Post: #76

I can't imagine enjoying a city like Chiang Mai without a motorbike.

Post: #77

(04-22-2016 09:33 AM)Satoshi Wrote:  Driving a motorbike in Thailand is fun as hell.

Till you die.

Post: #78

The first time I was in Chiang Mai I rented a car. It was not very expensive if I remember correctly.

The second time I rented a motorbike. The motorbike was more fun.

Post: #79

Not this again... Listen if anyone out there doesn't want to ride a scooter or motorbike in CM, don't. That said,
if you are planning to visit CM, even for a few days, and depend on public transportation it's very possible that you will hate the place. 100% certain not experience it the way you could with your own transportation.
Why not ride a bicycle? This is a bad idea for two reasons:

1) It's at least as dangerous as a properly ridden scooter. In my opinion even more dangerous because for the most part you cannot drive at the speed of traffic and cannot accelerate out of danger if needed.

2) The hot uni girl you just picked up at D Bar is gong to blow you off when you offer to take her back to your place or a curtain hotel on your mountain bike.


Car or motorbike/scooter are the best options. A car is safer and protects you from the elements but there is significant traffic in many areas of the city and It isn't exactly cheap to rent and operate a car (insurance, fuel).
A scooter can be had for as little as 50 baht a day if you rent by the month and if you plan on staying for a few months you can buy a used one and very easily get your money back when you sell it before you leave. It goes without saying that it can be dangerous to ride a scooter/motorbike but contrary to some of the posts on this and other threads much of the danger can be mitigated by...

a) Make sure you know how to ride. Like others have said you can take a safety course in your home country before you arrive, or take one here in CM 1500 - 2500฿ for 10 hrs of lessons and after you finish they will take you to the land transport office to apply for a Thai drivers licence.

b) If your planning to stay for more than a few months and even if you have an international drivers permit (motorcycle box stamped), get a Thai motorcycle licence. It costs 155฿ and although I didn't need to go through it to get mine, the video and 'obstacle' road test is a worthwhile to get you up to speed on some of the unique traffic rules here. Plus you can use it as ID and won't have to pay the 200฿ entrance fee at clubs like Infinity.

b) Don't ride when you are drunk.

c) Don't drive too slow or too fast, but rather with the flow of traffic.

d) In a controlled intersection (traffic lights) avoid being the first or last to cross through. In other words don't jump the green or cut the amber or red light.

f) Be extra vigilant after 10 pm and especially on the weekend and holidays; this is when drunk drivers are on the road and virtually everyone in Chiang Mai drives after they have been drinking.

e) Wear a proper full face or modular helmet. If you want a U.S or European brand, bring it from home, otherwise Arai (Japanese) and even Real (Thai) aren't that expensive and the former makes very good helmets.

...and before I forget don't ride your 650cc big bike or even your 125 cc scooter wearing sandals.

Post: #80

(04-22-2016 12:29 PM)Kamaki4 Wrote:  b) If your planning to stay for more than a few months and even if you have an international drivers permit (motorcycle box stamped), get a Thai motorcycle licence. It costs 155฿ and although I didn't need to go through it to get mine, the video and 'obstacle' road test is a worthwhile to get you up to speed on some of the unique traffic rules here. Plus you can use it as ID and won't have to pay the 200฿ entrance fee at clubs like Infinity.

Can you get a Thai drivers license even if you're in the country on a tourist visa?

Post: #81

(04-22-2016 12:46 PM)Soma Wrote:  

(04-22-2016 12:29 PM)Kamaki4 Wrote:  b) If your planning to stay for more than a few months and even if you have an international drivers permit (motorcycle box stamped), get a Thai motorcycle licence. It costs 155฿ and although I didn't need to go through it to get mine, the video and 'obstacle' road test is a worthwhile to get you up to speed on some of the unique traffic rules here. Plus you can use it as ID and won't have to pay the 200฿ entrance fee at clubs like Infinity.

Can you get a Thai drivers license even if you're in the country on a tourist visa?

Yes you can, but only the 2 year licence (the former 1 yr licence). Everyone gets a 2 yr licence at first, irrespective of visa, but those on a long stay visa can switch to a 5 yr licence after that. Guys on tourist visas can just renew it every 2 years. Edit - I don't think this is possible anymore if you are Chinese national (dangerous clowns in cars, on motorbikes, even walking)

Post: #82

(04-22-2016 11:39 AM)CrashBangWallop Wrote:  

(04-22-2016 09:33 AM)Satoshi Wrote:  Driving a motorbike in Thailand is fun as hell.

