Chiang Mai (() is the hub of Northern .. With a population of over 170,000 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, it is much greener and quieter than the capital, and has a cosmopolitan air and a significant expat population, factors which have led many from to settle permanently in this "Rose of the North".

[[edit]]Understand

Founded in 1296 AD, is a culturally and historically interesting city, at one time the capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom. Located among the rolling foothills of the Himalayan Mountains 700 km north of Bangkok, it could only be reached by an arduous river journey or an elephant back trip until the 1920s. This isolation helped preserve Chiang Mai's distinctive charm intact to this day.

Chiang Mai's historical centre is the walled city (City is chiang in the northern Thai dialect while 'mai' is new, hence Chiang Mai - "New City"). Sections of the wall dating to their restoration a few decades ago remain at the gates and corners, but of the rest only the moat remains.

Inside Chiang Mai's remaining city walls are more than 30 temples dating back to the founding of the principality, in a combination of Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai styles, decorated with beautiful wood carvings, Naga staircases, leonine and angelic guardians, gilded umbrellas and pagodas laced with gold filigree. The most famous is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which overlooks the city from a mountainside 13 km away.

Modern-day Chiang Mai has expanded in all directions, but particularly to the east towards the Ping River ((Mae Nam Ping ), where Thanon Chang Klan, the famous Night Bazaar and the bulk of Chiang Mai's hotels and guesthouses are located.Loi Kroh Rd is the center of the city's nightlife . The locals say you've not experienced Chiang Mai until you've seen the view from Doi Suthep, eaten a bowl of kao soi, and purchased an umbrella from Bo Sang. Of course this is touristic nonsense, but the Kao Soi, Bo Sang umbrellas and Doi Suthep are important cultural icons for Chiang Mai residents. Ratchadamneon Rd hosts the main Sunday night walking street market from Thapae Gate to the popular Wat Phra Singh.

[[edit]]Climate Chiangmai's northern location and moderate elevation results in the city having a more temperate climate than that of the south.

As with the rest of Thailand there are three regarded seasons.

 AA cool season from November to February.

 AA hot season from March to June

 AA wet season from July to October

Climate Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Daily highs (°C) 30 32 35 36 34 32 32 31 31 31 30 28

Nightly lows (°C) 14 15 18 22 23 24 24 23 23 22 19 15 Precipitation (mm) 7 5 13 50 158 132 161 236 228 122 53 2020

Check Chiang Mai's 7 day forecast atat TMD.go.th

[[edit]]Get in

International departure hall at Chiang Mai

[[edit]]By plane Chiang Mai International Airport [1] ((CNX) handles both domestic and regional international flights. The route from Bangkok is one of the busiest in the country (Thai Airways flies daily almost every hour, with additional flights in the peak tourist season). Other operating direct services from/to Chiang Mai include:

[[edit]]Domestic

 Air Asia [2] - a well-known Asian low-cost , flies from/to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi airport) and Phuket.. Usually it's a cheapest choice if you book at least a week before, with price tag (as of July 2009) starting from 1400 baht (plus several fees for luggage, food, seat-reservation) from Bangkok and 2000-2500 baht from KL/Phuket; promotional may be even cheaper. Their prices can be significantly higher, however, if you book just a few days before, or want a specific day/flight. In 2011, they added flights to Hat Yai and several times per week.

 Bangkok Airways [3] -- to to (flights from Ko Samui are indirect), from/tooBangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Sukhothai;;. Surprisingly, in many cases Bangkok Airways has the cheapest fares, cheaper than the budget-Airlines, particularly if you book just one day or a few days ahead.

 Nok Air [4] - Thai (semi-)low-cost carrier, flies from/to Bangkok (Don Mueang airport, from 1400 baht and up) and Mae Hong Son.. Starting from 17 January 2010, they also fly from/to ,, ticket price is 2400 baht. The latter, while still 4 times more expensive than , is more than twice cheaper than Lao Airlines' flight to Vientiane, which is easily accessible from Udon Thani. Nok Air only allows bookings of up to 3 months in advance.

