Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai Guide

To our surprise - A lot of people in Thailand speak English, but it goes a LONG way if you attempt to speak their language. They appreciate it so much!

If you are male, you end sentences with the word (khrup/krap) similarly if you are female, you end your sentences with the word (ka/kap). This is used to make your sentence or question polite & respectful.

Where is the restroom | Hong nam yoo tee nai khrup/ka?

I need a doctor | Phom dong gaan hai mor maa raak sa khrup/ka

Can you speak English? |Kun pood paasaa anggrit dai mai?

How much does it cost | Ra ka tao rai khrup/ka? (you can shorten this by saying "Tao rai?

Can you give me a discount please? |Ga ru ns lot ra ka hair noi khrup/ka?

eSIM - there are a few options to get connected

Airalo is a digital SIM cards. With eSIMs from Airalo, download and install a digital data pack from 200+ countries/regions and be connected anywhere in the world the second you land.

Thailand eSIM, from $9.9 | World’s first eSIM store · Airalo

Similar to this, and an easier option (but sometimes more expensive) is getting an eSIM through your current phone carrier.

T-Mobile/Sprint currently offer international plans for free with your current plan, so if you have this carrier be sure to call that and turn on this free service.

Verizon charges $10 per day to utilize international service (this is usually what I use just for convenience but understand this isn't the most budget friendly option). To activate this service with Verizon or another phone carrier, you should call directly to them and ask about their international plans. 

With both of these options you will be connected to Thai phone service the minute you land!

The third option for phone connectivity is purchasing a sim card at 7-eleven in Thailand, or at the airport upon landing. While these are likely the cheapest option, I do not recommend them for convenience purposes.

TukTuks are probably the most popular means of transportation that you'll see all around Thailand. TukTuk's are fun and can give you an authentic experience but are not the most cost effective. PLEASE confirm & reconfirm where they are taking you, and the cost before you get into their TukTuk. A common scam in Thailand is that TukTuk drivers will try to detour you and take you to shops where they make commission. They also may then try to upcharge you for making these stops.

Grab is similar to Uber/Lyft here in the U.S. You can choose to pay cash, or pre-load your card into the app.

‎Grab: Taxi Ride, Food Delivery

Do not touch anyone on the head. The head is sacred in Thailand.

Do not point at anything or anyone with your feet. In Thailand, the feet are considered the "lowest" & dirtiest part of your body. Even if sitting criss-cross applesauce be sure your feet are not pointing at other people or especially at a Buddha statue.

Did you know it's illegal not to wear underwear in Thailand?

All across Thailand, it’s respectful to have your knees and shoulders covered any time you are going to a temple or religious site. I personally recommend wearing loose pants, or a skirt, and carrying an extra shirt with you. The temperatures are HOT and you may not want to wear that much clothing all day.

You will likely need to take your shoes off before entering a temple or someone’s home. Bring socks if being barefoot makes you uncomfortable. There will be signs outside of each temple notating where to leave your shoes. We did not have any issues with someone taking our shoes.

Bring toilet paper or wet wipes with you all the time! Many bathrooms do not have toilet paper outside of your tourist areas. It's best to be prepared.

All around Thailand you will see fish pedicure opportunities. I HIGHLY recommend that you do not do this. They do not clean the tanks, or change out fish between customers. Meaning, if one person does this and has bacteria or an infection, that will then be transferred to all future customers. I've heard some horror stories about the medical nightmare these can cause, so beware.

Things to buy at 7/11 as soon as you arrive: 

Buy the 7/11  Mosquito repellent (comes in orange and pink bottles). You will DEFINITELY need this for your trip.

Also purchase a rain poncho. It may not be raining then, but there’s a really good chance it will rain at some point on your trip. Especially when you’re in the islands!!

Feel free to try out some snacks at 7/11 they have all kinds of lays chips, and other unique delights.

Chiang Mai is a northern city in Thailand with rich culture, cheap shopping, and beautiful mountains. I would recommend spending 2-3 days here.

Chiang Mai Guide

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