Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.atchabaa.com
; 14/32 Th Nimmanhaemin, Nimman Promenade; 10am-6pm)
If Putumayo put out
clothes instead of music, you'd have Chabaa, which specialises in global ethno-chic.
You'll find brightly coloured embroidered tops and skirts plus big-statement jewellery.
CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES
Ginger
(6/21 Th Nimmanhaemin; 10am-6pm)
For something more night-on-the-townish, check out the
shimmery dresses, sparkly mules, fabulous jewellery and colourful accessories offered in
this place.
Information
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Compared to Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a breeze for tourists. The hassles from
sŏrng·tăa·ou
and túk-túk drivers are minimal.
A major annoyance is the traffic, but if you've just come from Bangkok you'll probably
find it a relief as it's nowhere near as bad, and although very busy, the main arteries do
generally flow pretty well, except during rush hour.
In March and April, Chiang Mai can be enveloped in a smoky, dusty haze caused in
large part by farmers burning off their fields in nearby districts. During the rainy season,
dengue is a concern as the mosquito population increases with the monsoons; Chiang Mai
province ranks as one of the highest risk places for dengue fever in the country.
Inexpensive guesthouses in Chiang Mai will sometimes evict guests who don't engage
trekking tours. Most places are pretty forthcoming with their policies on this and will usu-
ally offer rooms to nontrekking guests for a limited period.
EMERGENCY
Tourist Police
( 0 5324 7318, 24hr emergency 1155; Th Faham; 6am-midnight)
Has a volunteer staff of
foreign nationals who speak a variety of languages. It's on the eastern side of the river,
just south of the superhighway.
INTERNET ACCESS
Guesthouses, restaurants and cafes in Chiang Mai have free wi-fi access. A few guest-
houses and cafes still have internet-enabled terminals though these are quickly disappear-
ing. Data connections on mobile devices that are not wi-fi can vary in speed and reliabil-
ity.
