Miscellaneous Information

Your Own Transportation in Chiang Mai

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Thai boys sharing a motorbike, photo source: flickr: foutriqu1's photostream

Courtesy by Romain

Suggestion for Your Own Transportation in Chiang Mai

Public transportation (bus, taxi, song-thaeo, tuk-tuk) in Chiang Mai has been, and still is in an awful state. Whether you are resident, expat or tourist, you need to have your own car or motorbike, or hire them to reach destinations in the vicinity off main roads, or to get around. Briefly described below are your options to hire a car or motorbike by day, week or longer, with or without driver.

Hire a car through an international car rental company
Many international operating and well-known car rental companies offer service in/for Chiang Mai: Argus, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Holiday Cars, National, Sixt. They offer a variety of car types, car availability at Chiang Mai International Airport, full insurance and many other services, sometimes also a driver.

Hire a car through a local/nationwide car rental company
There are many locally operating car rental companies in town with their offices and agents (travel shops) in the city, e.g. North Wheels, The Best Travel, Chiang Mai Car Rent, Bee Rent a Car, Master Car Rental, Bua Faluang, Journey. Some offer services similar as the international car rental companies. Carefully read their terms for insurance. Some require deposit of your passport!

Hire a car with English speaking driver from small Chiang Mai based enterprises
A few advertisements for this type of service can be found in Chiang Mai magazines, which are in English and available free-of-charge through the premises of the magazines' advertising clientele (e.g. hotels, guesthouses, tourist inns, restaurants, travel shops). Here a selection:
Mr. Mike, Taxi Service and Tour Guide, crocodilemike8@yahoo.com, 087-1802455, cars: Volvo 940 and van.
Mr. Lee, Car and Taxi Service, manu2493@hotmail.com, 081-7246093, cars: Van and 2 saloon cars.
WowEasy Taxi Service, woweasy@hotmail.com, 089-8519697.
Mr. Dani, Taxi Service, indydear@hotmail.com, 081-3221303.
Mr. Tueng, 5-seated closed pick-up car, 2,000 Baht per day, contact via Khun Sam, 089-6339517.

Hire a song-thaeo or tuk-tuk short-term
Many drivers of a red coloured song-thaeo in the city, or a tuk-tuk, won't mind to be hired right away and for a while if destination area and distance are within their expectations, as the rental price (always subject of negotiation) has to be.

Call a taxi
Taximeter taxis can be called under the numbers 053-279291, 019-520900, 019-616006 (Source: Citylife Chiang Mai).

Hire a motorbike
There are many motorbike rental shops in the city, mainly on Mun Muang (Moon Muang) Road near Thapae Gate. Rental rates start from 200 Baht per day. Most often offered, and most suitable for the city as well as countryside with unsealed roads is a 100-125 ccm motorbike like Honda Dream or Honda Wave. Helmets should be provided for driver and passenger. Carefully read their terms for insurance. Most shops require deposit of your passport! You can also hire a motorbike from Baan Sammi.

Gasoline prices
Gasoline 91 octane costs 31.7 Baht per liter, 95 octane 32.5 Baht, and diesel 27.6–29.0 Baht (as of 30 Oct., 2009).

Some driving recommendations
Although traffic seems to be free-style and not controlled by any rules in Thailand, drivers follow most often informal rules that should be attentively perceived and adopted to a certain degree by the inexperienced foreign driver. Don't stick to rules you learned in the West. Do expect unexpected driving behaviour all times, and drive slowly and smoothly and never jerky. The following is just to mention some informal rules that most likely could bring you in dangerous situations if unaware by the inexperienced or if being ignored.Do not expect your blinker signal will paid attention to (e.g. when turning right), do not expect drivers will pay attention to lane markings, red traffic lights, and traffic behind them. Watch carefully vehicles that might enter from the left into the (main) road, do not expect their drivers will notice you. Do expect drivers will cut blind corners and curves, warning you or not by a horn signal. At intersections with red traffic light, don't hinder traffic behind you from turning left.

