tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61169563898443490462023-11-15T08:22:54.519-08:00chiangdao.comChiang Dao - Chiang Dao Nest - Chiang Mai - Thailand and the world beyond. Life and travel business rolled into one confusing mess.Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-48928961033921823342007-03-29T03:24:00.000-07:002007-03-29T03:27:25.873-07:00Trek & Chiang Dao NestThis really does make my day when I get these .............<br /><br />(I always print them and translate them, often in simplified pigeon Thai, to all involved with what we do. It is appreciated all 'round)<br />-------------------------------------------<br />Hi there,<br /><br /><br />I just wanted to write and let you guys know what a wonderful time we had staying at Chiang Dao Nests and doing a two day trek.<br /><br /><br />The food and accommodation was so nice especially when exhausted after trekking. The hospitality was awesome and the surroundings amazingly peaceful.<br /><br /><br />The trek was the absolute highlight of our travels in Thailand. Guides were informative and friendly and we met the lovely locals right in the heart of their own environment. We loved every minute!<br /><br /><br />Thanks and hopefully we'll come back sometime soon.<br /><br /><br />Cheers,<br />Gia & MartinStuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-42055105764025386192007-03-25T19:57:00.000-07:002011-07-10T20:15:22.963-07:00How long from Bangkoks New Airport to the old airport?Q. can you help me,<br /><br />we arrive in bangkoko with china air on 31st march 2006 at 06.40 am<br /><br />we have just been told that the internal flight with nok air now leaves from dmk, we have booked this for 09.55 hrs<br /><br />how do we get from one airport to the other, have i allowed enough time, as nok air will allow me to change the flight time once.<br /><br />can you adivse me of the diatacne, time it will take and what time should i look to amend my flight.<br /><br />i have emailed nok air, but they have not come back to me.<br /><br />thanks<br /><br />A. Thanks for your enquiry.<br /><br />Unfortunately I think you should go for a later flight.<br /><br />If there is no traffic it should take around 1 hour between <a href="http://www.chiangdao.com/hotels4/asiahotels/thailandhotels/bangkokhotels/bangkokairporthotels.htm">Suvarnabhumi</a> and Don Muang Airports. There will be a lot of traffic at the time you will be crossing <a href="http://www.chiangdao.com/hotels4/asiahotels/thailandhotels/bangkokhotels/bangkokhotels.htm">Bangkok</a>, and it can take anything up to 3 hours in the worse traffic.<br /><br />By the time you add in customs and 45 min / 1 hour advance check-in I think that it would definitely be advisable for a flight an hour or so later.<br /><br />Maybe Nok air will be helpful?Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-12088522794738599242007-03-16T02:18:00.000-07:002007-03-16T02:27:00.919-07:00Motorbike Rental in Chiang DaoQ. I am planning on visiting Doi Chiang Dao within the next month or so (possibly as early as next week). My main purpose is for birding and would like to rent a motorcycle to get around the park and other nearby areas for birdwatching. I am wondering if there is anywhere to rent a motorcycle in Chiang Dao and if so how much it would be. I am on a small budget and cannot afford something which is very expensive. If a motorbike is not available, is a car available. As I said I cannot afford something do expensive but am wondering if you know of any for rent and if so how much they would be. I am most interested in motor bike rental (more than a car). Thank you for any information you can offer<br /><br />A. Opposite the place in Chiang Dao Town where the bus stops (there isn't a bus station in Chiang Dao) there is a cafe called , appropriately enough, the Cafe-Cafe, which has motorbikes for rent for 200 Baht per day.Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-9140559799511939862007-03-15T19:05:00.000-07:002007-03-15T19:07:14.446-07:00Nice letter regarding Chiang Dao Nest Tour14th March 2007<br /><br />I wanted to immediately let you know how fantastic our day was with your guide, Tony.<br />My father and I were thoroughly impressed with his knowledge and respect of the hilltribes, willingness to share in Thai customs and overall polite but friendly demeanor. We have already advised other travelers that we met in Bangkok of our fabulous experience with your services.