Archive for the ‘Car and Motorbike for rent’ Category
VIP Bus Chiang Mai Luang Prabang Vang Vieng
May 26, 2011Car Rental
May 11, 2011
Getting Around Chiang Mai (New Version)
May 15, 2009Planning a Trip
Arriving By Plane — When planning your trip, keep in mind that Chiang Mai has international links with major cities throughout the region. Lao Airlines (tel. 05322-3401; http://www.laoairlines.com) connects Chiang Mai to Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos four times each week. Air Mandalay (tel. 05381-8049; http://www.airmandalay.com) has limited flights to Yangon and Mandalay, in Myanmar (Burma). Silk Air (tel. 05390-4985; http://www.silkair.com), the regional arm of Singapore Airlines, connects Singapore with direct service three times a week. Budget option Tiger Airways (tel. 02351-8333; http://www.tigerairways.com) connects Chiang Mai to Singapore four times a week. Thai Airways has direct services from Kunming in Yunnan, Southern China. For international reservations in Chiang Mai, call tel. 05392-0999.
Domestically, Thai Airways (240 Phra Pokklao Rd.; tel. 05392-0999; http://www.thaiair.com) flies from Bangkok to Chiang Mai nine times daily (trip time: 1 hr. 10 min.). There’s a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket daily (note the return sector is not direct). The daily 35-minute hop is also the fastest way to get out to Mae Hong Son. Bangkok Airways has an office at the airport in Chiang Mai (tel. 05328-1519, or 02229-3434 in Bangkok; http://www.bangkokair.com) and flies at least twice daily from Bangkok.
For rock-bottom prices, check with new budget carriers such as Air Asia (tel. 05392-2170; http://www.airasia.com); they fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for as little as 800B (US$22/£12). Nok Air (tel. 05392-2183 or tel. 1318; http://www.nokair.com) offers similar deals (book well in advance via the Internet, or via ticketing agents listed on their sites), while SGA (tel. 02664-6099; http://www.sga.co.th) works in tandem with Nok Air to provide connections to Chiang Rai and Pai from Chiang Mai. One-Two-GO (tel. 05392-2159; http://www.fly12go.com) also has regular flights.
Chiang Mai International Airport (tel. 05327-0224; about 30 minutes from Old Town) has several banks for changing money, a post and overseas call office, and an information booth. Taxis from the airport are a flat 100B (US$2.85/£1.55) to town, a bit more for places outside of Chiang Mai proper. Buy a ticket from the taxi booth in the arrival hall, and then proceed to the taxi queue with your ticket.
By Train — Of the seven daily trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the 8:30am Sprinter (11 hrs.; 611B/US$17.45/£9.40, second-class air-conditioned seat) is the quickest, but you sacrifice a whole day to travel and spend the entire trip in a seat. The other trains take between 13 and 15 hours, but for overnight trips, second-class sleeper berths are a good choice (881B/US$25/£14 upper berth, air-conditioned; 791B/US$23/£12 lower berth, air-conditioned). Private sleeper cabins are also available, but at 1,353B (US$39/£21), the cost is the same as flying.
Purchase tickets at Bangkok’s Hua Lampong Railway Station (tel. 02223-7010 or 1690) up to 90 days in advance. For local train information in Chiang Mai, call tel. 05324-5363; for advance booking, call tel. 05324-2094. Reservations cannot be made over the phone, but you can call and check to see if space is available.
By Bus — Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are many and varied: from rattle-trap, non-air-con numbers to fully reclining VIP buses. The trip takes about 10 hours. From Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal close to the Mo Chit BTS (tel. 02936-2841), six daily, 24-seater VIP buses provide the most comfort, with larger seats that recline (755B/US$22/£12). There is also a frequent service between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, Phitsanulok, and Chiang Rai.
Most buses arrive at the Arcade Bus Station (tel. 05324-2664) on Kaeo Nawarat Road, 3km (2 miles) northeast of the Thapae Gate; a few arrive at the Chang Puak station (tel. 05321-1586), north of the Chang Puak Gate on Chotana Road. Expect to pay 60B to 150B (US$1.70-US$4.30/95p-£2.30) for a tuk-tuk, and just 30B (85¢/45p) for a red pickup, songtaew, to the town center and your hotel.