 One-Two-Go [5] (low-cost division of Orient Thai Airlines [6] ) files from/to Bangkok (Don Mueang). They fly 23-26 years old McDonnell Douglas MD-83 jets, but if you are not afraid - it's often a cheapest (1450-1750 baht) option if you book during the last days before flight. One-Two- Go also only allows bookings of up to 3 months in advance. Note: This airline no longer exists, they became solely Orient Thai Airlines due to the aftermath of the 2007 Phuket plane crash which killed 90 people.

 SGA [7] - Recently renamed 'Nok Mini'. - from/to Chiang Rai (twice daily), Mae Hong Son (once daily), Nan (Daily) and Pai (once daily). Their tickets are booked via Nok Air website. [[edit]]International

 Air Asia flies from/to Kuala Lumpur,, Malaysia and Singapore..

 China Airlines [8] - from/to Taipei,, Taiwan

 China Eastern Airlines [9] from/to Kunming,, Yunnan Province, China

 Korean Airlines [10] - Four flights weekly from Seoul/Incheon

 Lao Airlines [11] - from/to Luang Prabang inin ((Laos)), from there the flight continues onward toto Vientiane

 Silk Air [12] - from/to Singapore

 Thai Airways [13] - from/to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi airport only, from 2500 baht and up, but sometimes there are promo fares as low as 1500) and Mae Hong Son;; in addition, flights from and/or to Phuket & possibly Nan may also be available seasonally. The airport is some 3 km south-west of the city centre, only 10-15 minutes away by car. Legal airport taxis charge a flat 120 baht for up to 5 passengers anywhere in the city; if you take a metered taxi, the fee will start from 40 baht + a 50 baht service fee from the Meter Taxi counter. The taxis operate from the exit at the north end of the terminal - after baggage claim and/or customs, walk into the reception hall and turn left. Alternatively, take bus #4 to the city center for 15 baht, or charter a tuk-tuk or songthaew for 50-60 baht per person. Most hotels and some upmarket guesthouses offer cheap or free pick-up/drop-off services.

[[edit]]By bus [[edit]]From Bangkok

A variety of daily leave frequently from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Moh Chit),, offering varying choices of price, comfort and speed.

 Rattling government buses make frequent stops at every minor township. The journey takes around 12hrs and costs 200 baht.

 Non-stop 24/32-seaters and 1st class buses provide larger seats and snacks; making the long trip more comfortable. They manage the trip around 9 hours and cost around 500 baht. BeBe cautious about the so-called "VIP" buses touted on Khao San Rd; they may be cheaper, but you may end up crammed into a 2nd class bus or worse. At Arcade , where you'll arrive, public songthaews stop near the bus station building exit - look for local people getting into those, and ask the driver if he goes to your destination (if songthaew is empty, don't forget to confirm the price). Shared trip to Tha Phae Gate (edge of the old town) should cost 20 baht, though you may have to wait for a driver who agrees. Virtually all songthaews will pass Warorot market (city centre,just after crossing the river), from where it's just 1 km walk to Thapae gate, or numerous (see "Get around" section) songthaews to other areas. Alternatively, you can charter the whole songthaew or take a tuk-tuk. The drivers will approach you once you've arrived and will ask as much as 80-100 baht to the city center/Thapae gate, showing you the bogus price list with "fixed" prices. Bargain, it's just 5-6 km, so the fair price for tuk-tuk there is 50 baht, and is not more than 100 even to the opposite side of the city. It may be difficult to bargain with these drivers, however - good idea is to ignore them from the start, walk out to the nearby street, and catch a passing tuk-tuk/songthaew there. If your luggage is light, you can walk to the centre - however, it's quite a long walk, as the Arcade bus station is located in the city north-east outskirts, almost near Super Highway.

[[edit]]By train Services from Bangkok's Hualamphong leave on a regular daily schedule [14] and take 12-15 hours to reach Chiang Mai.

