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Fast Facts
American Express -- There is no specific agent that handles American Express services in Thailand anymore, but they have an American Express office at 388 Pahonyothin Rd. in Bangkok. You can reach the office at tel. 02273-5296 during business hours (Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm) or call their customer service hotline (tel. 02273-5544) with any problems or questions.
ATMs -- For ATMs and money changers, go to Chang Klan Road and Charoen Prathet Road, around the Night Bazaar, for the most convenient major bank branches.
Bookstores -- Backstreet Books (tel. 05387-4143) and Gecko Books (tel. 05387-4066) are neighbors on Chang Moi Kao, a side-street north of eastern Ta Pae Road just before it meets the city wall. Both have a good selection of new and used books and do exchanges at the usual rate (two for one depending on the condition). Bookazine (ground floor, Chiang Inn Plaza, 100/1 Chang Klan Rd.; tel. 05328-1370) -- is cramped but has a comprehensive selection. Also try Suriwong Book Centre, 54/1-5 Sri Dornchai (tel. 05328-1052), and D. K. Books, 234 Tha Pae Rd. (tel. 05325-1555).
Consulates -- There are many representative offices in Chiang Mai. Contacts are as follows: American Consulate General (tel. 05325-2629), Canadian Honorary Consul (tel. 05385-0147), Australian Honorary Consul (tel. 05322-1083), and British Consul (tel. 05320-3405).
Dentist/Doctor -- The American Consulate (see "Consulates," above) will supply you with a list of English-speaking dentists and doctors. There are also several medical clinics; check with your hotel about the best and nearest facility.
Emergencies -- Dial tel. 1699 to reach the Tourist Police in case of emergency.
Hospitals -- In Chiang Mai, hospitals offer excellent emergency and general care, with English-speaking nurses and physicians. The best private hospital is McCormick on Kaeo Nawarat Road (tel. 05324-1311) out toward the Arcade Bus Terminal.
Internet -- In the Old City, there are numerous small, inexpensive cafes with service sometimes costing only 15B (35¢) per hour. Just outside the city and featuring the speediest service in town for just 1B per minute (about .25¢ per minute) is NET Generation at 404/4 Tapae Rd (tel. 01568-7470). In the Night Bazaar area, try Assign Internet in Chiang Mai Pavilion at the Night Bazaar on 145/23 Chang Klan Rd. (tel. 05381-8911). Just across from the entrance to Gad Suan Kaew/Central Department Store in the northwest corner of the Old City, Buddy Internet is at 12 Huaykaew Rd. (tel. 05340-4550) and open from 8am to midnight.
Pharmacies -- There are dozens of pharmacies throughout the city; most are open daily 7am to midnight.
Police -- For police assistance, call the Tourist Police at tel. 1699, or see them at the TAT office.
Post Office -- The most convenient branch is at 186/1 on Chang Klan Road (tel. 05327-3657). The General Post Office is on Charoen Muang (tel. 05324-1070), near the train station. The Overseas Call Office, open 24 hours, is upstairs from the GPO and offers phone, fax, and telex services. There is a 24-hour branch at the airport (tel. 05327-7382).
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Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Thailand, 8th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.
Chiang Mai
