Learning the Thai Language

1. to celebrate
   ch-long
2. birthday
   wan-kuud
3. yesterday
   muu-wan-ni
4. also
   duu-wai
5. laugh
   hua-raa
6. a lot
   mak
7. was there
   shoo thi-naan
8. listen
   fang
9. she
   teu
10. sing
    rhong-pleing
11. well
    nii
12. bought
    suu
13. fresh coconut milk
    kwa-kathi [head coconut milk]
14. market
    tlaad
15. exercise
    op-kanlang-kai
16. after
    hlang-chak
17. one week
    neung ah-tip
18. rest
    phak-phon
19. went
    pye
20. park
    suuan
21. meditated
    nang-samathi
22. 15
    sib-ha
23. minutes
    nathi
24. today
    wan-nii
25. Saturday
    Wan-thao
26. Sunday
    Wan-an-thip
27. Monday
    Wan-jan
28. Tuesday
    Wan-ang-khan
29. Wednesday
    Wan-poop
30. Thursday
    Wan-paruhat-savadi
31. Friday
    Wan-sook
32. I
    phom (male), chan/di chan (female)
    she
    teu
    he
    khao
    they
    phuak-khao
    we
    phuak-rao
    "phuak" makes it a collective word
33. yoga
    yookha
34. to attend
    khao-ruam
35. class
    se-chan
36. visited
    yem
37. we
    rau
38. baked bread
    op khanum-pang
39. invited
    dai-rap-chuun
40. but
    te
41. not
    mai
42. reply
    taub
43. feel
    roosuk
44. better
    ni-khun
45. today
    wan-nii
46. cooked
    tha-mahan
47. mushroom
    hed
48. omelette
    hi-jeewl
49. home
    baan
50. to stay
    hue
51. whole
    thang
52. day
    wan
53. had
    du
54. coffee
    kafe
55. with
    kab
56. woke up
    tun-non
57. feeling dizzy
    wyen-wuua
58. stayed home
    yu baan
59. whole day
    thang wan
60. hiked
    pin-khao
61. to
    pei
62. along
    prom
63. trail
    sen-trang
64. monk
    prom
65. bought
    su
66. oil
    nam-man
67. bicycle
    chak-ri-yan
68. chain
    so
69. put
    sai
70. to bake
    kan-op
71. baked
    op
72. bread
    kanumpang
73. my
    kong-chan
74. friends
    phuen
75. coming
    maa
76. and
    la
77. pizza
    phissa
78. stretch
    yeu-thok
79. also
    duuwai
80. rope-skipped
    kredod-cheuak
81. fasting
    kan-od-ha-an
82. celebrated
    chelim-chalong
83. India
    Indiya
84. consulate
    se-than konsoong
85. sang
    rhong-pleing
86. songs
    pleing
87. at the
    thi

• 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

1. Chiang Mai trains for Bangkok - 2 day trains, 3 night trains, daily schedule
2. Train 14 to Bangkok - departs 5pm daily, arrives BKK 6:15am, 1st class and 2nd class sleeping accomodation, Special Express
3. Chiang Mai trains to other destinations -

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. Coffeemates, Breadmates and Yogamates in Chiang Mai Jan-Mar 2021
2. You Want to be Wonder Woman? Apr 8, 2021
3. Kunjal Kriya / Vamana Dhauti (induced vomiting) Apr 1, 2021
4. Varisara Dhauti (cleansing of the entire digestive tract) Mar 26, 2021
5. Spiritual Backpacker Interview by Napasorn 'Cherry' Suvarnapradip Mar 23, 2021
6. Private One-on-One Yoga Classes with Doriana Feb 17 - Mar 14, 2021
7. Transformational Life Events Mar 13, 2021
8. Guess Who's Coming to Bread Day? Mar 1, 2021
9. Mula Shodhana (anal cleansing) Feb 27, 2021
10. Are You My Queen? Feb 25, 2021
11. Breaking the 5-Minute Breath-hold Barrier Feb 25, 2021
12. Kirtan with Chiang Mai's Khun Thai Seekers Feb 7, 2021
13. Breaking the 4-minute Breath-hold Feb 7, 2021
14. Pranayama Primer Feb 2, 2021
15. Heartbreak in every Song Jan 24, 2021
16. The Silent Killer is Baaack! Jan 12, 2021
17. Learning the Thai Language Jan 9, 2021
18. 2020: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2020
19. Reversing/Slowing Down the Aging Process Dec 30, 2020
20. Hike to Huay Keaw Waterfall Dec 20, 2020
