On the List of top things to do in Chiang Mai, is the fighting event called Muay Thai Boxing. We were not going to miss it!

One fine evening during our stay in Chiang Mai,  we walked to the Loikroh Boxing Stadium to watch Muay Thai boxing (video below). The entrance fee was 400 baht (USD$11.65) per person for 6 fights and a program. Although they advertise with a 9 pm start time, it did not begin until 9:30, but it gave us ample time to find a seat, not at the front as that is VIP, and get a drink.

‼️ Watch out for the waitresses- they try to steal the change! Drinks are expensive! 360 baht (USD$10.50) for 1 cocktail & 2 small beers.

A broadcaster keeps the excitement up with play by play announcements and information in English.  If you are into betting, you could place bets with locals by holding up your money and laying it on the table for him to match; 100฿ / $3 was low, but they would always take the bet!

The program showed 6 fights altogether with 5 rounds each (if no knockout).  The 1st match was a main fight between 2 Thai nationals with a knockout in round 4.

Fights 2 and 3 were females, foreigners from Australia and Sweden, against Thais.  Fight #2 with Annette the Australian was pretty good and her Thai opponent Ormduen was a great match, but the Swedish fighter Frida from the third fight seemed slightly slow and out of shape.

The fourth and best fight was again a main fight between male Thais.  It was the best fight of the night; the opponents, Skitpon and Seanchailek were well matched and in great shape making for an exciting battle.

The next fight saw Youri from Switzerland against Thongchai from Thailand. The Swiss arrogantly strutted his stuff around the ring, winning the match with a knockout. This did not seem to please the Rocky wannabe? as he stood above the broken body of his opponent, screaming for him to get up.

The eventful evening passed very quickly, and by 11:30 PM, the fighting was finish and everybody left, in search of cheaper drinks and beds.

How to take the bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Thailand – Green Bus step by step guide with photos.

If you want to take the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, read from the bottom up ?.

Step 1:  Go to the Chiang Rai Green line bus station.  At this point in time it is called the Temperary Bus Terminal, Address.  Click to see bus times / Time schedules for bus departures in either direction. Note: this is in town, not the New Terminal which is 7 kilometers outside of town, unless you prefer that. 

Step 2: Bought our bus ticket from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai for 166 baht (USD$4.85) each, leaving at 11:30 AM www.greenbusthailand.com.

The ticket has all of the important information on the front including the bus number (#166), seat number (3A), departure  date (March 6 for us – 6/3) and time (11:30). Familiarize yourself with the picture below.

We had some time to kill and had not eaten breakfast yet, so went up the street to the BaanchivitMai Bakery and Restaurant – a feel good Bakery ??  We both ordered the Club sandwich with French Fries for 120 baht each (USD$3.50).  A little more expensive than we are comfortable with, but it is supporting a good cause! 100% of the profits go to support disadvantaged children in the province of Chiang Rai – housing, medical and education.

Step 3:  Watch for your bus, and as soon as you are allowed to, show your ticket, load your backpack or suitcase into the luggage compartment.

Step 4:  Present your ticket again at the door to board.  Our Bus #166 was loaded and left the station at 11:32 am ? with an estimated time of arrival 2:15pm. (3 hours 15 minutes).

Within 5 minutes a Thai lady handed out water and cookies to all the passengers.  How civilized! Better than flying!?

At 11:50 am the bus stopped at the main bus station just outside of town (it is where we arrived coming from Luang Prabang, Laos) and picked up more people; 20 minutes and we have not made it too far yet. ? We leave the main station at 11:53 am.

The further we go, the better it gets, winding our way through the lush mountainous countryside of northern Thailand. The scenery is incredibly beautiful and the roads are in perfect condition, possibly recently paved.

Step 5:  We entered the busy city of Chiang Mai at around 2:37 and reach the Arcade bus terminal at 2:48 PM, exactly as promised.?

‼️After note:  Getting a tuk tuk ride was extremely complicated, due to a supposed language barrier. Tip: Have your address printed out IN THAI. Finally after walking away from the terminal, we found someone in the street willing to phone our hotel for the address (in Thai) and take us for, after negotiating, 100 baht / USD$3 (he started at 200 baht).