Some recommendations for geographic orientation
If you are not map-averse, you should get a city or regional map that meets your specific requirements for easier orientation in Chiang Mai and around. Orientation within the wall and moat of the square-shaped old city is quite easy, however in downtown, beyond and on the countryside might become troublesome. Asking locals for help to find an address, can easily lead to confusion, as many Thais have little sense for geographic orientation, are not familiar with maps, do not know their farther surroundings well, and a few even cannot read (Thai script) at all. This also applies to drivers. Destinations can easiest be identified and found if you have an address, or better a route description, in Thai script. On many advertisements in printed magazines, and on business cards, these information is given, hidden most often in the text that follows the phrase "for taxi".

Baan Sammi by Public Transport

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How to Reach Baan Sammi by Public Transport from Airport, Train and Bus Station

On request, these guidelines can be sent by email (available in English and German text).
Mit öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln vom Flughafen, Bahnhof und Bus-Bahnhof zu Baan Sammi - Diese Hinweise sind auch in Deutsch per E-Mail auf Anfrage erhältlich.

Maps (downloading and printing recommended):
BS Map of Chiang Mai and Vicinity - Route to Baan Sammi
BS Map of Doi Saket - Meeting Points 1-5 and Route to Baan Sammi (text Thai + English)

To reach Baan Sammi by public transportation, you may take a taxi (saloon car with taximeter), hire a red song-thaeo or tuk-tuk for the whole distance, or, more adventurous by following the backpackers' routes, choose a combination of song-thaeos on the line and a motorbike taxi. Drivers usually do not know much of the surroundings of Chiang Mai and often cannot read maps, so be prepared to guide your driver with the help of the maps (as listed above).

From airport to Baan Sammi
In the (international and domestic) arrival halls, there are desks where you can hire a taxi. The fares from the airport are fixed depending on distance or destination. To Pa Lan subdistrict of Doi Saket district, where Baan Sammi is located, the price is 450 Baht (June 2009).
Alternatively, you may get a red song-thaeo or a tuk-tuk at a somewhat lower price. Deal with the driver when a song-thaeo or tuk-tuk has just arrived the airport and passengers are getting off, or leave the airport area on foot and stop a song-thaeo or tuk-tuk on the nearby main road towards city.

From train station, Arcade Bus Station, or Chang Phueak Bus Station, to Baan Sammi
At the train and bus stations there are many red song-thaeos and tuk-tuks waiting for passengers. Deal with the driver for the fare, which can be between 300 and 500 Baht for the whole vehicle.

From train station to Kaeo Nawarat Road / Arcade Bus Station
Take a red song-thaeo or tuk-tuk from the train station to Kaeo Nawarat Road (Kaew Nawarat Road, Chiang Mai - Doi Saket Road, Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai Road, National Road or Highway number 118) next to Arcade Bus Station. Likely, they will charge you 30-60 Baht per person. If you walk off the train station one hundred meters and try to stop a red song-thaeo on the main road (Charoen Muang Road in direction off city, or, a little farther in Thung Hotel Road, some 20 meters off intersection towards Arcade Bus Station), you might have to pay the regular fare of 10 Baht/person only. Get off in Kaeo Nawarat Road, or, get off at Arcade Bus Station and walk 100-200 meters to Kaeo Nawarat Road.

From Chang Phueak Bus Station to Kaeo Nawarat Road / Arcade Bus Station
Take a red song-thaeo or tuk-tuk from the Chang Phueak Bus Station to Kaeo Nawarat Road (Kaew Nawarat Road, Chiang Mai - Doi Saket Road, Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai Road, National Road or Highway number 118) next to Arcade Bus Station. Likely, they will charge you 30-60 Baht per person. If you walk off the Chang Phueak Bus Station less than one hundred meters and try to stop a red song-thaeo on the main road (Rattanakosin Road, towards Arcade Bus Station), you might have to pay the regular fare of 10 Baht/person only. Get off in Kaeo Nawarat Road, or, get off at Arcade Bus Station and walk 100-200 meters to Kaeo Nawarat Road.

From Kaeo Nawarat Road / Arcade Bus Station towards Doi Saket
Wait for a yellow song-thaeo on Kaeo Nawarat Road (Kaew Nawarat Road, Chiang Mai - Doi Saket Road, Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai Road, National Road or Highway number 118) next to Arcade Bus Station, in direction off city. Yellow song-thaeos drive on this road every 5-10 minutes during rush-hours in the morning and evening (often crowded), and every 15-30 minutes during the rest of day, until early night. Ask the driver either to stop at "Ban Nam Phrae", or, if you wish to go farther to Doi Saket, ask him if he drives to the market of Doi Saket ("talad Doi Saket"). Regular fare is 13 Baht to Ban Nam Phrae (about 12 kilometers), and 15 Baht to the market of Doi Saket (about 16 kilometers). Get off at either Ban Nam Phrae, or market of Doi Saket.