Visitor Information
The TAT office is at 105/1 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd., 400m (1,312 ft.) south of the Nawarat Bridge on the east side of the Ping River (tel. 05324-8604). There are a couple of free magazines available at hotels and businesses — Guidelines Chiang Mai, Welcome to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and What’s on Chiang Mai — which contain maps and useful information. You can also find any of a number of detailed maps distributed free, chock-full of adverts for local shopping, dining, and events.
City Layout
The heart of Chiang Mai is the Old City, completely surrounded by a moat (restored in the 19th century) and scattered remains of the massive wall, laid out in a square aligned on the cardinal directions. Several of the original gates have been restored and serve as handy reference points, particularly Thapae Gate to the east. The most important temples are within the walls of the Old City.
All major streets radiate from the Old City. The main business and shopping area is the 1km (2/3-mile) stretch between the east side of the Old City and the Ping River. Here you will find the Night Bazaar, many shops, trekking agents, hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants — and some of the most picturesque backstreets in the area.
To the west of town and visible from anywhere in the city is the imposing wall of Doi Suthep Mountain, where, at its crest, you’ll find the most regal of all Chiang Mai Buddhist compounds, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, standing stalwart as if to give its blessing to the city below. The road leading to the temple takes you past a big mall, a strip of modern hotels, the zoo, and the university.
The superhighway circles the outskirts of the city and is connected by traffic-choked arteries emanating from the city center. If driving or riding a motorbike in Chiang Mai, the many one-way streets in and around town are confounding. The moat that surrounds the city has concentric circles of traffic: The outer ring runs clockwise, and the inner ring counterclockwise, with U-turn bridges between. The streets in and around the Night Bazaar are all one-way as well. This means that even if you know where you’re going, you’ll have to pull your share of U-turns.
Getting Around
By Bus — There are five routes in and around the city, each charging a fixed 10B (30¢/15p) fare. Services start at 6am, finish close to 10pm, and run approximately every 15 minutes. From Chang Puak Bus Station, there is frequent, inexpensive bus service to the nearby craft villages of Sankampaeng and Bo Sang, and to Lamphun.
By Songtaew — Songtaews (red pickup trucks) cover all routes. Fitted with two long bench seats, they are also known locally as seelor (four-wheels). They follow no specific route and have no fixed stopping points. Hail one going in your general direction and tell the driver your destination. If it fits in with the destinations of other passengers, you’ll get a ride to your door for only 15B to 30B (43¢-86¢/20p-45p). Some drivers will ask exorbitant fees as if they are a taxi (especially when they’re empty); let these guys just drive on. If you can deal with a bit of uncertainty along the confusing twist of roads, a songtaew is a great way to explore the city.
Songtaews can also take you up to the top of Doi Suthep Mountain for 40B (US$1.15/60p) and only 30B (85¢/45p) for the easier downhill return trip.
By Tuk-Tuk — The ubiquitous tuk-tuk (motorized three-wheeler) is the next best option to the songtaew for getting around Chiang Mai. Fares are negotiable — and you will have to bargain hard to get a good rate — but expect to pay at least 40B (US$1.15/60p) for any ride.
When talking prices, it is good to write it down on a scrap of paper, so there is no argument when you get there and the driver asks for 200B (US$5.70/£3.10) instead of the 20B (60¢/30p) you agreed on.
By Car — Avis has an office conveniently located at the airport (tel. 05320-1798; http://www.avisthailand.com). Avis self-drive rental rates for Chiang Mai are the same as they are elsewhere in Thailand, from 2,500B and up (US$71/£38) for a compact sedan. Budget has an office at the airport and offers comparable rates and services; contact them at tel. 05320-2871 (www.budget.co.th). Both companies offer comprehensive insurance and provide good maps — even a mini guidebook.
There are dozens of local car-rental companies with sedans for 1,200B to 1,800B (US$34-US$51/£18-£28) per day, and Suzuki Caribbeans (oft-derided as a death trap) for as low as 1,000B (US$28/£15) per day. Most travel agents will arrange a car and driver for about 1,600B (US$45/£25) per day.
