Chiang Mai Resource Guide

Please note: There are now 5 major malls (Maya, Promenada, and Central Festival, Central Kad Suan Gaew, Central Airport Plaza) which have changed the face of shopping in Chiang Mai. Each one has electronics floors, books stores, restaurants, etc. In general, information about the malls is not included in this guide.

Bookstores

DK Books on the outer rim of the east side of the moat and Suriwong Book Store on the southeast corner of the moat are good places to find teaching materials and novels in English. CLC Bookstore (Christian Literature Crusade) (053-240-447 or 080-494-0772 for English): at 276/10 Tung Hotel Road, with an expanded English language section including many popular authors like Karen Kingsbury. Also Bibles and Christian gift items and music for sale. Each of the malls also has bookstores.XYZ5Star bookstore located at 30/6 Super Highway near Central Festival has a warehouse feel—but lots of books if you can wade through them (082-699-0495 fb XYZ5Star bookstore for directions) open 9am-5pm.

Churches

There are 8 English language fellowships held weekly in the Chiang Mai area.

For a morning service you are welcome to attend Chiang Mai Christian Fellowship which meets on Sunday mornings at 10:00am at the Campus Crusade Facility in Muu Ban Sri Anan, behind Tepbanya Hospital #2 on the north side of the city. This interdenominational, multi-cultural church offers contemporary worship and strong Biblical teaching. Child care is available along with Sunday school for children up through 6th grade as well as programs for teens and youth. Please find a map with directions at our web page www.thaiconnections.org. For more information contact Pastor Tim Dunham at 081 952 2205, or email timdunham@thaiconnections.org

The Gathering is an English-language evangelical fellowship that offers blended worship music, practical Bible teaching, and a strong family atmosphere. Worship Service from 10:30-11:45 each Sunday morning on the 5th floor of the Lotus Hotel at Kad Suan Kaew Mall. (Please use the elevators at the NE corner of the mall parking structure.) Other Sunday activities include: Adult Bible Study at 9:15 am. Children's Church (Grades 1-6) and Youth Worship Service (Grades 7-12) at 10:30 am two Sundays a month. Childcare for preschoolers is provided every Sunday during the Worship Service. Please contact the Gathering Leadership Team by emailing thegatheringchurchcm@gmail.com for more information about The Gathering and our off-site meetings during the week.

The House of Praise International church is run by Pastor Jonathan and Judy Vickers and has several services. English 9:00 am - 10.30 am, with a Kids Church Program for 3-12 y/o's, a creche for the little ones during the service and a nursing Mothers room; Thai service: 10:45 am – 12:15pm. We also have a youth group on Friday evenings from 7-9pm, ages 12-18. For more information email info@cochouseofpraise.com or call the church office 053-212-904 / cell 089-555-1310. Check out our Facebook page HOP Facebook Page or website www.cochouseofpraise.com Street Address: 78 Theparak Road (just behind the Chiang Mai Grand View Hotel on the Super Highway).

IGO Christian Fellowship meets in the Igo Center in the front of Koolapunt 5 at 10am each Sunday. We enjoy a time of praise and worship from 10:00-10:45. Sunday school is provided for children up to 12 yrs old, from 10:15-10:45. The sermon time is from 11:00-11:45am. Contact Pastor Gaylord Barkman at thebarkman8@gmail.com, or call 090-967-7826 for more information.

Multi-Cultural Fellowship- Multi-Cultural Fellowship meets every Sunday @ 2:00pm 178/78-79 for worship service. For more information, please visit our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/MultiCulturalFellowship. or contact Pastor Ayub (gulayub@yahoo.com) from Pakistan.

All Nations Vineyard Church is a church plant pastored by Andrew and Lesley Dornan and is part of the Global Vineyard family of churches. Vineyard churches aim to be a people of the Kingdom of God who partner with the Holy Spirit, experience and worship God, reconcile people with God and creation, engage in compassionate ministry and pursue culturally relevant mission in the world. http://www.vineyardresources.com/CoreValuesAndBeliefs.pdf As a church plant we are still developing ministries within the church so if you would like to help build an authentic community with a missional focus we would love you to join us. Sunday Meetings are at 11am. For more details contact Andrew on 0845333855 or email vineyardchiangmai@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/Vineyardchiangmai

For evening services, the Chiang Mai Community Church offers a service beginning at 4:20 PM at the Chiang Mai First Thai Church located diagonally across from the Riverside Restaurant near the Nawarat Bridge. There is a nursery and Sunday school program through grade 6 as well as a youth program. For more information, contact the church office (053-244-820 or administrator@cmcchurch.org) The web site is www.cmcchurch.org.

For Episcopal/Anglican Eucharists Sunday, 11 a.m. at All Saints located at Kaeo Nawarat Road, Soi 2/2, see the map on the website. Vicar: Rev. Iain Baxter Contact: info@AllSaintsChiangMai.com or call: 0 904 604 304 www.AllSaintsChiangMai.com

For Catholic services, Seven Fountains (97 Huay Kaew Road) has English services. Eucharist Sunday mornings at 9:30am (main church) as well as weekday Eucharist at 6pm (small chapel in Ignatius Building). Call the office 053-211-076 or 053-892-545 for more information. E-mail: seven.fountains.chiangmai@gmail.com The Jesuit community direct silent retreats—call for more info. The website is www.thesevenfountains.org

There are 3 Korean churches:

  • Charen Tham Church: 202 Moo 7, World Club Land Contact Pastor: Doyun Chung 053-839-557, 081-724-1289.

  • Chiang Mai Central Church: Contact Pastor: Sun Kuk Kim 158-2 Moo.1 T. Tasara A. Muang Chiangmai 50000 T: 053-850-506, 089-560-0225 E-mail: parable1@msn.com , www.club.cyworld.com/cmcentral .

  • Chiang Mai Mission Church (Sunday morning service at the SV2M center (the old APIS Kindergarten) Contact Pastor- Jeong-Gum, Yang 093-317-8986

**Mandarin translation during Thai Service Chiang Mai Blessing Church (Tung Hotel Road) every Sunday from 10 am to 12 noon. Please contact Ajan Monta 081-765-2255 vijitrakuls@yahoo.com, Chiang Mai Blessing Church 053 304091. If you are attending as a group, do let us know in advance so that proper arrangements can be made.

