T4Travel

 Days in Chiang Mai.
My first expectation was so great along the way. The small towns and villages were nice and clean,the people looked healthy and were organized in their actions.

Arriving in Chiang Mai, the place selected online to rest is in a quiet area and can be considered sort of the pivot point - with city life to one side and the province native culture on the other.

Without wasting time I Begin the journey with a walk toward the city center of Chiang Mai (The Old City)- looking the charm and culture. 

 
Exploring the south and south east part of town I see it clustered with the normal bars, massage girls, and hotel selections to accomodate everybodies variety of his or her desire. I guess in truth and expectations are that after an area becomes a tourist destination that the original charm will dull within the stomping grounds of travelers exploring a new place and opening their minds, all the while creating an avenue for increased income to the residents assisting them on their adventures with a variety of goods, services, and accomodations.

I discovered my liking more into the provincial areas, offering more kindness with charm and hospitality. The small shops with fresh goods and still a 7eleven being found to help a confused moment, get a familiar snack, plus a blast of AC to cool you down.

Walking the streets at times can get tight but still safe during the day. I had no problems biking the streets with either a pedal or motorbike(scooter). The peddle bikes are available for rent at about 50THB/day (depending on your bargain abilities and length of rental) Motor bikes are a cheap 150-300/day. Rentals are daily/monthly/even yearly. Deposit on a motorbike is 3000THB or your passport. Pedal bikes are 1000THB or ID. Rental spots are everywhere but they are not all the same cost or selection, so shop around. One guy I met that was nice and had good selection of both was Montri Jittikanont of Tawan Motor, 84/7 Sridonchai Rd, Tel.053271546, 08730117848. His rates were good, he spoke English well and was into bargaining a price(I rented a very nice  bicycle here and it was a pleasant experience) at 50BHT/day I could cover much more ground and I enjoy the traffic pedal adventures here(LOOK FOR GSBOOM IN YOU TUBE). Another good rate I found was www.biggame-fishingthailand.com . Tel 0818847023. For a week, a basic scooter I was told '1100THB,' this place is near the 'Iron Bridge' going into the Bazaar area.

The driving here is a bit different. Left side driving is new to me, helmet laws are in effect but loosely enforced (400THBfine), sidewalks are traveled by motorbikes at times (not sure the law to that). The horn is seldom (more like never) used as a form of insult and aggression so common in many parts of the world. The horn is politely and lightly used only as an awareness to a caution. People like to remain calm, cool, and collected here.

I have no previous motorbike skills and had no worries in traffic when renting  or borrowing, keep in mind that the city and outside on the side roads is mellow and not a speeding society. In most cases I could say that an average mountain bike at full speed is average traveling by wheels. Most intersections have no stop sign, (maybe because it should be obvious that traffic could be coming from either direction) so being aware and cautious to surroundings and having full attention is a basic practice here.