The Songthaew

General Advice for Chiang Mai Visitors

When you arrive in Chiangmai, it helps a lot to understand how to use transportation within the city. At the airport, train station, or bus station, you will probably be met by the representatives of various guesthouses and hotels and tour operators. Remember taxis are available at the airport, with a rate of THB120 to most destinations.

More comprehensive tips for Airport tranfers linked here.

Transportation: The common vehicles used for public transportation are numerous. The tuk-tuk and sarmlor are open-air, three-wheel vehicles. The zeelor and songthaew describe vehicles with four wheels. Whenever you get in a tuk-tuk or samlor you should ensure that they ONLY take you where you want to go. Often the drivers work on commission and may tell you that the place you want to go is dirty, closed, or full if they don't have a previous agreement with the place you have in mind. Always negotiate the price before you get in a tuk-tuk or samlor - expect to pay THB50-100 for trips within the general area. The best way to get around Chiangmai is by songthaew, a songthaew ride should cost THB10-20 on a regular route, more if you hire it out to go somewhere out of the way.

Songthaew: To catch a songthaew simply hail one that is heading in your directgion, put your arm out (palm facing down - like patting a dog), they will stop. Tell the driver which soi you're heading to, and if he is going that way, he will nod his head "yes", if not, he will say "no" and drive on.

Don’t worry—there will be another one along straight away. When the driver nears your stop, press the buzzer located on the ceiling of the cab. Get out and pay the driver THB10 - 20 depending on the length of the trip.

If you just ask to be taken to your hotel or establishment, expect to pay a lot more as the driver will consider you are wanting a private transfer. Negotiate a fair rate with the driver before boarding in this case.

Meeting and making friends with different people is an exciting part of travel anywhere. In Northern Thailand, it helps to know a bit of the language and something about the protocol. "Hello" in Thai is "Sawasdee Krup" if you're male or "Sawasdee Kha" if you're not. If you want to learn a little Thai before you come, www.learningthai.com is an excellent free teaching website. You will gain loads of smiles from the Thai people if you learn can pick up a few basics.

The Thai "Wai"

The Thai consider polite behaviour and good manners very important, so it's nice if you can say "Thank you" in Thai, which is "Khob Khun", followed by "Krup" or "Kha" if the speaker is female.

The King: His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is almost universally revered by Thai nationals and held in the highest level of regard and admiration as evidenced by his picture prominently displayed throughout the Kingdom.  Remember that Thailand has and does enforce the national lèse majesté laws. These laws expressly prohibit any act - verbal, physical or written, that shows insolent or disrespectful behaviour toward any member of the Royal family.

Therefore, out of respect for His Majesty and laws of the Kingdom, NEVER say or do anything disrespectful of the King or any member of the royal family, even to the extent of stomping on a Thai coin or banknote which has been dropped and is rolling/blowing away. All banknotes and coins in Thailand bear a portrait of His Majesty, and to be stomped on by your foot would be considered extremely disrespectful.

In Movie Theatres: Before the main performance begins the Thai Royal Anthem, or Phleng Sansoen Phra Barami (เพลงสรรเสริญพระบารมี)  will be played. As a sign of respect, it is REQUIRED that you stand up and remain silent during the playing of the Thai Royal Anthem.

The Thai Royal Anthem linked here from You Tube

Temples and Monks: When visiting temples, please remember that these are active places of worship. Accordingly, make sure that you dress conservatively. For women, clothing should include long skirts or trousers, with no bare shoulders or knees. Some temples have a no-photography policy or limit the use of flash photography. Before taking any pictures please inquire about limitations and restrictions.

When entering any place of worship, always remove your shoes. In some Asian cultures the feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body, where-as the head is regarded as the highest. Therefore, DO NOT sit with your feet pointing towards an image of Buddha. If possible, you should sit either cross-legged or with your feet tucked behind you.  DO NOT use your feet to point, move objects or point to a persons head. Your feet must never touch another persons head or touch a Monk. Your feet should only be used for walking.

•  Do not sit on the walls surrounding the chedi, which contain the temple's sacred relics of the Buddha.