21. Yoga Mat Dec 19, 2020
22. Hiking to Wat Pha Lat along the Monk's Trail Dec 19, 2020
23. Are You Psycho? Dec 9, 2020
24. Muffin Man Dec 8, 2020
25. Polyamory Dec 4, 2020
26. The Wim Hof Ice Bath Dec 3, 2020
27. RSVP Nov 25, 2020
28. High Intensity Interval Yoga (Yoga + HIIT) Nov 14, 2020
29. Cleansing the Nadis (Energy Pathway) Nov 13, 2020
30. Yoga for a 360-degree Core Nov 6, 2020
31. Edward Witten: 'the smartest living physicist' Nov 4, 2020
32. Srinivasa Ramanujan: Mathematician of the Divine Oct 27, 2020
33. Bashar as Channeled by Darryl Anka Oct 26, 2020
34. Vinyasa Krama and Ashtanga Yoga with Aida Yoga Oct 18, 2020
35. Deepak Chopra: author, lecturer, healer Oct 12, 2020
36. Facebook Friends Oct 1, 2020
37. Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug-Sep 2020 Sep 30, 2020
38. Siddhis (yogic super powers) Sep 30, 2020
39. Learning the Import/Export Trade Sep 4, 2020
40. Music and Magic at Justin's Birthday Bash Sep 3, 2020
41. Biggest Stone in his Shoe Sep 1, 2020
42. Abandoned Aug 25, 2020
43. Intelligent Romantic Break-up Aug 25, 2020
44. Dad-Zoned Aug 18, 2020
45. Public Display of Affection Aug 9, 2020
46. Gabriella's Birthday Bash at Mothership Resort Aug 8-9, 2020
47. Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
48. Yoga Class for Strength and Muscle Jul 30, 2020
49. Yoga Class for Optimum Digestion July 29, 2020
50. Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes Jul 27, 2020
51. Hippie Night at Nawa Saraan Healing Space July 24, 2020
52. The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
53. Yoga Class to move Prana Vayu (energy) July 11-12, 2020
54. Coming Back to Chiang Mai Jun 29, 2020
55. Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 23, 2020
56. Prasnopanishad: Understanding Prana Jan 17, 2020
57. Hiking the Monk's Trail Jan 15, 2020
58. Chaturanga Jan 10, 2020
59. You Spooned Me Jan 3, 2020
60. 2019: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2019
61. Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
62. Visiting Mae Sot Dec 27-30, 2019
63. Let's Make it About You - an Epiphany Dec 17, 2019
64. Shut-Up! Dec 7, 2019
65. Roasted Red Bell Pepper Puree Dec 3, 2019
66. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
67. Bhujangini Mudra Nov 25, 2019
68. Mathangini Mudra Nov 24, 2019
69. Kaka Mudra Nov 23, 2019
70. Pasini Mudra Nov 20, 2019
71. Aswini Mudra Nov 18, 2019
72. Sambhavi Mudra Nov 16, 2019
73. Manduka Mudra Nov 15, 2019
74. Tataka Mudra Nov 14, 2019
75. Sakti Calana Mudra Nov 10, 2019
76. Vajroli Mudra Nov 9, 2019
77. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Oct 2019) Oct to Nov 5, 2019
78. Yoni Mudra Nov 1, 2019
79. Viparita Karani Mudra Oct 31, 2019
80. Khecari Mudra Oct 30, 2019
81. Mahadeva Mudra Oct 28, 2019
82. Sacred Cacao - Chakra Dance Journey Oct 26, 2019
83. Partner Healing with Natascha Oct 24, 2019
84. Maha Bandha Mudra Oct 24, 2019
85. Point-Of-Failure Birthday Workout Oct 22, 2019
86. Mula Bandha Mudra Oct 21, 2019
87. Hugfest at Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai Oct 19, 2019
88. Anushasan Mudra Oct 18, 2019
89. Ling Mudra Oct 17, 2019
90. Jalandhara Bandha Mudra Oct 15, 2019
91. Learning Thai with Cee Oct 13, 2019
92. Uddiyana Bandha Mudra Oct 10, 2019
93. Nabho Mudra Oct 9, 2019
94. Maha Mudra Oct 7, 2019
95. 20 Essential Mudras by T. Krishnamacharya Oct. 6, 2019
96. Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri) Oct 3, 2019
97. Cuddle Party by Abundant Love CM Oct 1, 2019
98. Vayu Mudra Oct 1, 2019
99. Visa-Run to Tachileik, Myanmar Sep 28, 2019
100. Sankalpa Mudra Sep 27, 2019