** Thai-German Church (www.thai-deutsche-gemeinde.com) meets every Sunday afternoon at Chiang Mai City Gate Church (15/3 Moo 7, Soi 2, Thanon Rattanasakha, T. Mae Hia, A. Muang, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand; Google Maps: 18.749184, 98.968162). We meet and greet at 15:30 (3:30pm) with coffee and tea and church starts at 16:30. There is a special program for children. Please email for details: Pastor Martin Hofmann hofmannmm@aol.com (phone: 081 6715 090) or Manfred Goettmann memgoettmann@gmx.de (phone: 087 1920 249

**The Chiang Mai Japanese Christian Church meets at the Chiang Mai Chinese Church on Faham, on the third floor of the education building, on Sunday mornings, 10:30–12:00. http://www.church.ne.jp/chiangmai/index.html Contact Pastor Rev. Nojiri at E-mail: dvd23tn@hotmail.co.jp, Tel: 086-916-0330.

Crafts

The Warorot market has fabric, yarn and basic sewing notions, as well as several shops that sell cross-stitch items. If you take along a sample of what you want and point, people are very helpful at directing you towards the correct shop.

Computer Stores

Each of the malls have IT sections. Pantip Plaza is located at the south end of the Night Bazaar street right before you reach the street light intersection. (There is underground parking around the back.) For Apple/Macintosh, the ComSeven has 7 locations (www.studio7thailand.com/stores/) including the iStudio at Airport Plaza in the wing on the 3rd floor (053-904-155) and another iStudio at Central Festival (083-097-4062).

Framing

A higher quality-framing store is located at the southwest corner of the moat and can also finish framing in a few days. There are several shops near the corner of Bamrungrat and Kaow Nawarat that do excellent work. (This is the same street as Thai Tribal Crafts and the British Consulate.)

Grocery Stores

Kasems, a small local import food grocery store, is located in 2 locations, the original (053-234-986) near the corner of Chang Moi Road and Rajchawong Road. Look for bread in the window. The second store (053-808-112) is located on a small soi off of Suthep Road. You can buy baking goods, bulk spices, cake mixes, cereals and hard to find western products. If you don’t find what you want—ask. They are great at locating that special ingredient. Tops grocery stores are located on the ground floor of Central Festival, Kad Suan Gaew and Airport Plaza (and they will deliver your orders over B1000). There are 5 Rim Ping Superstores that carry a variety of western food items, including cake mixes and frosting—even frozen blueberries! One is located opposite Niyom Panich near Airport Plaza, another out the Mae Jo Road at the first ring intersection, the third is south of Chiang Mai Community Church along the river, another in the Promenada mall, and there is a branch at Kad Farang near Hang Dong. Chiang Mai also has several Superstores that sell everything: Makro (warehouse style—must get a member card or use their free one day passes, please note: they take only cash), Lotus, and Big C. In the Warorot Market, the large plastics store (appropriately called "Chiang Mai Plastics") sells household items and Ziploc-type bags—worth checking out!

Bakery Supply stores: Chiang Mai Baker’s Mart (053-334-111) is jam-packed with anything you could possible want to bake with, including oats and flour at good prices, as well as molasses, nuts, specialty items and bake ware. Their store next door has lots of restaurant equipment available for purchase as well. Open 8am-6:30pm. Located at 104-8 Chiang Mai-Lampun Road. Yok Intertrade Bakery Supply (053-248-248 fb Yok Intertade (Chiang Mai) for directions) is located in a clean and roomy store on the outer road of the ring road between Big C Extra and Makro (on the opposite side of the road of these 2 stores.) Open 8am-8pm. They also host cooking demonstrations and seminars (listed on yokinter.com).

Hairdressers

Salons are found in the malls. Cut including shampoo around 200-300 baht. Permanents are 850 – 1000 baht. Recommended hairdressers who understand farang hair are Vera at New York New York (053-215-199) off of Nimmanhamen and a branch at Kad Farang (B850/cut with Vera (who is at the Kad Farang branch only on Fridays), B550 with other stylists), a salon run by a Christian on Tung Hotel called "Grace" (053-247-989) and a shop at the front of Koolpunt 5 called Eden (086-1924-143).

Laundry

Most neighborhoods have individuals who have small shops and will wash and iron clothes that you drop off, and they charge by the piece. Look for the placards, or ask a neighbor for directions. The laundry service located on the night safari road opposite the feeder road into World Club Land does good service (even has a dryer). They also will send dry cleaning.

For dry cleaning, Perfect Dry Cleaning (053-234-555) now only has one location open 9am-6pm Mon-Sat.—located behind Big C Extra.

Libraries

Sadly, there are no public libraries available. However, if you have friends that attend any of the local international schools, parents can often use those libraries.

Local Transportation

Two forms of local transportation are the red trucks, “song tiaws” and the three-wheel “Tuk-tuks.” With either of these, you will need to bargain. Red songtiaws start at 20 baht and prices increase depending on distance. To catch them, stand on the side of the road and hold your arm out. Tell the driver where you want to go when he stops. If he is going that way he will tell you to get in. If you have a big group you can negotiate a price or rent the truck for longer periods of time. Tuk-tuks are more expensive than song tiaws. Tuk-tuks average around 30 - 60 baht. (There are also white, green, blue and yellow song tiaws which all have set routes.) Yellow song tiaws along Hang Dong road run to Chiang Mai Gate for B15. You can get off anywhere along the route for that price.

Metered taxis are also available. They are B50 for the two km and then 12 baht/km after that with an extra charge if they pick you up at a set location. You can also negotiate a price from location to location. Phone 053-016-500 (they speak a little English).

Uber (www.uber.com) and Grab (www.grab.com/th/en) are also both available in Chiang Mai. There are some problems with legality with Uber.

City Bus Daily from 6 am to 6 pm. B15-20 (see article for complete routes www.chiangmaicitylife.com/news/chiang-mai-bus-routes-in-English.

