Arrival by airplane
The best way arrive in Thailand is to fly to Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is much nearer to the Kung Fu Retreat but Bangkok has more flights and is usually cheaper. There is an abundance of hotels, guest houses, etc. in Bangkok to suit all budgets, should you need to arrange an overnight stay. There are usually a lot of good deals available on Ebookers and similar budget airfare sites. Otherwise, search individual airlines and check what deals they are offering.
For flights, check BangkokAir as they should come in at 1000-2000 Baht each way and take about 1 hour 15 minutes. You could get an overnight sleeper train from Bangkoks central station, Hua Lam Pong, for a little over 1000 Baht each way. Booking in advance is recommended. Please be aware that trains in Thailand often run very late.
The trains are very comfortable and afford great views of the Thai countryside. If you are on a very tight budget, you can go to Kao San Road in Bangkok and get an overnight coach for about 300 Baht or so. This is the least comfortable way to travel. They recommend the flight, especially if you have not spent much time in Thailand before.
Arrival by taxi or minibus to Pai
You have a choice between taking a minibus or taxi:
The minibus trip from Chiang Mai is about 150 Baht and has awesome views. It takes about three and a half hours, most of which is spent on amazing winding roads through mountains the like of which you have probably never seen before. The views are breathtaking and the journey is an adventure in itself so they recommend that you travel during daylight.
You will want to book with the provider Prempracha Transport. To get there from the airport, simply take a taxi with a meter or a Tuk Tuk to Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station. It should take 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and cost very little. On the Prempracha Transport website, you can book your seat in advance and pick up your bus ticket once you arrive at the bus station. Once you arrive, if you didnt book your seat in advance, you will need to book on to the next available minibus.
Minibuses run between about 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. If you arrive in Chiang Mai later than about 3:30 p.m., you are likely to need to either stay overnight in Chiang Mai or get a taxi to the Kung Fu Retreat. If staying overnight, which is the cheapest option, they recommend that you still go to the Prempracha office when you arrive and book on to a minibus for the next day.
Then look for a guesthouse. You should be able to get a nice room near the centre of Chiang Mai with fan for 400 - 500 THB. If in doubt, try looking on Tripadvisor.
They can arrange for a taxi from Pai to come to the airport to meet you. Alternatively, you could speak with drivers in the taxi rank outside the airport. Recently taxis have been charging about 4,200 Baht for the trip. This does vary and will likely be higher if late at night or in December/January.
If they arrange a taxi for you, they will need to pay in advance so please do not pay the driver otherwise he will think that he has just got the best tip of his life and likely take a week off! If you do want to give a tip, 100 250 Baht would be about right. If you want to book a taxi through them, please let them know so that they can arrange the taxi. They do ask for at least a 48-hour notice when possible and will do as best as they can to assist you.
Arrival by taxi from Pai to the Nam Yang Kung Fu Retreat
When you first arrive in Pai the easiest way to get to them is simply to book a taxi. The taxis are a little way up the main street. Motorcycle is the cheapest taxi and should cost less than 100 THB. For a minibus/car 200 to 250. Ask for Kung Fu or Kun Iain/Kun Pu/Kung Fu Retreat. Alternatively, hire a moped and ride to the Kung Fu Retreat. It will take about 10 minutes.
Directions from Pai to Nam Yang Kung Fu Retreat
Head out of town towards the airport/Mae Hong Son. On the far side of the airport, turn right, parallel to the runway. They are the first turn on the left, about 400 meters down the road, on a sharp right-hand bend. They have a prominent sign. A little way before the sign is a flashing orange sign signaling sharp bend/left-hand turn.
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