Chiang Mai Province: A Jewel of Northern Thailand

• Helloสวัสดี
  [sawasdee]
• Goodbyeลาก่อน
  [la kon]
• Yesใช่
  [chai]
• Noไม่
  [mai]
• Please/You're welcomeโปรด/ยินดี
  [prode/yindee]
• Thank youขอบคุณ
  [kob khun]
• Excuse me/Sorryขอโทษ
  [kor toht]
• How are you?สบายดีไหม
  [sabai dee mai]
• Fine. And you?ดีค่ะ คุณล่ะ
  [dee ka kun la]
• Do you speak English?คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม
  [kun poot pah saa ang-grit dai mai]
• I don't understandฉันไม่เข้าใจ
  [chan mai kao jai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseขอดูเมนูหน่อย
  [kor doo menu noi]
• I don't eat meatฉันไม่กินเนื้อ
  [chan mai gin nuea]
• Cheers!ชนสุด
  [chon sut]
• I would like to pay, pleaseขอจ่ายเงินหน่อย
  [kor jai ngern noi]

• Help!ช่วยด้วย
  [chuay duay]
• Go away!ไปไกลๆ
  [pai glai glai]
• Call the Police!โทรตำรวจ
  [tor tam ruat]
• Call a doctor!โทรหมอ
  [tor mor]
• I'm lostฉันสูญหาย
  [chan soon hai]
• I'm illฉันไม่สบาย
  [chan mai sabai]

• I'd like to buy...ฉันอยากซื้อ...
  [chan yak sue...]
• I'm just lookingฉันแค่ดูอย่างเดียว
  [chan kae doo yang diao]
• How much is it?ราคาเท่าไหร่
  [ra kha thao rai]
• That's too expensiveแพงเกินไป
  [paeng geen pai]
• Can you lower the price?ลดราคาได้ไหม
  [lot ra kha dai mai]

• What time is it?ตอนนี้เวลาเท่าไหร่
  [ton nee welaa thao rai]
• It's one o'clockเป็นเวลาหนึ่งโมง
  [pen welaa nueang mong]
• Half past (10)ครึ่ง (10)
  [kroong sip]
• Morningเช้า
  [chao]
• Afternoonบ่าย
  [bai]
• Eveningเย็น
  [yen]
• Yesterdayเมื่อวาน
  [meua waan]
• Todayวันนี้
  [wan nee]
• Tomorrowพรุ่งนี้
  [proong nee]
• 1หนึ่ง
  [nueang]
• 2สอง
  [song]
• 3สาม
  [sam]
• 4สี่
  [see]
• 5ห้า
  [ha]
• 6หก
  [hok]
• 7เจ็ด
  [jet]
• 8แปด
  [paed]
• 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)?แสดงให้ดู (บนแผนที่) ได้ไหม
  [saeng hai doo (bon paen tee) dai mai]
• When's the next (bus)?เมื่อไรจะมี (รถบัส) ครั้งต่อไป
  [meua rai ja mee (rot bus) krang dtao pai]
• A ticket (to ....)บัตร (ไป...)
  [bat bpai...]

Chiang Mai, meaning 'New City,' was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai. It became the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, a powerful and culturally rich kingdom in northern Thailand. The city was strategically positioned on the Ping River, which contributed to its growth as a center of trade, religion, and culture.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, Chiang Mai flourished under the reign of King Tilokkarat. This era is often referred to as the 'Golden Age of Lanna.' The city saw the construction of many significant temples, including Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, which remain important cultural landmarks to this day.

In 1558, Chiang Mai fell to the Burmese forces and remained under Burmese control for over two centuries. Despite the occupation, the city retained much of its cultural heritage. Many of the temples and cultural practices from this period still reflect a blend of Thai and Burmese influences.

In 1775, King Taksin of Thonburi and his successor King Rama I of the Rattanakosin Kingdom successfully liberated Chiang Mai from Burmese rule. The city was gradually integrated into Siam (modern-day Thailand), marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history. The integration process involved both military and diplomatic efforts, and it solidified Chiang Mai's place within the broader Thai nation.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Chiang Mai as it modernized and expanded. The arrival of the railway in 1921 connected the city more closely with Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. Chiang Mai University, established in 1964, became a center for education and research, further contributing to the city's growing importance. Today, Chiang Mai is a blend of ancient traditions and modern developments, attracting tourists from around the world.

Chiang Mai is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage and festivals. The Yi Peng Lantern Festival and Songkran (Thai New Year) are two of the most famous events celebrated with great enthusiasm. The city is also known for its traditional Lanna architecture, handicrafts, and cuisine, which continue to draw visitors seeking an authentic Thai cultural experience.

Chiang Mai Province is easily accessible by air, road, and rail. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the main gateway, with numerous domestic and international flights. From Bangkok, the journey by air takes about 1 hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus or train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, which takes around 10-12 hours. Buses are frequent and offer various classes of service, while the train ride offers scenic views of the countryside.

Within Chiang Mai Province, transportation options include tuk-tuks, songthaews (red trucks), taxis, motorbike rentals, and bicycles. Tuk-tuks are convenient for short distances, while songthaews operate on fixed routes and are an economical option. Taxis are available but may be more expensive. Renting a motorbike or bicycle is a great way to explore the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Ride-hailing services like Grab are also available.

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

Chiang Mai is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas and night markets. Areas like the Night Bazaar and the Old City can be hotspots for such crimes. Always be vigilant, keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.

In case of emergency, dial 191 for police assistance and 1669 for medical emergencies. Chiang Mai has several hospitals with good medical facilities, such as Chiang Mai Ram Hospital and Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect Buddhist customs, remove your shoes before entering temples, and avoid pointing your feet at religious objects. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'wai' (a slight bow with palms pressed together). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Avoid using your left hand to eat, as it is considered unclean.

To experience Chiang Mai like a local, visit the local markets such as Warorot Market, where you can find fresh produce and traditional Thai goods. Take part in a traditional Thai cooking class to learn about local cuisine. Explore the hidden temples and backstreets of the Old City by bicycle. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share insights about their culture and history. Don't miss the Sunday Walking Street Market for an authentic local experience.