Special Note for Women: Women must NEVER in any way, shape or form touch a Monk. If a female needs to pass an item to a Monk, it must be either passed to another male (non-monk) first, or placed down for the Monk to retrieve himself. There must never be direct contact between a Monk and a female.

Personal Hygiene & Cleanliness: One of the most basic etiquettes often overlooked by some travellers’ is their level of personal hygiene. Thai people are fastidiously clean and take their personal hygiene and appearance very seriously. As Thailand is a sub-tropical country, many synthetic fabrics can promote odour building bacteria. As such frequent bathing is essential. Local laundry shops (outside of your hotel) are plentiful and cheap. Rates can be THB40-THB60 per kilo for basic wash & dry laundry service. To use this service just drop off your soiled clothes in the morning and collect them the following day. They will be returned to you clean, folded (perhaps even ironed) and packaged up like new.

There is NEVER an excuse for wearing dirty, soiled or odourous clothes.

The “Wai”: It is pronounced like the english word “why” and is a traditional Thai form of expressing welcome, thanks, recognition or an apology. Unless you know the correct way to perform a 'wai', the appropriate hand positions to use, and the correct social circumstances in which to use it, it is best to simply acknowledge a “wai” with a wide smile and a slight nod of the head. The use of the “wai” in Thai culture carries many social messages and nuances. As most foreigners are not familiar with these cultural aspects, it is best avoided.

It is not appropriate to "wai"  children, service persons, etc. even if they wai you first. You may though wai an elderly Thai you've been introduced to, or even a Monk. However, the general rule is to refrain from Wai-ing unless you really understand its' complexities.

Taking Photos: Just as you wouldn't like a stranger walking up to you and snapping your photo, be respectful and ask first before doing the same in Thailand especially with Monks. Note that some rural hill-tribe people believe that a photograph will 'capture' their soul and will object to being photographed. 

Your Temper: Thais value and respect people who keep and maintain a level and calm demeanour. Any loud or abusive outbursts of anger should be avoided at all costs. While things may not always go according to plan — tourists are well advised to maintain a calm demeanour despite any annoyances. Try to maintain a smile and in the end you will probably get what you want. Irrespective of how you behave at home, in Thailand, keep your temper and emotions under control.

Public Displays of Affection: Overt displays of kissing, cuddling etc., in plain public view is frowned upon.

Your Feet: Using your feet to "point" to anything is considered rude. Touching someone or something with your feet is offensive.

The Head: Touching someone on the head, even in fun "can" be offensive and is considered rude (except among good friends). You would NEVER touch someone's head with your foot.

Food and Restaurants: Thailand is a country of gourmets and eating out is a favourite passtime. Knowing the basic table manners will help give a good impression. Waiters and waitresses in Thailand will take your order and probably read it back to you.

The entire order is customarily served at the same time, with the empty dishes removed as required. The smaller street-side restaurants will not remove any dishes or bottles until you finish your meal. This is because they do not write down your order. They shout your order to the cook, and after the meal, they will count the plates and bottles to tally your bill.

Clubs and Pubs: Chiangmai does of course have plenty of night entertainment venues from restaurants, pubs, beer gardens, to nightclubs, discos, and karaoke/video bars.

Don't Forget Your... Visitors to Chiangmai often seek out trips outside the city. If you intend to do this, you may want to bring a flashlight/torch and extra batteries, as well as camera batteries and even matches or a lighter. In the winter months jackets may be needed in the evening. You should also consider carrying a small personal first-aid kit and toilet paper for unplanned emergencies. Ear plugs are a good idea if staying overnight in a hill tribe village, as the roosters can be very loud at 3am.

Personal Security Considerations: Chiangmai is a great place to visit, but use common sense in regards to your personal safety considerations.If you have to leave your passport or credit cards anywhere for safekeeping, use a safety deposit box in one of the local banks or your hotel. Make sure you have a key to the safety box and a list of items that it contains. In general a photocopy of your passport is acceptable identification once your passport is secured safely.

Further advice on your personal safety considerations linked here.

Drugs: Every visitor should be well-informed about Thailand's tough laws on illegal drug possession and use. There are known to be undercover police imbedded in hill tribe villages, where foolish visitors may seek out opium or other drugs. Ignorance of the law is no excuse in court, the laws are very strict, and the punishment most severe.

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