<br />I truly have to say that it was our best day in Thailand and one of the most remarkable days of my life! I am a frequent traveler of the world but what I learned in one day from Tony was a special thing.<br />In addition, the visit to the Chiang Dao Nest II for lunch was spectacular as well. The service from the staff was exceptional and the chef was fabulous! We did not have any food as good as the soup that she prepared for us that day for our entire trip in Thailand. In fact, I am going to hold her to her promise to give me a recipe!<br />After lunch, visiting the Cave brought a lump to my throat. There is no way for me to explain the magnitude of that moment and pictures will never do it justice. I was awestruck.<br />Please share our comments with your owners, and, of course, with Tony, because I was so impressed and thrilled with your services. I will be returning to Thailand with my entire family within the next 3 years and I will definitely be planning a stay at your facility for several days.<br />If you would like to use my comments on your website you may feel free. And, if you could do me a favor and let the cook know that I still want the recipe for the Buffalo soup, I would really appreciate it.<br />Many, many thanks,<br />Marsi and Warren California, USAStuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-37382259425668935842007-03-15T19:01:00.000-07:002007-03-15T19:03:35.031-07:00Bangkok Airport HotelQ. Hi, do you know if the flights by Air Asia are going out of the New Airport or the Old Airport?<br /> <br />Flight number FD3612 on the 29th March 2007, from Bangkok (TH) to Phenom Penh(CB)<br /> <br />I'm trying to Book a hotel for the night before, near the airport.<br /> <br />Thanks<br />----------------------------------------<br /><br />A. For now all Air Asia / Thai AirAsia flights are remaining at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the new bangkok airport.<br />-----------------------------------------<br /><br />Advert<br /><br />http://www.chiangdao.com/thailandhotels/bangkokairporthotels.htmStuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-39917596294923678792007-03-15T18:56:00.000-07:002007-03-15T19:01:27.929-07:00Thai / Air Asia / One-Two-Go - to use Don MuangWednesday, February 7th, 2007 - News<br /><br />Only 3 carriers including <strong>Thai Airways International </strong>are prepared to move their non-connecting domestic operations to Don Muang Airport, raising questions whether the shift would ease crowding at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The other two airlines that are prepared to move are the budget carriers <strong>One-Two-Go</strong> and <strong>Nok Air</strong>, whereas Thai <em>AirAsia</em> and <em>Bangkok Airways</em> have opted to remain at the new airport.<br /><br />Their willingness to move point-to-point domestic flights to the old airport is driven by a desire to relieve passengers and staff of the inconveniences and frustration they are enduring at Suvarnabhumi.<br /><br />On the passenger side, the problems involve long queues for check-in, long waits for baggage and long walks to boarding gates, while airlines have been subject to flight delays due to poor traffic management and congestion.<br /><br />THAI, One-Two-Go and Nok Air are reportedly prepared to pay the additional costs in setting up separate operations at Don Muang, which was closed on Sept 28 when Suvarnabhumi opened.<br /><br />However, Thai AirAsia and Bangkok Airways prefer to stay at Suvarnabhumi due partly to the high costs of operating at two sites. They also do not want to lose connections with their international flights.<br /><br />Both Nok Air chief executive Patee Sarasin and One-Two-Go vice-chairman Kajit Habanananda said yesterday that passengers’ convenience overshadowed the incremental costs involved in setting up again at Don Muang.<br /><br />‘’We are ready to go back to Don Muang on 30 days’ notice,'’ Mr Patee said, adding that all of Nok Air’s current flights were domestic point-to-point.<br /><br />Mr Kajit said One-Two-Go was prepared to absorb and costs arising from move and would not pass it on to passengers.<br /><br />THAI president Apinan Sumanaseni said that the sooner the national carrier could move its non-connecting flights to Don Muang, the better it would be for its passengers, who are mostly Thais.<br /><br />Both Mr Apinan and Mr Kajit said their airlines could start their flights out of Don Muang on March 15.