Daytime services leave at 8:30AM, and 2:30PM with second class (281 baht) and third class (121 baht) carriages. The seats in each class differ in softness and width can become uncomfortable after 10+ hours.

Overnight sleepers are a popular a popular with travellers the fold down bunk beds that give you relatively comfortable and good value nights accommodation as well as . The trains leaving at 6PM and 7:35PM have 1st class air-con (1253 baht upper bed, 1453 baht lower bed), second class air-con carriages (791 baht bed upper bed, 881 baht lower bed) and third class carriages (531 baht bed upper bed, 581 baht lower bed). Services leaving at 7:20PM, 10PM only have regular carriages and third class seats.

Though the carriages are not particularly modern, all classes are clean; fresh sheets, pleasantly fragrant toilet and regularly mopped floors. Friendly vendors make regular rounds selling snacks and drinks, or you can Thai and Western meals, politely described by most as uninspiring . Prices are exorbitant, if not utterly extortionate (40 baht for a glass of Orange juice, 140 baht for a 650ml Chang beer!); it might be wise to bring your own.

For the initial part of the journey, you can lounge in pair of facing seats, till at some late hour in the evening, or on request, the attendant will come around with a special tool to flip down the bunks and make up your bed. At this point you have little other choice but to climb into your bunk, draw the curtain to enclose yourself and be lulled off to sleep by the rocking rhythm of the rail. First class passengers have their own, slightly more spacious, two berth cabin with private toilet, separated from the commoners in the cheap seats.

If you are not in the mood to go to bed early you may have another option: the dining car. Whatever seat or first class berth you are traveling in you will find the prices in the dining car are far more affordable than than the vendors who approach you. And later at night the dining car can turn into an international disco complete with loud music and flashing lights.

Tickets can be bought up to 60 days in advance at any station in Thailand. Booking in advance is advised, especially for the popular 2nd class overnight sleepers. Larger stations accept payment with VISA/MasterCard – – this is fairly safe, as SRT is a state-owned company. Alternatively, if you are not yet in Thailand, the SRT e-ticketing[15] (not currently working - Jan 2010) website will let you buy and print out an e-ticket. Some find it tricky to register - you have to avoid any special characters while filling a registration form, you must book at least three days in advance, and you can only purchase 1st and 2nd class aircon sleeper tickets (which are 150-200 baht more expensive than fan- only car tickets). The price online is exactly what you'd pay in the ticket office. Various agencies, some available to contact from outside Thailand, can also procure tickets for delivery or pick up, with fees typically starting at 100 baht. SRT charges 90 baht to transport a bicycle between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai train station is about 3km east of the city centre. Plentiful Songthaews and Tuk Tuks await each train's arrival or if you want to walk, exit the station, cross the open square in front and turn left on the first major road you come to (Charoen Muang Road); this road goes directly to the city centre.

[[edit]]Get around

Chiang Mai did have a nice new large air conditioned bus service. These were all over the major city routes but have been discontinued until 2011. There are pedicabs called samlor ; the 3-wheeled tuk- tuk ; and the most popular, the songthaew ..

[[edit]]By songthaew or seelor

A songthaew serves as a bus or a taxi. In lieu of a local bus service, locals get around the city on songthaew ((สอแถว). These covered pick-up trucks have two long bench seats in the back (songthaew means "two rows" in Thai), ply fixed routes or to any destination, picking up passengers enroute who are going the same way.

The colour of the songthaew indicates its general route or usage. Most common by far are red songthaews (called roddaeng ,, red truck), which don't follow a specific route and roam the main streets around markets, temples or the bus/train stations. These are the most convenient to take if you are going somewhere specific. Prices must be negotiated. but expect 20 baht anywhere within the city walls and 40-60 outside. Because of the city's somewhat irrational road design, especially inside of the old walls, the driver may be forced to take a circuitous route to get to a nearby destination but will make no difference to the .

