Cheap Places to Stay in Chiang Mai

Cheap guesthouses are clustered in a number of areas, primarily alongside the streets and lanes off Th Moon Muang and alongside a number of lanes running south off Th Tha Phae. You’ll also find a couple of along Th Charoen Prathet, parallel to and west of Mae Nam Ping. There are mainly two sorts of budget guesthouse accommodation - old family homes transformed into guest rooms (these often have one of the best environment, but the least privateness), and hotel- or condo-style places with rows of cell-like rooms. In each, the furnishings are fundamental - a bed and a few sticks of furniture.

You can assume that rooms underneath 150B won’t have a non-public bathroom but will most likely have a fan. The cheaper guesthouses make most of their money from meals service and hill-tribe trekking reasonably than from room fees, therefore it's possible you'll be pressured to eat and to sign up for a trek. Places that charge 200B or extra normally don’t hassle guests on this way. Most of the guesthouses can prepare bicycle and motorcycle rental. When you telephone a guesthouse, most will collect you from station or bus terminal without cost if they have a room available (this saves them having to pay a fee to a driver).

INNER MOAT AREA

Lamchang House (0 5321 0586; Soi 7, Th Moon Muang; r 90-170B) Operated by a Thai family, this picket Thai-fashion home is a good price range alternative and has loads of character. Rooms have some Thai decorations and fresh flowers, and there’s a small garden restaurant. The draw back is that every one the bogs are shared.

Julie Guesthouse (0 5327 4355; www.julieguesthouse.com; Th Phra Pokklao, 7 Soi 5; dm 60B, r 90-300B) This funky place has a colorful range of rooms and is a great place to meet other travelers. There are lots of areas to hang out, just like the covered roof terrace with hammocks and the garden café with a pool table. There's a travel company on site.

Supreme House (0 5322 2480; 44/1 Soi 9, Th Moon Muang; s/d/tr 150/175/250B) This nondescript three-storey, hotel-like building attracts mainly long-tremors. The environment is relaxed, the rooms are massive, the roof has hammocks and there’s a library on the bottom floor.

Montra House (Home; 0 5341 8658; Th Ratchadamnoen, Soi 5; r 200B; i) Opposite Chiang Mai White House, this place has good-worth, primary however spotless digs. Some rooms are in a wood house with shared bogs, others are concrete rooms behind the picket home, each with lavatory; all rooms price the same.

Safe House Court (0 5341 8955;

178 Th Ratchaphakhinai; r 200-350B; a) This friendly budget alternative features fundamental rooms with large bogs in an residence-court feel.

Baan Manee (0 5320 7133; nanthakwang@hotmail.com; Th Moon Muang, 31 Soi 2; r 250-350B; a) Subsequent door to Top North Guest House, this new place has well-equipped, tremendous clean rooms with cable TV. Should you fancy a swim, you should utilize Top North’s pool (100B per day).

Siri Guesthouse (0 5332 6550; www.siri.gh@hotmail.com; Th Moon Muang, Soi 5; r 300-350B) This new place presents unbelievable worth rooms, stylishly adorned with darkish wood furnishings and some Thai touches. There’s a fairly fishpond out front.

Eagle House 2 (0 5321 0620; www.eaglehouse.com; Th Ratwithi, 26 Soi 2; dm 80B, r 200-360B; a) This three-storey, fashionable constructing has primary rooms with a jarring yellow, green and crimson décor. There’s a nice backyard sitting area. It’s pretty quiet besides when the bars round Th Ratwithi get going from 9pm to midnight.

RCN Court (0 5341 8280-2, 0 53224619; fax 0 5321 1969; Th Moon Muang, 35 Soi 7; r 300- 450B; ai) This welcoming place has wellequipped, massive and light rooms with cable TV, fridge and security box. Services embrace a small health room, 24-hour web, laundry service and a kitchen. Monthly rates are available.

Chiang Mai White Home (0 53357130; www.chiangmaiwhitehouse.com; Th Ratchadamnoen, 12 Soi 5; r 250-400B; a) This guesthouse options clean, quiet, air-con rooms with cable TV.

Jonadda Guest House (0 5322 7281; Th Ratwithi, 23/1 Soi 2; s/d/tr 250/350/450B) Run by an Aussie-Thai couple, this place has spotless however bland rooms. There's a pleasant café attached and it’s convenient to the pub crawl space off Th Ratwithi.

Rendezvous Guest House (0 53213763; rendezvouschiangmai@hotmail.com; Th Ratchadamnoen, 3/1 Soi 5; r 300-450B; a) All the rooms on this three-storey guesthouse have TV, safety box and fridge. Ask for the slightly dearer ‘new rooms’ - these are a lot better value. There's a nice restaurant with red banquettes.

