TheLoneRider
a nomad in search of Easter Eggs
Chiang Mai, Thailand

2 Weeks in Chiang Mai July 25 - Aug 7, 2018

2 Weeks in Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Mai (city), Thailand

Chiang Mai on the Radar
When I landed in Bangkok, I thought I would spend my entire 30 days there. As a general rule, I do a 30-day mini-life in any destination before I move on. But Mike offered me 2 weeks in his Nawa Saraan Hotel in Chiang Mai. On top of that, I couldn't find an extension in Bangkok beyond my 15 days at Adventure Hostel. The die was cast for Chiang Mai. This is how my universe communicates to me. What's in store for me in Chiang Mai? Only one way to find out.

13.5 Hours on the #51 Seated Train
A new luxury train was just introduced into the service at B1038 - tempting, but a little too rich for me. I'm lucky they offered a cheap open-air seated train for B270 - #51. It was very comfortable with open windows, but a problem when you want to sleep. The seat is for 2 pax. I was lucky again that no one was beside me so I was able to curl up instead of sleeping while seated fully upright. The train ride was without any hitch and arrived promptly at 12:10pm as scheduled.

Red Taxi
The red taxis were all awaiting at the airport. I knew the trick from my last visit. I whispered to the driver, "I'll give you B50 to the Old City and I won't tell the other passengers". He smiled and we were in business - otherwise, he would charge B100.

Nawa Saraan Hotel Chiang MaiNawa Saraan
It was so good to be back at my old hotel - Nawa Saraan. Mike left instructions with the staff about my arrival. I was given a spacious luxury room - 2 twin beds, flat screen tv, split a/c, personal safety box, compli tea/coffee, water kettle, in-room wifi, spacious ensuite, the works! I still don't know what I've done to Mike to deserve all this. But I'm always grateful.

Money
Mike arrived shortly to welcome me. When asked how my money situation is, I simply replied, "bleak, but I'll make my money in Chiang Mai". Without missing a beat, he pulls out his wallet and hands me some big bills. Whoa! Free money? I was surprised, thankful and felt a little awkward. Even from my Dad, I don't accept free money. But at the same time, my cash was really low...good for a week or two. I accepted the money on condition it be a loan. He shrugged it off and laughed. What a guy! Really, what a guy!

Yoga
I sent out feelers to yoga studios and 2 of them have responded favorably. On top of that, I met up with Tammy, a yoga teacher I met in Siem Reap (Cambodia), and gave me a heads-up about free yoga in the park. It was great to see Tammy again, after 2 years! I have attended a few of these classes and even conducted one.

Top Thailand Adventure Tour, Chiang MaiBicycle
I just stopped by a bicycle rental shop, Top Thailand Adventure Tour and offered them a barter deal they could not refuse. I walked out with a bicycle I could use during the entire duration of my stay in Chiang Mai. At the usual rate of B50/day, I'm saving lots, not to mention I extend my range. I would ride out and if I see any place interesting, I'd lock my bike and walk around. Whoa! Great way to discover interesting neighborhoods in Chiang Mai.

Chai MateoChai and Friends
A pleasant surprise was Chai and her Filipino friends (Marc, Mar and Josephus) who spent the long weekend in Chiang Mai. We hung-out at Akha Ama Cafe, walked the streets of Chiang Mai as we engaged in long talks about many things. I had been traveling Asia for a good long while and it's rare for me to meet, let alone hang-out, with Filipino travelers. Now I have friends I can bug when I come back to Bangkok!

Navraj GrewalNavraj Grewal
An Indian Sikh who spent nearly all his life in the military service was Navraj. He was in pursuit of spirituality when we met in Dharamshala. As good fortune would have it, he's now in Chiang Mai. It's odd for a soldier to be seeking spirituality but Navraj is a man of dimension and complexity. We shared insight and shared ourselves. He is one person I've connected to on a deeper level. I would liken him to be karmically entangled with me.

