Learning the Thai Language

• crop-burning season in Chiang Mai is between late Feb to early April. But laws change everytime. This year, 2019, there is a 61-day ban on burning so the farmers started burning early. When my plane was approaching Chiang Mai on Jan 24, 2019, there was already a thick blanket of smog covering the entire city (and beyond). But within the city itself, you won't feel it (but that doesn't mean the air is healthy). To monitor air conditions in real time, refer to site: Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
• hot season begins March and lasts until June
• wet season begins July and lasts until September
• best time to visit Chiang Mai is mid-September to mid-February - after the monsoon and before the burning
• you have to try Khao Soi, this is north Thailand's culinary staple
• the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located in the Old City
• to exchange your dollars to Thai Baht, the Super Rich Money Exchange give the best rates. There are many branches scattered around Chiang Mai
• get a red cab (songthao) outside the train station for Baht 50 (instead of paying B100 if inside the train station) to Old City - if you haggle nicely enough...I did!
• shared red taxi (songthao) - B30 standard fare plying all over Old City
• for only B50/day, best to rent a bike to go around the Old City - it's a 2.5km² with lots to discover
• FREE daily yoga classes from 9:00am to 10:15am at Nong Buak Hard Park (southwest corner of Old City). Resident and passing-through teachers take turns conducting yoga classes.

1. North Gate Pub - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays by the 11pm band
2. Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
3. Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic

• B60 Chiang beer
• B250 1 hour drop-in yoga session
• B200 one hour Thai body massage at WAYA Massage (highly recommended)
• B50 noodle soup with meat
• B50 coffee
• B40 pad thai
• B30/kilo wash-only laundry
• B50/kilo wash+iron laundry
• B100-150 dorm bed/night
• B250 fan room/night
• B30 internet cafe/hour
• B170-190 Movies Sat-Sun and public holidays
• B130-150 Movies weekdays
• B100 Movies Wednesdays (movie discount day)
• B750 1/2 day Thai cooking lessons
• B900-1000 1 full day Thai cooking lessons
• B400 Muay Thai boxing ticket
• B2500 starting room rate at the luxury hotel, Nawa Sheeva (highly recommended)
  
  
Transportation
• B450 bus, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
• B160-180 bus, Chiang Mai to Pai
• B1250 bus, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
• B1650 slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
• B210 bus, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 3-4 hours
• B360 Green VIP bus, Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Thai border town for visa run to Tachileik, Myanmar)
• B50 bicycle rental, 24 hours
• B200 motorbike rental, 24 hours
• B273 #51 sleeping train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
• B638 #7 a/c train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
• B50 red taxi fare from point to point
• B100 red taxi fare from train terminal to city
  
  
Tours
• B2000 full day elephant sanctuary
• B750 Chiang Rai one-day tour
• B1500 mountain biking scenic ride

For more train info: Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains - departing from Hua Lamphong - MRT (Bangkok)

(I'm using Bang Sue as a starting point because I was closer to it, but you may be closer to the Hua Lamphong station)

1. take the MRT train to Bang Sue Station. Take the #1 Exit to the north provincial trains
2. Proceed to Counter 2. You will see an information booth, a train schedule chart and the ticket counter. Choose the train and pay at the ticket counter.
3. daily train schedule:
   • 8:48am - #7 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:30pm, not sleeper, B638
   • 2:06pm - #109 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 4:05am, sleeper
   • 6:31pm - #9 Premium Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:15am, sleeper, B938 upper deck, B1038 lower deck
   • 7:56pm - #13 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 8:40am, sleeper, B768 upper deck, B838 lower deck
   • 10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck

1. From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
2. As of June 28, 2020 (still on Covid schedule), there are only 3 night trips: 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 12 midnight. 9 hours, B470.
3. The bus makes the following stops at the following times from a 9pm Loei departure: Phu Ruea (9:50pm), Phitsanulok (12:40am), Uttradit (2:20am), Lampang (4:35am)
4. Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
5. Take a red songthaew to Old City, B50. They'll try to charge you B100, but they'll take B50 (just assure the driver you won't tell the other passengers).