Fixed route songthaews congregate around Warorot Market. From Warorot Market, white songthaews travel to the eastern suburban city of Sankampaeng, yellow songthaews travel to Mae Rim in the north, blue songthaews travel to Sarapee and Lamphun in the south, and green songthaews travel to Mae Jo in the north-east. The all charge a 20 baht flat rate.

From Pratu Chiang Mai market, songthaews also travel to Hang Dong (20 baht) and San Patong, south-west of Chiang Mai.

To catch a songtheaw; approach a waiting driver or flag one down on the street, state your destination and if the driver is going that direction he will nod in agreement and give you a price. Negotiate a lower fare if you wish. The price agreed to should be per person ; it's a good idea to confirm this with the driver before you leave. On reaching your destination, ring the buzzer on the roof to tell the driver to stop, or most likely the driver will pull over, wait for you to get out and pay.

[[edit]]By tuk-tuk or samlor Tuk-tuks are a quick, though noisy way to get around. Fares are usually 30-40 baht for a short hop and 50-100B for longer distances, depending on the proficiency your haggling skills. As a guide, expect to pay 40 baht from the old city to the riverside and Night Bazaar, 40-50 to the railway station and 80-100 to the bus station or airport. Tuk-tuks parked near the bus and train stations will ask you for something like 120-150 baht - just haggle or walk away to the nearest road and stop passing-by tuk-tuk or songthaew there.

Based on expat information, the highest fee for a tuk-tuk at any time of night or day should be B150 for any location in the town (June 2011)

The fee seems to be based on multiples of B20 which is the smallest note. It is a good idea to stock up on notes and coins as whenever you offer a note higher than the agreed fee the driver has no change!

A few samlor (three-wheeled bicycles) still cruise the streets and will happily take you to a temple for the same price as a tuk-tuk, though at a considerably quieter and slower pace.

[edit]By taxi Chiang Mai has metered taxis, though it can be difficult to persuade the driver to switch the meter on. If you do prevail, the flag fall is 30 baht for the first 2 km then 4 baht/km after that, otherwise you will have recur to bargaining a fixed fare. You cannot generally hail taxis in the street. To book a taxi, call +66 53 279-291, state your destination and the call centre will give you a quote; or contact individual drivers on the mobile phone numbers displayed on their vehicle.

[edit]By moped (scooter) or motorcycle A moped is a convenient and cheap way to get around town or reach the outlying sights. There are an abundance of near indistinguishable rental outfits in town, though most guesthouses can arrange rental. Automatic geared, 100cc and 125cc bikes capable of carrying two people are the easiest to jump on and ride away with if you don't have riding experience, but off-road bikes and larger street bikes are also an option. A valid international drivers permit (IDP) isn't required to ride.

Mopeds run about 150 baht/day for a 100cc motorbike and 150+ baht/day for a Honda Wave 125; supplied with helmets and a chain. Larger machines cost 700 baht/day for a V-twin chopper or larger sport-bike. Expect discounts when renting for a week, month or longer.

Rentals will require a deposit, and while many ask for a passport you should under no circumstances leave your passport with anyone as collateral. Most shops will accept a photocopy with a cash deposit of around 3,000 - 5,000 baht, this is a much better alternative. While the petrol/gas tank may be full on pickup, it is not uncommon for shops to deliver a bike with just enough fuel to go make it to a service station (and of course they will siphon the remainder off when you return it so the next person is forced to do the same). In any case, return the bike with as much or more fuel than received to avoid any penalties. Also check out the relative mechanical merit of the bike being offered. Focus especially on the brakes - the degree of 'pull' needed for the handlebar lever, and the travel needed for the foot brake. Check that indicators and headlights work properly, and the tires are reasonably OK.

Some rental agreements claim to insure you but generally only cover the bike for theft or damage. Don't expect much in the way of compensation if something bad such as an accident occurs - and despite who is at fault - assume you will be the one considered at fault. Police occasionally fine riders (including passengers) 200 baht for not wearing a helmet, plus you usually have to go to the police station the next day to collect your licence.