You can rent motorcycles along the inner rim of the East Side of the moat. You will need a passport and current driver’s license and approximately 200-250 baht/24 hours. North Wheels for car rental has been recommended. They are also located on the inner rim of the East Side of the moat, north of ThaPhae Gate. Or you can call for free pickup and delivery at 053-216 189. You’ll need your passport and the rate for a sedan is about 1,500 baht/24 hours. If you rent for longer periods, they will give a better price (for example, one month is B28,000) Check their website northwheels.com.

Mailing

Airmail letters to North America weighing 10 grams or less cost 19 baht (18 baht to Europe) and 15 grams or less cost 28 baht. For every 10 grams over 15, 9 baht is added. (For those of us who do not think in grams, a postcard is 15 baht and a lightweight letter is usually 19 baht, with a card B28.) The Thai post offices also sell boxes for shipping.

Money

There are many currency exchangers and the rates are set by a central exchange, so any bank or exchange center will give you the same rate that varies day by day. The airport has 2 sets of exchange offices that perhaps would be the most convenient, located in both terminals. Bangkok Bank, Thai Farmers Bank, Bank of Asia and other exchange banks located in the malls and around the Night Bazaar have been recommended. Avoid hotels as they extract a service charge. Traveler’s checks and other foreign currencies (except Malaysian Ringgit RM) can be exchanged at any bank money exchange branch; however, there is a transaction fee and a tax. For travelers’ checks, remember to bring your passport.

Photocopying

Many places in town, especially near schools like CMU and Dara. Also one on canal road in the Mae Hia market. For color copies the small shop on Samoeng Road after the turnaround out of Koolapunt 8 and then after the 7-11 is very reliable.

Repair Shops

Niyom Panich (across from Airport Plaza)-good for large appliance repairs: fridge, washer, dryer a/c. Will come to your home or will pick up from home to fix. Typically quite reliable and knowledgeable. If an appliance is the same price at two places it is worthwhile to buy here so you can take advantage of great repair service. They also typically do a good job of installing appliances (like oven hoods, dryers etc that have to have holes drilled through the concrete walls). For video, TV, small appliance repairs—there is a small shop on Kaownavarrat on your left hand side right before crossing the bridge heading into town (look for the TV’s in the shop!) Big C Extra and Big C have Amorn Electric Shops that also do repairs.

Tailoring

The Night Bazaar area has many tailors. A recommended one is Genesis International Tailors located on Level 1 of Shangri-La Hotel, Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai near Night Bazaar (genesistailors@gmail.com website www.genesistailor.com Facebook Page :GenesisInternationalTailors. Tel. 053 233 750, 080 4915050. They make clothes for both ladies & gents. They are Christian and support Christian causes. They are open Monday - Saturday, 11 am - 7 pm. Around the Warorot market (a.k.a. Day Market) there are many small shops selling material, sewing notions, etc. Upstairs in the Warorot market there are less expensive seamstresses. Take a picture of what you want, and hope for the best!!

Upholstery and Carpet Cleaners

Veterinarians

  • House of Dogs and Cats (Baan Mha Ka Maew Animal Hospital) just before the corner of Chiang Mai Land road on the superhighway is a great veterinary place. They do shots, animal care, washing, etc. Speak English. 255/10-12 Mahidol Rd. Padaed, Muang, CM 053-205-155 open 24/7

  • Dr. Nook Animal Hospital 164/68-69, Chang Klan Road, Chang Klan, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50100, 053 818 905 or 081-8835430 Friendly, knowledgeable doctor and staff. English speaking recommended vets with good English are Dr. Jang, Dr. Ae (Piyapong) and Dr. Nook open daily 9am -7 pm (Sat and Sunday 9-3)

  • Happy Animal Hospital on Hangdong Rd. just north of the traffic light for Baan Tawai where the median begins. 053-441-062, 080-130-3393, 083-570-0011 open daily 9-8

  • Nana Animal Hospital. (on Hang Dong Road, right outside of Koolpunt 5) 053-838-063, 087-177-4442 Has expanded to be able to accommodate any/all pets- including the more "exotic" pets like tropical fish, reptiles and rodents. Open M-F 9am-8pm and Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. Good English.

  • Mee Chok Vet Clinic Meechok Plaza (corner of Mae Jo and 700 Year Stadium Road/first ring road). Open daily at 9am. The main vet, Dr. Am Chaimongkol, is very attentive and speaks English well and is there Monday-Friday. Another vet covers the weekend. (081-454-6191)

  • Small Animal Hospital - Chiang Mai University Open 24/7 For more information please call 053-948-032.

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Family Entertainment

Movies:

Sound track and Thai movies. Check web sites for shows and times (these are not always right!). Ticket prices are 90-220 baht depending on the day of the week, with 3-D movies running over 200 baht. Chiang Mai Vista Cinema (www.chiangmaivista.com) at Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Center (Central Mall 053-224-444) Major Cineplex: (www.majorcineplex.com) at Airport Plaza, (053-283-939) and Central Festival (053-288-852) SF Cinema City (www.sfcinemacity.com ) at Promenada and Maya shopping centers.

Bowling:

Bully Bowl (053-224-444 ext. 19940) open 11am-midnight. Located on the top floor of the Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Center (Central Mall) and features neon bowling (using black lights) some evenings. The cost for one game, shoes and ball rental is 50 – 70 baht, depending on when you go. Shoe rental is 30 baht—make sure you take your own socks or you’ll have to buy theirs! Prices vary given the time of day, with no specials on holidays. Check for daytime specials—often 3 games/B100. Regular price on weekends and holidays is 3 games/B150

Children’s indoor play areas:

Central Festival (4th floor 200B/3 hours) Also has two free playgrounds. One is on the 4th floor inside the Central Department Store in the toy section. It is a small soft play for under 5s with balls and a small playhouse with a slide. The other free one is at the other end near TrueVisions. There is also a songtaew there that kids can drive, suited more to younger kids. Central Festival also has a free padded play area with nothing but padded mats in it in the dining hall for truly little ones (like crawlers) with bar-style seating all around it to allow parents to put their babies down while eating.

Maya (100B unlimited during the week, B100/hr on weekends) but they are undergoing renovations as of July 2107. There are also animals buggy rides for a cost, near Black Canyon cafe. Kids with/without adult can ride on it to go around that floo

Promenada on the 2nd floor of the B building (270B/3 hours and additional 90B/hr after that. Or you can buy a pack of 10 + 1 free for 2500B. Those tickets are good for unlimited playtime) They have many fun areas for toddlers to 8 y/o. (if child is very young, some of the areas are limited.)