Life in Chiang Mai
With not enough cash to sustain me, I didn't have the luxury to do touristy things. For the most part, I worked - sending out business proposals, knocking on cafe doors, or writing my blogs. That's the basic difference between me and the average traveler. They have a budget for traveling to begin with - so they spend it and have a good time with food and tours. Me, I usually don't have enough and I still have to make my money - so I work while they party. I'm not really a tourist. I'm just a guy choosing a different destination to do his work. Still, it's not a bad life - steamed momo in Nepal, buttered naan bread in India, tom yum soup in Bangkok, khao soi in Chiang Mai. Like I said, it's not bad. I find pleasure walking the streets of a neighborhood in search of anything interesting. More often than not, I find good food to eat. I'm happy with that. Small pleasures!

Ending Thoughts
Last time I was in Chiang Mai, it was wet and wild with the Songkran Festival. Now, it's still wet because of the monsoon. But it had a different flavor. I wasn't a tourist but a traveler finding bearing, grounding and ways to make sense of my survival despite the abundance. Just a few days upon arriving, the abundance started happening. After choosing a life of abundance in Bangkok, I've always felt Chiang Mai will be the start of the unraveling. Good things have begun to happen and the energy felt just right. Let me end my Chiang Mai sojourn by thanking Mike - my host, my friend and benefactor. Without him, I would have no idea where I would have ended up.

--- TheLoneRider
YOGA by Gigit Yoga by Gigit | Learn English Learn English | Travel like a Nomad Nomad Travel Buddy | Donation Bank Donation Bank for TheLoneRider

en route to Chiang Mai on the night train
not too crowded
at B270, it's cheap but forget about getting sleep
are we there yet?
I know, I'm mean
after 13.5 hours, Chiang Mai at last
boarding the red cab for B50
home sweet home at Nawa Saraan
morning workout...L-Sit
nice Triumph bike
at Tidlaom eatery, good cheap eats
free dessert too
street parade
3 Kings Park...open space for workout
MoBikes are a craze
at Nawa Sheeva Hotel
Mike offered breakfast too
with Mike at Nawa Sheeva Hotel
cute Brompton folding bike
themed outdoor cafe
one of the major temples in Chiang Mai
deep devotion to Buddha
finding a produce market for my carrots
I love durian
but can't afford it. It's only in the Philippines that durian is cheap
meat stall
fruits in season
Muay Thai boxing ring...memories
coin operated laundromat...backpacker's dream
street coffee
my grated carrot on any dish
outdoor music at a night market
my elephant is still there...after 2 years!
with Tammy at Rustic Market
with Mike at his favorite porridge shop
Sunday Night Market
street art
enlightenment tree?
with Chai, Mar, Marq and Josiphus
exploring Chiang Mai on a bike
cultural dance at Taphae Gate
portrait sketching
khao soi soup, Chiang Mai's staple
artist at work
gilded temple
am I the only cyclist in Chiang Mai?
saucy Muay Thai gym
street art
doing my cafe rounds
street art
laundry B10/load + water refiller
breakfast at Nawa Sheeva
with the beautiful Koi, hotel staff
at Taphae Gate
Taphae Gate
big bass fish hot pot
Night Bazaar
3D picture
with Navraj
petrol vending machine

Facebook Users

Reader Comments:

Doris Tagle-VillarealDoris Tagle-Villareal
(July 31, 2018) Please eat some kao soi for me...ask with no chili on it
Baba JayBaba Jay
(July 30, 2018) There's an amazing cave temple 25 km outside in the villages. The size is bigger than a football field. It has a huge lying down Buddha and other temples including Hindu ❤