[edit]By bicycle Traffic inside the old city walls is subdued enough to make biking a safe and quick way to get around. Bike rentals are plentiful; rental costs 30-250 baht/day depending on the bike quality.

[edit]By car Car hire services are available both in the city center and at the airport. Typical cars that can be rented include Toyota Vios, Altis, Yaris, Honda City, Jazz. Typical rates for newer models are 1200- 2000 baht per day. Expect a slight discount when renting weekly. Utility pickups such as Toyata Hilux and Fortuner are also available. Many places offer minivans such as 10-seater Toyota Commuter with driver from about 2000 baht per day plus fuel. Older Suzuki Caribean 4WD jeeps are a cheaper option at around 600-800 baht per day but they are relatively difficult to drive and less mechanically reliable than a standard passenger car.

[edit]On foot The old city is only a mile square, and as such is easy to walk around. The airport is also quite close to the old part of town--about 2.5 km--so if you have the energy and an hour to spare, you can even walk to and from the airport. Note that this is not necessarily a pleasant experience as the sidewalks are uneven (or non-existent) and Chiang Mai gets hot during the day, especially during the hot season, and rainy during the rainy season. The cost of a taxi or songthaew from the moat area to the airport is around 150 THB.

[edit]Hiring a car or minivan with driver

This is is a great option for travelling to places outside Chiang Mai city, and the price is often similar to hiring a car and driving yourself. You'll also be able to relax and enjoy the scenery in air-conditioned comfort. The cost for a private car with driver is generally from 1500 baht per day plus fuel depending on the type of vehicle and where you are going. The driver will typically pick you up with a full tank of fuel and you pay at the end. Large Toyota Hi-Ace, Nissan Urvan and newer Toyota Commuter minivans go for around 2000 baht per day plus fuel. Most hotels and some guesthouses can arrange it for you, in addition to vehicle rental outlets and the many travel agencies in town.

[edit][add listing]See

[edit]Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Courtyard of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep The quintessential image of Chiang Mai with its large gold-plated chedi , visible from the city on a clear day, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep (วอส, Huai Kaeo Rd, 30 baht, [16]) is 18 km from town, sitting at a 1,073 m elevation on the slopes of Doi (Mount) Suthep. Built in 1383 during the Lanna Thai period, legend has it that the temples site was selected by an elephant sent to roam the mountain side, where upon reaching a suitable spot, it trumpeted, circled three times, knelt down and promptly died - which was interpreted as a sign indicating an auspicious site. The temple is and offers grand views over the city, but no reward is without effort as you must accent the 300-plus steps of the Naga lined stairs. The climb may be a strain in high altitudes thin air for the less fit so you may opt to take the for 20 baht. For the Visaka Bucha holiday in June or July each year, it is traditional for people to walk from the zoo to the temple and vast numbers make the pilgrimage to the top, which takes around 4-5 hours.

In the vicinity there are several other attractions you may want to consider visiting. The Bhuping Royal Palace gardens (see below) are 4km further along the road from Wat Prathat, with a reasonably easy walk along the meter-wide road shoulder, or you can get a shared Songthaew from Wat Prathat for B30, but you may have to wait until it fills up. Further along the road is a hilltribe village, and although tourist oriented, is really worth the trip! There are many shops for local handicraft etc. These are the people from the far north of the country, many originally from Myanmar.

Getting there is a source of much consternation by many travellers. Clearly marked songthaews leave from Pratu Chang Phuak. Prices are fixed at 40 baht up and 30 baht down; but the drivers wait until they have sufficient (up to 8) passengers before they depart, potentally making for a lengthy wait. Most guidebooks advise taking a sawngthaew from Th Mani Nopharat, resulting in the drivers milking the tourist cash-cow and raising their price from a reasonable 40 baht to a ludicrous 500 baht.