For B100 with no time limit, Kad Suan Kaew (located past Dairy Queen) has padded play areas for running and jumping complete with a ball pit. (Remember to bring socks!)

Airport Plaza for 200B has a few activities (crafts, "cooking," etc) and a small soft play area. There is also a free play area outside Fuji restaurant, plus pay to ride train and other rides.

All of the Big C and Tesco stores have indoor padded playgrounds. Big C Extra on the Superhighway is 50B for 45 min play. Please note--toddlers are allowed to play in the play area on weekdays but not on weekends.

Mini-golf:

Inter-Minigolf (053 101 199 ) Located near second ring road near Bosang intersection (first turnaround after the 9km mark—look for an arch). 18 hole mini-golf B100/adult, B50/child. Small Swiss-Thai restaurant on location. Open 8am-10pm daily.

Hansa Mini-golf (053-255-766 or 088-414-4145) is located on the 1001 in SanSai. Open 10am to 6pm Friday to Monday only. 18 holes of mini-golf with high quality miniatures of historic sites (Eiffel tower, Great Wall of China, etc.) for 100 baht adults 50 baht students with ID, and 30 baht kids under 12. Good restaurant. All sorts of deals for groups or parties too—check the website www.hansaminigolf.com

Ideas for Fun Family Outings

Here are some suggestions of fun ways to enjoy the day with one another.

Art in Paradise Museum—(053-274-100) http://chiangmai-artinparadise.com/ On Changklan Road down from the Shangri La Hotel. Open 9am-9pm daily. Ticket office closes at 8pm. B140/adult with Thai driving license or work permit, 100-120B for children. (otherwise 400adult/200child). Plan for 2-3 hours taking photos with you interacting with the more than 130 pieces of 3-D art.

Bua Tong Waterfalls—An amazing spring-fed limestone waterfall that is great for climbing to 3 different levels or simply sitting in one of the many pools. There is no charge, and there are stands open to buy sticky rice and chicken for lunch on weekends and holidays (during the week—be safe and take your own picnic). To get there, drive out of Chiang Mai on the Maejo Road about 48 km. You will see a blue sign on the left in Thai and English, and a rather fancy entrance on the right, with the sign only in Thai. No entrance fee.

Chiang Mai Zoo—(053-221-179) Open 8am to 6pm and a great place to hike for the day (or take the tram for B30 to see more of the zoo—it is really spread out! There are also golf carts for hire B350/hr. There are bird shows and seal shows daily (check website for times). You can also buy a lunch of noodles or sticky rice for a reasonable price—as well as snacks and drinks. The panda exhibit is an additional B100 adults/B50 child or if you live in Thailand, B50/B20 (you will need a driver’s license or work permit). The aquarium is B520/390 if purchased at the aquarium gate. Adults B150, children B70, (Thai price if you have a Thai driver’s license) parking B50. Snowdome B150/person. Check out website for special programs (www.chiangmaizoo.com). Currently, you can play with a koala (B1000/10 minutes) or volunteer to help the keeper for a panda (B5000).

Doi Khun Tan—The train from Chiang Mai stops there in the morning and picks up in the afternoon, and so you can have a full day of hiking. The road there has also been resurfaced for those who want to drive. The national parks are making an effort to up-grade the facilities at many parks, and as a consequence, new sleeping facilities are being built. Also be forewarned--there is a law stating the entry fee is B200/Adult B100/Child for foreigners, and forThais, B20/B10.

Doi Ob Khan—a fun gorge to explore and get wet at, as well as nice camping facilities and a simple Thai restaurant. Even though it is a national park, there is no admission fee. To get there, go south on the canal road 7 km past the Samoeng intersection, turn right at the sign and go another 5.5 km to the park entrance. The actual river is another 2 km past the entrance. There is no entry fee.

Hidden Village Chiang Mai “Dinosaur City”— (064-550-0305 | check out www.facebook.com/hiddenvillagechiangmai/ | video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RafFD-2bWMo | see MAP | Listed as an amusement park, but more of a playground with plaster dinosaurs-plus real animals too (B20 bag to feed them)— little shade available, so it is recommended to go in the morning. Thai price is B100, so make sure to take your license (otherwise B200) Children under 100cm are free. Additional charge for the blowup dino playhouse (B20) ball area (B40) and dino ride (B40). Open 9am-7pm daily | MAP

Horizon Village and Tweechol Botanical Garden—located on Doi Saket 10 km out of town (check out their website for map— http://www.tweecholbotanicgarden.com) Beautiful topiary, with ostrich, deer and camels to feed, saltwater pool (B130 adult and B70 child) Small restaurant, or take a picnic. The streets are all flat and great for strollers. Entrance price includes golf cart ride around gardens, (B86/adult, B43/child) but can then rent bikes (B30) or paddle boats (B50). Open 8:30-5 daily. Will also accommodate groups and private retreats.

Huay Gaew Waterfalls—free and close, this smallish waterfall is just past the zoo past the shrine to your left. There are some fun rocks to climb on as well as some pools to splash around in and there are food stalls right before the falls.

Huay Dueng Dao-Drive past the 700 Year Stadium and follow the signs to this wonderful lake where you can swim, rent paddle boats, and buy a sticky rice lunch. B50for foreigners and B20 for Thai (no exceptions). There is also a place near the entrance to rent bikes.

Night Safari—(053-999-000) located off Canal Road before Samoeng intersection. . Detailed website in Thai and English for special programs-- http://www.chiangmainightsafari.com Open 11-4pm for walking around lake (B100/adult, B50/child or with Thai driver’s license B50/adult, B25/child over 100cm, and free for little ones) and one day tram at 3pm and evenings (6pm-midnight) tram service starting at 7:45pm and 8:30pm (South Zone) and 9:30pm and 10:10pm (North Zone) for English versions. B800/adult and B400/child with discount (B300/125) if you have work permit or Thai driver’s license) The two tram routes showcase animals in their natural habitats. Updated music, water, and laser show on the lake at 8pm and 9:10pm in the evening. Food available (especially fun is the Giraffe Restaurant where animals can be viewed from the restaurant while you eat). They also have an outdoor play place for children that opens at 11am (but the indoor one is now permanently closed—no plans to reopen). Look into buying a 6 month membership (B500) if you go frequently. Membership for children over 100cm is also B500/6 months. A bonus—members may bring in guests at 30% off (2 guests per card holder.)

Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens— (053-841-234) http://www.qsbg.org Just past the Mae Sa Elephant camp—Children are B10, and adults B40 (with Thai ID—otherwise 50B/B100) and cars are B100. Open daily from 8:30am until 5 pm. There is a beautiful waterfall area right as you go in with plenty of beautiful spots to picnic. There are trails to hike along, and near the top of the park are well laid out greenhouses. And a canopy walk way opened in Dec. 2015—it is 20 meters above the gardens and stretches some 400 meters—and one section is a transparent floor for great photos! There is also a small shop to buy rice and toppings that you can carry out and eat by the waterfalls.

King Rama 9 Park— (AKA Lanna Rama 9 Park) gardens and walkway with small playground area right off of Mae Rim road | MAP

Royal Floral Ratchapruek—(053-114-110-5) located near Night Safari off the Canal Road. Beautiful gardens (even hanging vegetables), tram ride B20/person,(please note that the playground for children has closed). Stroller friendly, and bikes can be brought in. Special programs throughout the year. There is a small farm with live animals and shops to buy light refreshments Open 8am-6pm most days. Cost is adults B100 children B50 with 50% discount if you have Thai driver’s license or work permit. Also have year pass for B500 that seems to take care of entrance fees for 1 parent and little children. .

700 Year Stadium—You can pay a small fee (60B adults, 40 B students 20 B children) to swim in the Olympic-size swimming pool, and for the smaller children, there are a number of playground toys to use on the grounds (metal ones). They do have an annual membership B750 and swimming is then discounted 50%.

Suan Buak Had Park-only public park inside the moat (SW corner), has lovely plants, plus playground equipment, fish to feed and a coffee shop too. Open 5am-9pm.

Waterfalls at Mae Rim (there is the national park entrance fee) and Doi Suthep (the road to this park is affected by the rainy season) are both beautiful for hiking.

Ideas for Educational Outings

Museums abound in Chiang Mai. Here are some ideas to be with your family and learn some fun things too.

  • Art Center—(053-944-833) at CMU, located on Nimanhaeman Road. Collection changes—sometimes can be a bit sparse, so you may want to call ahead to find out about current exhibits. No entrance fee. Open Tues.-Sunday 9-5.

  • Air Force Museum—(053-281-012-5) located at the 41 Squadron Air Force Base (near the airport) has a collection of over 30 vintage planes. Call ahead for available visiting times. No entrance fee.

  • Blockland—( 098 284 3960 in Ruamchok Mall on 2nd floor has fb page “Blockland Lego”). Almost 300 kinds of lego sets, plus duplos for smaller hands. B180/hour. (special in August is B140) Open 11am-9pm daily.

  • Bug Museum—(053-211-891) thailandinsect.com The Chiang Mai Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders is an eclectic collection of a local couple, located on Nimmanhaemin, soi13. Pricey—B400/adult, B100/child but may reduce price for groups—call ahead. Open 10am-4pm daily.

  • City Arts and Culture Museum—(053-217-793) located near 3 Kings Monument. Beautifully restored building that has some fun interactive exhibits. Open Sunday-Tuesday 8:30am-5pm daily. B90/adults, B40/children.

  • Chiang Mai National Museum—(053-221-308) located on Superhighway near Wat Jed Yod. Contains history of Thailand, good introduction to the Lanna kingdom and the birth of Chiang Mai. Renovations often have many of the exhibits closed. Open 9am-4pm Wed.-Sun. Adults B100, small children free.

  • Elephant Poopoopaper Park—(053-299-565 http://www.poopoopaperpark.com) located on Mae Rim. Eco-friendly recycled paper making made with elephant poo plus history of traditional papermaking and more! They welcome field trip groups. Entry is B100 per person. Children under 5 years old free. Extra charge for crafts—50-150B. Discounts for groups when booking at least a week in advance.

  • Lanna Folklife Museum—(053-217-793) across the street from the 3 Kings monument. 2 floors of exhibits covering things related to Lanna: traditions, music, culture, amulets, religion, family life, etc. Open 8:30am-7 pm daily Entrance fee is B90.

  • McKean Rehabilitation Center—(053-817-170 www.mckean.or.th) has a museum depicting the history of leprosy at McKean, with a movie, many artifacts, and a rehabbed house that used to house leprosy patients. The museum is free. Open 9am-4pm (Monday-Friday). Don’t miss the gift shop that is in a building closer to the admin building. The workshop is on the end, and it is interesting to watch how physical limitations from leprosy have not stopped these men and women from making beautiful crafts.

  • Stamp Museum—(053-251-200) located in a small building near Mae Ping Post office, across from the police station, open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-4 pm, Very small collection, but it is great fun for young collectors to purchase stamps here—staff is very friendly and helpful. No entrance fee.

  • Treasury Pavilion—(053-224-237) located on Ratchadamnoen about a km from Wat Prasingh—fun collection of medals, coins, can also purchase unusual coins. Free. Open every day 8:30am-4pm.

Ideas for Family Adventures

Want some thrills? From camping to ATVing—here are some ideas for your family.

ATVs and Go Carts—check out these places for tours and rides. The Night Safari also has ATVs for rent.

  • Chiang Mai Speedkart Circuit (090-473-5733 www.facebook.com/cm.speedkart) off the Night Safari Road near the canal. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-6:30pm.

  • The Peak (053-800-567, www.thepeakadventure.com) located off Chiang Mai Lampun Road (see website for map) has ATV packages starting at B900.

  • X-Centre (053-297-700 chiangmai-xcentre.com) located in Mae Rim has a range of activities including ATVs Xorb balls and more

Camping

  • Sankampang Hot Springs- Go out Sankampang road just a few miles past the cave. You can rent tents and bedding or just a spot if you have your own tent or you can rent a cabin. You can boil your eggs for breakfast in the hot springs or dip your feet in the springs. There is also a hot spring fed pool. It’s like playing in a big Jacuzzi!

