VISAS & FORMALITIES

Tourists from 49 countries are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes. They will be permitted to stay in the country for a period of not exceeding 30 days on each visit. A passport valid for 6 months at the date of the entrance to Thailand and a return ticket are required.

There are no sanitary major risks in Thailand. Before leaving, just update classic vaccines as DT-polio (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Poliomyelitis) and recommended vaccines (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid). The risk of contracting malaria in Thailand is low. Only travelers staying at the borders with Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar can discuss with their doctor about a preventive treatment. There is no risk around Chiang Mai where the race is held. Once in Thailand we recommend runners to buy a local prepaid SIM card. It is very easy to find it either at the airport in Chiang Mai or in a 7-eleven shop (True Move). For more information on Visas, please visit the website of the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs of Thailand http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123.

TRANSPORT

From Bangkok it can be very cheap to fly to Chiang Mai. Many FLIGHT COMPANIES offer daily flights at competitive prices. The two cheapest companies are Thai Lion Air and Air Asia. When booking in advance some tickets are less than $40. For some runners it could be a better deal to fly to Bangkok then Chiang Mai (be careful about the right airport, there are 2 in Bangkok). Most of the flights leaves from Don Muang Airport. From Europe we recommend to book tickets to Thailand on the web site skyscanner.com. On average the cost for a return ticket is between $600 and $800. It is also possible to fly directly to Chiang Mai with China Eastern, part of Sky Team. The company offers several flights from Europe to Chiang Mai with a stop over in China (Kunming or Shanghai). The flight might be long sometime but the prices are very competitive. From Asia there are many international direct flights.

Chiang Mai-bound TRAINS leave Bangkok at Hua Lamphong station daily (MRT metro station). There are trains leaving every hours. To check the most up-to-date timetables and prices call the State Railway of Thailand (free hotline 1690) or visit its website http://www.railway.co.th/checktime/checktime.asp?lenguage=Eng.It is recommended to book train in advance especially for berths on sleepers. To book, either go directly to Hualamphong station or email the State Railway of Thailand (passenger-ser@railway.co.th) at least two weeks before your journey. 10 private BUS COMPANIES run air-con buses between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Here are the two best and reliable ones. They provide excellent services and are safe. We recommend them.Nakhonchai Air http://www.nca.co.th/main_en.html / Hotline in English: 1624Sombat Tour http://www.sombattour.com/html/home.php PUBLIC BUSES leave from Bangkok bus terminal in Mo Chit (BTS metro station).2nd class air-con: 12 departures each day / Duration: 10-11 hours / Price: THB 4341st class air-con with toilets: Leave every half hour from 6.45am to 9pm / Duration: 10 hours / Price: THB 558Government VIP buses: 6 departures each day / Duration: 10 hours / Price: THB 863