Living In Hang Chat, Lampang - Three ?S I Need Help With

[hangchatjack]

Hello! I'm an American, living with my fiance in Hang Chat a few miles from Lampang. I'm on a tourist visa for the next forty days unless I extend or get accepted to a Thai language school. I've tried searching the net for answers to these questions but have only been further confused - I hope someone here can help me, and if anyone is anywhere near me, let me know!

1) What's the easiest way to get to Chiang Mai from Hang Chat/Lampang City? I was told by the teachers at my fiances school I could leave my motorbike at the Hang Chat bus station, take a bus to Lampang and then another bus to Chiang Mai, but I can't find any info on when or where to do so. I also heard the bus only runs once a day from Hang Chat to Lampang, at 1PM, and that would be too late for me to get to Chiang Mai in time for classes. If I did ride my motorbike to Lampang and leave it there, is it easier to take a bus or a train to Chiang Mai? I'll be doing this once a week for the next year, so I need something reliable.

2) Are there taxis in Chiang Mai? I got so used to taking taxis in Bangkok, now that I'm living here without taxis I've lost the confidence to travel all around. I'm hoping there are taxis in Chiang Mai and I can take one to my school/hotel from the bus/train station no problem.

3) Where do I go to extend my tourist visa another 30 days? I was told by one person I'd have to go to Chiang Mai, and another said I may be able to do it right in Lampang City. Again, I searched the net and wasn't able to find conclusive answers.

I would appreciate any help! Thank you all!

[Gipe]

1) Buses to CM pass Hang Chat all the time, just go on the main road and wait next bus or you can drive to LPG, and leave your bike in bus station.

2) Yes, also songtaews and tuk-tuks....

3) Only in CM, not possible in LPG

[FritsSikkink]

Why don't you go on your motorbike?

[wimpy]

You can take the train - if you are not in a rush.

[bendebeer]

The green buses go from Lampang to Ch.mai nearley every hour they stop for everybody who wants to go with them and you can go out where you wants.This buses are not airconditioned.just open windows. They past highway 11 at Hang Chat.

[hangchatjack]

OK - thank you all for the help!

Here's my understanding:

1) I can take the train from my backyard in Hang Chat @ 12:52PM, but it is slow and may be late to begin with. This will take me to the train station in Chiang Mai, where I can have a taxi take me to the Thai language schools or a guest house/hotel.

2) I can ride my motorbike to Lampang and leave it at the bus station, and take one of many different buses to Chiang Mai - does anyone know where in Chiang Mai the bus station is?

3) I can wait for the bus in Hang Chat @ the bus stop on highway 11 in Hang Chat and it will pick me up and take me to Chiang Mai? Or Lampang?

4) I can get my tourist visa extended in Chiang Mai - does anyone know where specifically I have to visit in Chiang Mai? An embassy? Immigration office?

Thank you all for your help!

[lopburi3]

The immigration office at entry road to airport - you need to make on-line appointments I believe.