From Ban Nam Phrae to Baan Sammi
Having arrived at the song-thaeo stop "Ban Nam Phrae", you have to cross the highway and enter the village, Ban Nam Phrae, on the village road. Just the first house on the left side is a food-stall (open daily 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.), where you may ask the owner, Khun Nga, for a 3-wheel motorbike taxi to Baan Sammi. Distance is 3.8 kilometers, the fare is about 20-30 Baht. Alternatively, you may call Baan Sammi from a nearby telephone box, asking to pick you up by motorbike in Nam Phrae.

From the market of Doi Saket to Baan Sammi
Having arrived at the song-thaeo stop in the center of Doi Saket, you might not see at first sight the market which is somewhat hidden by houses along streets. Go to the main entrance of the market next to the canal, where you can see several telephone boxes. There around are motorbike taxis ready to give you a lift, and you need to show the address (in Thai script) of Baan Sammi. Distance to Baan Sammi is 7 kilometers. The drivers may choose one of three routes: Ban Ko - Ban Pa Sak Noi - Ban Pa Tiu - Ban Pa Yang Poi, or: Ban Ko - Ban Pa Pong - Ban Dok Daeng - Ban Pa Tiu - Ban Pa Yang Poi, or: Ban Luang Tai - Ban Pa Sak Noi - Ban Pa Tiu - Ban Pa Yang Poi. Alternatively, you may call Baan Sammi from a nearby telephone box, asking to pick you up by motorbike at the market in Doi Saket.

Department Stores and Supermarkets in Chiang Mai, Thailand

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BS Map of Department Stores and Supermarkets in Chiang Mai and Vicinity

Selective List of Department Stores and Supermarkets in Chiang Mai / Kaufhäuser und Supermärkte in Chiang Mai

Tesco Lotus Department Store and Supermarket
a) Chiang Mai - Hang Dong Highway (108)
Location: Map J3 — B&B Map Thailand North bJ4-bK4 — Map in CityLife Chiang Mai C6
b) Super Highway (11) / Kham Thiang Market
Location: Map G5 — B&B Map Thailand North bA8 — Map in CityLife Chiang Mai E1
c) Supermarket only: Outer Ring Road (121) / San Sai Noi - San Sai Luang Road
Location: Map E6

Carrefour Department Store and Supermarket
Super Highway (11) near San Dek Intersection
Location: Map G6 — B&B Map Thailand North bC12 — Map in CityLife Chiang Mai H3

Central Department Store, Kat Suan Kaeo, Tops Supermarket
Huai Kaeo Road near moat
Location: Map G3 — B&B Map Thailand North bC5 — Map in CityLife Chiang Mai C3

Airport Plaza, Robinson Department Store, Tops Supermarket
Chiang Mai - Hang Dong Highway (108) / Om Muang Highway (1141)
Location: Map J3 — B&B Map Thailand North bH5 — Map in CityLife Chiang Mai C5

Tops Supermarket Chiang Mai Mae Rim Branch
Chiang Mai - Mae Rim Highway (107)
Location: Map B4

Big C Department Store and Supermarket
a) Super Highway (11) / Chiang Mai - Mae On Highway (1317)
Location: Map J6 — B&B Map Thailand North eB4 — Map in CityLife Chiang Mai H6
b) Chiang Mai - Hang Dong Highway (108) / Middle Ring Road (3029)
Location: Map K2-K3 — Map in CityLife Chiang Mai C6

Makro Department Store and Supermarket
Super Highway (11) near intersection with Chiang Mai - San Kamphaeng Road (1006)
Location: Map H6 — B&B Map Thailand North bE13 — Map in CityLife Chiang Mai H4

