Hi all,

I and my family are planing to visit to Chiang Mai on coming Dec and will stay there 5 days. Now we are working at BKK with working permit.

I would like to know some tips and info as follow:

1. For transportation - rent car or bike

- Which way is better to travel around there?

- Any safe and cheap rental services for car?

- Must have thai driving license?

- Will be ok with Native country's driving license?

2. Recommanded place to visit?

3. Any do and don't?

Thank you.

Can be a bit chilly in the morning.

To drive you need an international drivers license.

Better get a taxi for the day and go to

Doi Suthep temple

Hill tribe village

http://www.chiangmainightsafari.com/ open during daytime too

The Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Rd. http://www.1stopchia...ng/night_market

Tuk tuks are cheap for local transport

Edited October 15, 201213 yr by FritsSikkink

You may get more responses if it is on the chiang mai forum

Agreed. Topic Moved.

1. car or motorbike.

- Personally enjoy the motorbike more.

- journeycnx, northwheels

- No, if your license is written in English, you do not need an IDP nor Thai DL.

2. Def doi Suthep or doi Inthanon. Check out a Elephant camp, maybe one of the botanical gardens. If you want some great drving areas with view try the Somoeng loop. Stay away from the Night Safari and Tiger kingdom, they will both leave you with a bad feeling about the animals.

3. Do be careful of the Thai traffic and have fun. Don't pay full price at any night market, especially the night bazaar

Edited October 15, 201213 yr by CMSteve

1. car or motorbike.

- Personally enjoy the motorbike more.

- journeycnx, northwheels

- No, if your license is written in English, you do not need an IDP nor Thai DL.

2. Def doi Suthep or doi Inthanon. Check out a Elephant camp, maybe one of the botanical gardens. If you want some great drving areas with view try the Somoeng loop. Stay away from the Night Safari and Tiger kingdom, they will both leave you with a bad feeling about the animals.

3. Do be careful of the Thai traffic and have fun. Don't pay full price at any night market, especially the night bazaar

Yep, agree 100%

On Sat there is a walking street market on wualia road near Chiang Mai Gate which is on the southside of the old city, On Sun. there is another night market in the center of the old town. Lots of Wats to see a very interresting Wat is off Wualai Road It is called the silver Wat as it is surfaced in the carved Metal relief . Wualai road is the old silver district there are still many metal working factories ans shops in the area selling silver products.

For shopping go out to the factory shops east of the city cannot remember name of Road but there are wood working, leather, jewelry, silk and other products for sale. Go to Doi Sethup and after visiting go on up the road and you will find a hilltribe village as well as a Royal Palace that is open for visits

On Sat there is a walking street market on wualia road near Chiang Mai Gate which is on the southside of the old city, On Sun. there is another night market in the center of the old town. Lots of Wats to see a very interresting Wat is off Wualai Road It is called the silver Wat as it is surfaced in the carved Metal relief . Wualai road is the old silver district there are still many metal working factories ans shops in the area selling silver products.

For shopping go out to the factory shops east of the city cannot remember name of Road but there are wood working, leather, jewelry, silk and other products for sale. Go to Doi Sethup and after visiting go on up the road and you will find a hilltribe village as well as a Royal Palace that is open for visits

The hill tribe village is very interesting. It is an authentic hill tribe village. The funny part about it is there is a parking lot for their nice cars. Don't make the mistake I did. I saw a few signs that said museum so I was looking for the building. Then I realized the whole village was the museum. It might be a little chilly up that high in December if you are used to the Bangkok heat.

Stay in the old city and you can just walk around for a day. Also their will more than likely be a travel agent who can hook you up with many tours if you choose not to drive. 5 days will give you a start on what to do. You already have some great ideas and I am sure more will come. Just remember to bargain in the night markets and night bazaar.

Of course the number and age of your kids might change things. Take them to the zoo with Panda Bears and a large aquarium.

Lots to enjoy.

Have a ball and don't forget your camera.

Thank you all. I am really appreciated for your useful comments. I will drop some lines when I need to consult from you guys.

Thank you.

Bring your respirators as the air will be filthy. It's started already now that the rains have almost finished.