Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [291]
Baan Bua Guest House (0 5371 8880; www.baanbuaguesthouse.com; 879/2 Th Jet Yot; r 200-350B; ) This quiet guesthouse consists of a strip of 17 bright green rooms surrounding an inviting garden. The guide who does the tours has been with them for a decade.
City Home (0 5360 0155; 868 Th Phahonyothin; r 250-400B; ) Down a tiny soi, smack in the middle of town, this quiet four-storey hotel has 17 large rooms. Air-con rooms have wooden floors and cable TV, and are well furnished. A couple of shared-bathroom fan-cooled rooms are downstairs, but are somewhat musty smelling.
Jansom House (0 5371 4552; 897/2 Th Jet Yot; r 450B; ) This three-storey hotel offers spotless, spacious rooms set around a small courtyard filled with plants. You normally wouldn’t expect frills at this price, but amazingly rooms here are equipped with cable TV, well-designed bathrooms and tiled floors. An excellent value.
Orchids Guest House (0 5371 8361; www.orchidsguesthouse.com; 1012/3 Th Jet Yot; r 450B; ) This collection of spotless rooms in a residential compound looks even younger than its scant two years. Various services are available here, including internet and airport transfer (250B).
The North (0 5371 9873; www.thenorth.co.th; 612/100-101 Sirikon Market; r 450-650; ) Located steps away from the bus station, this new hotel has provided the drab market area with a bit of colour. The 18 rooms here combine both Thai and modern design, and the more expensive ones open to inviting chill-out areas. A friendly, family atmosphere fills out the package.
Baan Warabordee (0 5375 4488; 59/1 Th San Pannat; r 500-700B; ) A delightful small hotel has been made from this modern three-storey Thai villa. Rooms are decked out in dark woods and light, hand-woven cloths. The owners are friendly and can help with local advice. The hotel is nearly at the end of residential street Th San Pannat.
MIDRANGE
Moon & Sun Hotel (0 5371 9279; www.moonandsunhotel.com; 632 Th Singkhlai; r 800-1000B, ste 1100B; ) Bright and sparkling clean, this little hotel offers large modern rooms. Some come with four-poster beds, all come with desk, cable TV and refrigerator. Suites have a separate, spacious sitting area.
Golden Triangle Inn (0 5371 1339; www.goldenchiangrai.com; 590 Th Phahonyothin; r incl breakfast 800B; ) Resembling an expansive Thai home (including the occasional lived-in untidiness this can involve), the 39 rooms here have tile or wood floors and wooden furniture. The compound includes a restaurant, a Budget car-rental office and an efficient travel agency. It’s a popular place so book in advance.
Diamond Park Inn (0 5375 4960; www.diamondparkinn.com; 74/6 Moo 18, Th San Pannat; r incl breakfast 900-1050B, ste incl breakfast 1500B; ) Aggressive marketing strategy aside (‘When ever you are at Chiang Rai. Stay at The Diamond Park Inn’), this new hotel is a terrific midrange choice. Rooms are large and attractive, with modern furniture and beds on an elevated platform. The more expensive rooms have tubs, wide balconies, and are big enough to feel slightly empty.
Red Rose Hotel (0 5375 6888; www.redrosehotel.com; 14 Th Prachasanti; r incl breakfast 900-1050B, ste incl breakfast from 1600B; ) Think Disneyland on acid; the Red Rose is by far northern Thailand’s wackiest place to stay. The owner was inspired by US-style amusement parks, and rooms here feature themes such as UFO, Jungle House and Love Boat (we suggest the Thai Boxing room, complete with ringside bed and punching bags). Fun communal areas with equipment ranging from table tennis to a pool table make the Red Rose perfect for families or for adults who haven’t grown up yet.
TOP END
Mantrini (0 5360 1555-9; www.mantrini.com; 292 Moo 13, Robwiang on the Superhighway; r 2880-3290B, ste 9700B; ) This is the place to stay if design is your most important consideration.