Getting Settled – Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is considered to be an essential destination by both tourists and natives in Thailand, so you won’t want for conveniences.
Money:
There is an overabundance of ATMs in Chiang Mai. Bank-operated currency exchanges generally stay open until 8 p.m. You can also send or receive money via Western Union (0-5322-4979).
Phone and Internet:
You’ll find Internet cafes along popular streets, such as Rachadamnoen Road. Many offer collect and overseas calls. Prices for Web surfing are comparable to Bangkok.
Hospitals:
McCormick Hospital (133 Kaew Nawarat Road) has English-speaking doctors and a 24-hour pharmacy. The Malaria Centre (18 Bunreuangrit Road) can do blood checks if you’re worried about bug bites from trekking.
Tourist information:
There is a TAT office across from the Saphan Lek (Iron Bridge). It’s open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. every day (0-5324-8604).
Mail and newspapers:
The main post office is near the Chiang Mai Railway Station. You can pick up travel publications such as Guidelines Chiang Mai and Welcome to Chiangmai & Chiangrai. Both are free and contain helpful maps and schedules for buses and trains.
Other tips:
A phrase book can be a great help even if you don’t need it to navigate your way through a clinic. We used ours to learn “ouch” in Thai the night of our motorcycle accident. Thai massage is notorious for bending your legs in all directions and for applying deep pressure to your muscles. The masseuse was very understanding when I tried to say “bruised leg” in Thai, but she laughed a little each time she grabbed my thigh and I yelped “ui!” (sounds like “ooo-way”).
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our Asia Insiders page.
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