Note 1: The above figure should also include 1,900 baht plus miscellaneous related costs of up to 600 baht for each time you need to extend your non-immigrant visa while in Thailand. You may need to extend your visa only once, but for students who enter Thailand before the program begins and/or leave Thailand after the program ends, you may need to extend it several more times. PLEASE NOTE: NO STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO PHYSICALLY LEAVE THAILAND (EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF EMERGENCY) WHILE ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM.

Note 2: Students on tuition-only exchanges (students from Oregon University System, Warren Wilson College and Deakin University) are asked to pay an activity fee directly to Payap in addition to the financial arrangements they have with their home institution. This fee covers off-campus activities, such as field trips to local sites and out-of-town excursions. The current cost of the activity fee is $500 US dollars.

TRANSPORTATION IN CHIANG MAI

Red trucks
These are group taxis, and are called see law (four wheel) in Northern Thai. They are very plentiful in the city of Chiang Mai and very easy to use. They are small trucks, fitted with a cap and two rows of benches in the back for passengers. Wave one down by sticking your arm straight out at about a 70% angle from your body, palm flat and facing down, and wave your whole arm up and down. Simply tell the driver where you would like to go. If he nods or says yes, get in the back and assume that your fare is 10 baht. If he doesn't say yes right away, you'll have to bargain for a price that you think is acceptable. In general, you should pay no more than 80 baht for any one-way ride in a red truck around town. Prices for a full day of sightseeing in a see law will range between 800-1,500 depending on where and how far you want to go. Remember that other people will get on and off the see law on the way to your destination. If you're in a hurry, you may have to pay more to get the driver to not pick up other fares. It may go without saying, but you will spend a lot of money on transportation if you like to go out and sight-see.

Tuk-tuks
Tuk-tuks are three-wheeled vehicles that look like a motorcycle attached to a small carriage. They are also plentiful in Chiang Mai. Wave them down the same way you would a see law. They are more expensive than see-law and you will have to bargain for a price every time.

Bicycle Rickshaws
There are fewer and fewer of these in Chiang Mai as the city expands. They are bicycles with covered carriages in the back. Because the driver pedals a bike, it takes longer to get places. You will also have to bargain for the price you want. Not only are they are fun to ride and non-polluting, renting one helps the driver make a living. Use them inside the city.

Blue, yellow, green, and white trucks
Different colored see-law congregate at Gad Luang Market, Pratu Chiang Mai Market, and at the Chang Puek bus station. They follow regular routes and have their destination name written, in Thai, on the side, top, and front, of each of them. The prices are fixed, generally between 8 and 12 baht per person (look for a sign inside the back of the truck that outlines prices). Please note that not same-color trucks go to the same destination. Ask the driver to make sure of the destination.

Busses
A citywide bus service is slowly being implemented in Chiang Mai city. As soon as we have concrete information regarding the extent of service and routes this section will be updated.    

However, from Chiang Mai city you can take a bus to almost any destination in Thailand from the Arcade bus station. At the bus station, ask the clerks at the different bus company windows for prices and departure times.

Motorcycles, Cars, and Vehicle Rentals
Due to our experience with student accidents while driving motor vehicles and the serious danger of driving in and around Chiang Mai, we have set strict guidelines regarding motor vehicle use while participating in the program. If any Thai Studies program staff see you renting or driving any motor vehicle while enrolled in the program you will be expelled. You may ride as a passenger on a motorcycle only if you wear a helmet. As mentioned earlier, please do not accept rides from strangers on motorcycles or in cars. Do not accept rides from Payap students who you do not already know.

Bicycles
You may want to buy or rent a bicycle to get around your neighborhood and the campus. This can be pleasant and economical, but please wear a helmet and never, never expect to have the "right of way". We do not recommend riding a bicycle after dark, or out of the Payap neighborhood.

Payap: "Getting There and Away"
An important fact for all international students to know right away about Payap University is that motorized travel to and from the university is time-consuming, difficult, and expensive. In general it is relatively easy to come to Payap if you are coming from the city. Getting into the city from Payap can take some time and effort. Payap sponsors see-law to travel between the canteen at the Mae Khao campus and the Nursing Faculty at the Kaew Nawarat campus for eight baht per student. You have to wait for the see-law to fill up with students before you can go. If you are in a hurry, you will have to negotiate a higher price with the driver. These see-law usually make their last trip away from Mae Khao campus before 5:00 p.m. If you would like to leave the Mae Khao campus after 5:00 p.m., we suggest that you request the name and phone number of a reliable see-law driver from one of our staff. We keep a list of drivers' numbers specifically for this purpose.

You will pay approximately 60-100 baht if you are leaving Payap alone, and probably will have to pay about 50-80 for the return trip. The more people in the see-law going together, the cheaper the fare per person, so plan to travel in a group if you're concerned about cost.

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