1. Learning the Thai Language Jan 9, 2021
2. 2020: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2020
3. Reversing/Slowing Down the Aging Process Dec 30, 2020
4. Hike to Huay Keaw Waterfall Dec 20, 2020
5. Hiking to Wat Pha Lat along the Monk's Trail Dec 19, 2020
6. Are You Psycho? Dec 9, 2020
7. Muffin Man Dec 8, 2020
8. Polyamory Dec 4, 2020
9. The Wim Hof Ice Bath Dec 3, 2020
10. RSVP Nov 25, 2020
11. High Intensity Interval Yoga (Yoga + HIIT) Nov 14, 2020
12. Cleansing the Nadis (Energy Pathway) Nov 13, 2020
13. Yoga for a 360-degree Core Nov 6, 2020
14. Edward Witten: 'the smartest living physicist' Nov 4, 2020
15. Srinivasa Ramanujan: Mathematician of the Divine Oct 27, 2020
16. Bashar as Channeled by Darryl Anka Oct 26, 2020
17. Vinyasa Krama and Ashtanga Yoga with Aida Yoga Oct 18, 2020
18. Deepak Chopra: author, lecturer, healer Oct 12, 2020
19. Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug-Sep 2020 Sep 30, 2020
20. Siddhis (yogic super powers) Sep 30, 2020
21. Learning the Import/Export Trade Sep 4, 2020
22. Music and Magic at Justin's Birthday Bash Sep 3, 2020
23. Biggest Stone in his Shoe Sep 1, 2020
24. Abandoned Aug 25, 2020
25. Intelligent Romantic Break-up Aug 25, 2020
26. Dad-Zoned Aug 18, 2020
27. Public Display of Affection Aug 9, 2020
28. Gabriella's Birthday Bash at Mothership Resort Aug 8-9, 2020
29. Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
30. Yoga Class for Strength and Muscle Jul 30, 2020
31. Yoga Class for Optimum Digestion July 29, 2020
32. Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes Jul 27, 2020
33. Hippie Night at Nawa Saraan Healing Space July 24, 2020
34. The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
35. Yoga Class to move Prana Vayu (energy) July 11-12, 2020
36. Coming Back to Chiang Mai Jun 29, 2020
37. Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 23, 2020
38. Prasnopanishad: Understanding Prana Jan 17, 2020
39. Hiking the Monk's Trail Jan 15, 2020
40. Chaturanga Jan 10, 2020
41. You Spooned Me Jan 3, 2020
42. 2019: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2019
43. Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
44. Visiting Mae Sot Dec 27-30, 2019
45. Let's Make it About You - an Epiphany Dec 17, 2019
46. Shut-Up! Dec 7, 2019
47. Roasted Red Bell Pepper Puree Dec 3, 2019
48. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
49. Bhujangini Mudra Nov 25, 2019
50. Mathangini Mudra Nov 24, 2019
51. Kaka Mudra Nov 23, 2019
52. Pasini Mudra Nov 20, 2019
53. Aswini Mudra Nov 18, 2019
54. Sambhavi Mudra Nov 16, 2019
55. Manduka Mudra Nov 15, 2019
56. Tataka Mudra Nov 14, 2019
57. Sakti Calana Mudra Nov 10, 2019
58. Vajroli Mudra Nov 9, 2019
59. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Oct 2019) Oct to Nov 5, 2019
60. Yoni Mudra Nov 1, 2019
61. Viparita Karani Mudra Oct 31, 2019
62. Khecari Mudra Oct 30, 2019
63. Mahadeva Mudra Oct 28, 2019
64. Sacred Cacao - Chakra Dance Journey Oct 26, 2019
65. Partner Healing with Natascha Oct 24, 2019
66. Maha Bandha Mudra Oct 24, 2019
67. Point-Of-Failure Birthday Workout Oct 22, 2019
68. Mula Bandha Mudra Oct 21, 2019
69. Hugfest at Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai Oct 19, 2019
70. Anushasan Mudra Oct 18, 2019
71. Ling Mudra Oct 17, 2019
72. Jalandhara Bandha Mudra Oct 15, 2019
73. Learning Thai with Cee Oct 13, 2019
74. Uddiyana Bandha Mudra Oct 10, 2019
75. Nabho Mudra Oct 9, 2019
76. Maha Mudra Oct 7, 2019
77. 20 Essential Mudras by T. Krishnamacharya Oct. 6, 2019
78. Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri) Oct 3, 2019
79. Cuddle Party by Abundant Love CM Oct 1, 2019
80. Vayu Mudra Oct 1, 2019
81. Visa-Run to Tachileik, Myanmar Sep 28, 2019