Top North Guest House (0 5327 8900; Th Moon Muang, 15 Soi 2; r 300-500B; as) Similar location as the High North Hotel - come here for the pool however don’t expect great shakes from the rooms. There’s also a small spa and sauna.

Tri Gong Residence (05321 4754; www.trigong.com; Th Sribhum, 8 Soi 1; r 600B) Situated on the end of Th Moon Muang’s soi 9, Tri Gong has a courtyard surrounded by trendy rooms. The big rooms feature sensible rattan and teak furnishings, massive bogs, cable TV, fridges and free wireless internet. There are cheaper fortnightly charges, a kitchen, plus free web on computer systems at reception.

Smile House 1 (0 5320 8661; www.smileguesthouse.com; Th Ratchamankha, 5 Soi 2; r 200-600B;as) This place gives plain rooms in an previous Thai home surrounded by a row of newer rooms. The small pool is a plus but the communal space is shabby. This home once served because the ‘protected home’ of the notorious Shan-Chinese language opium warlord Khun Sa every time he came to Chiang Mai.

SK House (0 5341 8396; www.sk-riverview.com; Th Moon Muang, 30 Soi 9; r 300- 600B; ais) Rooms here have conventional Thai scenes painted on the door, tasteful furnishings and a comfy feel. Air-con rooms have cable TV. Extras embody a big swimming pool, an atmospheric communal space stuffed with antiques, a restaurant and TV, and an internet room.

Awana Sleep and Swim Guesthouse (0 5341 9005; www.awanahouse.com; Th Ratchadamnoen, Soi 1; dm 120B, r 450-700B; ais) Down a quiet soi, yet proper by Thae Pae Gate, Awana is a good deal with its massive, neat and lightweight rooms with balconies, TV and fridge. The tiny pool is good for a plunge however not for sunbathing. Dorm beds with mozzie nets can be found on the lined roof terrace; there’s also a pool table.

Gap’s House (0 5327 8140; www.gaps-house.com; Th Ratchadamnoen, three Soi four; r 350-750B; a) Gap’s picket rooms have some beautiful antiquey furnishings but the partitions are thin. The cheaper, sturdier concrete rooms are more basic. All rooms encompass a lush garden and breakfast area, stuffed with cupboards of trinkets. A cookery course ( p293 ) and excursions are provided, in addition to a preferred nightly vegetarian buffet upstairs.

PRATU THA PHAE TO THE RIVER

Daret’s House (0 5323 5440; 4/5 Th Chaiyaphum; r 180B) A long-time backpackers’ fave with stacks of primary, properly-worn rooms. The large sidewalk café on the entrance is popular.

Sarah Guest House (0 5320 8271; www.sarahguesthouse.com; Th Tha Phae, 20 Soi four; r 250-400B; a) Run by an English woman, the rooms have chunky wooden furniture and large loos, with the option of fan or air-con. In a fairly garden setting, this is a quiet place with a café attached.

New Mitrapap Hotel (0 5323 5436; fax 0 5325 1260; 94-98 Th Ratchawong; r/suite incl breakfast 330-430/700B; a) This can be a basic Thai-Chinese spot on Chiang Mai’s small Chinatown, between the east moat and Mae Nam Ping. A serious renovation was near completion at the time of writing. The rooms are good worth but feel fairly little one-like with the skin of the doorways painted in numerous pastel and primaries, and matching paint work inside. It’s close to a number of inexpensive Chinese restaurants, in addition to the Talat Warorot.

Riverside House (0 5324 1860; www.riversidehousechiangmai.com; 101 Th Chiang Mai-Lamphun; r 350-600B; a) Next door to TAT, this quiet and friendly place is about again from the road. The rooms are giant, pristine, wellfurnished and great value. Arranged round a reasonably garden, all have cable TV and embody breakfast. There may be an adjoining travel agency, coffee shop and web service.

Roong Ruang Hotel (Roong Raeng; 05323 4746; fax 0 5325 2409; 398 Th Tha Phae; 350-800B;a) With a first-rate location close to Pratu Tha Phae, on the eastern side of town moat, all the properly-furnished rooms with cable TV have pleasant sitting areas out the front. The more expensive rooms have air-con and are in the new building. This can be a good place to remain for the Flower Competition in February because the Saturday parade passes right by the doorway, however for a similar purpose it’s most likely not the best choice for the raucous Songkran and Loi Krathong festivals.

TH NIMMANHAEMIN AREA

Thanasiri House (5321 5949; oulan51@yahoo.com; Th Nimmanhaemin, Soi 1; r including breakfast 400-500B; a) The easy yet stylish rooms listed here are an excellent-worth base for the area. Rooms have cable TV, and a small desk and chair.

