The Night Train From Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Thailand

www.TravelsWithSheila.com Frequent trains make the long 14-hour journey from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and the most comfortable are the overnight trains. It's only a one-hour flight by plane between cities but serious budgeters take the train to save money and for the experience. Why 14 hours when an airplane flies the route in one hour? The train makes stop....after stop....after stop. No sooner do you fall asleep then the train lurches and screeches to yet another stop. Buy a hard seat ticket, soft seat, berth in a open second class compartment or a first class, two berth only compartment. Whichever you decide on, it is an "experience."



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVHtNL4lqp8&hl=en

How To Get To Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand and lies in the far north of the country about 435 miles north of the capital Bangkok. If you are going to be in Thailand and plan on visiting Chiang Mai you have several ways to get there depending on your budget and time constraints.

By Airplane

The International Airport in Chiang Mai has flights daily to and from Bangkok as well as many other Asian cities. Obviously this will be the quickest way for you to get to and from Chiang Mai and there's little reason not to fly because air tickets are very reasonably priced in Thailand. Most times you can get a one way ticket to or from Bangkok for as little as 1500 baht or $50. Even flying from Chiang Mai to the southern islands in Thailand won't set you back more than $100 so why not save hours of your time and fly?

By Train

Traveling by train is fairly popular in Thailand and there are trains leaving from Bangkok several times a day enroute to Chiang Mai. It's possible to get several types of trains including sleeper trains, express trains and standard trains. Those who wish to travel by sleeper train (best option in my opinion) should book their tickets in advance as the trains can sell out, especially during any of the numerous Thai holidays. Depending on which type of train you take the trip will take anywhere from 11 to 15 hours. Contrast that with the 45 minute flight if you take a plane.

By Bus

Buses are also a very popular travel option in Thailand. From Bangkok you will find buses leaving from the Mo Chit bus station several times a day and the cost for and air conditioned 1st class bus ticket is about 500 baht or $17. The bus is also significantly faster than traveling by train, most buses can make the trip in about 9 hours, however the bus seats are also less comfortable than a sleeper train. Those staying in the Khao San Road area of Bangkok can easily find private bus companies leaving from Khao San Road, but caveat emptor. Many people have complained in the past that these private buses will often try to drop you at a guest house or hotel of their choosing when you arrive. As you might guess, most people are too tired to argue after the 9 hour trip and the bus drivers get a nice commission from the hotel.

To learn more about Chiang Mai and what to do once you arrive in Chiang Mai please visit the authors website.

CHIANG MAI Thailand

Chiang Mai is the most important city in northern Thailand and is located within a fertile river valley three hundred metres above sea level. The City of Temples was founded in 1296 and was once the capital of Lanna Thai, the 'Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields' and the centre of the first independent kingdom in Thailand, situated within the famous Golden Triangle. Two hundred ninety steps lead up to the city's main landmark, the mountain temple of Wat Doi Suthep, on the northern edge of the city. Chiang Mai Zoo was inaugurated in 1957 and today, it is the largest and finest zoo in Thailand and contains hundreds of varieties of animals. The world famous village of Bo Sang is located nine kilometres from the city. It is where a fascinating range of parasols are manufactured, according to age old tradition, with silk, cotton and paper parasols made by hand and are decorated with various animal and floral motifs. A visit to a training centre for elephants is a fascinating experience. The elephants perform what they have learned in the school and diligently carry out each of their trainer's commands. Chiang Mai's evening market is well worth a visit. Although it has changed with the times, haggling is still the norm. Mysterious and exotic, colorful and friendly, such is Thailand's 'Rose of the North', Chiang Mai.



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Getting to Chiang Mai in Thailand

Chiang Mai is a city in Nothern Thailand that is often referred to as the "Rose of the North". With its beautiful mountains, restful countryside and the gentle nature of its locals, it is easy to see why it is referred to as such. People from all over the world travel to Chiang Mai to enjoy its many attractions, not least of which is the endless shopping opportunities it offers. If you too are considering Chiang Mai as your travel destination, rest assured that getting there is a fairly easy process.

