Exploring the Charm of Old City, Chiang Mai

• Helloสวัสดี
  [sawasdee]
• Goodbyeลาก่อน
  [laa kon]
• Yesใช่
  [chai]
• Noไม่
  [mai]
• Please/You're welcomeขอบคุณ
  [kob khun]
• Thank youขอบคุณมาก
  [kob khun mak]
• Excuse me/Sorryขอโทษ
  [kor toht]
• How are you?สุขสบายไหม
  [suk sabai mai]
• Fine. And you?สบายดีค่ะ คุณล่ะ
  [sabai dee ka kun la]
• Do you speak English?คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม
  [kun poot paa saa ang grit dai mai]
• I don't understandฉันไม่เข้าใจ
  [chan mai khao jai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseขอดูเมนูหน่อยค่ะ
  [kor doo menu noi ka]
• I don't eat meatฉันไม่กินเนื้อ
  [chan mai gin neu]
• Cheers!ชนแก้ว
  [chon kaeo]
• I would like to pay, pleaseชำระเงินหน่อยค่ะ
  [cham ra ngoen noi ka]

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

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

• What time is it?ตอนนี้กี่โมง
  [ton nee kee mong]
• It's one o'clockเป็นโมง
  [pen mong]
• Half past (10)สิบครึ่ง
  [sip khreung]
• Morningเช้า
  [chao]
• Afternoonบ่าย
  [bai]
• Eveningเย็น
  [yen]
• Yesterdayเมื่อวาน
  [meua wan]
• Todayวันนี้
  [wan nee]
• Tomorrowพรุ่งนี้
  [phrung nee]
• 1หนึ่ง
  [neung]
• 2สอง
  [song]
• 3สาม
  [sam]
• 4สี่
  [see]
• 5ห้า
  [ha]
• 6หก
  [hok]
• 7เจ็ด
  [jet]
• 8แปด
  [paed]
• 9เก้า
  [kao]
• 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)?ช่วยแสดงที่แผนที่ให้หน่อยได้ไหม
  [chuai sa daeng tee paen tee hai noi dai mai]
• When's the next (bus)?รถเมล์ตอนต่อไปเวลาเท่าไหร่
  [rot mel ton tor pai welaa thao rai]
• A ticket (to ....)ตั๋ว(ไป...)
  [tua (pai)]

Chiang Mai, founded in 1296, became the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, established by King Mengrai. The Old City served as the political and cultural hub, with its strategic location along trade routes from China and Burma facilitating commerce and cultural exchange.

The Old City is home to numerous temples, or 'wats', that reflect the deep-rooted influence of Theravada Buddhism. Wat Phra Singh, built in the 14th century, is a prime example and remains a vital spiritual center, hosting the famous Buddha image revered by locals.

In the 18th century, Chiang Mai faced invasions from the Burmese, leading to the city being captured multiple times. The Old City walls, originally constructed for defense, served their purpose during these turbulent times, and remnants can still be seen today.

Following the fall of the Lanna Kingdom to Siam in the late 18th century, Chiang Mai underwent significant change. In 1932, it was officially integrated into Thailand, marking a shift in governance and cultural connections, as the Old City adapted to new national policies.

In recent decades, there has been a concerted effort to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the Old City. Restoration projects aim to maintain the integrity of the ancient temples and architectural styles, while festivals like Yi Peng and Songkran celebrate the region's rich traditions.

Old City is centrally located in Chiang Mai, making it easily accessible from other neighborhoods. If you’re coming from the Night Bazaar, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride, which typically costs around 100-150 THB. From the airport, taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are available, with a fare of around 150-200 THB. If you're coming from Nimmanhaemin, a bike ride can take about 20-30 minutes, while a tuk-tuk will take around 10-15 minutes.

Old City is best explored on foot or by bicycle, as many attractions are located within walking distance. You can rent bicycles from numerous shops around the area for around 50-100 THB per day. Songthaews (red taxis) are another convenient option for short trips within the Old City. They operate on a fixed fare system, typically around 30 THB per person, but be sure to negotiate if you're going beyond the usual routes.

Old City is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to exercise caution. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, particularly near the eastern gate. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so keep your belongings secure. While there are no specific high-crime areas directly targeting tourists, be aware when visiting quieter streets.

In case of an emergency, dial 191 for police assistance or 1669 for medical emergencies. There are several hospitals and clinics within and near Old City, including Chiang Mai Ram Hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance covering medical situations. Pharmacies are plentiful, offering over-the-counter medications for minor ailments.

Fashion: Do wear modest clothing, especially when visiting temples. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove shoes before entering temples. Don’t take photos where prohibited. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t talk loudly or play music on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a 'wai' (a slight bow with palms together); it shows respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and drink plenty of water. Don’t eat or drink in sacred areas, especially within temple grounds.

To experience Old City like a local, visit the Sunday Walking Street Market, where you can find handmade crafts and local street food. Engage with residents and learn about their history and culture—many locals are friendly and open to chatting. Try to attend a traditional Thai cooking class, often available in the area, to learn about local cuisine firsthand. Avoid tourist traps by dining at smaller, family-run eateries instead of large restaurants.