Rimping Supermarket
a) Nim City Deli Branch: Mahidon Road, between moat and Airport Plaza
Location: Map I3-J3 — Map in CityLife Chiang Mai C5
b) Mi Chok Branch: Chiang Mai - Mae Cho - Phrao Highway (1001) / Inner Bypass
Location: Map F5 — B&B Map Thailand North eB3 — Map in CityLife Chiang Mai: beyond G1 towards Mae Cho
c) Nawarat Branch: Chiang Mai - Lamphun Road (106) near Nawarat Bridge
Location: Map H5 — B&B Map Thailand North bE10 — Map in CityLife Chiang Mai F4
d) Kad Farang Branch: Chiang Mai - Hang Dong Highway (108), beyond Outer Bypass (121), in Ban Waen, near 'Kulaphan Vil 9'
Location: Map L1 — B&B Map Thailand North eC3
Feature (all branches): Large selection of imported specialty food.
Website: www.rimping.com

Kasem Store
a) Warorot Branch: Ratchawong Road, north of and close to intersection with Chang Moi Road, east of Warorot and Ton Lamyai Market
Location: Map H5 — B&B Map Thailand North bD9 — Map in CityLife Chiang Mai E3
b) Nimmanhamin Branch: Nimmanhamin Road
Location: Map G2 — B&B Map Thailand North bC4 — Map in CityLife Chiang Mai B2-B3
Feature (all branches): Shops with selection of specialty food.

International Schools in Chiang Mai, Thailand

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BS Map of International Schools in Chiang Mai and Vicinity

List of International Schools in Chiang Mai

General information on schools / Allgemeine Informationen:
The Education Project Asia, Shambles: http://www.shambles.net/thailand/index.htm

Chiang Mai International School (CMIS)
http://www.cmis.ac.th/
Address: 13 Chetupon Road, Chiang Mai 50000
Location: Map G5 — B&B Map Thailand North bC9-bC10 — Map in CityLife Chiang Mai F2

Prem Tinsulanonda International School
www.premcenter.in.th/
Address: 234 Moo 3, T. Huay Sai, A. Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180
Location: Map A3 — B&B Map Thailand North G6

Nakorn Payap International School
www.nis.ac.th/
Address: 240 M. 6, San Phi Sua, A. Muang, Chiang Mai 50300
Location: Map E5-F5 — B&B Map Thailand North eB3

American Pacific International School
http://www.apis.ac.th
Address: 158/1 M. 3, Hang Dong - Samoeng Rd., Ban Pong, A. Hang Dong, Chiang Mai 50230
Location: Map: beyond K1 towards Samoeng — B&B Map Thailand North eC2

Lanna International School
http://www.lannaist.ac.th/
Address: 300 Grandview Moo 1, Chiang Mai - Hang Dong Highway, T. Mae Hia, A. Muang, Chiang Mai 50100
Location: Map J2 — B&B Map Thailand North eC3

Christian German School Chiang Mai / Christliche Deutsche Schule Chiang Mai
http://www.cdscm.org/
Address: 83/1 Ban Bua Krok Nua, T. Tha Wang Tan, A. Saraphi, Chiang Mai 50140
Location: Map L5 — B&B Map Thailand North eC3

Grace International School
http://www.gisthailand.org/
Address: 178/832 M. 7, Chiang Mai - Hod Highway km10, A. Hang Dong, Chiang Mai 50230
Location: Map K1 — B&B Map Thailand North eC2

Maps of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand

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Ancient Siam map, source: photo from Adrienne

Some Comments on Maps of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand / Einige Bemerkungen zu Stadtplänen von Chiang Mai und Karten von Nord-Thailand

1. B.S. Maps of Chiang Mai and Vicinity, by Baan Sammi

Availability: Online, URL: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/baansammi/Maps , personal use for free.

Usability: A collection of special purpose maps. The main content of any of these maps might be useful for a first rough orientation, e.g. where the district villages and a few other main villages around Chiang Mai are located, and how these areas can be reached by car.

Features: Contains only the most important destinations, all main roads (including the ring roads), road numbers, text in English only (not bilingual).

Disadvantages: Much generalized, rather a sketch-map (not in scale) than a map.

2. CityMap in Citylife Chiang Mai, published by Trisila Co. Ltd.

Availability: Local magazine distributed (chiefly at the advertisers' premises) free-of-charge, published monthly, URL: www.citylife-citylife.com

Usability: Apart from its original specific use of identifying the location of the advertisers' premises, this map is probably the most reliable map in terms of existence and location of roads (small roads, "soi", included). The map covers the (most important) area of Chiang Mai within the Super Highway in the east and north, Irrigation Canal Road in the west, and Om Muang Road in the south. It is most useful for orientation to expatriates and retirees, less so for tourists because of its lack, or non-emphasis, of many tourist destinations.

