You can really style it in Chiang Mai; accommodation is really cheap, unless you want to throw good money at posh hotels. The center of Chiang Mai is full of guesthouses, which is the best way to enjoy Chiang Mai’s laid-back character and avoid the overly commercial, touristy feel of expensive hotels.
There are so many guesthouses to choose from that you can literally wander around and take your pick – that’s if the touts at the station haven’t already gotten to you first. Rates vary from 100 – 500 baht, but you get what you pay for and some have very pokey bathrooms and no hot water (Chiang Mai can get quite chilly). Noise is another factor worth considering, so it’s worth seeking out the small places tucked down an alley in the old town or adjacent areas. Since everything is within walking distance, there’s no need to select the most convenient location.
Out of season (May – October), rates drop by as much as 30%.
Here are some of our suggestions: Note!
Many small streets in Thailand are referred to as ‘sois’ (lanes) off a larger street. Therefore an address such as 12, soi 5, Ratchadamnoen rd, means the 12th house of the 5th lane off Ratchadamnoen rd (road is called ‘thanon’ in Thai and abbreviated as th).
Book a guesthouse or hostel here!
Julie’s Guesthouse: “The Oasis within the city” has a relaxing atmosphere with various chill-out gardens, centrally located but still away from the main roads. Nice, cheap and clean rooms, a wide selection of meals, friendly and helpful staff and the adventure-tour specialised travel agency make your stay unforgettable!
Dormbeds 60 Baht, double rooms 160-300 Baht. 7/1 Soi 5, Phrapokklao Rd. (053) 274 355
www.julieguesthouse.com
Baan Orapin Bed and Breakfeast: Built in Northern Thai (Lanna) styled architecture, surrounded by tall longan trees, is within 5 to 15 minutes walking distance of the Night Bazzar, Thapae gate, the famous RiversidBar and e Restaurant along the Ping River, local handicraft shops, and Warorot market. It boasts an inviting residential ambiance that combines an authentic neighborhood vibe with the modern comforts. Baan Orapin provides 6 well-appointed rooms and suites. The six units are housed in the new contemporary northern Thai styled building. Single/Double contemporary rooms & Lanna style villas 1200-3000 Baht per night
150 Charoenraj Rd., T.Wat Kate, A.Muang Chiang Mai 50000 Thailand
Tel: +66 01 6164016, +66 01 530 9850
www.baanorapin.com
Banana Guest house: Cheapest in town, dorm beds or rooms, popular with backpackers. Dorm beds: b50, double rooms b120. 4/9 Ratchapakinai rd (053) 206 285. Chiang Mai
White House: A Lonely Planet favourite with clean rooms, good security, quiet location and nice garden. Rooms b250, or b350with a/c and TV. 12 soi 5, Ratchadamnoen rd (053) 357 130.
Eagle House 2: Centrally located with a good travellers’ centre, new rooms and nice outdoor area. Doubles b200, or b300 with hot water and a/c. 26 Ratwithi rd (053) 418 494.
Gaps Guesthouse: Just behind AUA with comfortable rooms in an antique teak house, in a lovely garden. Cooking classes on offer. Doubles b400. 3, soi 4, Ratchadamnoen rd (053) 278 140.
Lamchang House: Nice wooden house with small garden restaurant, run by friendly old couple. Rooms with shared hot water b150. 24 soi 7, Moon Muang rd (053) 210 586. Chiang
Mai Kristi House: Popular, convenient and quiet location, but average rooms. Double rooms b180. 14/2, soi 5, Ratchadamnoen rd (053) 418 165.
Lai Thai Guest House: Popular place, alongside the moat with restaurant and pool. Rooms b300. 111/4-5 Kotchasan rd (053) 271 725.
Thana Guesthouse: Israeli house of choice, with signs in Hebrew, Kosher food in the restaurant and good rooms. Rooms b180 (hot water), with a/c b300. 27/8 soi 4, Thapae rd (053) 279 794.
Chiang Mai Souvenir Guest House: Conveniently located near Night Market, yet quiet, with nice outdoor eating area. Rooms b180 (hot water), with a/c b300. 116 Charoen Prathet rd (053) 818 786.
Little Home Guesthouse: Near the Moat in modern Thai-styled building with private balconies. Doubles b280. 1/1 soi 3, Kotchasan rd (053) 206 939.