By Motorcycle — Many guesthouses along the Ping River and shops around Chaiyaphum Road (north of Thapae Gate in the Old City) rent 100cc to 150cc motorcycles for about 200B (US$5.70/£3.10) per day (discounts for longer durations). Larger 250cc Hondas (as well as others) with good suspension are commonly available and are the best choice for any trips up-country because of their added power and large fuel tanks; they rent for about 700B (US$20/£11). Helmets are mandatory — even if locals tend to ignore this law, they may be able to wriggle out of arrest, but as a foreigner, you won’t be let off lightly. Expect to leave your passport as security (don’t leave any credit cards). Traffic congestion and confusing one-way streets make riding within the city dangerous, so if you are tempted, employ defensive driving techniques and take it slow.
By Bicycle — Cycling in the city is fun and practical, especially for getting around to the temples within the Old City. Avoid rush hour and take great care on the busy roads outside of the ancient walls. Bikes are available at any of the many guesthouses in or around the old city and go for about 30B (85¢/45p) per day.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
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Chiangmai Car Motorbike Rental
November 21, 2008
if you like to be free to go where you want, when you want, at your own pace, driving is a good solution. It is not as difficult as it seems to some people and it is not as easy as it seems to others. You must be an experienced and confident driver because in Thailand it is tricky and not only because they drive on the wrong side of the road. If you’re from the UK , you’ll be ready!
Fact is, Thais don’t learn how to drive before using a car, it will come as no surprise that they have a very high rate of road casualties. A liking for heavy drinking (beware at night) and the widespread use of mobile phones don’t help. But if your careful for two you should manage.
To visit the city and its close surroundings, like the Doi Suthep, the Sankampaeng road (factories, hot springs, Borsang village) or the Mae Rim area (elephant camp, orchid and snake farms, waterfalls) a motorcycle is more than enough.
You can choose a full automatic scooter or a semi automatic one (auto clutch) better suited if you go in the mountain. Prices should vary from 100 baht to 300 baht a day (gas not included).
Note that there is no full coverage insurance, in fact if you’re the culprit, you’ll pay for any damage you cause. Nobody in the rental shop will ask you for a driving licence, but you better have an international driving licence ready if you ever need your own insurance to work. You will be asked to leave your passeport or a photocopy + 2,000 baht in deposit.
The police will not stop foreigners if they wear the customary helmet, most rental shops will propose some filthy plastic bowls for free… they are helmets. You may prefer to spend 300 baht to get a brand new one, especially if you’re to spend a few days riding the countryside. 300 baht is also the price for the ticket if your caught not wearing a helmet. Past the 15 of the month, chances are greater to see policemen on the hunt (nothing to do with the lunar calendar, it is just that their meagre income doesn’t last that far).
If you want to go farther away from Chiang Mai, like the Golden Triangle, the Mae Hong Son loop, or the Doi Inthanon Park, you’ll need a car. You’ll find local rental shops or international names in the city. The cheapest car you can rent is a Suzuki Carribean, 4WD, the closest thing you’ll find to a tin can. But at 800 baht a day it’s a good deal. Otherwise a good full automatic sedan is enough to deal with the roads as long as you don’t venture into side tracks.
Gas stations are plentiful, only a few accept credit cards, so be sure to have some cash with you.
On the mountain roads, trucks and buses can be agonisingly slow. Overtaking is an art you have to master if you don’t want to be stuck in dense black fumes for 10 minutes. There are no rules, Thais can overtake in curves, or just 200 meters from you. There is only one thing to do, stay on the left side as much you can and stop if necessary because the incoming car won’t.
Expect to be stopped by the police along the way (at least 3 times if you go to Chiang Rai). They may or may not check your papers, your car, yourself… just smile and hope they like the football team of your home country.
A number to remember : 1155, that’s the Tourist Police. In case of problems, they’re the ones you need to contact. Don’t let the local police handle your case.
For more information please contace us:
Queen Bee Travel Service the best! car & motorbike rental in Chiangmai
recommended by Lonely Planet!
email: queenbeetours@gmail.com
Toyota Sport Rider 3.0 4WD Air Con.
Chiangmai Trekking Mae Tang 3Days 2Nights
October 17, 2008
DAY 1 09.30 a.m. Departure Chiang Mai for local market (Mae Malai) pick up truck about 1 hour. Continue driving to Akha village for 1.5 hours. Lunch will be served. Start trekking to visit Karen village about 2 hours. Keep on walking to another Karen village. Dinner overnight. DAY 2 After breakfast, hiking for 2 hours to visit Karen village. Lunch en rout. Walk to the elephant camp for 20 minutes. A memorable elephant riding for 1.5 hours to absorb beautiful natural view. A trek to visit Lahu village about 30 minutes. Dinner overnight.
