• 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. Spinal Mobility Oct 7, 2021
2. Swedish Cinnamon Rolls [Kanelbullar] Oct 4, 2021
3. One-Leg Yoga Asana Sequences Sep 30, 2021
4. Pizza Nite with Nut, Monika and Yuki Sep 27, 2021
5. 23-Minute Ice Bath Sep 27, 2021
6. Pizza Nite with Nut, Simona and Malee Sep 23, 2021
7. Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) Sep 23, 2021
8. Making Cornbread Sep 15, 2021
9. Kombucha: 2nd Batch Sep 11, 2021
10. Making German Stollen Bread Sep 9, 2021
11. Pizza Nite with Jackson, Goi and Paapu Sep 6, 2021
12. Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug 31, 2021
13. Making Homemade Kombucha Aug 30, 2021
14. Wrong Question to Ask This Crowd Aug 29, 2021
15. Pizza Nite with Tom, Chunyah and Goi Aug 20, 2021
16. Pizza Nite with Moms and Kids Aug 15, 2021
17. Bahya Kumbhaka (breath-hold on the exhale) Aug 14, 2021
18. Everybody's Only Friend Aug 13, 2021
19. Vanillekipferl (German Vanilla Crescent Cookies) Aug 11, 2021
20. Fighting Infection through Yoga Aug 3, 2021
21. Too Close for Friendship Aug 2, 2021
22. Manifesting: Epicurus' Pursuit Jul 31, 2021
23. Homemade Rum Raisin Ice Cream Jul 30, 2021
24. Ice Bath at Nawa Saraan Healing Space Jul 25, 2021
25. Pizza Nite + Slack Line + Hammock Jul 23, 2021
26. Yin-Yoga & Hypnosis with Christine Thiel Jul 20, 2021
27. Pizza Nite with James and Nat Jul 19, 2021
28. Antara Kumbhaka on Nadi Shodan Pranayama: Yogic Breath-Hold on the Inhale Jul 17, 2021
29. Moving and Cashing-Out Bitcoin Jun 2 - Jul 11, 2021
30. Hatha Yoga: Controlling the Switch Jul 7, 2021
31. Yoga Classes with Calum Mar 27 - Jul 4, 2021
32. Hike to Wat Pa Thammachat Waterfall Jul 2, 2021
33. Pizza Brunch with the Yogis July 1, 2021
34. Continuing Friendships in Chiang Mai Jun 30, 2021
35. On the Brink of Hunger, the ENABLERS Come to Light Jun 21, 2021
36. Hatha Vinyasa Yoga with Katharine Day Jun 17, 2021
37. Pranayama Basics II Jun 16, 2021
38. 36-Hour Love Life Jun 11, 2021
39. Pranayama Basics I Jun 9, 2021
40. Biohackers Meetup in Chiang Mai Jun 6, 2021
41. Learning How to Breathe Jun 2, 2021
42. Not the Usual Day-to-Day Life May 31, 2021
43. Morphing Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 31, 2021
44. Breathwork & Ice Bath with Jason Ryer of Zen Strength May 23, 2021
45. It's Raining Bell Peppers May 7, 2021
46. Yoga Classes with Nana Apr 20, 2021
47. You Want to be Wonder Woman? Apr 8, 2021
48. Kunjal Kriya / Vamana Dhauti (induced vomiting) Apr 1, 2021
49. Coffeemates, Breadmates and Yogamates in Chiang Mai Jan-Mar 2021
50. Varisara Dhauti (cleansing of the entire digestive tract) Mar 26, 2021
51. Spiritual Backpacker Interview by Napasorn 'Cherry' Suvarnapradip Mar 23, 2021
52. Private One-on-One Yoga Classes with Doriana Feb 17 - Mar 14, 2021
53. Transformational Life Events Mar 13, 2021
54. Guess Who's Coming to Bread Day? Mar 1, 2021
55. Mula Shodhana (anal cleansing) Feb 27, 2021
56. Are You My Queen? Feb 25, 2021
57. Breaking the 5-Minute Breath-hold Barrier Feb 25, 2021
58. Kirtan with Chiang Mai's Khun Thai Seekers Feb 7, 2021
59. Breaking the 4-minute Breath-hold Feb 7, 2021
60. Pranayama Primer Feb 2, 2021
61. Heartbreak in every Song Jan 24, 2021
62. The Silent Killer is Baaack! Jan 12, 2021
63. Learning the Thai Language Jan 9, 2021
64. 2020: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2020
65. Reversing/Slowing Down the Aging Process Dec 30, 2020
66. Hike to Huay Keaw Waterfall Dec 20, 2020
67. Yoga Mat Dec 19, 2020
68. Hiking to Wat Pha Lat along the Monk's Trail Dec 19, 2020