Next stop: Yoga with Adam at Hidden House Yoga, Chiang Mai


Google Map

Chiang Mai, Thailand

important places in Chiang Mai IMPORTANT PLACES
Chiang Mai Bus Station Bus Station
Chiang Mai Train Station Train Station
Chiang Mai airport Chiang Mai International Airport
Nong Buak Hard Park Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily

hotels in Chiang Mai HOTEL
Chiang Mai Arun Dara Villa Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening
Chiang Mai Nawa Sheeva Hotel Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe
Chiang Mai Nawa Saraan Hotel Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location
Arun Suite, Chiang Mai Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families

birds nest restaurants in Chiang Mai RESTAURANT
La Pizza Chiang Mai La Pizza Chiang Mai - Italian pizza, pasta, wine, dessert, coffee
Chiang Mai birds nest restaurant Natural Bird Nest by Burapa - authentic bird's nest soup

Thai massage in Chiang Mai WELLNESS
ITM – International Training Massage School ITM - International Training Massage School - Chiang Mai's most prestigious massage school
Float Chiang Mai Float Chiang Mai - sensory deprivation float pod
Chiang Mai, Royal Thai Lanna Massage Zira Spa - upscale authentic Thai massage and spa treatment

motorcycle rental in Chiang Mai MOTORBIKE RENTAL
Chiang Mai birds nest motorcycle Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200



USEFUL INFORMATION

Chiang Mai FYI / Tips
  • crop-burning season in Chiang Mai is between late Feb to early April. But laws change everytime. This year, 2019, there is a 61-day ban on burning so the farmers started burning early. When my plane was approaching Chiang Mai on Jan 24, 2019, there was already a thick blanket of smog covering the entire city (and beyond). But within the city itself, you won't feel it (but that doesn't mean the air is healthy). To monitor air conditions in real time, refer to site: Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
  • hot season begins March and lasts until June
  • wet season begins July and lasts until September
  • best time to visit Chiang Mai is mid-September to mid-February - after the monsoon and before the burning
  • you have to try Khao Soi, this is north Thailand's culinary staple
  • the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located in the Old City
  • to exchange your dollars to Thai Baht, the Super Rich Money Exchange give the best rates. There are many branches scattered around Chiang Mai
  • get a red cab (songthao) outside the train station for Baht 50 (instead of paying B100 if inside the train station) to Old City - if you haggle nicely enough...I did!
  • shared red taxi (songthao) - B30 standard fare plying all over Old City
  • for only B50/day, best to rent a bike to go around the Old City - it's a 2.5km2 with lots to discover
  • FREE daily yoga classes from 9:00am to 10:15am at Nong Buak Hard Park (southwest corner of Old City). Resident and passing-through teachers take turns conducting yoga classes.
Blues/Jazz Bars in Chiang Mai
  1. North Gate Pub - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays by the 11pm band
  2. Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
  3. Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic
Chiang Mai Cost Index
  • B60 Chiang beer
  • B250 1 hour drop-in yoga session
  • B200 one hour Thai body massage at WAYA Massage (highly recommended)
  • B50 noodle soup with meat
  • B50 coffee
  • B40 pad thai
  • B30/kilo wash-only laundry
  • B50/kilo wash+iron laundry
  • B100-150 dorm bed/night
  • B250 fan room/night
  • B30 internet cafe/hour
  • B170-190 Movies Sat-Sun and public holidays
  • B130-150 Movies weekdays
  • B100 Movies Wednesdays (movie discount day)
  • B750 1/2 day Thai cooking lessons
  • B900-1000 1 full day Thai cooking lessons
  • B400 Muay Thai boxing ticket
  • B2500 starting room rate at the luxury hotel, Nawa Sheeva (highly recommended)

    • Transportation
  • B450 bus, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
  • B160-180 bus, Chiang Mai to Pai
  • B1250 bus, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
  • B1650 slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
  • B210 bus, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 3-4 hours
  • B360 Green VIP bus, Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Thai border town for visa run to Tachileik, Myanmar)
  • B50 bicycle rental, 24 hours
  • B200 motorbike rental, 24 hours
  • B273 #51 sleeping train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
  • B638 #7 a/c train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
  • B50 red taxi fare from point to point
  • B100 red taxi fare from train terminal to city

