderly. The care is provided 24 hours. We cater for all levels of required care giving as much independence to the individual as their needs allow. We do not represent the view of an institutionalized nursing home; life with us is like living in a 4 star resort but with the required care on-hand.

Loi Kroh Clinic, 62/2 Loi Kroh Road, Chiangmai, Thailand Tele: (053) 271571 Fax: (053) 208717 Open M-F 8am to 1pm and 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Saturday 8 am - 1 pm, Sunday 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The affable Dr. Tawachai in charge here at the clinic speaks excellent English and has a good grasp on day-to-day healthcare issues. Pricing is reasonable, 100 Baht per visit. No need for appointment, just show up at his clinic. If you don't want to wait, then the earlier the better. He does most lab tests, consultations, and dispenses medicines.

If acupuncture is your interest, there is Mungkala Traditional and Chinese Medicine Acupuncture Clinic inside the ancient walled City of Chiang Mai. Set in a traditional Thai teak house, this clinic is clean, and Dr. Rungrat and the attendants are professional and speak English, Thai and Chinese. Thirty minute to 1 hour sessions cost 500 Baht. Herbs, teas, books and classes for certification are offered there as well. 21-27 Rajchamanka Rdl., Chiang Mai,Thailand. Tele: 0-5327-8494, Fax: 0-5320-8432, email: mungkala@cm.kse.co.th Near Tha Pae Gate.

Dermatologist, down from the 3 Kings Plaza, next to Thai Airways on the same side of the street. Tele: 053. 214. 318

Rajavej Chiangmai Hospital (pronounced Rachawait) Opened in 1997, this hospital has 150 beds, 40 doctors and 400+ staff and treats more than 800 patients a day. You can take a look at their promotions and room rates, find their location and contact them at the above link. They have English-Thai interpreters to help facilitate your needs. Email: rajavejchiangmai@gmail.com, 316/1 Chiangmai-Lamphun Road, T. Watkate A Muang Chiangmai 50000. Tele: 053. 801999, Fax: 053. 801440, 801442.

Somsanguan Eye Clinic (Sridonchai Clinic), 20/4 Sridonchai Rd, tele: 053-449230, 053-449152, open Mon-Fri 5:00pm to 8:00pm, Sat 8:00am to 12:00am. Doctor Somsanguan Ausayakhun M.D.Sc (Johns Hopkins), speaks English, Scholar in Public Health Ophthalmology (Wilmer Eye Institute), sees patients on Mon, Wed, Th, and Sat. Dr. Sakarin Ausayakhun MD Certified Board in Ophthalmology is her son and he see's patients on Tues and Fri). The clinic also has a very good Refractionist (we'd call him an optometrist.) and you can get glasses at the clinic too.

Bangkok Medical

Bumrungrad Hospital  Located in Bangkok, Thailand, this internationally accredited hospital currently serves almost a million patients a year from over 100 countries. Find a doctor, make an appointment, check out pricing and medical packages offered. Information available online in 14 languages. Read Don's Personal Medical Tourism Experience in Bumrungrad.

Bangkok Dental Spa   Located in Bangkok, Thailand, this is Asia's first dental spa. Offering high technology of dentistry along with contemporary spa ambience, this clinic specializes in cosmetic dentistry, laser tooth whitening, dental implants, crown and bridges, bone grafts, and offers general dentistry as well. Sounds of trickling water and light music accompany 9 dentists and 1 massage therapist. Information available online in English, German and Dutch.

Bangkok International Dental Center   Dental implants and cosmetic dentistry. The official center for Straumann dental implants.

Samitivej Hospitals  With two locations in Bangkok, Samitivej offers an immigration center to extend your visa if you need it. There is a Platinum Privilege Membership that affords discounts and health vouchers towards hospital services. Find a doctor, make an appointment or take a visual tour online. Their site is easy to navigate and they give links to affiliate hospitals as well. Worth checking out.

We have used Stephanie Shen as our travel agent for our international flights to Asia since we began visiting Thailand. She gives us great prices and service. We highly recommend her to you.

USA XO Tours, Inc., 7901-M Pioneer Blvd., Artesia, CA 90701, 562-262-0986 office, 562-262-0981 fax, 714-350-8159 cell. Email Stephanie at stephanieshen@xotours.net

Travelfish Backpacking travel guide for Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Singapore. According to Lonely Planet, Travelfish is: "The most consistently updated website for independent travelers to Southeast Asia". Gear, plan, pack, trips and tips. 