82. Sankalpa Mudra Sep 27, 2019
83. Surya Pradarshini Mudra Sep 26, 2019
84. Eye-Gazing at Heart Space Sep 20, 2019
85. Prana Vayu (Pranic Wind) Sep 20, 2019
86. 2-Week Yoga Challenge by Agnese Erba Sep 17, 2019
87. The Mudra Project Sep 13, 2019
88. Sunday Vinyasa Flow with Marina Forster Sep 8, 2019
89. Shamanic Breathwork by Rachel Constantino Sep 4, 2019
90. The Conscious Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Aug 31, 2019
91. Of Winos and Yogis Aug 26, 2019
92. The 9 Jhanas of Buddha Aug 22, 2019
93. Full Moon Ceremony at Heart Space Aug 15, 2019
94. Yin Yoga - Water Element by Martina Barabas Aug 15, 2019
95. Hatha Mix Yoga with Christin Aug 13, 2019
96. Boy Blues Bar Rocks Chiang Mai Aug 5, 2019
97. Back to my Beloved Chiang Mai Aug 1, 2019
98. Kaleidoscope of Chiang Mai's Peoplescape July 27, 2019
99. Secret Sunrise: Nelson Mandela International Day July 17, 2019
100. Farewell Picnic with Alan and Nicola July 15, 2019
101. Secret Sunrise: Water July 3, 2019
102. Hotel Review: Arun Suite June 27, 2019
103. Bruce Lipton: Epigentics to Transcend Genes June 24, 2019
104. Optimizing Life thru Heart Math May 8, 15 and 22, 2019
105. Connective Cacao and Sound Journey June 12, 2019
106. Chiangmai BLUES June 6, 2019
107. Hatha Slow Flow with Neil Jefferson June 3, 2019
108. Meditating with One Million Meditators Movement June 1, 2019
109. Vinyasa Happy Flow Series by Vaida May 31, 2019
110. Muay Thai at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium May 30, 2019
111. Yoga Flow Through the 7 Chakras by Sabrina Pilz May 30, 2019
112. The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
113. Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
114. World Meditation Day at Heart Space May 21, 2019
115. Abs Yoga by Gigit May 12, 2019
116. Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
117. Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
118. Tok Sen Massage from Ying May 8, 2019
119. Bruschetta: Nawa Saraan Style Apr 22, 2019
120. Thai Cooking at Pra Nang Thai Cookery School Apr 20, 2019
121. Bonding with the Elephants in Chiang Mai Apr 11, 2019
122. Ziplining in Chiang Mai with Eagle Track Zipline Apr 10, 2019
123. Getting Thai Massage from Chiang Mai's Best (Lar Thanakrit Khamtanong) Mar 21, 2019
124. Being the Soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel Mar 18, 2019
125. Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
126. Curing Cancer with Yoga? Feb 21, 2019
127. International Training Massage School (ITM): Level 1 Feb 11-15, 2019
128. Sandesch Album Launch by Christoph Joerg Feb 13, 2019
129. Meditation in a Sensory Deprivation Tank at Float Chiang Mai Jan 29, 2019
130. Reiki Share at the Mastermind Brain Spa Jan 26, 2019
131. Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
132. 4 Days in Chiang Mai at Nawa Saraan Hotel Jan 2-6, 2019
133. Mike Chong Aug 8, 2018
134. An Intimate Conversation with my Universe in Chiang Mai Aug 8, 2018
135. Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa Aug 4, 2018
136. Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Aug 3, 2018
137. Yoga Exploration at The Yoga Tree with Gernot Aug 1, 2018
138. Laughter Yoga with Saffiya Arnous July 31, 2018
139. Yoga with Adam at Hidden House Yoga, Chiang Mai July 29, 2018
140. 2 Weeks in Chiang Mai July 25 - Aug 7, 2018
141. A First Timer in Chiang Mai Apr 9-23, 2016
142. Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
143. Dance Mandala in Chiang Mai at The Yoga Tree Apr 19, 2016
144. Songkran Waterfight Festival in Chiang Mai Apr 13-15, 2016
145. Border Crossing from Siem Reap (Cambodia) to Bangkok (Thailand) to Chiang Mai April 9-10, 2016