Features: Contains virtually all roads, many road names, many important locations (such as temples, hospitals, schools), text in English only (not bilingual).

Disadvantages: No road index included, the spelling of geographical names does not follow the Royal Thai General System of Transcription.

3. Several Maps Published by Berndtson [now: Borch GmbH]

There are several maps published in the recent past under different titles by Berndtson or its successor, e.g.:
a) B&B Map Thailand North, Road Map 1 : 750,000, published by Berndtson & Berndtson, out-of-print.
b) Thailand, Road Map 1 : 1,500,000, edition 2006, published by Berndtson & Berndtson.
c) City Map of Chiang Mai, 1 : 13,000, edition 2006, published by Borch GmbH, http://borch.com/ .
d) B&B City Streets Chiang Mai, City Center Map 1 : 13,000, 1st edition 2000, ISBN 3-89707-178-9, http://www.mapmyway.com .
e) Thailand North, 1 : 750,000 (WOW map series), published by Berndtson, version 7.0, 2007, ISBN 3-86592-238-4, http://www.berndtson.biz .

Availability: From bookshops.

Usability: These maps are very reliable and precise road maps in terms of existence, location and classification of roads, although they contain a few errors and, more serious, they are out-of-date. This applies also to the recent publications listed above, which seem to be merely unchanged reprints.

Features: All these maps contain a map of northern Thailand in practical scale (1 : 750,000), two regional maps in somewhat bigger scale (Chiang Mai in 1 : 300,000), a city map of Chiang Mai (with road index) and two other city maps. The map of northern Thailand is chiefly a road map but also shows topography. The city map of Chiang Mai covers the (most important) area within the Super Highway in the east and north, Irrigation Canal Road in the west, and Om Muang Road in the south, and includes nearly all important locations. The spelling of geographical names follows the Royal Thai General System of Transcription. Text in English only (not bilingual).

Disadvantages: Out-of-date (e.g. the bypasses of Chiang Mai are not shown, even not in the edition of 2007). The regional map of Chiang Mai is not detailed enough to be of much help.

4. Topographic Map of Thailand (Phaenthi Phumiprathet) 1 : 50,000, published by The Royal Thai Survey Department, Bangkok, Thailand

Availability: From the bigger bookshops (e.g. D.K. Bookstore, Suriwong Books). Further details can be found in " Large-Scale Maps ... " in Chiang Mai Forum of Thailand Forum (thaivisa.com) .

Usability: This map is the best topographic map for its scale (local and regional use), but out-of-date.

Features: It is a typical topographic map containing all natural and man-made elements of the landscape. Elevation is shown by contour lines. Text, including map content, in Thai and English (bilingual), title page in Thai only. The spelling of Romanized geographical names follows the Royal Thai General System of Transcription.

Disadvantages: Awfully out-of-date (e.g. map information of Chiang Mai as of 1992), hence all roads built after publication dead-line are not shown.

5. Maps of Chiang Mai, for Tourists

Availability: There are several magazines distributed free-of-charge, most are published monthly, and easiest obtainable in various hotels, foreign-food restaurants and pubs, during the first two weeks of each month. Here some examples (in alphabetical order): Art & Culture Lanna, Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand Tourist Guide (ISSN 1686-8986), Chiangmai Mail (THB 25), ChiangMaiCity FreeCopyMap , Citylife Chiang Mai (ISSN 1686-297X), CityNow! , Compass (ISSN 1686-8943), Compass Gourmet & Cuisine (ISSN 1905-6664), Good Morning Chiangmai News , Guidelines Chiang Mai (ISSN 1686-9095), maplus (ISSN 1686-6126), Passport to Suvannaphoum (ISSN 1685-1479), Paszo', Season , Tourist Life Chiangmai, Welcome to Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai .
Also, the internet provides several tourist platforms with maps included.

Usability: The magazines have an advertisers' bias, but most of them have one or more practical maps included which aim to (spending) tourists.

Features: The maps chiefly contain numerous tourist destinations (e.g. temples, shops, hotels, guesthouses, sightseeing attractions) in Chiang Mai and vicinity. Text in English only; a few magazines contain text in French and Japanese.