By Air - The city has one main airport - Chiang Mai International Airport. This is a large bustling airport that caters to both domestic and international flights. It is located only about 4 km away from the city centre, which you can reach in about ten minutes by car. You may choose to take the airport taxis or the metered taxis, both of which can be found immediately outside the terminal. You also have the option of taking a bus, which provides a cheaper way of travelling, or a tuk-tuk, the local contraption.

To get to Chiang Mai by air, there are direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Myanmar, China, and Laos. There are also numerous domestic flights that can take you to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, Ko Samui, Phuket and Chiang Rai. The main airlines that can be found at the airport are Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Silk Air and China Airlines. There are also budget airlines such as Air Asia.

By Bus - If you wish to go Chiang Mai and you are currently in Bangkok, the bus might also be a viable transport option. The duration of the journey depends on how much you are willing to pay. The government buses offer their tickets at the lowest price; however, these are non-air-conditioned buses which make numerous stops along the way, and take roughly twelve hours to reach Chiang Mai. The more prestigious bus services will take around nine hours; however, the prices of such tickets are much higher. Buses to Chiang Mai from Bangkok generally depart from the Northern Bus Terminal, otherwise known as Moh Chit.

There are also buses connecting many parts of Northern and North-eastern Thailand to Chiang Mai.

By Train - Train travel is only an option if you are going to Chiang Mai from Bangkok. All such trains leave from the Hualamphong Train Station. The duration of the journey depends on the type of train service you have selected - there are daytime trains, overnight trains and express trains. Prices vary accordingly, and you are strongly urged to make advance bookings. The train will drop you off at Chiang Mai Train Station, which is quite close to the city centre.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Chang Mai accommodation & Vacation rentals specialists.

Amazing Thailand #8: Travelling by Train From Bangkok to Chiang Mai

There is a popular overnight train that departs Bangkok every evening around 18:30 to Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand. The seats are made into bunk beds and the train arrives early morning (when it is not late) in Chiang Mai. At the Chiang Mai train station there are some "agents" offering accommodation in town. We stayed in a nice guest house with swimming pool for B400 (about $13/night for a double room, no breakfast). Chiang Mai train station is about 3km east of the city centre, across the Ping River. Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่) is the hub of Northern Thailand. With a population of over 170000 in the city proper (but more than 1 million in the metropolitan area), it is Thailand's fifth-largest city. Located on a plain at an elevation of 316 m, surrounded by mountains and lush countryside, Chiang Mai is much greener and quieter than the Bangkok, and has a cosmopolitan air and a significant expat population, factors which have led many from Bangkok to settle permanently in this "Rose of the North". Obvisiously there are other means to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, like airplane, but I truly recommend the overnight train. It could be noise sometimes during the night (the train lane is very irregular, making the train shake a lot!) and it is not fast, but to me this is part of the fun. And the bed was more comfortable than I expected! In Chiang Mai there are so many activities that you can do, like visiting the Elephant Nature Park and the X-Centre, but I will start ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgRmmF9Vrc4&hl=en

Night Bazaar shopping street chiang mai

Surveying Night Bazar video by PR pretty girl. This place you can travel shopping mall , get Inter food and Chiangmai souvenirs. It's telling that Night Bazar keep everything that is most wanted in Chiangmai city. Night Bazar shopkeepers have International skills to sale their various products or survices by English language. Such as Local handmade handicraft, souvenirs or anything that you want. The Night Bazaar, or Kad Luang (Royal Market) as it is know by locals, is one of Chiang Mai's biggest draws. Located right in the centre of the city on Ping River, it is easily accessible and if you are in Chiang Mai a visit is almost obligatory. The market attracts huge crowds every evening and it is a great place to pick up trinkets and gifts. Given the market's close proximity to the companies that manufacture them, the price of local handicrafts is attractively cheap here. The market has huge arcades which hold a multitude of shops and stalls. The place is so packed that stalls actually spill over onto the footpaths around the market. It's a big place to wander around, and you should put away at least a couple of hours to do it. Aside from local handicrafts, you can buy virtually anything you can think of at the market -- 'Rolex' watches, silk, jewelry and more high-tech items like TVs and DVD plays and CDs. As with many markets, the Night Bazaar also offers some of the best street food you are likely to come across. Catering for the large number of foreigners visiting, the ...