    • Tours
  • B2000 full day elephant sanctuary
  • B750 Chiang Rai one-day tour
  • B1500 mountain biking scenic ride
How to Get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok by Train from Bang Sue Train Station

For more train info: Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains - departing from Hua Lamphong - MRT (Bangkok)

(I'm using Bang Sue as a starting point because I was closer to it, but you may be closer to the Hua Lamphong station)

  1. take the MRT train to Bang Sue Station. Take the #1 Exit to the north provincial trains
  2. Proceed to Counter 2. You will see an information booth, a train schedule chart and the ticket counter. Choose the train and pay at the ticket counter.
  3. daily train schedule:
    • 8:48am - #7 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:30pm, not sleeper, B638
    • 2:06pm - #109 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 4:05am, sleeper
    • 6:31pm - #9 Premium Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:15am, sleeper, B938 upper deck, B1038 lower deck
    • 7:56pm - #13 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 8:40am, sleeper, B768 upper deck, B838 lower deck
    • 10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck
Bus from Loei to Chiang Mai
  1. From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
  2. As of June 28, 2020 (still on Covid schedule), there are only 3 night trips: 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 12 midnight. 9 hours, B470.
  3. The bus makes the following stops at the following times from a 9pm Loei departure: Phu Ruea (9:50pm), Phitsanulok (12:40am), Uttradit (2:20am), Lampang (4:35am)
  4. Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
  5. Take a red songthaew to Old City, B50. They'll try to charge you B100, but they'll take B50 (just assure the driver you won't tell the other passengers).
Chiangmai Blogs by TheLoneRider
  1. Learning the Thai Language Jan 9, 2021
  2. 2020: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2020
  3. Reversing/Slowing Down the Aging Process Dec 30, 2020
  4. Hike to Huay Keaw Waterfall Dec 20, 2020
  5. Hiking to Wat Pha Lat along the Monk's Trail Dec 19, 2020
  6. Are You Psycho? Dec 9, 2020
  7. Muffin Man Dec 8, 2020
  8. Polyamory Dec 4, 2020
  9. The Wim Hof Ice Bath Dec 3, 2020
  10. RSVP Nov 25, 2020
  11. High Intensity Interval Yoga (Yoga + HIIT) Nov 14, 2020
  12. Cleansing the Nadis (Energy Pathway) Nov 13, 2020
  13. Yoga for a 360-degree Core Nov 6, 2020
  14. Edward Witten: 'the smartest living physicist' Nov 4, 2020
  15. Srinivasa Ramanujan: Mathematician of the Divine Oct 27, 2020
  16. Bashar as Channeled by Darryl Anka Oct 26, 2020
  17. Vinyasa Krama and Ashtanga Yoga with Aida Yoga Oct 18, 2020
  18. Deepak Chopra: author, lecturer, healer Oct 12, 2020
  19. Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug-Sep 2020 Sep 30, 2020
  20. Siddhis (yogic super powers) Sep 30, 2020
  21. Learning the Import/Export Trade Sep 4, 2020
  22. Music and Magic at Justin's Birthday Bash Sep 3, 2020
  23. Biggest Stone in his Shoe Sep 1, 2020
  24. Abandoned Aug 25, 2020
  25. Intelligent Romantic Break-up Aug 25, 2020
  26. Dad-Zoned Aug 18, 2020
  27. Public Display of Affection Aug 9, 2020
  28. Gabriella's Birthday Bash at Mothership Resort Aug 8-9, 2020
  29. Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
  30. Yoga Class for Strength and Muscle Jul 30, 2020
  31. Yoga Class for Optimum Digestion July 29, 2020
  32. Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes Jul 27, 2020
  33. Hippie Night at Nawa Saraan Healing Space July 24, 2020