Disadvantages: Frequently, map information other than tourist destinations is not precise.

6. Bus Route Map of Chiang Mai

Availability: Online, URL: http://buszone.chiangmaibus.com/

Usability: The map is helpful to some extend to tourists and residents who wish to use this new public transport system. So far, the bus routes are not shown in any other map of Chiang Mai.

Features: The map shows the bus routes with numbers, directions, and with some (probably not all) bus stops. For training of people's orientation, the north direction is given on the right side (not on top) of the map. Most of the text in the map is in Thai and English (bilingual).

Disadvantages: Not easy understandable for anybody who is not familiar with the directions and streets in Chiang Mai. Road names and important locations are not shown. The spelling of geographical names does not follow the Royal Thai General System of Transcription.

7. Phaenthi Chiang Mai - Roadway Chiang Mai, published by Groovy Map

Availability: From bookshops. ISBN 974-525-042-2, price THB 69.00 (Nov. 2006).

Usability: This map seems to be reliable and precise, and, most important, it is up-to-date. Most suitable for residents and expatriates, less helpful to tourists.

Features: It contains a map of Chiang Mai, covering the greater area of Chiang Mai (extending little beyond the outer bypass), and also has a regional map. It is chiefly a road map but supplies some additional information. Text bilingual (English and Thai). The map shows all recently built main roads (e.g. inner and outer bypass), but not all of the small roads, e.g. in the old City, thus limiting its use.

Disadvantages: City and regional maps of Chiang Mai are not detailed enough and too small in scale, and it lacks a street name index.

8. Mae Sa Valley - The Samoeng Loop, 1 : 65,000, 1st Edition published Nov. 2006 by The Golden Triangle Rider Ltd. Part., Chiang Mai

Availability: From the advertisers' premises, through www.GT-Rider.com, and probably also from bookshops. ISBN 974-949737-6, price THB 99.00 (Jan. 2007).

Usability: As the title suggests, it is a specialty map focusing on the western and north-western area of Chiang Mai with its plenty tourist attractions along and beside the famous ring road round Doi Suthep/Pui, helpful to both tourists and residents. It is a very precise and reliable map, and up-to-date. It covers not only the said area but also Chiang Mai, extending east to the Middle Ring Road, and south to the Outer Ring Road, thus usable as a road map and to identify the less centrally located attractions.

Features: It is chiefly a road map with accurate classification on how roads are passable, but supplies plenty additional information on touristy and general destinations. Text English.

Disadvantages: Text not bilingual (for such a map, Thai script would be much helpful especially in the more remote areas). The spelling of Romanized geographical names does not always follow the Royal Thai General System of Transcription.

9. Google Maps and MapQuest

Both, Google (http://maps.google.com) and MapQuest (www.mapquest.com) are well-known for their online maps. So far, neither Google nor MapQuest have detailed and reliable maps of the Chiang Mai area. The available satellite aerial photographs from Google are useful for topographic overviews. In the Google Map, however, many geographical names are given in Thai script only (not Romanized), and the visible rank of the streets does often not correlate with reality. Other online maps can be found under http://www.worldmapfinder.com/En/Asia/Thailand/Chiang_Mai/.

10. A Long Stay Destination Chiang Mai & North Thailand / Mekong Tourist Information Map Series, first published July 2000, 2nd edition April 2004, by G.H. & Associates Co., Ltd., Chiang Mai, Thailand

Availability: From some bookshops (has not been available in the two biggest and well-known bookshops in Chiang Mai in June 2007!). ISBN 974-85463-8-1, price 180 Baht, website: www.thailandguidemaps.com

Usability: This map seems to be a reliable and precise road map in terms of existence, location and classification of roads, and it is apparently up-to-date. The scale of all the maps included in this publication is convenient, not enhanced but well readable, and format and size is very practical and handy.

Features: This publication contains a wealth of information for the tourist, and for residents as well, not only is Chiang Mai covered, also useful information from Thailand's north and adjacent countries is included. The city of Chiang Mai, the vicinity, the region is well covered by maps in good scale. The spelling of geographical names does not always follow the Royal Thai General System of Transcription. Text is in English only (not bilingual). Street index of Chiang Mai is not present.

Disadvantages: Considering this map aims to tourists, no disadvantage can be complained, except that Highway 118 (Chiang Mai - Doi Saket - Chiang Rai) is erroneously numbered 1019.

