ICPP7 - Chiang_Mai 2025

traveling to Chiang Mai

This page will provide all the necessary information to help you prepare your travels to Chaing Mai, Thailand.

Practical Guide

You can find here all the necessary information to have a good trip to Chiang Mai

EMERGENCY NUMBER

In Thailand, the main emergency number for the police is 191, available 24/7. The tourist police can be reached at 1155 from a Thai phone. Fire emergencies are handled by dialing 199, and ambulance services are accessible at 1669 or 1646 from a Thai phone (or 1554). For national disasters, contact the National Disaster Warning Center at 1860. The Tourism Authority of Thailand's call center is reachable at 1672 for tourist-related information. These emergency numbers ensure a swift and efficient response to various situations in Thailand.

Time zone

Chiang Mai is in the UTC/GMT+7 time zone throughout the year.

Language

In Chiang Mai, the primary language spoken is Thai, but due to its tourist appeal, English is also widely understood, especially in areas frequented by visitors.

Climate

In Chiang Mai, warm weather is a constant, providing pleasant temperatures throughout the year. In July, days typically remain warm with an average maximum of around 30°C, while nights may be a bit cooler with an average minimum of about 22°C. However, it's worth noting that this month is also associated with substantial rainfall. Showers are frequent, contributing to a humid and refreshing atmosphere but also suggesting the need to be prepared for occasional downpours when exploring this beautiful region in northern Thailand.

Customs in Thailand

To enter temples and the royal palace, appropriate attire is required. Never show the soles of your feet when sitting in front of a Buddha statue; instead, attempt to sit on your heels like the local population. Avoid patting the heads of children and refrain from criticizing the king or the religion. Maintaining calm and composure is appreciated in all circumstances, even challenging ones.

Tips

In Thailand, the practice of tipping is widely prevalent and expected from your guides and drivers. It should not be perceived as an obligation but rather as a token of appreciation for the services provided. The decision on when and how much to tip is left to your discretion.

Important to know

In Thailand, the use of electronic cigarettes is prohibited and illegal, with potential fines or imprisonment as penalties. It is strongly advised against bringing any vaping kits (flasks, tubes, liquids) when traveling to Thailand. Additionally, as of November 1, 2017, smoking (both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes) is banned on many beaches in Thailand, subject to a minimum fine of 100,000 Baht (approximately €2,600) and possibly up to one year of imprisonment.

CURRENCY, CREDIT CARDS AND EXCHANGE RATE

In Thailand, the official currency is the baht (THB). As of February 2nd, the exchange rate is approximately 1 baht equals 0.026 euros and 0.028 US dollars. It is advisable to check current exchange rates before any transactions, as they may fluctuate based on market conditions. The baht is widely accepted throughout the country, and travelers are recommended to ensure they have sufficient local currency, especially since cash is often preferred in markets and small shops where card payments are rarely accepted.