  34. The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
  35. Yoga Class to move Prana Vayu (energy) July 11-12, 2020
  36. Coming Back to Chiang Mai Jun 29, 2020
  37. Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 23, 2020
  38. Prasnopanishad: Understanding Prana Jan 17, 2020
  39. Hiking the Monk's Trail Jan 15, 2020
  40. Chaturanga Jan 10, 2020
  41. You Spooned Me Jan 3, 2020
  42. 2019: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2019
  43. Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
  44. Visiting Mae Sot Dec 27-30, 2019
  45. Let's Make it About You - an Epiphany Dec 17, 2019
  46. Shut-Up! Dec 7, 2019
  47. Roasted Red Bell Pepper Puree Dec 3, 2019
  48. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
  49. Bhujangini Mudra Nov 25, 2019
  50. Mathangini Mudra Nov 24, 2019
  51. Kaka Mudra Nov 23, 2019
  52. Pasini Mudra Nov 20, 2019
  53. Aswini Mudra Nov 18, 2019
  54. Sambhavi Mudra Nov 16, 2019
  55. Manduka Mudra Nov 15, 2019
  56. Tataka Mudra Nov 14, 2019
  57. Sakti Calana Mudra Nov 10, 2019
  58. Vajroli Mudra Nov 9, 2019
  59. Coffeemates and Breadmates (Oct 2019) Oct to Nov 5, 2019
  60. Yoni Mudra Nov 1, 2019
  61. Viparita Karani Mudra Oct 31, 2019
  62. Khecari Mudra Oct 30, 2019
  63. Mahadeva Mudra Oct 28, 2019
  64. Sacred Cacao - Chakra Dance Journey Oct 26, 2019
  65. Partner Healing with Natascha Oct 24, 2019
  66. Maha Bandha Mudra Oct 24, 2019
  67. Point-Of-Failure Birthday Workout Oct 22, 2019
  68. Mula Bandha Mudra Oct 21, 2019
  69. Hugfest at Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai Oct 19, 2019
  70. Anushasan Mudra Oct 18, 2019
  71. Ling Mudra Oct 17, 2019
  72. Jalandhara Bandha Mudra Oct 15, 2019
  73. Learning Thai with Cee Oct 13, 2019
  74. Uddiyana Bandha Mudra Oct 10, 2019
  75. Nabho Mudra Oct 9, 2019
  76. Maha Mudra Oct 7, 2019
  77. 20 Essential Mudras by T. Krishnamacharya Oct. 6, 2019
  78. Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri) Oct 3, 2019
  79. Cuddle Party by Abundant Love CM Oct 1, 2019
  80. Vayu Mudra Oct 1, 2019
  81. Visa-Run to Tachileik, Myanmar Sep 28, 2019
  82. Sankalpa Mudra Sep 27, 2019
  83. Surya Pradarshini Mudra Sep 26, 2019
  84. Eye-Gazing at Heart Space Sep 20, 2019
  85. Prana Vayu (Pranic Wind) Sep 20, 2019
  86. 2-Week Yoga Challenge by Agnese Erba Sep 17, 2019
  87. The Mudra Project Sep 13, 2019
  88. Sunday Vinyasa Flow with Marina Forster Sep 8, 2019
  89. Shamanic Breathwork by Rachel Constantino Sep 4, 2019
  90. The Conscious Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Aug 31, 2019
  91. Of Winos and Yogis Aug 26, 2019
  92. The 9 Jhanas of Buddha Aug 22, 2019
  93. Full Moon Ceremony at Heart Space Aug 15, 2019
  94. Yin Yoga - Water Element by Martina Barabas Aug 15, 2019
  95. Hatha Mix Yoga with Christin Aug 13, 2019
  96. Boy Blues Bar Rocks Chiang Mai Aug 5, 2019
  97. Back to my Beloved Chiang Mai Aug 1, 2019
  98. Kaleidoscope of Chiang Mai's Peoplescape July 27, 2019
  99. Secret Sunrise: Nelson Mandela International Day July 17, 2019
  100. Farewell Picnic with Alan and Nicola July 15, 2019
  101. Secret Sunrise: Water July 3, 2019
  102. Hotel Review: Arun Suite June 27, 2019
  103. Bruce Lipton: Epigentics to Transcend Genes June 24, 2019
  104. Optimizing Life thru Heart Math May 8, 15 and 22, 2019
  105. Connective Cacao and Sound Journey June 12, 2019
  106. Chiangmai BLUES June 6, 2019
  107. Hatha Slow Flow with Neil Jefferson June 3, 2019
  108. Meditating with One Million Meditators Movement June 1, 2019
  109. Vinyasa Happy Flow Series by Vaida May 31, 2019
  110. Muay Thai at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium May 30, 2019