69. Are You Psycho? Dec 9, 2020
70. Muffin Man Dec 8, 2020
71. Polyamory Dec 4, 2020
72. The Wim Hof Ice Bath Dec 3, 2020
73. RSVP Nov 25, 2020
74. High Intensity Interval Yoga (Yoga + HIIT) Nov 14, 2020
75. Cleansing the Nadis (Energy Pathway) Nov 13, 2020
76. Yoga for a 360-degree Core Nov 6, 2020
77. Edward Witten: 'the smartest living physicist' Nov 4, 2020
78. Srinivasa Ramanujan: Mathematician of the Divine Oct 27, 2020
79. Bashar as Channeled by Darryl Anka Oct 26, 2020
80. Vinyasa Krama and Ashtanga Yoga with Aida Yoga Oct 18, 2020
81. Deepak Chopra: author, lecturer, healer Oct 12, 2020
82. Facebook Friends Oct 1, 2020
83. Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug-Sep 2020 Sep 30, 2020
84. Siddhis (yogic super powers) Sep 30, 2020
85. Learning the Import/Export Trade Sep 4, 2020
86. Music and Magic at Justin's Birthday Bash Sep 3, 2020
87. Biggest Stone in his Shoe Sep 1, 2020
88. Abandoned Aug 25, 2020
89. Intelligent Romantic Break-up Aug 25, 2020
90. Dad-Zoned Aug 18, 2020
91. Public Display of Affection Aug 9, 2020
92. Gabriella's Birthday Bash at Mothership Resort Aug 8-9, 2020
93. Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
94. Yoga Class for Strength and Muscle Jul 30, 2020
95. Yoga Class for Optimum Digestion July 29, 2020
96. Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes Jul 27, 2020
97. Hippie Night at Nawa Saraan Healing Space July 24, 2020
98. The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
99. Prana Vayu Adhitthana Yoga Class July 11-12, 2020
100. Coming Back to Chiang Mai Jun 29, 2020
101. Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 23, 2020
102. Prasnopanishad: Understanding Prana Jan 17, 2020
103. Hiking the Monk's Trail Jan 15, 2020
104. Chaturanga Jan 10, 2020
105. You Spooned Me Jan 3, 2020
106. 2019: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2019
107. Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
108. Visiting Mae Sot Dec 27-30, 2019
109. Let's Make it About You - an Epiphany Dec 17, 2019
110. Shut-Up! Dec 7, 2019
111. Roasted Red Bell Pepper Puree Dec 3, 2019
112. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
113. Bhujangini Mudra Nov 25, 2019
114. Mathangini Mudra Nov 24, 2019
115. Kaka Mudra Nov 23, 2019
116. Pasini Mudra Nov 20, 2019
117. Aswini Mudra Nov 18, 2019
118. Sambhavi Mudra Nov 16, 2019
119. Manduka Mudra Nov 15, 2019
120. Tataka Mudra Nov 14, 2019
121. Sakti Calana Mudra Nov 10, 2019
122. Vajroli Mudra Nov 9, 2019
123. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Oct 2019) Oct to Nov 5, 2019
124. Yoni Mudra Nov 1, 2019
125. Viparita Karani Mudra Oct 31, 2019
126. Khecari Mudra Oct 30, 2019
127. Mahadeva Mudra Oct 28, 2019
128. Sacred Cacao - Chakra Dance Journey Oct 26, 2019
129. Partner Healing with Natascha Oct 24, 2019
130. Maha Bandha Mudra Oct 24, 2019
131. Point-Of-Failure Birthday Workout Oct 22, 2019
132. Mula Bandha Mudra Oct 21, 2019
133. Hugfest at Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai Oct 19, 2019
134. Anushasan Mudra Oct 18, 2019
135. Ling Mudra Oct 17, 2019
136. Jalandhara Bandha Mudra Oct 15, 2019
137. Learning Thai with Cee Oct 13, 2019
138. Uddiyana Bandha Mudra Oct 10, 2019
139. Nabho Mudra Oct 9, 2019
140. Maha Mudra Oct 7, 2019
141. 20 Essential Mudras by T. Krishnamacharya Oct. 6, 2019
142. Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri) Oct 3, 2019
143. Cuddle Party by Abundant Love CM Oct 1, 2019
144. Vayu Mudra Oct 1, 2019
145. Visa-Run to Tachileik, Myanmar Sep 28, 2019
146. Sankalpa Mudra Sep 27, 2019
147. Surya Pradarshini Mudra Sep 26, 2019
