Thai Insider: Chiang Mai: An Insider's Guide to the Best of Thailand

I gave it 4 stars because I feel it could have had more information in it. I stayed primarily in Chiang Mai for 2 weeks, and although I had the Lonely Planet, I used this book because it was a quarter of the size and easier to read and carry. In retrospect, I should have used the Lonely Planet more, as it had maps and much more in depth information. This is a great cursory course in Chiang Mai, but don't expect it to get you very far.

Great info! The maps added at the beginning aren't very practical because of the size but the rest of the book is great! Can't wait for my trip there in May!

Large print, easy to read. A fast read with a few good pointers

The Chiang Mai guide was OK, right upto the point the book recommends one of the Elephant Camp (Where they perform tricks, painting, and riding with seats attached to the elephants backs) as a must do activity.Yes, you do mention other Elephant camps where they do so much work to protect the animals and give them a better life, but come on guys. If you have spent that much time in Thailand you must know about the issues that surround the performing elephant camps.To promote and recommend the activity (a couple of times in your guide) is, in my eyes, irresponsible at best especially when there are ethical elephant experiences available.

This really is such a useful book! If you get just one book, I highly recommend buying this one as your guide. My wife and I used this book on our recent vacation to Chiang Mai and it was the perfect companion. Tons of tips kept us well informed along every part of the journey and less worried about what to expect when traveling in Thailand. Aside from the Chandler map, which the author himself recommended, this book pretty soon became the only resource and guide we brought along our adventures. So insightful, we often planned all our daily activities using this book rather than the hotel concierge!

Thai Insider Chiang Mai is a must for anyone visiting Chiang Mai. I have enjoyed three trips to Thailand (from 1992 to 2014). This book encompasses broad information and the smallest details of what not to miss on a visit to Chiang Mai. This book prepares the traveler and assists the traveler from arrival to departure. Reading this book has sparked my interest in returning to Thailand. From Cultural traditions to food and shopping, this book has it all. On my next trip to Chiang Mai, my luggage will include this book! So much to see, so much to do.

This an excellent guide to a fascinating place. The very practical format makes it so easy to find the information you need for a fabulous time in Chaing Mai..The up to date information will be helpful to newcomers and even residents. I just loved the guide to how to bargain. I have never found that in any guidebook. This book covers everything from how to tell the restaurant the amount of spiciness you want in your food to where to find a dentist in an emergency. The language guide is very helpful.I hope the authors will write other guides like this one!

Now here is a true insider guide with great tips! If this is your first time or your 100th time, you will find this book very helpful for getting around, eating, shopping, you name it. They haven't left out any detail. Get to know the history, the culture and how to get around on foot, scooter, taxi, Segway or car. This is a must read even if you never go you will feel like you been there with all the tips and information.

Clearly written by westerners who assume all visitors want to visit Starbucks and western bars etc. very poor content often repeated in different sections but even worse they have just cut and pasted sections. Don’t waste your money - go for more well known brand

Will take with me when I visit Chiang Mai.

I took this with me to Chiang Mai but did not find it useful. There’s no map. The information in it is easily found in handouts available in Chiang Mai.