101. Surya Pradarshini Mudra Sep 26, 2019
102. Eye-Gazing at Heart Space Sep 20, 2019
103. Prana Vayu (Pranic Wind) Sep 20, 2019
104. 2-Week Yoga Challenge by Agnese Erba Sep 17, 2019
105. The Mudra Project Sep 13, 2019
106. Sunday Vinyasa Flow with Marina Forster Sep 8, 2019
107. Shamanic Breathwork by Rachel Constantino Sep 4, 2019
108. The Conscious Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Aug 31, 2019
109. Of Winos and Yogis Aug 26, 2019
110. The 9 Jhanas of Buddha Aug 22, 2019
111. Full Moon Ceremony at Heart Space Aug 15, 2019
112. Yin Yoga - Water Element by Martina Barabas Aug 15, 2019
113. Hatha Mix Yoga with Christin Aug 13, 2019
114. Boy Blues Bar Rocks Chiang Mai Aug 5, 2019
115. Back to my Beloved Chiang Mai Aug 1, 2019
116. Kaleidoscope of Chiang Mai's Peoplescape July 27, 2019
117. Secret Sunrise: Nelson Mandela International Day July 17, 2019
118. Farewell Picnic with Alan and Nicola July 15, 2019
119. Secret Sunrise: Water July 3, 2019
120. Hotel Review: Arun Suite June 27, 2019
121. Bruce Lipton: Epigentics to Transcend Genes June 24, 2019
122. Optimizing Life thru Heart Math May 8, 15 and 22, 2019
123. Connective Cacao and Sound Journey June 12, 2019
124. Chiangmai BLUES June 6, 2019
125. Hatha Slow Flow with Neil Jefferson June 3, 2019
126. Meditating with One Million Meditators Movement June 1, 2019
127. Vinyasa Happy Flow Series by Vaida May 31, 2019
128. Muay Thai at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium May 30, 2019
129. Yoga Flow Through the 7 Chakras by Sabrina Pilz May 30, 2019
130. The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
131. Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
132. World Meditation Day at Heart Space May 21, 2019
133. Abs Yoga by Gigit May 12, 2019
134. Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
135. Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
136. Tok Sen Massage from Ying May 8, 2019
137. Bruschetta: Nawa Saraan Style Apr 22, 2019
138. Thai Cooking at Pra Nang Thai Cookery School Apr 20, 2019
139. Bonding with the Elephants in Chiang Mai Apr 11, 2019
140. Ziplining in Chiang Mai with Eagle Track Zipline Apr 10, 2019
141. Getting Thai Massage from Chiang Mai's Best (Lar Thanakrit Khamtanong) Mar 21, 2019
142. Being the Soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel Mar 18, 2019
143. Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
144. Curing Cancer with Yoga? Feb 21, 2019
145. International Training Massage School (ITM): Level 1 Feb 11-15, 2019
146. Sandesch Album Launch by Christoph Joerg Feb 13, 2019
147. Meditation in a Sensory Deprivation Tank at Float Chiang Mai Jan 29, 2019
148. Reiki Share at the Mastermind Brain Spa Jan 26, 2019
149. Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
150. 4 Days in Chiang Mai at Nawa Saraan Hotel Jan 2-6, 2019
151. Mike Chong Aug 8, 2018
152. An Intimate Conversation with my Universe in Chiang Mai Aug 8, 2018
153. Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa Aug 4, 2018
154. Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Aug 3, 2018
155. Yoga Exploration at The Yoga Tree with Gernot Aug 1, 2018
156. Laughter Yoga with Saffiya Arnous July 31, 2018
157. Yoga with Adam at Hidden House Yoga, Chiang Mai July 29, 2018
158. 2 Weeks in Chiang Mai July 25 - Aug 7, 2018
159. A First Timer in Chiang Mai Apr 9-23, 2016
160. Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
161. Dance Mandala in Chiang Mai at The Yoga Tree Apr 19, 2016
162. Songkran Waterfight Festival in Chiang Mai Apr 13-15, 2016
163. 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!