  111. Yoga Flow Through the 7 Chakras by Sabrina Pilz May 30, 2019
  112. The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
  113. Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
  114. World Meditation Day at Heart Space May 21, 2019
  115. Abs Yoga by Gigit May 12, 2019
  116. Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
  117. Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
  118. Tok Sen Massage from Ying May 8, 2019
  119. Bruschetta: Nawa Saraan Style Apr 22, 2019
  120. Thai Cooking at Pra Nang Thai Cookery School Apr 20, 2019
  121. Bonding with the Elephants in Chiang Mai Apr 11, 2019
  122. Ziplining in Chiang Mai with Eagle Track Zipline Apr 10, 2019
  123. Getting Thai Massage from Chiang Mai's Best (Lar Thanakrit Khamtanong) Mar 21, 2019
  124. Being the Soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel Mar 18, 2019
  125. Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
  126. Curing Cancer with Yoga? Feb 21, 2019
  127. International Training Massage School (ITM): Level 1 Feb 11-15, 2019
  128. Sandesch Album Launch by Christoph Joerg Feb 13, 2019
  129. Meditation in a Sensory Deprivation Tank at Float Chiang Mai Jan 29, 2019
  130. Reiki Share at the Mastermind Brain Spa Jan 26, 2019
  131. Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
  132. 4 Days in Chiang Mai at Nawa Saraan Hotel Jan 2-6, 2019
  133. Mike Chong Aug 8, 2018
  134. An Intimate Conversation with my Universe in Chiang Mai Aug 8, 2018
  135. Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa Aug 4, 2018
  136. Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Aug 3, 2018
  137. Yoga Exploration at The Yoga Tree with Gernot Aug 1, 2018
  138. Laughter Yoga with Saffiya Arnous July 31, 2018
  139. Yoga with Adam at Hidden House Yoga, Chiang Mai July 29, 2018
  140. 2 Weeks in Chiang Mai July 25 - Aug 7, 2018
  141. A First Timer in Chiang Mai Apr 9-23, 2016
  142. Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
  143. Dance Mandala in Chiang Mai at The Yoga Tree Apr 19, 2016
  144. Songkran Waterfight Festival in Chiang Mai Apr 13-15, 2016
  145. Border Crossing from Siem Reap (Cambodia) to Bangkok (Thailand) to Chiang Mai April 9-10, 2016
General Travel Tips
  1. arrive early - in case there is a snag (visa snag, documentation snag, transport ticket snag, etc.), you will have ample time to troubleshoot the problem if you arrive early (to the airport, to the bus terminal, etc.)
  2. put detailed itinerary on the Calendar apps of your smart-phone according to timelines - this is where you do all your thinking and planning. Once written down, you don't have to think anymore while you are on the journey...you just follow the steps. This frees your mind for something else that might happen while you are already en route
  3. avoiding scams - as a general rule, I ignore the touts or anyone I don't know who call out to me. The calling comes in many forms - "Hi! Where are you from?", "Excuse me! Excuse me!", "Where are you going?". I don't look them in the eye and I remain non-verbal with them. If you reply to them, you just gave them an 'in' to hound you. In order not to look rude, I smile and wave the 'not interested' hand to them, without looking at them.
  4. power bank - hand-carry your power bank. Do not check it in. You can be called in when you are already inside the plane to go all the way to the loading dock so you can personally remove the power bank...and chances are, you'll have to surrender it to them. And you might delay the plane departure!

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