Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [223]
Suriwong Book Centre (Map; 0 5328 1052; 54 Th Si Donchai) A Chiang Mai institution carrying mainly Thai titles with a small but sturdy English-language section of Thai and Southeast Asian non-fiction.
Cultural Centres
Alliance Française (Map; 0 5327 5277; 138 Th Charoen Prathet) French films subtitled in English are screened at 8pm on Friday.
American University Alumni (AUA; Map; 0 5327 8407, 0 5327 7951; 73 Th Ratchadamnoen) Has a small English-language library and offers popular Thai language courses (Click here).
British Council (Map; 0 5324 2103; 198 Th Bamrungrat) Small English-language library and offers the services of an honorary consul.
Payap University (0 5324 1255, ext 7242; http://ic.payap.ac.th; Th Superhighway, Mae Kaew campus) Hosts Thursday night lectures in English (called Payap Presents), discussing a variety of Southeast Asia topics.
Emergency
Tourist police (Map; 0 5324 7318, 24-hr emergency 1155; Th Faham; 6am-midnight) Has a volunteer staff of foreign nationals who speak a variety of languages; some volunteers are posted at the Sunday Walking Street.
Internet Access
Most of the guesthouses in Chiang Mai have free internet access, including wi-fi. You’ll also find plenty of internet centres along Th Tha Phae, Moon Muang and Ratchamankha.
Internet Resources & Media
1 Stop Chiang Mai (www.1stopchiangmai.com) Website covering city attractions with an emphasis on day trips and outdoor activities.
Chiang Mai 101 Quarterly magazine offering a guidebook-style introduction to Chiang Mai and surrounding attractions.
Chiangmai Mail (www.chiangmai-mail.com) Weekly English-language newspaper covering local and regional news and politics.
City Now (www.city-now.com) Fortnightly listing of events and workshops published by City Life magazine.
Citylife (www.chiangmainews.com) Lifestyle magazine profiling restaurants, local culture, politics and people.
Guidelines (www.guidelineschiangmai.com) Monthly advertorial magazine that features respectable historical essays on the north.
Irrawaddy News Magazine (www.irrawaddy.org) A well-respected journal covering news in Myanmar, northern Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Medical Services
Chiang Mai Ram Hospital (Map; 0 5322 4861; www.chiangmairam.com; 8 Th Bunreuangrit) The most modern hospital in town; recommended by most expats.
Lanna Hospital (Map; 0 5335 7234; Th Superhighway) One of the better hospitals in town and less expensive than Chiang Mai Ram.
Malaria Centre (Map; 0 5322 1529; 18 Th Bunreuangrit) Offers blood checks for malaria.
Mungkala Traditional Medicine Clinic (Map; 0 5327 8494; 21-27 Th Ratchamankha; 9am-12.30pm, 2.30-7pm) Government-licensed clinic using acupuncture, massage and Chinese herbal remedies.
McCormick Hospital (Map; 0 5326 2200; 133 Th Kaew Nawarat) Former missionary hospital; good for minor treatments.
Money
All major Thai banks have several branches and ATMs throughout Chiang Mai; many of them along Th Tha Phae.
Western Union (Map; 0 5322 4979) Send or receive money by wire; counters at Central Airport Plaza, Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Centre, Th Huay Kaew and also available at any post office.
Post
Main post office (Map; 0 5324 1070; Th Charoen Muang; 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-noon Sat & Sun) Other convenient branches: Th Singharat/Samlan, Th Mahidon at Chiang Mai International Airport, Th Charoen Prathet, Th Phra Pokklao, Th Chotana and Chiang Mai University.
Telephone
Many internet cafes are outfitted with headsets so that customers can use Skype. There are also some direct-dial shops in the tourist sections of Chiang Mai and numerous phonecard booths in shops and bars around town. Communications Authority of Thailand (CAT; Map; 0 5324 1070; Th Charoen Muang; 24hr) Out of the way, by the main post office.
Tourist Information
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT; Map; 0 5324 8604; tatchmai@tat.or.th; Th Chiang Mai-Lamphun; 8.30am-4.30pm) English-speaking staff provide maps and recommendations for tour guides; TAT doesn’t make hotel reservations.
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Compared to Bangkok, Chiang