148. Eye-Gazing at Heart Space Sep 20, 2019
149. Prana Vayu (Pranic Wind) Sep 20, 2019
150. 2-Week Yoga Challenge by Agnese Erba Sep 17, 2019
151. The Mudra Project Sep 13, 2019
152. Sunday Vinyasa Flow with Marina Forster Sep 8, 2019
153. Shamanic Breathwork by Rachel Constantino Sep 4, 2019
154. The Conscious Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Aug 31, 2019
155. Of Winos and Yogis Aug 26, 2019
156. The 9 Jhanas of Buddha Aug 22, 2019
157. Full Moon Ceremony at Heart Space Aug 15, 2019
158. Yin Yoga - Water Element by Martina Barabas Aug 15, 2019
159. Hatha Mix Yoga with Christin Aug 13, 2019
160. Boy Blues Bar Rocks Chiang Mai Aug 5, 2019
161. Back to my Beloved Chiang Mai Aug 1, 2019
162. Kaleidoscope of Chiang Mai's Peoplescape July 27, 2019
163. Secret Sunrise: Nelson Mandela International Day July 17, 2019
164. Farewell Picnic with Alan and Nicola July 15, 2019
165. Secret Sunrise: Water July 3, 2019
166. Hotel Review: Arun Suite June 27, 2019
167. Bruce Lipton: Epigentics to Transcend Genes June 24, 2019
168. Optimizing Life thru Heart Math May 8, 15 and 22, 2019
169. Connective Cacao and Sound Journey June 12, 2019
170. Chiangmai BLUES June 6, 2019
171. Hatha Slow Flow with Neil Jefferson June 3, 2019
172. Meditating with One Million Meditators Movement June 1, 2019
173. Vinyasa Happy Flow Series by Vaida May 31, 2019
174. Muay Thai at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium May 30, 2019
175. Yoga Flow Through the 7 Chakras by Sabrina Pilz May 30, 2019
176. The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
177. Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
178. World Meditation Day at Heart Space May 21, 2019
179. Abs Yoga by Gigit May 12, 2019
180. Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
181. Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
182. Tok Sen Massage from Ying May 8, 2019
183. Bruschetta: Nawa Saraan Style Apr 22, 2019
184. Thai Cooking at Pra Nang Thai Cookery School Apr 20, 2019
185. Bonding with the Elephants in Chiang Mai Apr 11, 2019
186. Ziplining in Chiang Mai with Eagle Track Zipline Apr 10, 2019
187. Getting Thai Massage from Chiang Mai's Best (Lar Thanakrit Khamtanong) Mar 21, 2019
188. Being the Soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel Mar 18, 2019
189. Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
190. Curing Cancer with Yoga? Feb 21, 2019
191. International Training Massage School (ITM): Level 1 Feb 11-15, 2019
192. Sandesch Album Launch by Christoph Joerg Feb 13, 2019
193. Meditation in a Sensory Deprivation Tank at Float Chiang Mai Jan 29, 2019
194. Reiki Share at the Mastermind Brain Spa Jan 26, 2019
195. Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
196. 4 Days in Chiang Mai at Nawa Saraan Hotel Jan 2-6, 2019
197. Mike Chong Aug 8, 2018
198. An Intimate Conversation with my Universe in Chiang Mai Aug 8, 2018
199. Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa Aug 4, 2018
200. Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Aug 3, 2018
201. Yoga Exploration at The Yoga Tree with Gernot Aug 1, 2018
202. Laughter Yoga with Saffiya Arnous July 31, 2018
203. Yoga with Adam at Hidden House Yoga, Chiang Mai July 29, 2018
204. 2 Weeks in Chiang Mai July 25 - Aug 7, 2018
205. A First Timer in Chiang Mai Apr 9-23, 2016
206. Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
207. Dance Mandala in Chiang Mai at The Yoga Tree Apr 19, 2016
208. Songkran Waterfight Festival in Chiang Mai Apr 13-15, 2016
209. 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!