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!

Google penalty / ban - win/ win lose / lose

As 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.

Google has a win/win situation

Guess that leaves me with lose / lose

Loser!

Thank You - Chiang Mai Tour

It's always nice to get some positive feedback .....


Hello

Recently I visited Chiang Mai with my family and booked tours over the internet with your company - http://chiangmaitours.chiangdao.com . 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.
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.
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.
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.

Thank you again. Kim

Bangkok to Chiang Mai Flights

Budget Airlines operating Bangkok to Chiang Mai Flights (and back!)

Fly 1 2 Go http://www.fly12go.com

Nok Air http://www.nokair.com

Air Asia http://www.airasia.com

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Non- Budget airlines aoperating Bangkok to Chiang Mai ...

Thai Air http://www.thaiair.com

Bangkok Airways http://www.bangkokair.com