60-Day Thai Tourist Visa

NOTE: There is no need to go back to your country to get the Thai tourist visa. Any major city with a Thai Embassy will do. Apparently there is also no need to have an invitation from a Thai establishment to justify the visa.

1. Bring the following to the Thai embassy:
   a) proof of money (bank statement will suffice)
   b) flight booking to Thailand
   c) onward flight back to your country from Thailand
   d) filled-in tourist visa form
   e) 2 passport pictures
   f) hotel booking in Thailand (they didn't ask me for this but better be safe)
   g) passport with at least 6 months validity
2. After handing over all the documents, they will ask you to come pick your passport with the visa the following day from 4 to 5pm. That's it!
3. NOTE: after 2 successful attempts, I was already questioned the 3rd time.

30-Day Extension

NOTE: When your 60-day visa is close to expiry and you want to extend your stay. No need to leave Thailand.

1. bring the following to the Immigration Office:
   a) passport (make sure your Tourist Visa hasn't expired yet)
   b) Baht 1900
   c) photocopy of your passport + visa duration date stamp + TM6 card (white immigration card) and sign all the copies
   d) completed TM7 visa extension form (available at the Immigration Office)
   e) one 4cmx6cm passport picture
2. submit the above to the Front Desk. They will give you a stub with your number on it. Take a seat and wait for your number to be called
3. when your number is called, your picture will be taken. Then go back to your seat. They will call you again.
4. when they call you again, they'll give you your passport with your extended visa. That's it!
5. when there are no lines, the whole process can take only 10 minutes

1. arrive early - in case there is a snag (visa snag, documentation snag, transport ticket snag, etc.), you will have ample time to troubleshoot the problem if you arrive early (to the airport, to the bus terminal, etc.)
2. put detailed itinerary on the Calendar apps of your smart-phone according to timelines - this is where you do all your thinking and planning. Once written down, you don't have to think anymore while you are on the journey...you just follow the steps. This frees your mind for something else that might happen while you are already en route
3. avoiding scams - as a general rule, I ignore the touts or anyone I don't know who call out to me. The calling comes in many forms - "Hi! Where are you from?", "Excuse me! Excuse me!", "Where are you going?". I don't look them in the eye and I remain non-verbal with them. If you reply to them, you just gave them an 'in' to hound you. In order not to look rude, I smile and wave the 'not interested' hand to them, without looking at them.
4. power bank - hand-carry your power bank. Do not check it in. You can be called in when you are already inside the plane to go all the way to the loading dock so you can personally remove the power bank...and chances are, you'll have to surrender it to them. And you might delay the plane departure!