  • Camping at Doi Intanon—Amazing waterfalls, birding, usually cool, even in the hot season. Make a reservation on line (www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/nationalpark.asp?lg=2) or call 053-286-728-30

  • Houseboats at Mae Ngat Reservoir—a long boat takes you back on the reservoir to rafts with basic accommodations and Thai food. Stay overnight—or just go for the day (price in Aug. 2017 for a boat is B600 and seats up to 8 people). There are many companies—one favorite is Eakachai because of the quietness of being further into the reservoir. Call 081-950-9420 to make reservations (Thai speaking only). Can also rent kayaks.

Microlight Flying and Hot Air ballooning

  • Chiang Mai Sky Adventures (053-255-588 and 081-993-6861 www.skyadventures.info) offers microlight flying with a trained pilot. B2200/15 minutes or B2200/15 minutes Also now has balloon flights for B8,800/person.

Rock Climbing

  • Chiang Mai Rock Climbing (053-207-102 thailandclimbing.com) located inside SE corner of moat (map at their website) arrange rock climbing trips

Paintballing/Airsofting

  • Hang Dong Jungle Paintball is the original paintball center, located near Hang Dong on the second ring road. Contact 081-031-6707.

  • X-Centre (053-297-700 www.chiangmai-xcentre.com) located in Mae Rim has a range of activities including paintball for about B800 complete.

Rafting and Kayaking

  • Rental from Canoe Club—has moved from the compound of Forestry Dept to near the temple by the old DoiSaket bridge. Rental of canoes and kayaks B100/hour. Contact Gai Jay for more info.

  • Siam River Adventure a local company (089-515-1917 www.siamrivers.com) specializing in rafting. Price for one day start at 1800B including car, instructor and meals.

Swimming/Water Parks

A number of the muubahns (or housing sub-divisions) have pools that can be used by the public for a fee. Most of the local hotels charge a relatively hefty fee for pool use.

  • Centre of the Universe Swimming pool (see website for price breakdown and location http://www.therealcentreoftheuniverse.com/swimming_pools.php There is also a restaurant.

  • Chiang Mai Water World in Saraphi (052-010-166 089-755-8668 check out fb page for directions) Open only on weekends 11am-8pm. Foreigners adult B449 child under 120cm B339 with B100 off each ticket if you are a resident.

  • Chiang Mai Zoo Waterpark located near the children’s zoo, designed for smaller children (no big slides or rides) Adults 50B Child B20 for 45 minutes. Open 10am

  • Grand Canyon Water Park in Hang Dong (061-796-3999 check fb page for link for directions) Lots of inflatable floats in a big quarry, suitable for school age and above. Toddler pool is 50 cm depth. Adults B350 and child 300 which includes life jacket, entry to floating aqua playground, kid pool, canoeing, kayaking and jumping platform. You can also enter to watch and not swim B150 (which includes B100 voucher for café). 9am-7pm daily

  • The Sun Waterpark สวนน้ำ สวนสนุก เดอะซัน in Lamphun (fb page for directions) a bit shabby, more like a glorified pool, but still fun. Adults B120, children B100. Opens at 10am-7:30pm.

  • Woodfield Resort Pool (053-140-088, 104/15 Moo 6 Nong Hoi Subdistrict) Adults B80, children B50 Open 8am-9pm.

  • Vdara Resort Pool (behind Mae Hia market)—can buy block of tickets for reduced entrance, and it also includes a free drink for each person

  • Tubetrek Waterpark in Sankampang (tubetrekwaterparkchiangmai.com) super clean and fun but must be 40 kg to ride some of the bigger rides. This can be frustrating for school age foreigners who are tall enough to pay the adult entry, but don’t weigh enough to do the bigger slides. Thai price with a driver’s license adult B550 and child B450.

Zipline

  • Flight of the Gibbon (089-970-5511 www.treetopasia.com) Rainforest canopy adventure that start at B3600 (B3000 if Thai or foreign resident). Multiday packages also available.

Ideas for Music and Crafts

Crafts at Airport Plaza- kids can paint small plaster figures near the Daiso store

Elephant Parade in Wat Ket area 053-246-448 (elephantparade.com/elephant-parade-house) Children can paint their own ceramic elephant to keep. Open 10am-8pm. | MAP

The Ring Nimmanhamen Soi 17 has dance, music, and art classes (for details see the fb pages Little Steps Chiangmai, Artino Chiangmai, Musicolli).

Sangdao Performing Arts School 121/12 M. 10, EQ Square Bldg., Chiang Mai-Hang Dong Rd. Pa Daed, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100 Email: santimus@gmail.com Ph: 053 274 841 081 472 4442

Kids Yoga Garden (062-741-7444 fb Kids Yoga Garden for directions) have art and music classes on weekday afternoons and weekends all day. See fb page for details.

Food Glorious Food!

They’ll do the cooking for you

Kasems-- located in 2 locations, the original (053-234-986) near the corner of Chang Moi Road and Rajchawong Road and the second store (053-808-112) is located near Wing 41 off of Suthep Road. Both will cook your holiday meats to order.

NFP (Northern Farm Products): (053-217-460) fresh hamburger and other meats, including smoked ham, chicken, beef and pork, as well as anything they sell in their store, from juice to tomato paste. They will also cook your special order meats, such as turkey and dressing or holiday hams (must give deposit). They do not speak English.

Also handy to know Superstore Big C and Tesco-Lotus will cook the seafood and fish you buy there while you shop. There is no charge—and the results are great! (Of course sometimes the wait is long!) Pay for the raw food first, carry it back to the seafood section, and then finish your shopping while they do the cooking. Rimping and Bake and Bite and The Hide-Away will also do your holiday meats for a small price.

Food Delivery Numbers

Meals on Wheels (084-608-6661/2) is a delivery service that (for a small charge) brings foods from 55 different Chiang Mai restaurants right to your home. All the menus are online at www.mealsonwheels4u.com and can be viewed from 09.00 AM daily

Food Panda (053-231-103) also delivers. Check out their website (www.foodpanda.co.th) for restaurants and delivery costs.

Chester's Grill: (053-404-370 or 1145) Chicken and sandwiches with a Thai taste, also rice dishes.