DAY 3 After breakfast, get ready for an advanturous bamboo rafting from Lahu to Shan village for 2-3 hours. Lunch will be served. Adrive by pick up truck to visit the waterfall. Walking to visit the waterfall about 2 hours. Enjoy shower and relaxation. Return to Chiang Mai and drop off at 4.30 p.m.
Chiangmai Thai Cookery Course
October 15, 2008
Chiang Mai Thai Cooking Courses half-day, one-day, two-day courses, as well as a short evening course. All of our courses are completely “Hands- on” and in each course each student prepares and cooks a starter, a selection of main courses, and a dessert.
Depending upon which Thai Cooking course you choose,
course activities inclusive:
- Visiting a local market
- Assembling curry pastes “From scratch”
- Learn how to buy Thai ingredients
- Learn how to cook sticky rice
- Learn how to combine season sauce to balance the flavors
- All the ingredients for cooking
- Each student has his or her own cooking station
- Learn how to make dipping sauce
- 6 dishes per day
- Vegetable and fruit carving
- Drinks tea, coffee , water
- Color recipe book
- Transportation is provide upon request
For more information contact:
Email: queenbeetours@gmail.com
www.queenbeetours.com
Queen Bee Car Rental Frequently Asked Questions
October 4, 20081. Driving Licenses for Chiangmai car rental service
International driving licenses are required or domestic country driving licenses.
All driving licenses to be able to be read in English.
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2. How to calculate the number of day’s car rental
Rental days are calculated in 24 hours periods from the time you collect your car. 1 days rental is classed as 24 hours.
If, for example, you collected your car @ noon on the 1st of the month and returned it @ noon on the 10th,
you would subtract 1 from 10 to give you 9 days rental.
The time of collection and return being the same on both days.
If you return the car more than 59 minutes later than the pick up time, you will be charged an extra days rental.
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3. Are there any extra costs for Chiangmai car rental service?
There are no hidden costs.
The price given is the total cost of the rental.
The cost is fully inclusive of:
– vat (value added tax 7 %),
– Comprehensive insurance,
– Unlimited mileage
– 24 hour recovery service
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4. How much does it cost for an additional driver?
Queen Bee Care Rental first no extra charge for additional driver aged over 21 years but not more than 3 additional drivers.
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5. There an insurance excess?
The insurance excess (deductible).
In case of the vehicle is stolen or robbed. Deductible to be borne by the hirer is 2,000 THB
An accident during the hiring and the hirer who is the blame. Deductible 2,000 THB to be borne by the hirer.
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6. Can I use my credit card to cover the cost of insurance for Chiangmai car rental service?
Our rates are set to include insurance.
We can’t offer any discounts on quotes or bookings without insurance.
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7. How is payment made?
The payment has to be done prior departure by cash. Visa / Master Card is preferred. However, extra charge 3 % on top of the payment
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8. Will they accept Electron debit cards?
Queen Bee Car Rental do accept the above debit cards.
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9. What is the hours of opening of the branches?
Generally speaking Queen Bee Car Rental is opened from
8.00am to 7.00 pm Monday to Sunday,
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10. How do I book a vehicle?
On line bookings need 48 hours notice.
The booking system will not book any cars with less than 48 hours notice.
On receiving your booking we will email you back with the reservation number and any other information you will need.
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11. How old to I need to be to rent a vehicle
The minimum age is 21 yrs.
Chiangmai Motorbike Rental Open Roads and Eyes Opening Views
October 4, 2008For a vacation that combines your passion for riding a motorcycle with stunning scenery, a warm climate and relaxed surroundings, Chiangmai is the place to visit. Explore the wide open spaces and diversity of unspoiled landscapes via an extensive roading system that takes you through one of the world’s most beautiful city where it is called “ The Rose of the North”.
Feel the freedom of the clean, green environment, the fresh air and amazing scenery
Chiangmai’s stunning landscapes, lush forests and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. Society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural. The honesty, friendliness, and openness of “Kon Muang”(native Chiangmai local people) will impress you. Doi Suthep mountain rises 1,676m above and be hide the city makes it visually striking, providing a picturesque back drop. That will leave you asking yourself why you haven’t come sooner.