Cheap Phuket Hotel: Define 'Cheap Hotel'

When you find yourself planning a Phuket trip, the first step is to look for a decent yet moderately priced hotel. Cheap Phuket hotels are available in loads for all sorts of travelers. The rising reputation of Phuket as a tourist destination has led to the construction of a slew of hotels in all price brackets. Now, for the tourists visiting the island beach resort, decisions are many - from luxurious resorts with every conceivable facility to minimalist hotels for the budget-acutely aware traveler.

The definition of 'cheap hotel' is completely different for various travelers. For a lot of, a cheap hotel means just a room to remain like in a hostel or a guesthouse. Nevertheless, for those touring with families, this will not be comfortable. In line with the worth range desired, it is attainable to search for a hotel in Phuket. It may be performed either earlier than touchdown in Phuket or even after arrival.

If 'cheap' means paying round $20 per evening, on-line booking agents offer one of the best bet. Typically, if you are extremely fortunate, it's even doable to corner a steal deal for less than $15 per night. Most of these are 2-star hotels suitable for families. When 'cheap' means filth cheap, hotels for lower than $10 can be found in Phuket town. These are respectable locations concentrated along the Phang Nga Road and Ranong Road. Even the popular seashores of Patong, Kata and Karon have some cheap lodgings. Throughout off-season, some of them even go for as little as $5. These rooms are nothing to rave about, however are ok to stay for a few days. Many travelers on tight budget go for these cheap Phuket hotels for their low rates.

Cheap Phuket hotels do not necessarily imply that you will be ending up with below-par amenities and service. At times, good accommodations offer amazing reductions to lure visitors during off-season.

Cheap Hotel in Bangkok (Banglamphu Area)

Banglamphu, the neighborhood that includes the backpacker street of Th Khao San, is a well-padded landing zone for jet-lagged travelers. As a regulation you can appear anytime at night and find a place to stay. And services abound: you can’t swing a túk-túk driver without hitting an internet shop, travel agent or beer stall.

If you’re go around in the low end of the budget choice, just show up and begin hunting, as most cheapies Bangkok hotel deals don’t take any reservations. The cheapest choices start at 180B (shared toilet); look for long-running guesthouses such as Lek, Chada House and Nat on Th Khao San, or other spots in the alleys behind Th Khao San or across Th Tanao. To a greater extent, the neighborhood is gravitating towards the multistory, upper budget trend with in-room décor (truly a revolution compared to the former flophouse aesthetic of dried projectile vomit) and comfort (air-con, sturdier beds, private bathrooms).

New hotels are always opening up, accompanied by striking promotional rates. Sense travelers should shop on Th Khao San, Th Rambutri, Soi Rambutri and Th Kraisi. Most of the year, it pays to visit numerous guesthouses before making a conclusion, but in the peak season (December to February), take the first vacant bed you come across. The best time of day to get a vacancy is around check-out time; 10am or 11am. The following are only a cross section of the accommodation options. We trust you to be knowledge enough to discover the best fit for you and your wallet.

Chai’s House (0 2281 4901, 49/4-8 Soi Rongma; s/d 165/275B; bus 53, 506, river ferry Tha Phra Athit) This family-run guesthouse has shared bathrooms. It’s a calm and safe spot that enforces a 1am curfew.

Donna Guesthouse (0 2281 9374; subsoi off Soi Damnoen Klangnella, Th Ratchadamnoen; d 250-350B; bus 53, 506, river ferry Tha Phra Athit; a) The sign pointing down a little sub-soi was followed on a whim, and tucked back in there was a hygienic and silent nest with large twin beds, new comforters and huge shared bathrooms. Not all rooms have windows.

New Siam GH (0 2282 4554; www.newsiam.net; 21 Soi Chana Songkhram, Th Phra Athit; s 290B, d 320-490B; river ferry Tha Phra Athit, bus 53, 506; as) Long-running New Siam is a smart spot to park your backpack. It passed the schoolmarm’s cleanliness inspection (shower curtains are mould-free). Singles share bathrooms, while some doubles have private facilities. There are also small, self-accessible lockers for safekeeping valuables. Guests can use the pool at the affiliated guesthouse New Siam II for a day-use fee.

Bella Bella House (0 2629 3090; 74 Soi Rambutri, Th Chakraphong; s 250B, d 420-500B; bus 53, 506, river ferry Tha Phra Athit; a) Bella Bella has nice perspectives into the tiled roofs of the neighbouring temple. Rooms are spartan and blank with rickety beds, and the toilets are new and shiny. Singles have shared bathrooms. As with such a lot guesthouses, the desk staff tends to be the standard forged of grumpy teenagers.

