We leave tomorrow for our first Asia trip ever. We are off to BKK, Chiang Mai and Phuket and the folks on this board have been instrumental in planning. Really! All of our "big decisions" have been made through the advice of the more seasoned folks here: Cathay Pacific, Thai Air, Marriott Resort and Spa, Baan Orapin, Marriott Phuket, Peninsula, Poon, Tong, even Joy's House. Thanks for your advice along the way.

One final question: We are visiting an orphanage in CM and would like to purchase school supplies for the children. Where is an inexpensive place to do this in Chiang Mai?

Thank you all. Report will be filed upon return!
LAChica

I can't help with a specific place to buy them but we buy all our stuff and also office supplies from Lotus (Supermarket), cheap, they also have a good supply of book,s pens, pencils, crayons etc suitable.

If you go into a mall perhaps where there is a Lotus you will also find bookshops with coloring books in Thai etc. Tip: Go for 'quantity' rather than quality, better to have lots and lots of small cheaper items, nothing worse than having someone 'left out'!

LAC-Have a great time. The wonder of Thailand awaits you. See how long it takes you to realize that you have to return.

Have a wonderful trip! I look forward to your report.

have a great trip....i should think you might be better off buying the loot in bkk or even in usa before you leave.....your guide/driver can assist you with this if you let them know in advance of starting out with them....more choice in bkk perhaps...and they might even steer you to certain more preferred items which they feel would be more appropriate for thai kids...

don't forget we expect a full report upon your return!!!

Have a great trip. Before I went to Ghana on both trips, I went into my local Office Max and bought packaged pencils that come in the hundreds since Ghana has a major pencil shortage in the schools. They also have a chalk shortage. So the simplest things are needed in a lot of countries. Happy Travels!

Great ideas. I'll pop over to the Staples today to pick up some supplies, they're super cheap this time of year. It will give me something to do - time passes so slowly when you're waiting!

Thanks for your thoughts, and I'll make sure to keep good notes while we're gone.
LAChica

Have a blast!

Aloooooha!

It was one year ago this week that I went to Thailand. The place was amazing!

The kids will loooove the gifts. I brought some for the Hilltribe kids in Chiang Mai.

Have a great time!!!!

Yes, this is one of the best times to buy school supplies since the Back-To-School items are out and plentiful now. Happy Travels!

As there are reports of serious floods in Chiang Mai, you might consider changing your route, no ?

Obviously the previous post has us worrying. Could someone tell me where I might find out more info on the flooding? We aren't sure what to do, and obviously this is last minute.

If you haven't already purchased your school items, I am sure Opas at Baan Orapin can help you. You shouldn't have a problem going to Chiang Mai if you are flying but the trains are not running smoothly.

We have just left Chiang Mai - the floods came the day after although the meditation centre below Whole Earth restaurant was flooded the evening before we left. Generally the weather is not so good at this time of year - it rained 3 out of the 6 days we were there - mainly in the evening and through the night - but it didn't spoil our stay. Perhaps ring or email Opas and Air at Baan Orapin for an update as to the situation there - v wonderful family, you will have a fab time staying with them.