... continued from Click here!
AUA, 24 Ratchadamnoen Road, Chiang Mai 50200, Tel: 211973
YMCA, 11 Mangrai Rasmi, Sermsuk Road, Santitham, Chiang Mai 50300. Tel: 221819
Brain Center, Kad Suan Kaew, 2nd Floor. 9914 Moo 2, Huay Kaew Road Chiang Mai 50200. Hrs. 11:00 - 21:00. Tel: 210372-3 Fax: 210374
D.K. Book House, 79/1 Kotchasan Road, Chiang Mai 50100. Hrs. 09:30-21:00. Tel: 206995 Fax: 206999
Suriwong Book Center, 54/1-5 Sridonchai Road, Chiang Mai 50100. Hrs. 08:00-19:30. Tel: 281052-5
Chiang Mai University Library, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200. Hrs. 08:00-21:00, weekdays; 08:30-16:30 weekends and semester breaks. Tel: 221699 ex 4528
Thais like to be outside in the very early morning and the closing hours of the day. The changing light at dawn and dusk is a source of magic colors and enjoyment.
Fitness and jogging
Most major hotels have fitness centers near the pools for use by hotel guests. Membership rates for non-guests include the use of the pool and range from a single day to a year. There are also fitness parks on the south side of Nimmanhaemin Road near Soi 17, and Huay Kaew Road at the arboretum near the zoo. For jogging in better air, try the lanes near the mountain or the Rama IX park on Chotana Road at KM.5.
Horse Racing
H107 KM.5 after Lanna Gardens (Saturday afternoons). The army run racetrack is one of the few places where betting is legal. The Thai punters seem more interesting than the horses.
Speedway
Chiang Mai Speedway. (H108 KM. 12. Hrs. 09:30-18:30. Tel: 430059. Baht 150 for 10 min.) If you get bored with the ordinary roads, try the go carts.
Swimming
Several city hotels allow the public to use their pools: The Amari Rincome (50 Baht), the Diamond Riverside (100 Baht - shaded in the afternoon), the Prince Hotel (40 Baht), the Top North Guest House (50 Baht).
Inline skating
The "Space Roller" Circuit on Kaew Nawarat Road, near Arcade Bus Station offers inline skating for young and old in Discotheque ambiance. 20 Baht a day if you bring your own skaters, 50 Baht a day if you rent the skaters there. Food and Beverages at reasonable prices.
A full Thai massage usually takes two hours, but shorter facial and foot massages are offered. Rates vary from 100-300 Baht an hour, but masseurs like tips to supplement their income. Several of the hotels offer traditional massage for non-residents.
Traditional Medicine Hospital, 78/1 Wualai Road, Hrs. 08:30-17:00. Tel: 275085
10 day courses twice a month in traditional Thai massage.
Suan Samoonphrai, 8 Wang Sing Kham Road, Hrs. 08:00-22:00. Tel: 252716, 232664
See also: [Traditional Thai Massage]