Welcome to my first post about Healthcare in Thailand on Medical Tourism Lite. There’s really not much more to add to my original at www.BBAblog.com, until it reincarnates as part of an e-book.

On a recent Medical Tourism FAM trip to Thailand, I re-visited one of my favorites cities, Chiang Mai.

Chang Mai is one of the best places to enjoy Songkran, a three to five-day celebration of the Buddhist New Year, in mid-April.

My Thai friends tell me October is the best time to Travel to Thailand. Chiang Mai is cooler in the fall, and just as charming before the high season when the global “Snow Birds” arrive.

There was once a promise to build a hi-speed train from Bangkok. There were a number of beautiful retirement communities being built when I was there last.  I’m sure it will only make it easier for serious shoppers and wholesale buyers, but it’s still a trek from Bangkok.

We over-nighted, after a few days at the unique, Fondcome Village Resort, a traditional Thai resort in the hills overlooking the city:www.fondcome.com/

The luxury hospitality brands that were missing in Chiang Mai on my last trip have arrived. We dined on the river at the Sofitel, during their pre-opening week.

Thoroughly enjoyed a day trip to the magnificent Mandarin Oriental, where we participated in a Thai cooking class, which deliciously manifested into our lunch.

Afterward, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll of the grounds, the gardens, and only toured a dreamy Spa, that we didn’t have a chance to experience because we had just enough time to join the hotel’s private Songkran parade.  Absolutely charming. The Mandarin Oriental offers charm and privacy, for those discerning individuals who can afford the very best.www.dharadhevi.com

Chiang Mai, once the capital of the Kingdom of Lanna, is today, the largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand. It sits at a much higher elevation, which makes it a bit cooler than other parts of the country – most of the time.

Thailand Tourism/LA, http://www.tourismthailand.org arranged for us to stay at the Thai owned, Dusit Thani Hotels, which was a lovely treat because they’re all so different www.dusit.com/DusitThaniHotel‎

Of the two Dusit Thani hotels here in Chiang Mai, we stayed a few days at the traditional Thai style, Princess. Nothing terribly special to squeal about, but it was peaceful, and located in an established part of town for those, without walking shoes. In addition to a central location, everything worked perfectly, it was immaculate and had a simple but decent in-house restaurant.

The window in my room actually opened. It was lovely to sip on a beer while listening to the sounds of Chaing Mai unfolding at night, overlooking the twinkling lights illuminating the street vendors as they packed up at midnight.

In the morning, I looked over rooftops and enjoyed a cup of coffee as I watched the city wake.  Directly across the street, I was comforted by a giant-sized Ronald McDonald’s dummy giving me the “Wi” sign.

We toured and had dinner at the minimal, ultra modern, Dusit2 Hotel is just a few blocks away. Cool enough for any millenial. Next time, this Boomer Broad plans to stay here for a few days: www.dusit.com/DusitD2-ChiangMai‎

We moved on to the Dusitani, in Hua Hin. See my Trip Adviser report here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297922-d1225437-r181632936-Dusit_Thani_Hua_Hin_Hotel-Hua_Hin_Prachuap_Khiri_Khan_Province.html#UR181632936

Afterward, I settled down to roughly 10 days on my own in Bangkok, catching up with friends, usually over a meal. I love the way Thai’s always incorporate food whenever we meet.

When I discovered that eye exams are free in Thailand, I had enough time to order some new lenses for my glasses.

I was in Bangkok for some dental work with the only dentist I will trust with my teeth, Dr. Kamala at Yanhee. I also have periodic physicals at Yanhee Hospital and try different anti-aging beauty options because they have the latest equipment, it’s often much cheaper and all specialties are under one roof.

Construction of the Sky Train is creeping closer to Yanhee’s front door. Public transportation will make the trip from the tourist area to Yanhee more efficient and reliable. Bangkok traffic is disgusting and construction is everywhere. Don’t be offended when some taxies won’t make the trip across town. You may find your self in a cab longer than expected.

Taxi fares have gone up, but it seems the drivers are more professional – at least, the ones I encountered this time, as opposed to last. They have a local app. for taxis that works really well.

There’s lots to show and tell. I intend to be blogging about MedicalTourism Lite in Thailand for the next few weeks at least, so I hope you’ll come back for photos as well as story updates.