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  1. #1
    Thailand Expat
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    Chiang Mai: Thailand's Modern Day Left Bank

    Chiang Mai: Thailand's modern-day Left Bank- Nikkei Asian Review

    I haven't been up to Chiang Mai for 30 years. I would love to go and see what is happening up there.
    Seems like a very long journey by car from Surin. Any recommendations for options travelling up there from Surin other than driving would be appreciated.
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  2. #2
    Custom Title Changer
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    I've only spent a day and a half in CM, but I friggin' loved it. Tons of good restaurants and plenty to see and do.

  3. #3
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    Train from BKK to CM. Lovely trip if it stays on the rails.
    Loads of flights and CM airport is a doddle.

  4. #4
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
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    The Left Bank.


  5. #5
    Thailand Expat VocalNeal's Avatar
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    Did you hear about the guy who fell into the river from the Rive Gauche?

    He ended up going in Seine

  6. #6
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    It's OK except for the 2-3 months a year it's filled with acrid smoke from all the burning.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Humbert View Post
    Chiang Mai: Thailand's modern-day Left Bank- Nikkei Asian Review

    I haven't been up to Chiang Mai for 30 years. I would love to go and see what is happening up there.
    Seems like a very long journey by car from Surin. Any recommendations for options travelling up there from Surin other than driving would be appreciated.
    Go by Train, very good, slower, no traffic, cheap, loved it from Bangkok, go at night sleep 18.00 dol

  8. #8
    god
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    Night train 2nd class air con, lower bunk's the cat's pyjamas.

    Example Bkk to CM 5/5/2017.
    Bangkok Chiang Mai 2nd class
    A.c sleeper Train #9 Special Express. Leaves Bkk 18:10. Arrives CM 07:1/15. Fare; Lower Berth. Adult Bt 881.00. Child Bt 741.00

    Thailand international and domestic discount air tickets, Hotels and resorts, Package tours, Sightseeing, Transfers, Car rental, Travel insurance, Thailand travel news and events, Thailand travel guide, Thailand international and domestic air travel

    Upper bunk's too cold with the air con and the occupant's gotta wait for the lower bunk occupant to wake up and get out of bed before bunks are folded away for seats and breakfast table to be set up in the morning.

    The added advantage of bottom bunk is having a window to peer through at stations or other passing points of interest.

    All bunks privately curtained off, lavatories are clean enough (Thai standards)

    Dining car available also, a breakfast of 2 fried eggs, 2 bits of sausage, a piece of ham, a touch of salad, 2 toast, butter and jam, all with an orange juice and a cup of coffee for around 150 baht.
    “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? John 10:34.

  9. #9
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    I would love to take the train but my concern is the time. After talking to my wife we are leaning toward driving up and spending the night someplace half way. Also gives us more flexibility and freedom getting around while there.
    I appreciate the suggestions.

  10. #10
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    If you can handle a 20-hour or so bus ride check out NCA times and rates.
    SF's Gotlost of Kap Cheung fame travels there on NCA and knows the details.
    Possibly Boloa can assist.

    Otherwise it's a serious drive whereas one must stay vigilant.

  11. #11
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Fly up.

    When you're there use Uber.

    Simples.

  12. #12
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    ^ Agree.

    Used Grabcar around 10 times when I was up there last month for a shopping trip.

    God knows how they make money. Around 60-70 baht from Night Bazzar to bottom of Suthep for example.

    Never took longer than 5 or so mins to arrive.

    Have a number of a man with a van in C.M that charges 2k for 10hrs anywhere you want to go and he pays the gas if you need for day trips out?
    Black diamonds? I shit 'em.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Humbert View Post
    I would love to take the train but my concern is the time. After talking to my wife we are leaning toward driving up and spending the night someplace half way. Also gives us more flexibility and freedom getting around while there.
    I appreciate the suggestions.
    Hell of a long drive but worthwhile as the scenery is spectacular in places if you go via Chayapum and Pitsanulok.

  14. #14
    Thailand Expat raycarey's Avatar
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    Chiang Mai: Thailand's Modern Day Left Bank


    i like chiang mai, but this is a ridiculous comparison.

  15. #15
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    Chiang Mai is kind of Thai hipster central these days. There is actually this brand spanking new, super swanky area of the city now where younger Thai hi-so university students live. No idea how to find it on a map, but there are very few farangs there even though it feels like some modern American corporate spit-shined facade.

    Like nothing I've ever seen in LOS to be honest.

    Anyways, Chiang Mai is a pretty nice place. Lots of different types of people there, both western and Thai. Pretty culturally diverse, particularly for Thailand.

  16. #16
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    ^ probably nimanhemin area.

  17. #17
    god
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    Yup, many female uni students hang out there with the more sophisticated young Chiangmai crowd.

  18. #18
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    ^^ Could be the old German Brewery Area behind Big C and in front of Payap U. It's been totally redeveloped with condos and lots of small restaurants.

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by barrylad66
    ^ probably nimanhemin area.
    Just googled it. Pretty sure you're right.

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by raycarey View Post
    Chiang Mai: Thailand's Modern Day Left Bank


    i like chiang mai, but this is a ridiculous comparison.
    One would have to know CM before extending commentary....

  21. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by PeeCoffee View Post
    Possibly Boloa can assist.
    .
    I've been up to Chiang Mai a few times over the years and have always driven.
    You don't have to do it it one go,get out the map and pick out a few places you might like seeing on the way , plan a few overnight stops and make a road trip out of your trip to Chiang Mai
    Big Ol' Lucky Ol' Al.

  22. #22
    Thailand Expat raycarey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by thaimeme View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by raycarey View Post
    Chiang Mai: Thailand's Modern Day Left Bank


    i like chiang mai, but this is a ridiculous comparison.
    One would have to know CM before extending commentary....


    profound as ever, jeff.

    oh, almost forgot...

    FOJ.

  23. #23
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    Drive up. It's more comfortable and convenient than the bus and probably quicker than the train.

  24. #24
    god
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    But more tiring and expensive. You can sleep on the train, arriving fresh at CM after an early brekky, ready to hit your pre-booked g/house, then freshened up, hire a car if you want, independent transport,...or a motocy.. or go by little red/yellow/blue bus (songtheaw), really cheap to various easily reached points in and around Chiangmai.

  25. #25
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    Reading Flukes account of CM it seems to be more "West Bank".

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