Motorbike Rental in Chiang Dao

Q. 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

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.

Elephant Training Centre / Center Chiang Dao - Can just turn up?

Q.
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.

Is this true?

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.


A.
Thanks

We, chiangdao.com, act as an agency for the Elephant Training Centre / Center in Chiang Dao.

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.

Hope that helps

Banks in Chiang Dao

There are currently two banks in Chiang Dao

Krung Thai Bank - www.ktb.co.th - 2 ATMs + Currency Exchange (+ big queues!)

and the Government Savings Bank - www.gsb.or.th 1 ATM

There is also a Kasikorn ATM outside the 7/11.

Thai Villagers told to call off Tiger Hunt

Nice to hear that there are a few remaining in the area, depite the odds. ....




Bangkok Post 26th Nov

Locals say big cat ate their buffalo, cattleBy Subin Kheunkaew

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.

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.

"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."

Mr Amporn said the kamnan did the right thing by approaching him because their hunting expeditions could have taken a deadly turn.

Go 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)

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".

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).

Motorbikes for rent too.

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.

Damien is usually sober during the daytimes - but very entertaining some nighttimes!

Chiang Mai Weather / Chiang Dao Weather

Please see the following page for Chiang Mai weather ...http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT002900

For Chiang Dao you can normally take off 2 degrees.

If you are trekking, nights up the mountain in the villages can be another 1 or 2 degrees off that.

Malaria, 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.


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).

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.

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.