Dacheeso: (053-274-521) Milk, butter, cheese, tortillas, and more—ask for a list with you first delivery—they speak English. Their delivery schedule varies in different parts of town. Prices are often less expensive than stores. Good coffee beans for B80/bag).

KFC: (053-894-222, 1150) they don’t speak English, but once your phone number is entered into their computer system, you don’t have to explain where you live again. Minimum delivery of B120 or they will attach a small charge.

McDonalds (053-818-511 or 1171) minimum of B250 per order

Pizza Company: (1112) Like the other stores, once they have your phone number, you don’t have to explain where you live. They have a Buy One get one free card for B299 good for 6 months—must pick up pizzas to get that deal though.

Pizza Hut: (1150) Similar to Pizza Company in price, flavor differs a bit.

S&P: (053-357-777) They don’t speak English. Wide range of Thai foods and some Western dishes available, as well as set menus.

The Amazing Sandwich & Deli (053-404-174) delivers if order is over 350baht and called in by 11:00 am. 8:30am - 8pm Mon-Sat. Closes at 4pm on Sundays. Located across from Central Mall

And—Big C (bigc.co.th/en) and Tops Grocery (tops.co.th/en) stores will delivery your groceries for a minimum order of B1000. We even have a report that ice cream arrives solidly frozen! Tesco Lotus (tescolotus.com/shoponline/en) has a similar offer of free delivery with a B1000 order—and sometimes have a B200 off coupon for your first order.

Family Friendly Coffee Shops and Restaurants

High chairs can be also found at Pizza Hut, Swensons, DK David’s Kitchen, Central Festival Food Court, McDonalds, Organic Coffee Bus, Fuji, Butter is Better (must ask), Pancake House at Mae Hia Market.

  • Bavarian Paradise (086-110-2783 www.bavarian-paradise.com off Hang Dong road) has a playground and German food | MAP

  • A Bicyclette Cafe (082 038 0043) on Samoeng has a trampoline and a little playset for the kids, European food, has a fbpage which says it is open 5am-10pm. (map needed)

  • Catmosphere Cat Cafe (092-273-1011 catmospherecafe.com for map on Huay Gaew Road) Bakery and coffee, plus more than 20 real cats welcome you! Open Tuesday- Sunday10am-8pm. | MAP

  • Cup Fine Day (053-114-099 https://th-th.facebook.com/pages/Cup-Fine-Day-P/214629878732312) A nice coffee shop with a fabulous outdoor play area. Also a restaurant with moderately priced food. It is back past the Doi Kham temple | MAP

  • Daughter’s Café tearoom (094-635-6155) Cat snugglers | MAP

  • The Dukes—has 4 locations—the original on east side of Ping River near Nawarat Bridge (053-249-231), the second in the Night Market in the McDonald’s building (053-818-603), and then another branch at Maya Mall and at the Promenada Mall—has great pizza, ribs, burgers, and desserts, plus a children’s menu that includes fruit. They also have high chairs. Tuesday is Mexican night—other specials daily. Will also do catering, or you can book party room for large groups. At the river location, they also welcome the children to come back and see their pizza oven in action. Open 11:30am-10:30pm.

  • Fajitas Tex Mes Family Restaurant (090-318-4856 on Samoeng Road 227/1 M. 2 Baanpong Hang Dong www.faijitaschiangmai.com) has a big trampoline and a swing and kids menu 11am-9pm daily. | MAP

  • Ginger Farm (Saraphi 052-004-473 fb Ginger Farm Chiang Mai) café in a beautiful farm setting, weekends they often have children’s activities (such as rice planting or arts and crafts) Mon-Fri 10am-7pm Sat-Sun 9am-8pm. | MAP

  • Hello Solao Thai Restaurant (053-270-190 hellosolao.com) good Thai food, has a playground, 10:30am -9pm | MAP

  • Im pla phao (intersection Canal road / Maehia market . https://goo.gl/maps/LvLAKBKhEcU2). Good Thai food and seafood, plus an indoor soft play area for kids from 4 years up (probably too wild for toddlers though) | MAP

  • Judy’s Kitchen (081-602-0444 in Koolpunt 9 Beufort 2) has a small play area. Food is simple Thai dishes, but there are nice coffees and some bakery items too. Open 8:30am-7:30 pm closed Sundays. | MAP

  • Kad Farang Also there is a small playground behind Kad Farang Starbucks that is great for 10mins before a coffee or the supermarket MAP

  • KFC--at Central and Airport Plaza both have a small area for children to play in. All branches have high chairs too.

  • Lana Coffee Chiangmai (091-848-7344 on Night Safari Road near Nics) | MAP

  • McDonalds each have small play areas

  • Mont Blanc Garden Kitchen (053-010-638 fb Mont Blanc Garden Kitchen@simpledessertcafe, Chiang Mai Outer Ring Rd out by 700 year stadium), Thesaban Nakhon Chiang Maiplayground in a garden setting, has free wifi 10am-8:30pm | MAP

  • Municipal Stadium—while not technically a restaurant, there is a good playground with lots of new equipment plus lots of food stalls | MAP

  • Nic’s (087-007-3769) located on the Night Safari road. They have a very fun children’s menu and a nice area for children to play in. Open daily 11:30am-10pm. | MAP

  • Pancake House (052-003-577 at Mae Hia Market) has a small play area in the dining area for children. Western breakfast foods plus sandwiches. Open 8am-8pm daily. | MAP

  • Rabbit Union Coffee Shop at the Royal Park Ratchapruek fb TheRabbitUnion for directions. Good food and drinks and lots of bunnies to cuddle and feed. 9am-7pm | MAP

  • Sote Wellness Have Cafe—(053-216-034 sotewellness@gmail.com) located 80/26 Sai Chamboi, Cholapratan rd.A.Muang. Cow petting fun for kids plus health foods and drinks for the whole family! | MAP

  • Steak Jaan Duan (which means "express steak plate")--is across from Dara School next door to the bank with the fountain in front. Air-conditioned and the food is fast and cheap, plus it is usually noisy so no one will mind if the children are loud too! | MAP

  • 2 Sons Coffee Shop in Mae Rim (088 267 7790 fb Two Sons Coffee ร้านนี้เพื่อลูก) good food and safe play area for children, open 9am-8pm | MAP