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Bangkok Airways said its operations had been built around Suvarnabhumi and that Don Muang was not in its plans. M.L. Nandhika Varavarn, vice-president for corporate communication, said 90% of Bangkok Airways’ passengers were foreigners who required connections with international flights.<br /><br />Thai AirAsia chief executive Tassapon Bijleveld said that unless Airports of Thailand Plc allowed it to also shift its international services to Don Muang, it would rather remain at Suvarnabhumi. ‘’We cannot afford to split our operations at two sites. It doesn’t make economic sense.'’<br /><br />Instead, Mr Tassapon urged AOT to speed up consideration of a plan it had outlined earlier to build a special terminal for budget carriers at Suvarnabhumi.<br /><br />Aviation analysts estimate anywhere from 15% to 30% of the load at Suvarnabhumi could be reduced by reopening Don Muang for commercial flights.<br /><br />Mr Apinan said THAI could make a ‘’significant'’ contribution by moving.<br /><br />The national carrier operates about 300 domestic flights a week. It wants to offer certain flights on three domestic routes frequented by foreign tourists from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi at Suvarnabhumi to facilitate connections. <br /><br />--------------------------------------------<br /><br />Adverts<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chiangdao.com/thailandhotels/bangkokairporthotels.htm">Bangkok Airport Hotels</a>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-45856381829608314202007-03-13T04:32:00.000-07:002007-03-13T20:46:27.610-07:00Suvarnabhumi Airport ( New Bangkok Airport ) to pattayaQ.I found Bus Number 389 - Suvarnabhumi Airport - Pattaya<br /> <br />What are departure and arrival times from BKK to Pattaya and the times from Pattaya to BKK?<br /> <br />Thank you,<br /><br /><br />A.Hi <br /><br />For buses to Pattaya from the new Airport in Bangkok I've found the following details ...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.transport.co.th/tablesuwanapoom2.html">http://www.transport.co.th/tablesuwanapoom2.html</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.transport.co.th/bussuwanapoom_3.html">http://www.transport.co.th/bussuwanapoom_3.html</a><br /><br />This is unverified. Please don't rely 100% on this information.<br /><br />-------------------------------------------------<br />Adverts ...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chiangdao.com/thailandhotels/pattayahotels.htm">Pattaya Hotels</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chiangdao.com/thailandhotels/bangkokairporthotels.htm">Bangkok Airport Hotels</a>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-60448826864384684092007-02-02T18:32:00.000-08:002007-02-02T18:32:55.367-08:00Live PR | Live Pagerank | Check Your PageRank | PageRank Checker<a href="http://livepr.raketforskning.com/">Live PR | Live Pagerank | Check Your PageRank | PageRank Checker</a><br /><br />Checks numerous Google datacenters - very useful tool particularly when pages have issues - http://hotels.chiangdao.com seems to be bouncing around on a daily basis.Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-59863066738658345402007-01-28T19:48:00.000-08:002007-01-28T19:52:02.127-08:00Elephant Training Centre / Center Chiang Dao - Can just turn up?Q.<br />Hello, I live in Chiang mai and last time I went with friends to Chiang Dao elephant centre we were told we had to book the elephant ride/bamboo in advance.<br /><br />Is this true? <br /><br />If so how do we book. We dont want to be picked up - I have my own car. We just want about an hour elephant ride followed by the bamboo rafting, no lunch.<br /><br /><br />A.<br />Thanks<br /><br />We, chiangdao.com, act as an agency for the Elephant Training Centre / Center in Chiang Dao.<br /><br />It is often possible to just turn-up yourself and see a show, ride an elephant and go rafting, but sometimes the rides are booked up. It is also usually a little cheaper going via an agency.Unfortunately we are not able to help if you are not using our transport or guide, but there may be other agencies in Chiang Mai who will be able to assist.<br /><br />Hope that helpsStuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-89588246379079797132007-01-28T19:43:00.000-08:002007-01-28T19:47:37.706-08:00Banks in Chiang DaoThere are currently two banks in Chiang Dao<br /><br />Krung Thai Bank - <a href="http://www.ktb.co.th">www.ktb.co.th</a> - 2 ATMs + Currency Exchange (+ big queues!)<br /><br />and the Government Savings Bank - <a href="http://www.gsb.or.th">www.gsb.or.th</a> 1 ATM<br /><br />There is also a Kasikorn ATM outside the 7/11.Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-44582803382145986362006-12-07T01:40:00.000-08:002006-12-07T01:43:09.500-08:00Thai Villagers told to call off Tiger HuntNice to hear that there are a few remaining in the area, depite the odds. ....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Bangkok Post 26th Nov<br /><br />Locals say big cat ate their buffalo, cattleBy Subin Kheunkaew<br /><br />The chief of Sri Lanna National Park yesterday told troubled Chiang Dao villagers to stop hunting a tiger they believe has eaten their buffalo and cattle. "Tiger hunting is against the law. The villagers were advised to raise their cattle well away from the park for safety reasons," said park head Amporn Panmongkol.<br /><br />The park covers 800,000 rai of mostly mountainous terrain. Located 40km north of Muang district, it spreads across three districts _ Phrao, Chiang Dao and Mae Taeng. Inkaew Sompan, kamnan of tambon Lhongkod, said villagers were petrified after a search for a lost 300kg buffalo, left grazing near the park, turned up nothing but a carcass on Nov 2.<br /><br />"After hiding in a bush with another cow left as bait in the same spot, villagers spotted a two-metre-long tiger," he said. The site was only 1km from their village. At the end of their rope after losing four buffalo and five cattle in less than a month, troubled villagers formed a hunting party, but it returned empty-handed, Mr Inkaew said. "Three cows were recently gorged in one day with their carcasses left behind as usual," he said. "I feared for our safety so we went to seek help from park officials."<br /><br />Mr Amporn said the kamnan did the right thing by approaching him because their hunting expeditions could have taken a deadly turn.Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-8910554007162751102006-12-07T01:09:00.000-08:002006-12-07T01:18:28.075-08:00Go to the cafe-cafe, I do!Opened this year in Chiang Dao is Damien's (French) and Mui's (Thai Yai / Shan) Chiang Dao Cafe - Cafe (I don't know how to do e acute)<br /><br />It's just opposite where the bus boys push people out of the Chiang Mai - Fang or Chiang Mai Tha Ton bus if foreigners ask for "Chiang Dao".<br /><br />They do great coffee, have good burgers and a respectable array of fast food both farang and Thai, and even a an exotic Shan Bolognese (highly recommended).<br /><br />Motorbikes for rent too.<br /><br />You'll find me there most lunchtimes playing Winning Eleven (Playstation 2 football / soccer game) over a soda/ lime and eating one of Mui's spicier dishes, all finished off with a teeth-grindingly good double espresso.<br /><br />Damien is usually sober during the daytimes - but very entertaining some nighttimes!Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-61974525362277308352006-12-06T00:19:00.000-08:002006-12-06T00:37:21.537-08:00Google penalty / ban - win/ win lose / loseAs a result of being penalised by Google in a desperate attempt to drum up a bit of trade my Adwords spend has gone through the roof.<br /><br />Google has a win/win situation<br /><br />Guess that leaves me with lose / lose<br /><br />Loser!Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-28121403639514118862006-12-05T23:44:00.000-08:002006-12-05T23:50:55.682-08:00Thank You - Chiang Mai TourIt's always nice to get some positive feedback .....<br /><br /><br />Hello<br /><br />Recently I visited Chiang Mai with my family and booked tours over the internet with your company - <a href="http://chiangmaitours.chiangdao.com">http://chiangmaitours.chiangdao.com</a> . Although my travel agent in Western Australia had not heard of this company or dealt with them in the past we took a chance and hoped that the details on your internet site we as good as they said.<br />Well we were more than impressed with the quality and service provided by your company and had a trouble free and enjoyable stay in Chaing Mai thanks to you.<br />We have travelled a fair bit and your company was one of the best we have dealt with, our guides and drivers for the days were fantastic.<br />Thank you again for your quality and proffesional service, we have recommended to Harvey world travel who is our travel agent in Australia to encourage their clients to use your company as they will not be disappointed.<br /><br />Thank you again. KimStuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-39526750942216319682006-12-05T22:43:00.000-08:002006-12-06T00:37:03.104-08:00Bangkok to Chiang Mai FlightsBudget Airlines operating Bangkok to Chiang Mai Flights (and back!)