Chiang Mai: The Jewel of Northern Thailand

• Helloสวัสดี
  [sawasdee]
• Goodbyeลาก่อน
  [la kon]
• Yesใช่
  [chai]
• Noไม่
  [mai]
• Please/You're welcomeโปรด/ยินดี
  [proht/yin dee]
• Thank youขอบคุณ
  [kop khun]
• Excuse me/Sorryขอโทษ
  [kor toht]
• How are you?สบายดีไหม?
  [sabai dee mai?]
• Fine. And you?สบายดีค่ะ คุณล่ะ?
  [sabai dee ka kun la?]
• Do you speak English?พูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม?
  [poot paa saa angkrit dai mai?]
• I don't understandฉันไม่เข้าใจ
  [chan mai khao jai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseขอดูเมนูหน่อย
  [kor doo menu noi]
• I don't eat meatฉันไม่กินเนื้อ
  [chan mai kin neuua]
• Cheers!ชนแก้ว!
  [chon kaeo]
• I would like to pay, pleaseชำระเงินหน่อย
  [cham ra ngoen noi]

• Help!ช่วยด้วย!
  [chuai duay]
• Go away!ไปห่างๆ!
  [pai yang yang]
• Call the Police!โทรตำรวจ!
  [tor tamruat]
• Call a doctor!โทรหมอ!
  [tor mor]
• I'm lostฉันหลงทาง
  [chan long tang]
• I'm illฉันไม่สบาย
  [chan mai sabai]

• I'd like to buy...ฉันต้องการซื้อ...
  [chan tong gaan seuu...]
• I'm just lookingฉันแค่ดูอย่างเดียว
  [chan kae du yang diao]
• How much is it?ราคาเท่าไหร่?
  [ra kha thao rai?]
• That's too expensiveแพงเกินไป
  [paeng gein pai]
• Can you lower the price?ลดราคาได้ไหม?
  [lot ra kha dai mai?]

• What time is it?ตอนนี้กี่โมงแล้ว?
  [ton nee kee mong laeo?]
• It's one o'clockขึ้นหนึ่ง
  [kuen neung]
• Half past (10)สามทุ่ม
  [sam thum]
• Morningเช้า
  [chao]
• Afternoonบ่าย
  [bai]
• Eveningเย็น
  [yen]
• Yesterdayเมื่อวาน
  [meua wan]
• Todayวันนี้
  [wan nee]
• Tomorrowพรุ่งนี้
  [proong nee]
• 1หนึ่ง
  [neung]
• 2สอง
  [song]
• 3สาม
  [sam]
• 4สี่
  [si]
• 5ห้า
  [ha]
• 6หก
  [hok]
• 7เจ็ด
  [jet]
• 8แปด
  [paet]
• 9เก้า
  [gao]
• 10สิบ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?...อยู่ที่ไหน?
  [...yoo tee nai?]
• What's the address?ที่อยู่อยู่ที่ไหน?
  [tee yoo yoo tee nai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ช่วยแสดงที่ (ในแผนที่) หน่อยได้ไหม?
  [chuai sa-dang tee (nai paen tee) noi dai mai?]
• When's the next (bus)?รถ (รถบัส) ตัวต่อไปเวลาไหน?
  [rodt (rodt bus) tua dtau bpai wayla nai?]
• A ticket (to ....)บัตร (ไป...)
  [bat tra (bpai...)]

Chiang Mai, meaning 'New City', was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai. It served as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, which was a powerful and influential region in northern Thailand. The city was strategically located along the Ping River, which enabled it to become a major hub for trade and culture in the region.

During the 15th century, under the reign of King Tilokaraj, Chiang Mai reached its zenith. This period marked extensive developments in art, religion, and architecture. Wat Chedi Luang, one of the city's most iconic temples, was originally built during this period. The city also became a major center for Theravada Buddhism.

In 1558, Chiang Mai was conquered by the Burmese forces and remained under Burmese control for over two centuries. This period saw the decline of the Lanna Kingdom's power and the city experienced economic and cultural stagnation. However, the influence of Burmese art and architecture can still be seen in some of Chiang Mai's temples and monuments.

In the late 18th century, King Taksin of Siam (now Thailand) managed to drive out the Burmese, and Chiang Mai became a tributary state of Siam. By the late 19th century, the city was fully incorporated into the Kingdom of Siam. During this period, Chiang Mai began to modernize, influenced by the broader trends of Westernization and centralization occurring in Thailand.

The early 20th century saw a revival of Lanna culture and traditions in Chiang Mai. Efforts were made to preserve the unique heritage of the region, including its language, customs, and religious practices. This period also saw the establishment of the Chiang Mai University in 1964, which became a center for cultural and academic activities in northern Thailand.

Today, Chiang Mai is a vibrant city that beautifully blends its rich historical past with modern development. It's a major tourist destination known for its well-preserved temples, bustling markets, and vibrant festivals such as the Yi Peng Lantern Festival and Songkran. Additionally, the city is a hub for digital nomads and expatriates, contributing to its cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Chiang Mai is accessible by air, road, and rail. The city is served by Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), which has direct flights from major Asian cities and domestic flights from Bangkok, Phuket, and other Thai cities. The airport is located about 3 kilometers southwest of the city center. For those traveling by train, there are daily services from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, with the journey taking approximately 11-15 hours depending on the type of train. Buses are another option, with several companies offering services from Bangkok and other nearby cities, taking around 9-12 hours.

Chiang Mai offers various transportation options including songthaews (red trucks), tuk-tuks, taxis, and motorbike rentals. Songthaews are a popular and affordable way to get around the city, operating on fixed routes or available for hire. Tuk-tuks provide a quicker but slightly more expensive option for short trips. Taxis are available but less common for hailing on the street; it's advisable to book via apps like Grab. Motorbike rentals are popular for those looking to explore at their own pace, but ensure you have a valid license and wear a helmet.

The official currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's wise to carry cash for smaller establishments, street vendors, and local markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Chiang Mai, and currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and exchange booths across the city.

Chiang Mai is generally a safe destination for tourists, but like any city, it's important to stay vigilant. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas and markets. Areas like the Night Bazaar and Tha Phae Gate are popular with tourists and can be hotspots for scams and minor crimes. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and always keep an eye on your belongings.

In case of emergency, dial 191 for police assistance, 1669 for medical emergencies, and 199 for fire services. Chiang Mai has several hospitals with international standards, such as Chiang Mai Ram Hospital and Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect in temples; remove your shoes before entering and dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to monks and the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a 'wai' (a slight bow with hands pressed together). Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don't point your feet at people or religious objects, as it's considered disrespectful.

To experience Chiang Mai like a local, visit the local markets such as Warorot Market and Muang Mai Market for fresh produce and unique goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their city. Don't miss out on taking a cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Thai dishes. Explore the lesser-known temples and take a stroll along the Ping River for a serene experience.