Till you die.

Buddha never dies.

Post: #83

Was in CM last week and rented a motorbike, I found it ok in terms of traffic, there's definitely worse places to ride in Asia that's for sure.

Post: #84

I'm currently in Chiang Mai until mid November if anyone wants to meet.

I'd like to meet red-pill, alt-right leaning guys to discuss politics and try to get some regular meet-ups going here.

PM if interested.

Post: #85

Oct 14 has just been declared an official holiday in Thailand. Bars and nightclubs were closed last night (Oct 13) in CM, CR and Pai. The gov't has also asked that people refrain from entertainment activities for 1 month.

If any of you guys are planning to visit Northern Thailand in particular or Thailand in general check the forum for updates. I'll try to keep this thread updated.

Post: #86

1 month? That's a bit overkill. Does that mean bars and clubs closed?

Post: #87

(10-13-2016 10:48 PM)Adrenaline Wrote:  1 month? That's a bit overkill. Does that mean bars and clubs closed?

Officially it is one year of mourning. I don't know how long bars and clubs will be forced to close, but I suspect it may depend on where in Thailand.

Entertainment includes music, movies on Thai TV etc. Went out with my wife to one of the best Lanna restaurants last night and they had no music. The streets were eerily quiet and those that were out were very sombre.

Post: #88

Ah and I just booked 2 non-refundable weeks in Bangkok for the beginning of December. Hopefully nightlife will be back to normal by then.

Post: #89

I think it will be back to normal next weekend.

Post: #90

I don't disagree with you Sathoshi. If restricitions go on for more than a few days or a week there will be many affected businesses complaining. It's only been a couple of days and the grumbling has already started here. They mayor of CM has cancelled Loy Krathong and some locals involved in the tourism industry are questioning how they will survive. My wife's ex driver who runs tours in CM, CR and Mae Hong Son messaged her yesterday wondering how he is going to feed his family if they cancel Loy Krathong.

Another colleague's sister had a wedding planned for next week in Bangkok and now the groom's and bride's parents are arguing with the former wanting it to go ahead and the latter wanting to cancel.

http://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/news/lo...-to-close/

Post: #91

No alcohol sold until the 17th.

Post: #92

Putting the word out again. I'll be in Chiang Mai for about another month if anyone is interested in meeting.

I've been hanging out with my girlfriend almost exclusively due to the fact that every single expat here seems to be a flaming shitlib, especially the digital nomads. There is a lot of butthurt right now about the election and although Trump won, I don't have anyone to enjoy it with.

PM me and let's go celebrate.

Post: #93

^ that sounds like a lot of fun - observing international shitlib butthurt! Alas, I won't be in the area to partake. You should strike up some conversations with a few of them anyway, pretending to be sympathetic at first, then let your MAGA colors run through.

For added fun, I would suggest doing this after the cry-on-my shoulder bang of a shitlib chick, but it sounds like you already have a GF lined up.

Post: #94

Might be in Chang Mai around New Years'. Has life gotten back to normal after the mourning period? Has anyone been to Chang Rai?

Tips greatly appreciated!

Post: #95

Will be in CM 1st week of Jan for any RVF'ers around.

Post: #96

Confirmed in CM 12/20-25, PM to meet up.

Post: #97

(11-16-2016 10:12 AM)TheBowery Wrote:  Might be in Chang Mai around New Years'. Has life gotten back to normal after the mourning period? Has anyone been to Chang Rai?

Tips greatly appreciated!

What do you want to know about CR?

Post: #98

Flying to CM today, plan to spend at least a week or so there. PM me if you're also in town.

Post: #99

Spent about three days in CM. Didn't pipeline, partied with Beyond Borders and his Thai friends, banged one chick, rode a motorbike up the mountains for an epic ride, drank delicious craft brews, and did a quick tour of the center.

Good times. Chiang Mai isn't a place to go if you want to get away from the typical BKK hustle bustle -- it's a big city of its own, and tons of foreigners. Prices have gone up from what I hear.

A motorbike is a hard requirement! Without it, you'll hate it here. Learn to ride one in easier and less busy locales before you try it here. Traffic can get quite hairy here, especially during rush hour. My motorbike lessons back in the US a year ago really paid off here.

I'll be back though. A few other thai girls I've met are keen to meet up again soon.

Post: #100

Anyone in Chiang Mai now? Anyone living there? I'm planning to move shortly from Spain