Another option to get there is to take a songthaew from your hotel to the northern gate of Chiang Mai University for B20 (if you are close to the city walls), where there will be several waiting on Huai Kaeo Rd to get a full load of passengers for a trip up the mountain. They seem to congregate around the Chiang Mai zoo - so if you just say "zoo" to the driver they will know what you're talking about. Prices range from 40 baht for a one-way trip to Wat Prathat to 180 baht for a full round-trip tour, including the temple, Bhuping palace gardens and the the hill tribe village, with an hour at each location, but you may have to wait until there are sufficient people who want the same tour or be prepared to pay more. You can also get between many of these by buying point-to-point tickets at the time you want them, or walking some segment. Any songthaew up the mountain road may be a trial for those prone to motion-sickness, so take appropriate precautions.

There are several little annoying charges to pay for foreigners. To enter the Doi Suthep itself is free for Thais, and 30 baht for foreigners. Tour operators will ask 700 baht for a tour.

The journey from town can be made by motorcycle or a bicycle with appropriate gearing. The final 12 km from the zoo onwards is entirely uphill and will take 60-90 minutes if cycling.

[edit]Other temples

There are more than 300 temples in Chiang Mai and its outskirts, with a dozen stand-outs of historical or architectural significance within walking distance of each other. Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai show a mixture of Lanna Thai, Burmese, Sri Lankan and Mon architectural styles that reflect the varied heritage of Northern Thailand.

Though certain temples on the conventional tourist circuit can be overrun with loud groups it is not hard to find many less well known, but no less interesting, temples quietly and gently crumbling in the absence of tourist hordes. Whichever you visit, keep in mind that the temples are sacred religious places of deep cultural significance for the locals. Show respect by wearing appropriate attire (long An activity normally associated with Central America, Thailand is now emerging as a world-class canopy tour destination.

AFECT runs a course exploring canopy bio diversity [29].

Flight of the Gibbon Zipline Adventure Tour [30] (~3299 baht) Zipline through the 1500 year old rainforest high above the forest floor. 5km of ziplines connect lookout platforms, lowering stations and skybridges, making the experience a full zipline canopy tour. There are two locations, one located in the mountains outside of Chiang Mai, the other one hour from both Bangkok and in Chonburi. After the tour you can hike up alongside the Mae Kompong Waterfall in Chiang Mai, or take a tour of the natural wildlife habitat surrounding the Chonburi location. Allow 7 hours total for the tour from pickup to drop off - earliest collection time 5.30am.

[edit]River Cruise A pleasant way to get a feel for the Chiang Mai city and its layout is to take a boat trip on the Ping River.

[edit]Sport

 Aerobics Aerobics sessions are held in the car park of Tesco Lotus on the Superhighway every weekday from 5.30PM The sessions are very popular and tourists or visitors to Chiang Mai are made very welcome. Regular water aerobics classes, incorporating Tai Chi and yoga exercises, are held at the Centre of the Universe Swimming Pool [31]

 Cricket - The North of Thailand may seem an odd place to find an international cricket tournament. Every year since 1988 more than 200 cricketers from around the world gather at Chiang Mai for the tournament. The week long tournament for amateur players, with a sprinkling of Test stars, it is held at the historic Chiang Mai Gymkhana Club, generally at the start of April. [32]

 Rock Climbing - Approximately 35 miles east of Chiang Mai lies Crazy Horse Buttress, a 60- meter, orange- and black-streaked monolith jutting out of the green Mae On farming valley. Crazy Horse boasts more than 130 bolted routes between (French system) grades 5 and 8a, which makes it an ideal destination for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Spend multiple days exploring every part of the crag, or just spend a day or an afternoon above ground as a break from exploring the magnificent caves of the region. Climbing guides and information are also available from Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures [33] and The Peak [34].