<br /><br />Fly 1 2 Go <a href="http://www.fly12go.com">http://www.fly12go.com</a><br /><br />Nok Air <a href="http://www.nokair.com">http://www.nokair.com</a><br /><br />Air Asia <a href="http://www.airasia.com">http://www.airasia.com</a><br /><br />--------------------------<br /><br />Non- Budget airlines aoperating Bangkok to Chiang Mai ...<br /><br />Thai Air <a href="http://www.thaiair.com">http://www.thaiair.com</a><br /><br />Bangkok Airways <a href="http://www.bangkokair.com">http://www.bangkokair.com</a>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-10338677274701409972006-12-05T18:46:00.000-08:002006-12-05T19:17:07.632-08:00Google PenaltyThe reason I could start this blog was because I had a bit more time and didn't know what to do.<br /><br />(actually I've meant to get around to it for the past few years)<br /><br />The reason I have more time is that 24th November 2006, "black Friday" chiangdao.com and it's subdomains plummeted down the rankings without warning.<br /><br />As of today they are still languishing way below the key front 2 pages.<br /><br />I have subsequently found links to some nasty websites buried in a neglected forum which I have removed (in fact the whole forum will be removed).<br /><br />I have also toned down some of my attempt at world domination selling hotels (over ambitious from the start maybe).<br /><br />Now I, the staff at Chiangdao.com and all the people around here who directly and indirectly gain employment via <a href="http://www.chiangdao.com">www.chiangdao.com</a> are waiting and hoping for a return to pre Black Friday.<br /><br /><br />My situation is probably similar to that detailed on the following blog ...<br /><a href="http://www.mattcutts.com/blog/how-google-handles-hacked-sites/">http://www.mattcutts.com/blog/how-google-handles-hacked-sites/</a><br /><br />Do I hate Google? - not yet. They seem to have a better / fairer attitude than most big companies.<br /><br />Do I think that an external body ought to be policing them? - yes.<br /><br />Why? - Google have such total dominance worldwide in search that the merest whim or tweak of their algorithm sends thousands of companies and peoples livelihoods to the wall.<br /><br />They have a policy of not giving too much away so that people don't copy their algorithm or find new ways to cheat their way to the top. There must inevitably be times when information / guidelines cannot be clearer because it conflicts with business interests and the best interests of their shareholders.<br /><br />I am also disappointed that having been a customer of their Adsense and Adwords programs almost since the start that no loyalty or special dispensation to respond specifically to my emails.<br />I have not been treated like a customer.<br /><br />Google have the funds to be able to send emails to longterm customers and have humans who can distinguish between blatant spammers who can determine what a website is doing. I think hiding behind the secrecy stuff too much is a smokescreen.<br /><br />"Running a business has risks, as does having all your eggs in one basket, but if theres only one basket it's tempting to just eat the chicken and forget the eggs." - Stuart Cavaliero on GoogleStuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-68108006878110574042006-12-05T01:52:00.000-08:002006-12-05T02:31:20.098-08:00Lampang Ceramic FairLampang Ceramic Fair<br /><br />1st to 17th December 2006<br /><br />At Lampang Municipal Stadium, Call 054-226300<br /><br />This annual ceramics fair in Lampang is an absolute treat. Ridiculously low p ri c es with all the latest products and designs from Lampang's numerous factories.<br /><br />From <a href="http://www.chiangmainews.com">http://www.chiangmainews.com</a>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-76451907409156895732006-12-05T01:50:00.000-08:002006-12-05T01:52:19.486-08:00Jazz Royale Festival - Chiang MaiJazz Royale Festival<br /><br />14 th -15 th December2006<br /><br />At the area in front of the Chiang Mai University 's Art Museum 053-248604, 053-248607 or hotline 1672. A Royal Jazz Festival to bring HM the King's musical intelligence to the world, will be held with jazz artists across the world including Kenny G, McCoy Tyner, Nancy Wilson, Chris Botti, Regina Carter Quintet, and The Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band jointly performing jazz concerts in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket respectively. They will also perform some of HM the King's compositions. Tickets concert are B1,500 and can be purchased at the TAT office and Thai Ticket Master. All proceeds will be presented to HM the King.