Chiang Mai.

[BaaBaa.]

Im probably flying to Chiang Mai for 4-5 days on my next visit to Thailand before returning to Hua Hin for Christmas.
Just after any info,opinions,sights,hotels etc. Good or Bad.

[Roppongi]

What's your budget for a hotel and what are your interests?

Try to stay near the moat, unless it's rainy season.

Plenty of golf courses, markets, rafting trips.

[BaaBaa.]

Was thinking about 1000 baht. Looked at the Pornping Towers,that looks close to the market and river and around my budget. Not a big golf fan. Was just interested in reports from others about their visits to Chiang Mai and general opinion on the place.
Cheers.

[Jimiherf]

Porn Ping is ok : friendly place and good breakfast.
Been there one time. Was happy because the Bubble (disco) is there too but it's a 10 minutes' walk from the before midnight action places ...
Today, I find the Duang Tawang much more central for a few baths more and one of the safest places in the area.

[H2ODunc]

Baabaa, I went up to Chiang Mai earlier this year for the first time and was a bit disappointed. The traffic and pollution in town is really bad.There are a few good bars around but then most destinations have the same. . rented a larger motorbike and headed out of town every day. There is some beautiful wats, scenery and caves around and about and there are several elephant sanctuarys around which are also worth a visit. The highest point in Thailand is also there I believe, Doi suthep very nice if you are into waterfalls and photography. Spending a night with the hill tribes is also something to try if you are up for it. just my thoughts for what they are worth, hope you enjoy it dunc

[BaaBaa.]

Wat Doi Suthep certainly looks worth a visit.
Had a look on Stickman and he regards it as the most beautiful temple in Thailand. Will also have a look at the hotel mentioned above.
Not to bothered about the bars,more restaurants as should be taking the GF from Hua Hin with me.
I suppose if you can put up with the fumes in Bangkok, Chiang mai should be like being in the countryside.
A friend of mine went for a visit to the hill tribes.
He reckons the few hours slalomed walk he took to get there was a 10 minute Taxi drive back.
All thoughts are welcome Dunc.
BaaBaa.

[Mart]

Avoid anywhere near the moat. The traffic and pollution is bad!

The people are really friendly though.

Mart

[lomuamart]

Go to Pai in the the sky.
If you want to know any more, just ask.

[Heebio]

I stayed at the Porn Ping for a couple of nights and thought it was no better than okay - good location but the room wasn't that great. I found the Royal Lanna much better value for money - great room and right on the night bazaar, so couldn't be more central - about 1300 a night.

Not sure if I agree with the comments about the traffic and pollution, I didn't think it was too bad - certainly nothing remotely near like Bangkok.

Recommend hiring a taxi or a driver for a few days and doing the mountains and national parks. Doi Suthep is certainly beautiful, but it's the closest temple complex to the city and when I was there, was absolutely swarming with tourists - you couldn't move. Much preferred getting further out of town to the more remote locations and parks. Some stunning scenery, temples and villages when you get 50-60 kilometres out of towns. You won't regret it.

I liked the town itself - totally different atmosphere to anywhere else I've been in Thailand. The nothern food is fantastic and the whole place has a real laid back feel to it. Nightlife is there if you want it and there's some great night markets selling all kinds of northern hand made crafts.

It's a great place - enjoy!

[Nomad]

Everyone has to see CM. I stay at Amora Rydges. Modern upscale hotel for about 1400 a night with breaky. On the moat, near Tae Pae gate and close to everything. Sunday night walking street is more fun than the night bazarre as u are buying direct from the person who made the item. I have a foot masage on the street super cheap and watch all the people walk by. Kow soi is a delicious local lunch food...noodles in rich chicken or pork curry soup. Ask the hotel or any local as there are 2 famous cafes to go to. They close at 4 p.m. Younger people like to go trekking in the hills for a few days. You sleep in the hill tribe villages. Some nice restaurants on the river Ping with the Good View being the best for me. There is a tapas bar and fine dining restaurant in a house on Moon Muang road around soi 7 that is also good. Forgot the name. Rent a car and driver and get outa town. Doi is mountain in Lanna Thai so go to Doi Suthep and if you have time and Doi Inathanon. Rent a bungalow for a few hours and soak in the hot springs and boil eggs in the hot water. Its fun to ride the elephants down the river. Chaing Rai is about another 4 hours north and you can do the golden triangle in a couple days. Chaing Mai people are warm and chaing mai women are famous for their white skin and beauty.

[BaaBaa.]

Thanks Heebio and Nomad, good advice from both.
Will definitely be paying a Visit, both Hotels you mentioned look like good choices too.
Anyone know any good websites for cheap flights?
Or maybe better to buy at Bangkok airport?
Around 3300 baht Bangkok to Chiang mai return is best ive seen so far.

[lomuamart]

There's a couple in town who have recently flown return BKK to Udon for 399Baht each. That's right, 399.
Obviously a big promotion. I'll try and find out more- airline and routes and let you know.

[Bamboo Grove]

If you're there with somebody else, a night place to eat is called Ka Lae. It's on Doi Suthep Road (not the one leading to Doi Suthep but parallel to it.) There's a small reservoir and when the sun sets it's very nice. Good and reasonably priced food and great athmosphere

[BaaBaa.]

Thanks all.
By the way Lomu, What the F is Pai in the sky?
Sounds like a rooftop GoGo bar.

[lomuamart]

Thanks all.
By the way Lomu, What the F is Pai in the sky?
Sounds like a rooftop GoGo bar.

Na. There's a town called Pai pretty much halfway between CM and Mae Hong Song. Up in the hills, in a valley on the main road.
I've been up there twice - the first time, a couple of years ago, I went for "two weeks" and reappeared in HH 3 months later!! The second time was just for 2 weeks.
Despite it's only being 150km or so from CM, a bus will take you 4 hours to get there. Truely spectacular scenery and a really big mix of people - Thai, Farang, Muslim, Karen, Shan, Lisu, Lahu etc etc.
I can recommend places to stay, but there are no real 5 star places. A basic bungalow with fan and hot water shower costs about 150 a night. Better air-con places by the Pai river, about 600-700.
It's affectionally known as "Pai in the sky".