Thailand Travel Information

Passport &Visa

For entry into Thailand, a passport valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry is required.
Passport holders from most countries are able to enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa for tourism purposes. Passport holders from other countries may apply for visa on arrival.

See this link for up to date information: http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2490

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance, at the very least, you need a policy that covers theft, loss and medical expenses.

Does your policy cover “dangerous activities”, which may include some of the adventurous types activities like trekking, white water rafting, etc?

If you need medical treatment, do you have to pay first then get reimbursed later, or does the insurance company pay the hospital directly?

Does your policy cover ambulances or an emergency flight home?

Getting ready

What to pack?...Some essentials.

• Passport, travel insurance documents & their photocopies. Keep the photocopies separately, perhaps locked in your luggage.
• Camera
• Medical Kit (see above). Don’t forget the mosquito repellent and sunscreen
• Hats, sun-glasses
• Clothing: light, natural fibres clothing are most comfortable in the heat. Bring some thing that will also dry quickly. T-shirts and shorts are fine for Chiang Mai, but also bring some “polite” (covered shoulders and legs) clothes for visiting Wats and Phuping Palace. Remember: don’t bring too much. Clothing in Chiang Mai is inexpensive. You can buy them here.
• In the cooler months (Nov-Feb), the weather can get quite chilly at night in town and cold in the mountains, so bring some warm clothing as well.
• Wet weather gear or umbrella also recommended for the rainy season.
• Swimmers, swimming goggles
• Sandals, thongs, flip-flops (readily available & cheap in Thailand, so you may want to buy them here) are handy to go everywhere as you’ll often have to take off your shoes. If you’re planning to do some trekking, good quality shoes/boots are recommended.

When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?

The most popular time to visit Chiang Mai is in the cooler months (Nov-Feb). The temperature is more comfortable and can get quite cold in the mountains. The scenery clear and beautiful, flowers are in bloom.

During the rainy season (May-Nov), the landscape turns lush green, and is also very beautiful. Rain normally comes for one-two hours in the afternoons or early evenings, not the whole day. There are less tourists during this time and prices for accommodation are lower.

Coming during the Songkran Festival (April), although the temperature is hot, is also a great time to visit. People throw water over each other and you’ll definitely stay cool!

Although it is quite hot in Chiang Mai during the summer months, you can always escape into the many mountains surrounding Chiang Mai where it is much cooler.

How long should I spend in Chiang Mai?

There are plenty of sight to see and activities to do in Chiang Mai. We would suggest at least 3 days to a week. Even if you stay 2 weeks, you won’t get bored!

If you have young children, for your convenience and comfort, we suggest you base yourself in one location.

Should I stay in the city, or outside?

The city is a convenient place to stay. There are many historic sites and getting to places like the Night Bazaar or Walking Street.

However, if you want to be close to nature, and away from the crowd, staying outside of the city is also great. There is more room to roam around and to relax. Outside of the city resorts often provide free transportation to the city. Resorts on the Maerim-Samoeng route is particularly good choices because they are very close to a lot of the outside city attractions like Elephant Parks, Butterfly and Orchid farm, Snake Farm, etc.