  • Triplets Eat and Play (053-441-369 tripletseatandplay.com) Mediterranean and Thai food, nice play place in beautiful setting. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-10pm | MAP

  • Valley Coffee Lanna Resort (lannaresort.com) has a big lawn to run on, and a creek to play in open 8:30am-6pm(map needed)

  • The Village by PAT Coffee shop and Restaurant (086-924-5189 198 M11 Nham Prae in Hang Dong) Has a great playground 11am-10pm | MAP

  • Yummy Pizza Family Restaurant (080-122-2561 near Mae Hia market off the canal road fb for directions and detailed menu) has a playground and wide variety of foods, including a kid menu 69-99B, 10am-9pm | MAP

Other Recommended Restaurants

  • Arcobaleno–(053-306-254) fabulous Italian food from the family who used to own Babylon. Each dish is beautifully presented & delicious, from the organically grown eggplant, tomato, & basil in their sauces to the homemade noodles & pork--most dishes are between 100-200 baht). Located at 60 Nawatket Rd. (Off Kaew Nawarat Rd) | MAP

  • Art Café—(053-206-365) Located at the corner by Thapae Gate, they serve good Mexican and Italian food. Open daily 8am-11pm. | MAP

  • Danisa Bake 'n Take (052-001-120) Amazing baked desserts, savoury dishes, & fruit smoothies all supplied by Upper Crust Cafe. Eat in or frozen take away. Located across from the north side entrance to World Club. | MAP

  • Doi Kham—produce from the royal project usually have ungraded veg for special prices on Thur. and Friday near the aquarium at Airport Plaza or go to their Royal Project shop behind Ratchapruek Garden 8:30-4pm daily. | MAP

  • The Hideaway--(053-202-257 same management as Art Café) Menu is very similar to that of Art Cafe. The setting is restful and beautiful, and the food is delicious--and it's all very reasonably priced. South on Hang Dong, just before the Siam Commercial Bank on your left is a small soi with a phone booth on the corner. Turn left into that road and go about 1/2 kilometer. The Hideaway is on your left, just past Dacheeso. The address is: 140/93 Amornivet Village. Only open for breakfast and lunch. | MAP

  • Bake and Bite—(053-249-689)wonderful breakfasts and brunch food. Located on subsoi of KaewNavarrat soi 3 near Prince Royal College. MAP

  • Black Canyon—many locations, nice Thai food and delicious coffee drinks in a casual, air-conditioned setting. There are also some “farang” options, such as a club sandwich.

  • Fondue House—(086-184-0776) just south of the Airport Plaza . Classy setting, good set menu—not crowded, but very little parking. MAP

  • Miguel’s Café—(053-874-148) yummy Mexican food on the moat with al fresco dining—try the apple burrito with ice cream!. Also offer breakfast. 9am-11pm. MAP

  • MK Suki—many locations, including Airport Plaza (4th floor), Big C, and across from Kad Suan Gaew. You cook your own food in a steaming pot of broth. Fun and delicious—and their suki sauce is top-notch! | MAP

  • Pi Daengs—on old Doi Saket Gaew—she makes anything delicious! Also good for take out if you have a group affair and want Thai catering.

  • Salad Concept—(053-894-455) on Nimmanhamen soi 13 is a delightful shop with wonderfully fresh greens and toppings and interesting salad dressings. Open from 11am-10pm—but frequently closes, so phone first. Has free wifi | MAP

  • Salsa Kitchen (053-216-605) 2 locations--26/4 Huay Gaew and off the ring road near Meechok Market—fabulous affordable Mexican food. Open 11am-11pm daily. | MAP

  • Smoothie Blues—(053-227-038) located at 32/8 Nimmenhamen, directly across the street from Starbucks. EXCELLENT sandwiches and fruit smoothies, also pastries. Try the BLT! Open daily from 7:30am-9pm | MAP

Classifieds

There is a facebook page that can be helpful for posting yard sales as well as finding community information and seminar updates. Chiangmai Christian Community Classifieds (CCCC):

CCCC FaceBook group: www.facebook.com/groups/ccccclassifieds/ (join to receive notifications)

CCCC Community Resources: sites.google.com/site/ccccrecent (or web search "CCCC Classifieds"—resources include everything from detailed immigration advice to links to a map of Chiang Mai to community sports groups, to name a few.)

CM Christian Community Buy & Sell : www.facebook.com/groups/ChiangMaiChristianBuyandSell/

Emergency Numbers

  • Fire 199

  • Medical 1669

  • Police 191

  • Tourist Police 1155

Health Network

A group of expat health professionals produce a listing of some medical and dental providers in Chiang Mai. For more information, contact birthingcnx@gmail.com.

Other Useful Numbers and Ideas

  • Steve Yarnold sends out a weekly email about happenings and events and restaurant offerings “More Coming up in Chiang Mai”. Contact him at charityrooftopparty@gmail.com to be added to the list.

  • There is a Facebook group for Chiang Mai residents called “Chiang Mai Answers” which is a forum for immediate questions and answers. There are documents there as well that cover questions people have. To be added, just contact one of the members and ask them to add you. Don’t know anyone on the list? Then contact lori@thaicrc.org.

  • Do you do 90 day immigration check-ins for your Visa requirements? Here is the form you will need: http://darindunn.com/upload/90DayImmigration(blank).doc

  • To obtain a Thai motorcycle or car driver’s license http www.darindunn.com/ThaiDL

  • Need help explaining Chiang Mai to friends back home? This video is free to use: www.darindunn.com/CMvideo

  • For a good site for tracking storms in the region www.tropicalstormrisk.com

  • For flood levels, check out http://www.hydro-1.net

  • Air quality Another site that can be useful is from the Pollution Control Department (PCD) which graphs air quality in Chiang Mai: www.aqmthai.com then Click on the blue and white "Report" tab at the top of the page. Under "Station," click the drop-down menu and select either 35T or 36T. 35T provides the data collected at Chiang Mai City Hall. 36T will show the data collected at a school called Yupparaj, which is just off the east side of the moat. Under "Parameter," click on PM10. On the far right, click "Graph" to get a graph or "Table" to get the data presented in table form.

Additions/corrections/changes to this web page?? Input is always welcome!! Contact lori@thaicrc.org.