You should have no problems hooking up to some free wifi in Chiang Mai. In some parts of the city it's difficult to go 50 metres without stumbling on a bunch of signals.

The densest concentration is probably in the area popular with trendy locals, Nimmanhaemin Road. It seems like every coffee shop and smart restaurant down here provides wifi.

Up in the backpacker part of town you might struggle a little bit, but you can combine surfing and drinking in such pleasant establishments as the Pirate Cove on Ratchamankha Road and Chiang Mai Saloon on Rajvithi Road. There are also a few smart coffee shops such as Wawee's to consider.

For the more serious Internet junkie you'll be looking at rooms equipped with wifi. For this I'll direct you to 'wifi alley', Ratchadamneon soi 1, just south of Thapae Gate. You have the very comfortable Ban Wiang Guesthouse along with the slightly more upscale Boonthavon and Mini Cost. At the end of this alley there's even the more backpacker level Rama Guesthouse sporting wifi! And don't forget the Montri right by Thapae gate - their signal seems to reach just about every cafe in the vicinity.

Others: The Garden Chiang Mai on Loi Kroh Rd, Prince on Tai Wang Rd, Viang Bua on Viangbua Rd and Galare Guesthouse on Chareonprathet Rd.

Of course, there'll be more when you get there.

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Higher Grounds has been around for less than a year, but is already a staple of the Northern Liberties neighborhood. The people are friendly, the food is tasty, and the atmosphere is great. Complete with free Wifi and good music, this is a place you can hang out in for a while. Especially since they're open until 11pm on Friday and Saturday. For something different, try their green tea latte.

631 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA.
Via Septa: Take the Market-Frankford El to Spring Garden. Walk to 3rd then head north. URL: www.highergroundscafe.com

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Trendy snowboarding/skate shop with clothing, footwear, accessories. There is also an internet cafe with Skype and a plasma screen playing classic movies.

16 cours Bartavel, in the centre of Chamonix, next to the cinema;
tel: 0450907317;
www.shop74chamonix.com

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If you're a Mac enthusiast then check out the I-cafe in Ipanema. They have wireless internet connection if you're travelling with a laptop and a large selection of iMacs and Power Macs for surfing or utilising any Mac programs.

Prudente de Morais, 167, Ipanema;
www.appleicafe.com.br

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