Chiang Mai Travel Forum

   
Get Chiang Mai travel and vacation advice from over 1,000,000 VirtualTourist members. Post a Chiang Mai travel question and get unbiased, timely answers and insights from real travelers and Chiang Mai locals.
Browse by Location: Chiang Mai
Search for a Forum Location:
> Advanced

Featured Chiang Mai Travel Deals

Top Chiang Mai Hotel Deals: Save money, Book now !
Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates

Chiang Mai Hotel Deals: Book now for big savings!
hotels.com Outstanding choice of hotels all over the world at fantastic prices.

Bargains on Chiang Mai Hotels: Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices

Best Chiang Mai Hotel Deals: Plenty of choices
agoda.com Save up to 75%, Don't miss! Live support, Instant confirmation.

Chiang Mai Hotels: Find the perfect activity!
Expedia.com Book early before things sell out. Skip long lines and save on tickets!

Sponsored Links

Back to Chiang Mai Forum

Forum Question Posted By: Replies:
Chiang Mai
health, vaccinations, etc.
Posted: Tue July 26, 2005 11:42 PM UTC
are there any vaccinations suggested for visit to chiang mai?
any health issues i should be aware of at all?
is the water OK to drink or do tourists drink bottled water only?
i feel like an idiot with some of these questions.
stephen
Report Advertising or Inappropriate Posting
 Click Picture to enlarge. 7 replies

[Reply]

Chiang Mai
RE: health, vaccinations, etc.
Posted: Tue July 26, 2005 11:54 PM UTC
Firstly, don't feel like an idiot. How would you ever know things like this if you didn't ask, and this is probably one of the better places to ask?

As regards shots, seek help from a medical professional. They have the most up to date advice

Opinions vary as to malarial medication, again seek professional advice and make your own decision. Personally, I don't use anti-malarials any more having had a bad reaction, but, I stress, that's a personal decision, and I'll abide by any potential consequences.

Bottled water is preferred by travellers. Whether the water is potable or not I don't know, but the bottled variety is in such plentiful supply, why take chances? I know of longer term visitors that drink the local water without ill-effect, but they may just have built up an immunity. A small tip here (anywhere in fact) - make sure the seal on your bottled water is intact, unscrupulous vendors refill old bottles.

As for Chiang Mai itself, it's a few years since I went there, but I loved the place. On the plane to Thailand I read a survey which named it (by virtue of a number of factors, pollution, ease of transport etc. etc.) as the most desirable Asian city to live in. Can't say as I'd disagree.

Enjoy yourself, and don't be afraid to ask more questions.

fergy.

Was this reply helpful?yes no 

Add to your Do-it-Yourself Travel Guide
Report Advertising or Inappropriate Posting
 Click Picture to enlarge. [Reply]
Chiang Mai
RE: RE: health, vaccinations, etc.
Posted: Wed July 27, 2005 01:02 AM UTC
For advice on vaccinations, please visit this website:
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm

If you are only staying in the city, you do not need to take maleria pills. However if you are planning on trekking in the countryside or visiting the border regions near Burma or Laos, then you should consider taking them, especially now during the rainy season when mosquitos are more prevalent. I personally take Malarone. It is more expensive, but it is a newer drug, meaning less resistance has been developed against it, and it is supposed to have less severe side effects than Larium.

If you are not used to drinking the tap water in Thailand, then I suggest that you stick to bottled water, otherwise you risk some very uncomfortable stomach ailments. You may also want to avoid ice in drinks. Again, this is not because the water there is dangerous, it is just because your body is not accustomed to it. I have reached the point where it no longer bothers me at all.

Was this reply helpful?yes no 

Add to your Do-it-Yourself Travel Guide
Report Advertising or Inappropriate Posting
 Click Picture to enlarge. [Reply]
Chiang Mai
RE: RE: health, vaccinations, etc.
Posted: Wed July 27, 2005 01:06 AM UTC
the site you advised suggests not eating from street vendors. that's what i thought would be wonderful. is it unsafe?

Was this reply helpful?yes no 

Add to your Do-it-Yourself Travel Guide
Report Advertising or Inappropriate Posting
 Click Picture to enlarge. [Reply]
Chiang Mai
RE: RE: health, vaccinations, etc.
Posted: Wed July 27, 2005 01:11 AM UTC
Well, you should take what the CDC says with a grain of salt. Keep in mind that it is a government department and they are giving you the most conservative advice. Really, it depends on your digestive system, is it strong or weak? I personally have a strong digestive system and can eat almost anything without getting ill. My wife on the other hand has a very weak digestive system and has become quite ill from street food. So you will have to judge for yourself what you think you can handle. But if you have always eaten sterile American supermarket food your entire life, then you may want to approach Thai street food with caution. But if you handle it, it definitely is one of the best aspects of the city!

Was this reply helpful?yes no 

Add to your Do-it-Yourself Travel Guide
Report Advertising or Inappropriate Posting
 Click Picture to enlarge. [Reply]
Chiang Mai
RE: RE: health, vaccinations, etc.
Posted: Wed July 27, 2005 01:18 AM UTC
thanks for everyone. i have a strong digestive system, having been around the block a few times.

Was this reply helpful?yes no 

Add to your Do-it-Yourself Travel Guide
Report Advertising or Inappropriate Posting
 Click Picture to enlarge. [Reply]
Chiang Mai
RE: RE: health, vaccinations, etc.
Posted: Wed July 27, 2005 05:47 PM UTC
Hi

perhaps you know already enough about the health issue. Otherwise take a look at this site: www.traveldoctor.co.uk
The best information I found on the internet.

Jaap

Was this reply helpful?yes no 

Add to your Do-it-Yourself Travel Guide
Report Advertising or Inappropriate Posting
 Click Picture to enlarge. [Reply]
Chiang Mai
RE: RE: health, vaccinations, etc.
Posted: Wed July 27, 2005 08:22 PM UTC
thank you everyone. this is such a great service for travelers.
be well,
stephen

Was this reply helpful?yes no 

Add to your Do-it-Yourself Travel Guide
Report Advertising or Inappropriate Posting
 Click Picture to enlarge. [Reply]
Back To TopPages: 1

Chiang Mai Hotels