Suggestions for Travel

Chiang Mai is northern part of Thailand and is cooler than other parts of the country like Bangkok. About 1 hour by plane from Bangkok, and thirty minutes from Chiang Mai airport to Tao Garden by taxi.

Immunization
None are required from the United States or Europe. The only immunization recommended is for Hepatitis B. This organism travels in the water. You do not need to be concerned about it at Tao Garden Health Resort. Otherwise, while travelling in Thailand, stick to boiled teas and sealed bottles of soda.

Jet Lag Suggestions
Plan to spend a day acclimatizing after you arrive. Eat lightly on the plane. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and sugar. Use Melatonin (ask your pharmacist) by taking it 3 days before arriving and continue for 3 days after your arrival. Take it at the time you want to go to sleep at your destination.

Immediately upon disembarking from the plane
Spin - For travel from West to East, spin counterclockwise; from East to West, spin clockwise. Make one turn for each hour time change. Look at the sun or moon. Fix in your mind: "Now it's ____ time."

VISA/Passport
For a visit of up to 30 days, Thailand provides an entrance visa when you go through passport control at the airport. You can extend this for only another 7-10 days, unless you leave the country and reenter. If you plan to stay longer than a month, you will need a 60-day Tourist Visa or 90-day Non Immigrant Visa. Your passport must be valid for an additional 6 months after your planned return. Contact the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country for the exact details.

Weather/Seasons/Clothing
During the day, especially in the last season start from March to July it can be quite hot, you will need light natural fiber clothing. The swimming pool is available for use throughout the year. Most of the year you can wear sandals. In the morning you may prefer to wear shoes, especially from December to February.

Electronics
Electrical outlets at Tao Garden Health Resort are 220 volts, 50 Hertz. This is likely to be incompatible with most appliances from the United States and other countries using the 110 volts, 60 cycle standard. If you have an electrical appliance which you need to use, please check to be sure it is compatible before plugging it in.

In Transit

Overnight in Bangkok
Quality Suites and Comfort Inns provide transport to and from the airport and breakfast for roughly $65 depending on the exchange rate. They have representatives at the airport to greet you and 800 reservation numbers. If you have time and want more adventure you can go to a guest house in Bangkok 'proper' and stay for 750 to 1200 Baht. At the main Backpacker region on 'Koh San Road' a guest house can be found cheaper, but be warned the noise never stops. A cab into the city costs 200 Baht. Be aware that Bangkok is one hour from the airport. Traffic is congested at all hours of the day and night.

Money Exchange
Money can be exchanged at the Airport, Tao Garden welcome center, the bank in Doi Saket. You will get a better rate by exchanging currency in Thailand. Traveler's checks get a better exchange rate than cash. You need your passport in hand. You can use VISA to pay for purchases in baht, Traders at the night market in Chiang Mai usually only accept cash.

Points of Interest in the Area
Caves, Temples, Shopping at the Night Market in Chiang Mai, Elephant rides, bamboo rafting, waterfalls, butterfly watching, snake, and orchid farms, local hill tribes, Thai Massage classes, Chiang Mai handcraft factories - silk, leather, silver, jade, jewellery, lacquerware, china, umbrellas. Recommended reading: Lonely Planet Travel Survival Kit: Thailand.