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CREST & FLAG |
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![[Thailand]](Main/destination/flags/thailand,gif.gif) |
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National Day December 5
(King's birthday) |
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CURRENCY |
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Currency Baht |
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Currency Baht Notes 1000/500/100/50/20
Baht Coins 10/5/1
Satang Coins 50/25, 100 Satang=1 Baht
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Currency Converter |
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VISA |
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Most travellers don't need a visa and can stay up to 30 days. To be sure
check with the Thai embassy in your country. Don't forget to check what
the immigration stamps in your passport. |
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DID-INTERNET-GMT |
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DID 001
Country Code (66)
Area Code 053
Internet
( th
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GMT +8
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ELECTRICITY |
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220-240V 50HZ |
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HOTELS |
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Old City Wall |
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More on Chiang Mai
by (Encyclopedia.com)
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FACTS &
DATA |
Currency:
Bhat
Location: Northern Thailand
Population: 1,5 million
People:
Language:
Thai and dialects
Religion:
mainly Buddhist
Major industries: agriculture, tourism
Health risks:
Good healthcare
Time:
GMT + 8
Electricity: 220-240V
Weights & measures:
Metric
Road traffic:
Left side
Public transport:
Very good
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Long Neck Girls |
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PUBLICATIONS |
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NEWSPAPERS | |
English | |
The Nation | | |
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Roadside stall selling salads |
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Ambulance
199 |
Fire 199 |
Police 199,
Tourist Police
248130 |
Chiang Mai Ram Hospital Tel. 224851,
Chiang Mai Maharaj Hospital Tel. 221122
| Flight Information 270222
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Immigration
277510 |
Railway Station 242094 | Taxi
| Telephone
local dir.1133 , int'l 100 | Tourist Office 248604 |
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The northern part of Thailand
is known the the name Lanna meaning thousand rice fields. The area
stretches up the the Mekong river and the border of Myanmar and Laos. The
northern city of Chiang Rai was first founded at the end of the 12th
century by king Mengrai. he later established Chiang Mai and built the
city wall, of which some remains can still be found in the centre. Lanna
was partly colonized by the Burmese but spared the destruction like
Ayutthaya. 1799 Chiang main was liberated by Prince Kawila. In the 19th
century the rulers in Bangkok considered Chiang Mai a part of Thailand. |
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Half a day
tour brings you to
the
Meo Hill tribe and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
temple.
A relaxing drive takes you up the slopes of
Doi Suthep Peak to visit a Meo hill tribe to observe their simple way of
life. The Meo hill tribe originated in South China and usually live on
mountain peaks or plateaus above 3000 feet. Due to its proximity to Wat
Phra That Doi Suthep , this particular village is a little more commercial
than the traditional hill tribe villages.
>>> more
After the hill tribe you
visit the most sacred temple in the north, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
(A.D.1384), containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha, with a challenging
flight of over 300 steps, flanked by enormous mythological Nagas. A
panoramic view of the city can be seen from here at 3,500 feet above sea
level. The panoramic views of the city from the temple ground are truly
spectacular.
>>>more |
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Visit the famous Golden
Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. A drive
through beautiful scenery, with a stop at the Hot Springs at Maekajan,
culminates in the chance to explore this world -famous spot, notorious for
its opium trade. Magnificent views over the Mae Khong River to the
physical triangle made by Burma, Laos and Thailand at the confluence of
the Ruak and Mekong River. Continue on to Mae Sai, the farther-most
northern trading border between Thailand and Burma, where local lunch is
provided. On the return journey stops are made at Akha and Yao hill tribe
villages. |
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Karen Long Neck women
are today quite famous due to frequent TV programs. They live in a resort
area and as they are no Thai citizen they are basically not aloud to leave
the area they are tolerated. in. | | |
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Northern Thai food is a bit different from the
"normal" Thai. Quite a lot of Burmese spices are used. Try some of the road
side stall, but follow your nose and eyes. If it doesn't please you don't
eat it. The food has more meat as Chiang Mai is not at the seaside. Seafood
is considered being expensive but widely available. A noodle dish sets you
back 25-35 Bhat depending on what you add in. Very popular are salads with
different herbs and spices served along the roadside. In general Chiang Mai
is cheaper than Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya.
Regional fruits
include lychee, pineapple and strawberries, mango, mangosteen, orange,
several varieties of banana, rose apple. Fruit prices vary according to the
season. stable food is rice and noodles. Try some rice dishes , with
steaming pots of red pork curry with ginger and garlic (Gang Hanglae) and minced
pork with chili paste and tomato (nam prik ong kap kaep mu). |
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Thai
and Northern Thai Food is spread all over town in a wide range of
restaurants and hotels. You'll find quite a few western restaurants
around the Loi Kroh Road. Chiang Mai Saloon (Texas style food), further up
near the night market The Red Lion (English) and German Hofbrauhaus nest to
it. The Imperial Mae Ping Hotel has the biggest beer garden in town. |
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Arabica coffee is very popular.
The Chang beer comes from this area and is the most popular one. |
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Most of the
nightlife takes place on the Loi Kroh Road, with Pubs and bars. Phuket style
girly bars are at one end of the road. It's like a corridor and at the end
they have kick boxing. ask when the tourist nights are on. Funny enough
there's a Fedex outlet as well. |
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TRANSPORT |
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Typical Chiang Mai Taxi |
Chiang Mai doesn't have
many taxis as the locals consider them to expensive. A typical taxi is a
rebuild mini truck which can take up to six people. and cost you 50-80 bhat.
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Very
popular are the tuk tuk's. They can take 2 adult and 1-2 children. A
normal trip 30-40 bhat. A day rental inclusive driver 200 bhat. |
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Tuk
Tuk | | | |
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Doi Suthep Temple |
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MALARIA |
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Please note that mainly in the forest close to the border area is a certain malaria risk.
Trekkers should get a protection net when the stay over night in the
jungle. |
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HOLIDAYS |
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There are plenty of holidays in Thailand. The Royal
family is celebrated extensively. As some vary from year to year check the
calendar. |
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1 JAN New Years Day, |
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13 APR Sonkran Day, 1 MAY Labor Day |
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12 AUG Queen's Birthday and mother's day |
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10 OCT End of Buddhist Lent, 5 DEC
King's Birthday and father's day, 25 DEC Xmas Day |
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Thai-Myanmar border |
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