lsk

Looks like the recent winds caused a fair bit of damage.

Storm heading from the north.

Light rain in Lamphun. Started about 22.00.

If it's a major problem, others will have the same thought as you.

Collectively you will have a much greater chance of success.

On the subject of hotels. Planning a couple of nights in town and was surprised by not only the price but lack of availability. Most decent hotels fully booked for the next few days and if not they are asking for a decent premium.

Never used XE trade, will need to do some research. Been using OzForex for years with no drama. Bpay form your Australian account then transfered over by Ozforex into your Thai account. Competitive rates and done within a week. Backed by Macquarie Bank as well. AUD1000 Min.

RAM has a bucket load. As above post, do you really need an white one. My limited experience with Caucasian MD's in Chiang Mai has been poor.

If not urgent, shop around...

There are a number of service stations around town that have self serve and easy to use digital tire inflators.

Otherwise just stuff one of these in your scooter.

Saved me a couple of times when riding back home with a slow puncture at 3 in the morning.

https://www.airbnb.com/

Limited selection of short term rentals but might be of assistance.

Would have to agree that The Dukes Pizza would have to rate as one of the better pizzas in CM but that's not really saying much. Always go for the ribs. But what's up with the square pizza slices. Know I can request the pie being cut into pie slices but really?

Poverty? I work an menial job back in Oz and earn more than most respectable Thais could only imagine.

But I feel the most rich and satisfied when I spend time with relatives up north.

P.s. The Thai Gov do take care of their people. Everything from milk for the young ones to an bypass for grandpa.

All with no intrusive taxation.

Empty Beer boxes for 5 baht each from any mom and pop shop?

O.K. I'll have a bite at this.

1. Karaoke Bars

Have had some of my best nights at Karaoke bars that were targeted at Thais. Bonus being I never had to pay.

2. Starting a tab at a bar (pay for all drinks immediately)

You must be poor, ugly and/or retarded. Only had the same issues I've had anywhere else in the world.

3. Riding a bike without a helmet (other people might be drunk, hit you, and you need protection)

Your head your helmet.

4. Driving on the right side of the road (to all new visitors)

Get used to it. It actually works quite well.

5. Going to bars with Thai MEN there (they get jealous, fights might happen)

Hmmm. You might be right there. Don't eye ball in Thailand!

6. Telling the restaurant worker(s) the food tastes bad

No problem. Just don't go back.

7. Eating Sushi for 10 baht that has been in the sun all day

10 Baht. BS. What can you but in Thailand for 10 Baht.

8. Getting scammed by overpriced tuk-tuk drivers (remember to negotiate)

Like soi dogs, make them your friend. Otherwise learn how to use the songtaws. Easy.

9. Buying a house for thai gf after knowing her for 11 days

Retarded.

10. Leaving you bike UNLOCKED to something (I've seen bikes stolen with a lock, just not locked to anything)

Retarded.

11. Loaning money to your "friends" (getting a little off-topic, sort of)

Retarded/ up to you.

12. ATM's that either charge 150/180 baht or not in very public location (skimming does happen often)

Up to you.

13. Buying Jade

The quality of Jade isn't too bad. Have Chinese friends back in Oz always asking me for more. But I'm no expert.

There used to be a "wank similey" on TV which now I cannot find.

So instead,

Wank Wank Wank.....

Been buying tickets online now for about 18 months without issues. Their smartphone app works great as well.

As you can see from the prior responses, you will have to deal with some nonsense.

Personally I think the Chinese are well covered for now but give it a few more years and they will become the main driving force of not only Chiang Mai but Thai tourism.

What's "Handsome man " in Mandarin?

Been to River Market Restaurant a number of times. As I normally order the steak and have only tried a few other items off their menu I will keep a proper review to myself.

But there are a number of points that are apparent.

Portions are small. 4 to 5 mains to fill the misses and myself up. Granted the second serving of Tamarind pork ribs is usually just because we find them so delicious. At the same time she's never hungry for some "proper" Thai food afterwards. It is an restaurant we can both enjoy.

Ambiance is great. An mixture of Thais, expats and tourists. Actually on some occasions the Thais form the majority of customers. Guess some Thais enjoy "modern" and/or "fusion" Thai food as much as the rest of us.

My main problem is the cooking of the steaks. On 4 separate occasions I have ordered steak, progressively going from a "medium" to "medium well done" to "well done". All steaks after of few cuts have flooded the plate with blood and juices. Having worked in commercial kitchens before I am hesitant in returning meals back but on the 4th occasion and especially after an clear request in Thai and English while ordering, I returned the meal back to the kitchen. It returned with the minimum of fuss, cooked well done and with fresh sides. Nice.

Might be a bit pricey but as a place to go once in awhile it is definitely recommended.

Check out http://www.gt-rider.com/ targeted at motorcyclists but some great info.

Hookahs no. But I do know some Thai ladies that are very heavy smokers. PM me for details. .

In all seriousness, would Thai smoking laws allow something like that?

To the OP

You make no mention where you are from.

Visiting on an 90 day visa you should be able to open an Thai bank account and use an specialized money transfer service. Being from Oz I use Ozforex.

If you are unable to do that I would suggest you bring in the cash and have it exchanged in CM. Avoid the major banks.

But at the end of the day it's only $2500. Any savings will be marginal. In regards to safety, on settling in CM and not knowing any better I walked around with 10 times that amount strapped to my waist with no problem.

Not wanting to derail the thread about Mad Dog pizza any more than it already has.

http://www.thaivisa....se/page__st__25

For an night out as opposed to just filling your guts, where is the best Southern Thai food restaurant in Chiang Mai?

Hi

How old and what size?

BTW. 180bht for an decent soi dog. PM me for details....

Temple dogs, Soi dogs and farm dogs.

Recently while looking for mushroom farmers I parked the car about 200 meters away from where the produce was. Realizing how far I had to carry I decided to move the car nearer.

On my way back to the car the alpha came out. Ears back, tail out and with nuts like small pineapples.

No problem. Just like any other dog. Show him who is master and that's it.

Yeah right.

Out came his mates, just as angry as the alpha.

With my bravado quickly diminishing and fumbling 3 set of keys I made it back inside the car.

I have always tried and succeeded in making soi dogs my friends but this time I felt like a 5 year old being chased by wolves.

P.S. Hope the bite heals soon..