el jefe

I was there yesterday. I thought the tortillas were fine.

The first problem was his "salsa fresca", which is described as mildly spicy. It was nothing more than diced tomatoes. A little real pico de gallo would have done wonders. (Amazingly, the best "Mexican" salsa I've had in CM has been at the Buffet House on Huai Keuw Rd. It tasted like a spicy tomatillo based salsa and was far better than anything Salsa Kitchen, Dukes, or Miguel puts out).

Problem two are his prices. Tacos are 50-60B, burritos are 130B. I spend 4 months a year in NYC which has a large population from Puebla. I can get better tacos with much more variety (lengua, cabrito, real chorizo, etc) for $2.00 each at dozens of places. Huge burritos are $4.00 and the quality is definitely better than Miguel's. $3.00 will get me a quesadilla the size of a hubcap, with real Mexican cheese, in all those places.

But the biggest problem is Mike's attitude towards his staff. He was constantly yelling at his staff and berating them. It was interesting, but sad to watch. I hope he's paying them well.

I can't wait to get back to NY for some real Mexican food.

My wife and I are looking for people to ride with in the Chiang Mai area. Thai or farang, it doesn't matter, as long as you ride.

We're looking to ride anywhere from 50-120km a day. Our pace is about 25-30 kph on flat terrain, although I'm just as happy going a little slower in the mountains. We've done some exploring and have come up with several interesting routes both north and south of the city. We're also open to suggestions from other riders as to where to go.

Our schedules are very flexible and we can ride almost any day, but prefer mornings before it gets too hot.

We're looking forward to meeting other cyclists.

1. I heard recently that it may be possible to get a 14 day Myanmar visa at the border. Can anyone verify this? It used to be possible to get a Myanmar visa online but ever since the gov't moved to a new secret location outside Yangon, no one has been able to download the form (someone in Yangon probably forgot to pack the computer). Or is my only option to deal with a travel agent who will send my passport off to Bangkok?

2. Does anyone know of any hotels between Tachilek and Kyiang Tong?

3. Are there any restrictions on travel to Mong Lar near the Chinese border?

Thanks in advance.

el jefe

If you come up to Chiang Mai, not only does Pai Sabai have bagels and cream cheese, but lox too.

Gee, thank you Doctors taxout and tywais. I wasn't really looking to be anesthesized in the middle of the Warorot Market.

I never said that Grace refused to use general anesthesia, just that it's not a service they offer. They were going to have an oral surgeon do the work. I would prefer one that uses general anesthesia. It's very common in the US.

I guess I'll check out the CM Dental Hospital.

So I did go to Grace and of course I did see Dr Kurokot -- she sees everybody for their initial consultation. While I wasn't thrilled by their over-the-top slickness and telling me only what I wanted to hear, they did do very professional work.

The problem now is that I need a wisdom tooth extracted. Grace won't do it with general anethesia, just a local. I know -- I'm a baby -- but the only other time I had a tooth extracted it was done with just local anethesia and when I heard the cracking, I passed out. Do any of you know of a dentist in CM that will do it with general anethesia?

There's an OK buffet breakfast at Smile House GH #1, 5 Rachamunkla Rd Soi 2. It's 80B. It's got your American basics and if you time it right, they might put out a platter of excellent fried chicken.

Thanks to all for the responses, especially to "Seeker 108" for making me search again. I don't know what I did wrong on my first search. I'm a "newbie" here, but not to message boards in general. I re-did the search and, of course, this thread came up on top and then all the other threads on dentists. Lots of useful info. Thanks again.

Sorry for a question that has probably been asked several times before but I did a search and couldn't come up with anything.

Based on what my dentist told me in New York two weeks ago, I probably need a root canal. I'd like to take care of it as soon as possible. (Well not really, but you know what I mean.) I had some minor dental work done at Funsabai Dental Clinic (just outside Thapae Gate) last February and I wasn't thrilled with their work. I'd like to try someone else but don't know where to start, what with 100 dental officies in CM. Do any of you have any suggestions. And, under the assumption that there are plenty of competent dentists here, a recommendation of one located just north or northwest of the city center would be even better.

thanks in advance.

If you take half the precautions you would take in the US or UK, there's little chance of having your bike stolen in Thailand.

I'm familiar with Moultons. It was my dream bike a few years, especially after someone finished the Race Across America on one.

I'd have 60 or more bikes too, but the 7th or 8th one would be in trade for my wife. That's not necessarily a bad thing.

Happy cycling wherever you wind up. We'll share a beer at the finish.

ProBike in Bangkok has anything and everything you might need, including most tools. Chiang Mai also has several bike shops but not the same variety of bikes or accessories.

There are plenty of riders in the Chiang Mai area -- everything from casual riders to serious roadies and mountain bikers. (I fall into the serious roadie category) There's lots of roads to choose from, from totally flat to endless climbs. I'm not a beach person so I can't comment on the riding down south. I'll be in CM from 2 November thru 31 March. I chose to spend my five months in CM mostly because of the riding conditions.

I wouldn't bother bringing a 14,000 baht bike. The airlines will likely charge you 3,000-4,000 baht to fly it over. You can pick up that quality bike easily in Bangkok, unless you're a very odd size. A Trek 4500 goes for about that amount.

By the way, 14,000 baht is not an "expensive" bike. I'm leaving my 200,000 baht bike home, but I am bringing my 120,000 baht road bike.

Anyone should be able to get a 15 day Lao visa the the airport:

http://www.visit-laos.com/before/visas.htm

As for hotels, just like in CM, it depends on your budget. The Mano Guesthouse can't be beat in the 400 baht range.

I'm bringing my road bike with me for my 5 month stay in Chiang Mai starting Nov 1. I plan on riding on a regular basis. I was in CM this past Feb/March and saw plenty of cyclists. I've got a bunch of friends coming in January. We plan on doing a loop thru Mae Hong Son and Pai. Someone wrote up a similar trip here:

http://www.masterlyinactivity.com/thailand/notes.html

If you're up in CM, drop me a line.