However the biggest advantage of Chiangmai is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are within easy riding distance of each other!
Join Chiangmai Motorbike Rental for the Ride and Time of your Life
Whether you’re a seasoned motorcyclist or a relative new comer, we can help you take the ride of your life
So congratulate yourself on the best holiday decision you’ve ever made and join Chiangmai Motorbike Rental by Queen Bee number one motorcycle rental and tour company on a motorcycle adventure of a lifetime.
Contact: http://www.queenbeetours.com
Email: queenbeetours@gmail.com
Trekking Chiangmai Whitewater Rafting Mae Tang
October 3, 2008
08.30 Pick up from your accommodation and a drive by pick up truck for 1.30 hours to Shan village. Visit Orchid & Butterfly farm en route.Drop off at the elephant camp.
10.00 Memorable elephant ridding through the jungle for an hour.
12.00 Lunch will be served. Thai food dish (fried rice or pad Thai and fruit)
13.30 Crossing the Tang River by hanging basket.
14.00 Hiking 45 minutes to visit water fall, enjoy sight seeing and swimming.
15.00 Get back to the raft station, safety orientation by the raft instructor.
15.30 Exciting a rapid White Water Rafting and Bamboo rafting for 1 hour.
16.30 Drive back to Chiangmai Make a stop at Akha hilltribe.Drop off at the hotel at 6.00 p.m.
Queen Bee Travel Service
Tel 6653 275525, 6653 208988
Email: queenbeetours@gmail.com
Excursions Trekking Chiangmai
October 3, 2008
Highlights of Chiangmai by foot, elephant ride, bamboo rafting
Thailand is one of the most delightful places in south-east Asia, a land of idyllic beaches, tranquil bays, coral islands, spectacular mountains, valleys and primal forests, and is home to a warm-hearted and hospitable people. The striking and varied landscapes, from high rolling hills to undeveloped beaches, are a traveler’s paradise and cover a wide range of climates. There is plenty to see from a long, varied history and not least in a serious interest in food.
Chiang Mai‘s rich history goes back hundreds of years. Because of its prime location and fertile land, the valley that extends from the base ofSuthep Mountain to the Ping River was settled in early times by several different ethnic groups, including the hill tribe group know as the Lua tribe. Later, King Mengrai unified the different towns and villages into what came to be known as the Lanna Kingdom. In 1296, he fortified the fertile valley area with a rectangular shaped brick wall measuring 1.6 Kilometers (1 mile) wide, and 2.0 kilometers (1.25 miles) long.
There are many hill tribe people living in the mountainous districts surrounding Chiang Mai such as Omkoi, Mae Jam, Chiang Dao, and Mae Ai. Statistics reported by the Tribal Research Institute of Chiang Mai stated that in the year 1992 there were 1,049 hill tribe villages in the Chiang Mai province, constituting a total of 174,195 people. Of this amount, 106,116 were from the Karen tribe, 27,392 from the Lahu (Musur) tribe, 17,198 from the Hmong (Meo) tribe,10,873 from the Lisu tribe, 8,862 from the Lua tribe, 2,609 from the Akha tribe, 1,145 from the Mien (Yao) tribe, and 485 from the Palong tribe.
The hill tribe people are agricultural; planting fields, raising animals, and hunting for a living. Since each tribe has its own culture and language, they blanket the hills of Chiang Mai with an interesting patchwork quilt of diverse variety. Whether you are mountain hiking or mountain biking,Chiangmai offers a variety of colours, cultures and scenery to ensure you get a different scene for everyday.
These following excursions Chiangmai trekking with a difference, from the quiet mountain villages stuck. A superb mixture of the adventurous and cultural activities. This tour has it all with diverse culture, good food and amazingly friendly locals.
We start Chiangmai trekking in the northwest and work our way on foot, elephant ridding and adventurous bamboo rafting. The scenery on hiking is such you forget about time and distance as the surroundings become so fascinating. The ability to interact with the locals in the local markets and villages is a highlight of the trek and you will be left with an amazing feeling towards the Chiangmai trekking.
Excursion: 1 Day Trekking Chiangmai Whitewater Rafting 