Chiang Mai
is located at an altitude of approximately 310 metres above sea level.
The city
sits on the Mae Ping River basin approximately 700 kilometres from Bangkok,
Thailand. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the terrain is mainly comprised
of jungles and mountains. These are home to many fascinating hill tribes.
Visas
Visitors
from most countries are issued two to four week entry permits on arrival, upon
presentation of a passport and a ticket for a return or onward journey.
Entry
permits cannot be extended while you are in Thailand. It is advisable to check
with a Thai embassy or consulate in your country before departure.
If you are
planning a longer stay, apply for either a 60-day tourist visa or 30-day
transit visa from Thai embassies and consulates overseas. These can be extended
at the Immigration Office in Bangkok for a nominal fee.
View visa requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand
Currency
The national
currency of Thailand is the baht.
Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.
THB 1.00
equals:
|
Exchange Rates
|
Currency
|
|
0.03
|
Australian Dollar
(AUD)
|
|
0.02
|
Euro
(EUR)
|
|
0.02
|
British Pound
(GBP)
|
|
0.24
|
Hong Kong Dollar
(HKD)
|
|
1.87
|
Indian Rupee
(INR)
|
|
3.18
|
Japanese Yen
(JPY)
|
|
0.04
|
New Zealand Dollar
(NZD)
|
|
0.19
|
Chinese Yuan Renminbi
(RMB)
|
|
0.04
|
Singapore Dollar
(SGD)
|
|
0.03
|
US Dollar
(USD)
|
Taxes
A value-added tax (VAT) of 7% is added to all purchase amounts. The VAT is
refundable for tourists only at participating shops.
A provincial tax of 1.5 % is added automatically to the accommodation expenses.
Tipping
A service
charge of 10% is usually added automatically to all hotel and restaurant bills
in the city. If not, a 10% tip is appropriate for waiters.
Business Hours
Bank Hours
8.30 / 9.30am - 3.30pm, Monday through Friday.
Office Hours
8 / 9am - 4 / 5pm, Monday through Friday.
Shop Hours
8 / 9am to 9pm or later throughout the week.
Department stores are open daily from 10am to 8 / 9 pm.
Public Health
Check with
your local clinic about vaccination requirements.
Drink only
bottled or boiled water. Bottled drinking water is always available in your
room, compliments of Shangri-La.
Dress
Light
clothing for the summer months and a sweater for the cooler months are
sufficient.
Suits are
appropriate for business occasions. Shorts and T-shirts are frowned upon in
government offices. Modest dress is required when visiting temples.
Weather
A tropical
city, Chiang Mai enjoys warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The April
to June summer temperatures range from 35°C to 40°C (95°F to
104°F), while the October to February winter temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C
(77°F to 86°F).
Today
Mostly Cloudy
Very warm with increasing cloudiness
|
High:
|
37°C /
98°F
|
|
Low:
|
26°C /
78°F
|
Tomorrow
Sunny, Thunder Showers
Sunny intervals, warm; a p.m. t-storm
|
High:
|
37°C /
98°F
|
|
Low:
|
25°C /
77°F
|
|
Monday:
|
|
Cloudy, Thunder Showers
|
High:
37°C /
98°F
|
Low:
25°C /
77°F
|
|
Tuesday:
|
|
Mostly Cloudy
|
High:
38°C /
100°F
|
Low:
25°C /
77°F
|
|
Wednesday:
|
|
Mostly Cloudy
|
High:
37°C /
98°F
|
Low:
26°C /
78°F
|