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Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel in Thailand

This was our hotel in Chiang Mai Thailand. This had to be the most beautiful lobby that I have ever seen. Great staff.



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1 Day trip and tour from Chiang Mai to Lampang Thailand

Here is the online video of the wonderful town of Lampang. We first ride the train through beautiful mountain country to Lampang. We then visit temples and a ceramics factory that Lampang is famous for.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_OegNlBFZM&hl=en

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai A young British couple enjoy this fabulous backpacker destination in Northern Thailand.A day trip into seclusion is a highlight while they also find that elephants are a good method of transportation, almost as good as the common method: the scooter.Rafting and camping in the wilderness is followed by a return to the city for some bar hopping.Experience the rush of traveling the world for the first time with a crew of international back-packers, ages 16 - 22 on their quest for adventure, romance and the perfect moment.A variety of hosts from around the globe and the young people they hook up with on location are relentless in their pursuit of fun (and don't forget that culture, mate!)American girls explore Rome, Brits take on Thailand and things get wild when the Aussie's arrive in Copenhagen.Five continents, Unlimited Adventure.Take the alternate route, dude.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEKkRWTOlrE&hl=en

Chiang Mai Thailand Flower Festival 2008 Part 2

n this second part of Chiang Mai Thailand Flower Festival 2008 not only will you see more colorful floats made with flowers and marching bands but the pretty ladies Chiang Mai is famous for and Wat Doi Suthep Temple from the parade grounds. You can see more in Part 3.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb7sCCR18-o&hl=en

10 Fun Things to Do in Chiang Mai in Thailand

Chiang Mai in Thailand is a wonderful location visit, be it for the beaches, the delicious foods or to enjoy the local culture. Below we look at ten interesting things to do in Chiang Mai.

1. Visit the walled city - This is a beautiful ancient place that is home to about thirty temples which boast Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai influences. Here you can see beautiful carvings, intricately built staircases and golden pagodas.

2. Visit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep - This is a splendid temple situated on a hillside. It has an intriguing history: The temple site was chosen by an elephant, which was allowed to roam at will. When it reached a particular site, the elephant trumpeted loudly, circled around several times and finally knelt down - an auspicious sign.

3. Take a trip to Maesa Elephant Camp - This is an elephant camp located on the hillside. Here you will be treated to a fascinating elephant show and even have the option to go on elephant rides.

4. Take a stroll around Bhuping Palace - This is a royal winter palace located on a hill. It has wide beautiful gardens and splendid architecture. It is open to the public whenever the royal family is not in residence. You will have to pay a small fee and abide by the dress code.

5. Interact with the animals at Chiangmai Zoo - The zoo is home to more than five thousands animals. These animals are housed in a cheerful open environment which gives you the illusion of actually being in a forest. Definitely a place the kids will enjoy.

6. Relax and go for a Thai Massage - If you want to relax, a Thai massage will definitely help you out in that department. Some massage parlours may be sleazy and dubious, so pay a little more for the legitimate ones that will have clean environment with relaxing music and scents in the background.

7. See Muay Thai fights at Kawila Boxing Stadium - Muay Thai is Thai boxing, and is the national sport of Thailand. The fights feature young amateurs, seasoned fighters as well as matches pitting local boxers against foreign ones.

8. Head for the Royal Floral Exposition - This is an exhibition which features more tens of thousands of species of orchid plants, and will be sure to interest even those who are not orchid lovers.

9. Shop at the Night Bazaar - This is a night market which goes on for miles and miles on Chiang Khlan Road. It is a must for shopping fanatics, who will be delighted with the low prices.

10. Head to Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center - This is a modern multimedia centre which will educate you on the different aspects of Chiang Mai's history and culture.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Chiang Mai accommodation and World vacation Rentals.

Songkran in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thai New Year, the 'Water Festival' in Chiang Mai, Thailand.



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Chiang Mai News 11/11/09

www.openchiangmai.com ... chiangmai thailand video event news travel accommodation



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