<br /><br />From <a href="http://www.chiangmainews.com">http://www.chiangmainews.com</a>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-8863461715231007602006-12-05T01:45:00.000-08:002011-07-10T20:12:53.440-07:00Chiang Mai to Pai FlightsDirect Chiang Mai – Pai Flights<br /><br />Siam General Aviation Co., Ltd. which operates the SGA Airlines is preparing to launch daily flights to <a href="http://paithailand.chiangdao.com">Pai</a>, Mae Hong Song in January 2007. The scheduled date for its first flight is the 15 th of January and the flight will operate once a day. The aircraft has a capacity for 12 passengers. The fee for the flight is B1,450 one way. The SGA Airline is also preparing to launch flights from <a href="http://www.chiangdao.com/hotels4/asiahotels/thailandhotels/chiangmaihotels/chiangmaihotels.htm">Chiang Mai</a> to Phrae and Chiang Rai too but the fee for both routes is still under consideration. The runway at Pai Airport is 710 metres long and 18 metres wide and will be extended to meet the standards of flight safety operations which requires it to be 1000 metres long by January next year.<br /><br />For more information on the new routes or bookings, please call 02-6414190 or <a href="http://www.sga.co.th/">www.sga.co.th</a><br /><br />From <a href="http://www.chiangmainews.com/">http://www.chiangmainews.com</a><div><br /><div>===============================================</div><div>Update: 11/7/2011 Chiang Mai to Pai Flights suspended, but will be re-instated at an unspecified time in the future.</div><div>Please see <a href="http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2011/02/nok-mini-drops-pai-flights/">http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2011/02/nok-mini-drops-pai-flights/</a> for full details.</div><div><br /></div></div>Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-85134124316770340092006-12-04T23:37:00.000-08:002006-12-05T02:32:08.885-08:00Really Responsible TravelReally Responsible Travel<br /><br />The travel industry is falling over itself to say how "responsible" it is.<br /><a href="http://www.responsibletravel.com/">http://www.responsibletravel.com/</a> is proving very successful.<br />Lonely Planet has an extensive blurb about travelling responsibly. Many others are doing similar things. They are pretty much all based in wealthy Western nations.<br />The crux of their claims for "responsibility" is promoting smaller businesses in destination countries. Very worthy, I wholeheartedly agree with this aim.<br />However, their advertising and affiliate links (on Lonely Planet) are pulling the commissions from peoples hotel / tour / car hire etc. bookings made through their website back into the wealthy countries where they are based, with the poorer destination country missing out on a considerable potential source of revenue.<br />The internet gives individuals the option of, and power to be being "really responsible". They can book the flight only from their own country, and then find online travel agencies based in their destination country to book hotel rooms, car hire, tours etc.<br />People will need to do a little research to find out where companies are registered, and that they are legitimate, but in many cases it is not that difficult.<br />As an example of the problem if you type in "Bangkok Hotels" in Google you will find many non-Thailand based companies in the top 50 rankings. lastminute.com, expedia.com, are amongst the higher profile companies.There are many reputable Thai based online agencies offering very competitive and reliable booking for the same hotels.<br />I'm sure that these companies would struggle to come up with a decent answer if you were to suggest that people should use the power of the internet to "shop locally" when booking their travel. They will probably point to their marketing efforts / expertise and expense but much of this is unneccessary with the internet, and a few honest well intentioned soles proividing guidance.<br />I'm sure many individuals have not even considered this aspect of where their money is going, but would think about it for their future travels.