Other publications

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Chiang Mai Shopping Secrets - Inside Tracks for members - Purchase the book
Information for advertisers - The bargain hunter shopping programme

Overview:

Over the past 30 years, the tourism industry in Chiang Mai has developed slowly. First, in response to the hill tribe trekking attraction that started in the early ‘70s, until reaching its peak as a ‘right of passage’ for the backpacker and/or the latter day traveller.

The ‘Around Thailand tours’ of the mid to late 80’s / early ‘90’s, saw the mainstream tourist visiting Chiang Mai, and travelling established main road routes around the north, before heading off to the islands of the south.

Elephant rides, Khantoke dinners, organised group tours to the factory outlets on Sankamphaeng Road, and tours to ethnic minority villages brought closer to the main axis of trade were the order of the day.

This business model is, of course not sustainable, and concentrates tourism in a few locations that quickly become adversely affected by the immaturity of the industry – a poorly regulated environment that permits operators to compete with each other on price alone, introducing a downward spiral; ‘the cheapening effect’ that limits the growth potential of any tourism destination.

Fortunately, there is a ‘silver lining’ to this dark cloud. The north has three powerful USP’s, or ‘unique selling points’ in its favour:

1.	It is populated by a wonderful and friendly people; enjoys a rich culture and has an incredible variety of interesting attractions, most of which have been little promoted, and therefore seldom visited by the mainstream tourist market.
2.	Changing trends in world tourism show that the modern tourist is looking for access to the natural and uncontrived attractions that are off the beaten track. Places that showcase the culture and customs of their global neighbours. There is huge growth in the market that wants to combine accommodation in boutique atmosphere hotels and spas, with exposure to the ‘grassroots’ culture of non mainstream destinations, and undertaking activities and visiting attractions of special interest to them.
3.	The advent of the low cost airline is providing vast access to second tier destinations like Chiang Mai, where there are literally 1001 things to see and do, most of which are little visited and have special interest appeal.

We at Track of the Tiger (publishing) have spent quite some time compiling the content of our next publication ‘1001 things to see and do in Chiang Mai’.

The publication is primarily designed to provide the reader with detailed write ups on attractions and activities across a broad range of special interest activities, such as:

1. the main tourist attractions of chiang mai
2. museums and galleries
3. places of historical interest
4. sport and leisure
5. adventure activities
6. courses
7. parks
8. entertainment and restaurants
9. volunteering opportunities

It also cover ‘reviews’ on the state of development across the various tourism related products that make up Chiang Mai, the destination. These range from: hotels, resorts and spas, through botanical garden visits, cooking courses, golf and adventure activities, to retirement and long stay options for foreigners in what is fast being touted as Asia’s 2nd best city to live in.

Projected publication date

The book: June 2007.
The tour programme – Beta version (less than 1001 attractions) is available from 15th October 2007.

Enquiries

Shane K Beary – tiger@loxinfo.co.th

The ‘1001 things to see and do in Chiang Mai’ – tour programme.

Is based on the book of the same name, and its operation is simple:

Clients rent a vehicle, driver and guide services for a half or full day at fixed rates. (Not including fuel).

They then follow their own itinerary, designed by selecting attractions and activities of interest from an ‘a la carte’ style menu presentation we provide, that has detailed descriptions of the attractions/activities by category, along with map quadrants to indicate their whereabouts on the map provided.

The menu and map components are given to the clients the evening before the tour, allowing them plenty of time to customize their itinerary before departure.

The 1001 things to see and do in Chiang Mai tour programme

Design and follow your own itinerary, by selecting the attractions and/or activities that interest you from the most comprehensive menu available anywhere, covering 'everything' Chiang Mai has to offer.

On enquiring, you are presented with a manual that, with the aid of text and photography, describes, under 9 different headings, all the attractions and activities, and their costs (entry fees etc.) available to you.

Using our map that indicates the location of each item you are interested in, you plan your day by prioritizing the attractions/activities in the order that you wish to visit them.

Half day Baht 3,000.- / Full day Baht 4,000.-

Price is per group and includes: Guide, driver & vehicle for up to 9 people.
Price does not include: Meals, refreshments, entrance fees (where applicable) and fuel, which is charged at Baht 3,- per kilometre.
Note* Use the pullout map at the back of the book to determine the app. distance between locations.

E-mail: tiger@loxinfo.co.th

Chiang Mai Shopping Secrets - Inside Tracks for members - Purchase the book
Information for advertisers - The bargain hunter shopping programme - Other publications

The following and more are available to you in Chiang Mai Thailand:

Antiques, Silver, Teak & Hardwood Furniture, Wood Carvings, Thai Silk, Cotton & Hemp, Laquerware, Ceramics & Celadon,Textiles, Gold, Leatherware, Saa paper, Home Décor, Bronze, Handicrafts, Antiques, Silver, Health Products.