gonzoham

Definetely the Chiang Mai, Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son loop. I have done it twice, one on a motorbike anti-clockwise and one time in a car clockwise. The quality of the roads is incredible with many side trips to places like Ban Ruam Thai (Shan village) and Ban Rak Thai (Chinese KMT village-good lunch). The views are great, although the smog in the north is terrible today with visibilty down to 1-2 kms in Chiang Mai and everything is brown and dry.

Have a great trip.

Thanks for your responses, they were most helpful.

I have read many postings on this subject in Thaivisa.com and they have provided valuable information. This post is to hopefully address a few specific questions that I have. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I am a middle-aged, Australian professional who has been in Thailand for the last 2 years and will return to Australia in July. I have known my fiance for over a year and we plan to marry next month, and once again in Australia for my family and friends in October. She is in her 30s, has a post-graduate degree from a top university, a good career, comes from a good Thai middle-class family and has travelled to various parts of Asia and Europe for her work over the last couple of years. We are marrying for the right reasons, neither of us has been married before, neither of us have children, and we both have the full support of our families.

However, obviously there are concerns with visas/ citizenship/ immigration protocol etc.with any mixed marriage. My questions are:

1, Any suggestions on how best streamline the 'paperwork' process. Waitings lists of up to 10months seems a bit too long, are there ways to speed it up?

2, What exactly is the Australian government looking for? Stories seem to vary a great deal from one couple to the next, so its hard to get a clear picture.

3, What resident/ citizenship rights do foreigners get when marrying a Thai?

If someone offers to refund monies for something that they are not responsible for they are either one of 2 things...

a fool

hiding something

the truth is still out there.

Do you have money/services/visa owing? Do you want to enlighten us with 'the truth'. I fail to see the point of your post, it lacks clarity and purpose.

Chiang Mai University is great, yes you do pay up front and get a 1Year ed-visa.

There are people who just want the visa but they soon drop off and the classes are left with a core group of 6-8 students who are there to learn. Thai language is not easy and requires a lot of homework, but it is definetly worth it.

Good luck.

I did that same run to Mae Sai a few years ago, I hired a bigger, faster motorbike 250cc-400cc and departed at 6am. Great ride up, a few formalities and some cheap goods across the border turned it into a fun day. However on the way home I hit some major roadworks and limped back into CM between 7-8pm and very sore.

I went on a more scenice drive last year with some friends in a rented car back to Mae Rim, Golden Triangle and Chinag Rai. If you have the time maybe break the trip into 1-2 nights, as there are some great sites along the way.

Either way worked and even though the motorbike trip was a bit more tiring, it is the cheapest and a memorable road trip.

All the best

Thanks very much to everyone for uploading all those great walking/hiking tracks. I try and explore a new track every week and seem to spend more time lost, maybe it is time to invest in a GPS system.

Are the GPS systems most of you use the standard car units or the more specialised hiking ones, Any preferences for Thai/Chiang Mai area?

Garmin eTrex, DeLorme Earthmate, Magellen Triton and Garmin Oregan all seem like market leaders.

regards,

Ham

If you are referring to the 700 year sports stadium, as they have great football fields, there numbers are

:053112045

:053112870 (badminton)

Also their is a Directory Assistance number in Thailand 1170 or 1174 or something.

Good luck

Wallen at sipsong huay kaew

Prolanguage along Nimmanheiman

have both been doing this for a while.

That's great thank you, I'll check it out. If anyone has any reviews, that'd be cool too.

I am also very interested in the responses as I posted a similiar inquiry, although I am at beginner level with the Thai language.

All the best with your studies

Any past or present students of the Chiang Mai University 1 Yr Thai Language Course?

How does the CMU course compare with the Walen School of Thai? I am after serious learing and not just a easy visa.

I am currently studying International Relations (Counterterrorism) at university in Australia and will be coming to CM to learn Thai and possibly Chinese or Burmese. Does anyone know of a Burmese language school?

Also I will be looking for a condo around the university, do you recommend any Real Estate agents?

My first post and I appreciate this forum.

Thank-you,

Gonzo