Air Asia The world's best low cost airline for trips throughout Asia, the United Kingdom, Philippines, Australia.  

Rembrandt Towers Serviced Apartments a four star serviced accommodation. Located on Sukhumvit Soi 20, right at the heart of the Bangkok's bustling business district, Rembrandt Towers Serviced Apartments makes an ideal base, to visit many of Bangkok's most iconic attractions.   
 

Tailors and Seamstresses

Thailand is a great place to have clothing made. There are tailors and seamstresses everywhere, with an abundance of fabrics to choose from. You can have Thai, Indian or Chinese tailors make you suits, dresses, and formal wear, or go to any of the tailors and seamstresses on a soi and negotiate work with them.

Fabric choices range from Thai, Lao, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Burmese silks, to Hill Tribe dyed, embroidered and beaded hemp. The woven cottons are unusual and reasonably priced.

Take a piece of favorite clothing with you and have the tailor/seamstress make a pattern or pick something from one of their magazines. Bartering is acceptable. Simple, easy and worthwhile!

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Emergencies

Chiang Mai Main Police - 053. 814. 313 or 053. 814. 314 or 053. 277. 454

Chiang Mai Municipal - 053. 259. 000               The Tourist Police - 1155 or 053. 247. 318

Ambulance Service - 1669

Ambulance Center - 053. 121. 052

Fire call 199

Airlines

Air Asia Bangkok Office - 02. 515. 9999, Chiangmai Office 053. 904. 800-2                   

Bangkok Airways -  Chiangmai Office 053. 289. 338-9, Bankgkok Office 1771               

Lao Airlines - Chiangmai Office 053. 223. 401

Silk Air - Chiangmai Office 053. 904. 985-7

Nok Air - Bangkok Office 02. 900. 9955, Chiangmai Office 053. 280. 4444   

Thai Lion Air, China Airlines, Korean Air      

Transportation

Arcade Bus Station - 053.242664        Chang Puak Bus Station - 053.211586        Railway Station - 053.245363-4

Government Offices

Customs Office - 053.270.660 or 053. 280. 837            Immigration Office - 053. 851. 356-8 or 053. 201.755       

Cargo Services & Packing

Northern Air Transport - 053.272616-7            GEO Logistics - 053.202414-5            Fed Ex Express - 053.305212-3

Tiger Airways - 02.3518888

Numbers

0 - Soon                  6 - Hok                    12 - Sib-Song            18 - Sib-Paed                100 - Neung-Roi  

1 - Neung                7 - Ched                   13 - Sib-Saam           19 - Sib-Kow                101 - Neung-Roi-ed

2 - Song                  8 - Paed                  14 - Sib-Si                   20 - Yi-Sib                     200 - Song-Roi

3 - Saam                 9 - Kow                    15 - Sib-Ha               30 - Saam-Sib               1,000 - Pan 

4 - Si                      10 - Sib                     16 - Sib-Hok             40 - Si-Sib                    2,000 - Song-Pan

5 - Ha                     11 - Sib-ed                17 - Sib-Ched            50 - Ha-Sib

Food Items

Pad-see-YOO - fried fat rice noodles, sweet sauce - chicken - Gai  or pork - Moo

Pad-Thai - fried thin rice noodles with green onions and tofu, served with side mung bean sprouts, or cabbage, and peanuts.

Pad-Thai-MOO - same as above but with pork         Pad-Thai-GUNG - with shrimp      Jaaay - Vegetarian

Pla-dook-FOOO - Crispy catfish salad served with a spicy salad dressing and shredded green papaya and carrots

Mai-TSAI-pong-cher-LOTE - Do not put MSG        Nam - son - Orange juice        Yong - BBQ

Kon-nam-ninkeow - Glass of water            Kratiem-prik-thai - with garlic and pepper (chicken- Gai or pork - Moo)

Sai-tung - To go (point to the food items you want to buy, and say 'sai-tung'. They will put in bags for take away.)

My-jim-fawn - Toothpick        Kwit-e-ow Nam - Noodle soup with big flat noodles (Chicken or pork - Gai, or Moo)

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About the Authors

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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