11. Chiang Mai Big Map, Finder Map, Oct. 2006 Edition

Availability: From bookshops. ISBN 0-9678586-1-5, price 150 Baht, website not recorded, email: findermap@yahoo.com .

Usability: This up-to-date map is a reliable and precise road map as for existence, location and classification of all usable roads (with categories from highway down to soi and walkways!). The scale of all the maps included in this publication is very convenient; the maps are well readable, except for the central Chiang Mai area for which, however, an additionally published map in larger scale (see succeeding number) is available. Best suitable for residents and long stay tourists, and, as the only map, excellent for biking and motor biking.

Features: This publication does not only contain precise road information but also depicts public buildings, a selection of useful shops, landmarks, area characteristics, and others. Street index present. Area covered extends to the outer ring road and little beyond. The spelling of street names and places is adopted from signs. Text is in English only (not bilingual).

Disadvantages: None.

12. Central Chiang Mai Map, Finder Map, Jan. 2006 Edition

Availability: From bookshops. Price 50 Baht, website not recorded, email: findermap@yahoo.com .

Usability: This up-to-date map is a reliable and precise road map for the old city of Chiang Mai and downtown to Ping River, with similar information as in Chiang Mai Big Map (see preceding number). Scale 1 : 4,750, well readable. Best suitable for residents and tourists, and, as the only map of this area, excellent for biking and motor biking.

Features: This publication does not only contain precise road information but also depicts public buildings, a selection of useful shops, landmarks, area characteristics, and others. The index includes street names, names of selected hotels and guesthouses, and other places. The spelling of street names and places is adopted from signs. Text is in English only (not bilingual).

Disadvantages: None.

13. Bilingual Map of Chiang Mai and Nearby Provinces (Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Lampang and Lamphun), published 2007, by ThinkNet Co., Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand

Availability: From bookshops. ISBN "978-974-7008-67-8" (incorrect), price 120 Baht, website: www.thinknet.co.th .

Usability: This up-to-date map is a reliable and precise road map as for existence, location and classification of roads. The scale of all the maps included in this publication is somewhat too small; the maps are not easily readable throughout. Best suitable for residents, not tourists.

Features: This publication comprises a map of the provinces in scale 1 : 550,000, a city map of Chiang Mai (down to soi level and extending almost to the inner ring road) in 1 : 13,000, and city maps of the other towns in similar scale. Street index and other indices present. The spelling of geographical names strictly follows the Royal Thai General System of Transcription. Text bilingual (Thai and English).

Disadvantages: For easier reading the text in the maps, a magnifying-glass could help. Probably, this disadvantage could be avoided by using the CD-Rom version of this publication (see succeeding number).

14. MapMagic [Chiang Mai 2007], Chiang Mai and Nearby Provinces (CD-Rom) - Cover Title: "Chiang Mai and Nearby Provinces (Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Lampang and Lamphun), Multi-Purposes Bilingual Mapping Software", by ThinkNet Co., Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand

Availability: From bookshops. ISBN "978-974-7008-70-8" (incorrect), price 299 Baht, website: www.thinknet.co.th .

Usability: This publication includes both, a printed map (apparently the same as listed under the succeeding number but without cover), and a CD-Rom with mapping software covering the whole area down to soi level. The maps displayed from the mapping software seem to correspond with the printed map, the latter up-to-date and precise, the former, however, is not sufficiently reliable at soi level in areas beyond, thus limits its usability.

Features: For Chiang Mai, the main difference between the printed and software map at soi level is that the former cuts the displayed area in the north and south little beyond the inner ring road, and in the east little beyond the outer ring road, whereas the software map goes far beyond.

Disadvantages: In some (or many?) areas off the outer ring road there are errors and lacks, for example: a) Many paved broad and small public country roads connecting villages are not displayed, whereas lots of private dead-end dirt roads are shown, thus generally confusing rank and importance of roads, and area accessibility. b) The course of a few roads is improperly shown, e.g. where the course is actually straight, the map shows a z-course. c) Higher ranked roads (displayed by a yellow band) are not differentiated, hence a numbered four lane direction divided highway, a numbered main country road, a minor country road, and, obviously by mistake, even a small private road, are shown by the same yellow band, hence the displayed rank of a road does not reflect reality at all.