Getting there by Air
Chiang Mai's modest size makes it can excellent first stop destination in Thailand, with the international airport being only 15-20 minutes by taxi from downtown Chiang Mai. Direct flights only come from Munich, Hong Kong, KualaLumpur, Kunming, Mandalay via Yangon (Rangoon), Singapore and Vientiane.
If coming from other destinations, ask your travel agent to make reservations on the 50 minute domestic flight to Chiang Mai from Bangkok International Airport.
Getting there train or bus
Don Muang (Bangkok International Airport) station is on the main line from Hualamphong terminus (Bangkok) to Chiang Mai. The station isnext to the airport terminal building.
Air-conditioned trains make the 750 kilometer journey overnight to Chiang Mai, arriving in the earlymorning. Buses to Chiang Mai depart regularly during the day and the early evening from Mor Chit 2 (Northern) Bus station.
Getting around in Chiang Mai
There are several modes of both public and private transportation available to ensure your convenience when it comes to getting around Chiang Mai.
Getting around: Vehicles For Rent
Currently, there are about 30 rental businesses operating in the city of Chiang Mai. cars, vans, motorcycles,and bicycles are available for hire at most of these rentals.
Insurance for cars is available at the majority of rental businesses. Before renting it is wise to obtain the information regarding costs and claims, should any damage be done to the vehicle while it is in your care.This is especially true if you are planning to take the vehicle on a long trip.
Needless to say, you should have a driver's license, international or from your home country, and a clear understanding of the rules of the road before renting a vehicle. Because of the variety of vehicles that use the roads, Chiang Mai traffic is quit unlike that of anywhere else. It may take a lot of getting used to, and it maybe a good idea to first observe the traffic from the passenger's point of view before taking over at the wheel.
Getting around: Public Transportation
Besides rentals, another way of getting around the city is through the use of public transportation. Silors (Songtaews), or pickups that have been converted into mini-buses; tuk tuks, or motorized three - wheeltaxis samlors, or pedal trishaws and buses (at last a familiar name!) are all available public transportation. They are numerous and can be found everywhere in the city.
Tropical Ramblings
MapJack offers streetviews of Chiang Mai, and I am impressed. Razor sharp images, seamless pano stitching, zoom capability, and somehow they managed to include large numbers of girls and people in their pictures. Read more here: MapJack beats Google Street View in Chiang Mai.
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