<br />-------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Important notes:-<br /><br />I am biased, and have a vested interest in this issue. I run an online travel agency in Thailand <a href="http://hotels.chiangdao.com/">http://hotels.chiangdao.com/</a> <a href="http://thailandhotels.chiangdao.com/">http://thailandhotels.chiangdao.com/</a> <a href="http://chiangmaihotels.chiangdao.com">http://chiangmaihotels.chiangdao.com</a> I also operate tours and treks in Northern Thailand <a href="http://chiangmaitrekking.chiangdao.com">http://chiangmaitrekking.chiangdao.com</a> <a href="http://chiangmaitours.chiangdao.com">http://chiangmaitours.chiangdao.com</a><br /><br />However, I am genuinely concerned that the marketing might of the International "big boys" coupled with Googles almost total dominance*, may squeeze out local enterprises, and mean that less wealthy nations may miss out on an opportunity to retain more of the benefit from having visitors.<br /><br />I am also hypocritical because I sell hotel rooms for countries which are probably poorer than Thailand. I am open to offers on a country by country basis.<br /><br />* Googles total dominance and the unfortunate affects it has is a totally different storyStuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-81425218349533363242006-12-04T23:22:00.000-08:002006-12-04T23:24:41.145-08:00Chiang Mai Weather / Chiang Dao WeatherPlease see the following page for Chiang Mai weather ...<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT002900">http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT002900</a><br /><br />For Chiang Dao you can normally take off 2 degrees.<br /><br />If you are trekking, nights up the mountain in the villages can be another 1 or 2 degrees off that.Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-38107697710391543802006-12-04T19:30:00.000-08:002006-12-04T19:32:57.675-08:00Malaria, Hepatitis in Chiang Dao?Q. .. Also, is it necessary to get any types of shots? I'm guessing no because you seem to be in a fairly cvilized area but when I told someone I was going north of Changmai, they said "oh you should get hepatitis and malaria shots. I can't believe this but your confirmation would be appreciated, The rest of our vacation includes Bangkok, Changmai and Phuket so I had not planned on gettig any shots. <br /><br /><br />A. I am not aware of any specific health risks in this area (and we do make it my business to be aware having a young family).<br /><br />I don't know exactly what health precautions are currently advised for Thailand as a whole but I don't believe that visiting the Chiang Dao area requires anything additional.<br /><br />With regards to malaria ...I am not a doctor or medical expert so I wouldn't want anyone arranging their healthcare solely on my thoughts. But, personally I don't and would not take Malaria pills for coming to Chiang Dao area. I have only heard of one instance of malaria in the last two years, and it's unlikely that that came from here. The locals would be the first to get, and know about any Malaria and it just seems as if thankfully there is none where we are or where we visit on our tours / treks.Taking precautions like wearing insect repellant at all times, and covering up at dusk are advised.Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-8314789154286863482006-12-04T01:20:00.000-08:002007-01-28T20:16:55.970-08:00Chinese New Year DatesDates for Chinese New Year <br />18th February 2007<br />7th February 2008<br />26th January 2009<br />14th February 2010Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-31405546594654013832006-12-04T00:25:00.000-08:002006-12-04T00:32:49.184-08:00Chiang Mai to Siem ReapQ. My husband and I are travelling to Chang MAI ON 23 December. We are interested in flying from Chang Mai to Seam Ripp on 28th or 29th and than to BANG Kock on the 1th januari. Is it possible and can you help us?How much and what airlines?I appreciate it if you get back to us as soon as possible.<br /><br /><br />A. I believe that the only way to fly Chiang Mai to Siem Reap is via Bangkok with Bangkok Airways <a href="http://www.bangkokair.com" eudora="autourl">http://www.bangkokair.com</a><br /><br />Not a budget airline a "Boutique Airline" in the same way that <a href="http://www.chiangdao.com">www.chiangdao.com</a> is a "Boutique website" -<br /><br />note: not <a href="http://bangkokairways.com">http://bangkokairways.com</a> that takes you to a spammy holding page - maybe Bangkok Air can't afford to buy this domainStuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6116956389844349046.post-50247893210929298452006-12-01T20:21:00.000-08:002006-12-01T20:25:44.681-08:00hello world - testis this thing working ?Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178376031882015461noreply@blogger.com0