Chiang Mai

sandymellis · #1 19-10-2005, 18:55

The wife and I will be visiting Chiang Mai in April for 3 or 4 nights depending on how much time would suffice for our first Thailand visit. Need suggestions for somewhere to stay which is nice but not huge or overly expensive. Also what would be a good itinerary for sightseeing in the area for a couple of days or three.

Captain · #2 19-10-2005, 21:35

Hotels in Chiang Mai are a lot cheaper than BKK and certainly Phuket.
Suggest that you look for something around the nightmarket as this is easy to pass the evening browsing all the shops?
First time I was there (1991) I sayed in Novotel Suriwongse, Was renamed Melia and after that Zenith. Old hotel, but on the market, now probably around 1000/1200 per night. Last time I stayed in the Princess, next door to Suriwongse. Abit more expensive

mars · #3 25-10-2005, 18:38

Stayed in the Suriwongse (is that spelling correct not sure)

Now B1500 A night in the cheep season.

Lobby is beautiful but rooms are starting to get a little jaded.

The electrics are not working correctly when using control box the telly wouldnt swich on wrong lights comming on etc and where it plugged in was all taped up.

Stationary was from a cheaper hotel next door the star hotel, maybe same company. breakfast spread was delicious though buffet style.

Stayed at the pornping close by 2 nights similar story. B1,099

Both nice hotels in need of a touching up.

Must do trip is the Elephant safari bookable anywhere, lots of adds saying B1000, but one woman offered it to me for B900. I went back later to book it and she was missing and the man at the next desk gave it to me for B800.

Worth a haggle

dizbuster · #4 25-10-2005, 18:59

Nearer the top end of the market, I can recommend the Imperial Mae Ping hotel. It's right in the centre and close to the night market etc, but still set back enough to be in quiet surroundings. Staff were brilliant and I really enjoyed my stay there. If your budget can stretch to it, then I suggest a Deluxe Room - they are at the top and give great views across the city

Here's their own website http://www.imperialhotels.com/maeping/

but I would suggest booking through a travel agent as then you'll get a better rate. Some agencies I have used without problems are...

http://directrooms-thailand.com
http://www.chiangmai-online.com/

The second link will give you lots of information on what to do and see.

Good luck