 Mountain Biking - Just west of Chiang Mai lies the beautiful Doi Suthep National Park, its sumit at 1650m, 1300m above the valley floor. Chiang Mai Mountain biking runs daily downhill trips and nature cross country rides see [35]

 Tennis - There are several places to play tennis in Chiang Mai: Amari Rincom Hotel, 1, Nimmanhemin Road, Anantasiri Court, 90/1 Chiang Mai - Lampang Super-Highway; Chiang Mai Land Village, Chiang Mai Land Road; Gymkhana Club, Chiang Mai - Lamphun Road [36];Imperial Chiang Mai Resort & Sports Club, 284 Moo 3, Don Kaew, Mae Rim [37]; Lanna Sports Club, Chotana Road; Palm Springs, 120 Moo 5, Mahidol Road, and Chiang Mai Sports Complex (700 Year Stadium, Irrigation Canal Road (Route 121 to Mae Rim), which has 12 courts. All courts are bookable in advance and at most floodlighting makes it possible to play in the evening when it is cooler. There is an additional charge to cover the cost of electricity. [edit]Swim Chiang Mai swimming pools open to the public vary in quality, cleanliness and accessibility. On balance, those pools which are operated to internationally recognised standards of water quality are those which are privately owned by foreign investors.

 Seven Hundred Year Stadium - a huge sports complex built for the South East Asia Games, held in Chiangmai in the early 1990's, and now a public sports and recreation centre. This is located along the outer ring road (Irrigation Canal Road) Route 121, towards Mae Rim. It is about 8 kilometres from the city centre and takes about fifteen minutes to get there by tuk-tuk/taxi. The pool is sanitised using chlorine.

 Centre of the Universe Swimming Pool and Resort [38] - open to tourists and other visitors. There are 3 swimming pools and deck. To get there, take Huay Kaew Road (Route 1004) from the city towards Doi Suthep. At the intersection of Routes 1004 and 121, follow the signs for Mae Rim. From the intersection, travel 1.2 km towards Mae Rim and turn left at the 5th bridge over the canal. Go straight for 600 metres to the end of the road following signs for "Sang Serene House" and turn right. The Centre of the Universe is 300 metres on the right. It is 6 km from the city and takes 10-15 minutes by tuk-tuk/taxi. A detailed map and directions in Thai and English can be printed from their website [39] The pool is sanitised using salt water.

 Hotel Pools - Some upmarket hotels such as The Orchid and the Amari Rincome Hotel on Huay Kaew Road, allow "outsiders" to use their pools on payment of a fee. Travelling time from the city centre is around 10 minutes. These are sanitised using chlorine.

 Chiang Mai Land Swimming Pool - is in "Chiang Mai Land" off Chang Klan Road. Open to the public current (2008) prices are 50 Baht per adult and 30 Baht per child. It has a pool deck and also has a restaurant and pool-side service. The pool is about 5.5 km from the city centre and takes between 10-12 minutes by tuk-tuk/taxi. The pool is sanitised using chlorine.

 The lake at Huay Tung Tao - This is a reservoir within surrounding woodlands, and is located further along the Irrigation Canal Road than the Centre of the Universe and after the 700 Year Sports Stadium, as you head towards Mae Rim (Route 121). The lake is about 12 kilometres from the city centre and takes 15-20 minutes by tuk-tuk/taxi. 20 Baht entrance fee.

 Waterfalls and natural pools - at the foot of Doi Suthep on Huay Kaew Road. Look out for a large Buddhist Shrine on your left after travelling past the the entrance to Chiangmai Zoo. Turn left into the market at the back of the Shrine, and keep walking up the hill. You will come to the waterfalls after about 5 minutes. There is no charge for entry. The pools at the bottom of the water falls are not really big enough for swimming but are a great place to cool off at the height of the summer. During the dry season some of the water falls dry up - head for the high ground and you will still find pools full of fresh water! There are usually quite a few students hanging out there from the nearby university, who will happily practice their English conversational skills with you. About 7 kilometres from the city centre, it takes 10-15 minutes by tuk-tuk/taxi to get there. [edit]Festivals & exhibitions

 Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival Takes place 20th-22nd January at Ban Bo Sang, Sankampang. The festival is in the form of a "street fair" in which the central road of the village is used, with shops on both sides. Shops are decorated in Lanna style, most with the well-known umbrellas, as well as with traditional lanterns. In addition there are contests,