Villa Guest House (0 2281 7009; 230 Soi 1, Th Samsen; s/d 250/500B; bus 30, 53, 506, river ferry Tha Phra Athit & Tha Saphan Ram VIII) Simply over the khlong is a good residential neighborhood of bicycle-riding youngsters and chatting housewives. This old teak home occupies a womblike backyard amid the village noises of crowing roosters and the smells of mesquite cooking fires. With solely 10 fan rooms (all with shared bathrooms), Villa is commonly full and reservations are recommended.

Mango Lagoon Place (0 2281 4783; Soi Rambutri, Th Chakraphong; r from 650B; bus 53, 506, river ferry Tha Phra Athit; a) Sunny, lemon-yellow complicated has rooms that look surprisingly like an actual hotel: bed and box spring, wall-to-wall carpet (a nasty idea in the tropics), massive TVs and artwork on the wall. The pretty backyard at the entrance is a pleasant noise buffer.

Thailand Tour: One Night in Bangkok

Tackling Bangkok is easy if you stay away from rush hour and dryness. Try to combine and matching this recommendation for a short one night in Bangkok. Wake up an early-morning visit to Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, Also recognized as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew (02224 1833; entrance fee 250B; 8.30am-3.30pm; bus 508, 512, river ferry Tha Chang) is an architectural wonder and residence to the venerable Emerald Buddha. Next the temple is the past residence of the monarch, the Grand Palace. 

This ground was sacred in 1782, the first year of Bangkok rule, and is today a pilgrimage goal for devout Buddhists and nationalists. The 94.5-hectare grounds include more than 100 buildings that represent 200 years of royal history and architectural experimentation. Most of the architecture, royal or sacred, can be classify as Ratanakosin (or old-Bangkok style).

Original Wat Pho The modest hero of Bangkok’s holy temples, Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon; 0 2221 9911; Th Sanamchai; entrance fee 50B; h8am-5pm; bus 508, 512, Chao Phraya Express Tha Tien) features a host of superlatives: the biggest reclining Buddha, the biggest collection of Buddha images in Thailand and the country’s first center for public education.

And the busy Amulet Market, just outside the theological seclusion of Wat Mahathat is a more vibrant submission of Thailand’s diverse religion. A tàlàat phrá khrêuang (holy amulet market; Th Maharat; h9am-5pm) claims sidewalk space and rabbitwarren sois close to Tha Phra Chan, displaying a wide diversity of little talismans carefully scrutinized by collectors. Monks, taxi drivers and people in dangerous professions are the most common customers well versed in the different powers of the images. Also along this strip are good-looking shop houses overflowing with family-run herbal-medicine and traditional massage shops. In the cool season, sellers sell aromatic herbal soups that ward off colds and sinus infections.

Rent a long-tail boat to ride through Thonburi’s canals to Striking Wat Arun (02891 1149; Th Arun Amarin, Thonburi; admission 20B; h9am-5pm; cross-river ferry from Tha Tien) orders a military pose as the third point in the sacred triumvirate (along with Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho) of Bangkok’s before time. After the collapse of Ayuthaya, King Taksin ceremoniously clinched control here on the site of a local shrine (formerly known as Wat Jaeng) and established a royal palace and a temple to house the Emerald Buddha. The temple was renamed after the Indian god of dawn (Aruna) and in honor of the literal and symbolic beginning of a new Ayuthaya. For dinner, head to Ton Pho or Harmonique. Then back to hotel.

Hotel in Bangkok Airport

Bangkok has two major airports. Opened in late 2006, Suvarnabhumi International Airport (02132 1888; www2.airportthai.co.th) is the gigantic glass-and-concrete construction 30 km east of central Bangkok that acts as the most important international airport. After rather a lot of teething problems, at most times Suvarnabhumi (pronounced su-wan-a-poom) works fairly professionally. Most people will use the new Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which takes all international flights, however old Don Muang airport still hosts several domestic services. The unauthorized www.bangkokairportonline.com site has up-to-date transport information and real-time details of airport arrivals and departures. Left-luggage facilities (h24 hr) are available on Level 2, beside the helpful TAT office (0 2134 4077; h24 hr). Read this post till end for Bangkok airport hotels.

Don Muang Airport (02535 1111; www2.airportthai.co.th) is 25km north of the city center and, after being momentarily retired, it nowadays serves some, but not all, domestic routes. Getting to or from Don Muang you can get a taxi or bus. Taking a taxi is the fastest and most comfy choice, and price at most times will be a very rational 200B to 350B depending on the traffic and how distant you’re going. Taxis depart from outside the arrivals hall, and there is a 50B airport charge added to the meter fare, plus expressway tolls. Slow, crowded public bus 59 stops on the highway in front of the airport and carries on to Banglamphu, passing Th Khao San and the Democracy Monument; luggage is prohibited. Air-con buses are faster, and you might actually get a seat. Useful air-con routes include: Siam Sq and Hualamphong train station Bus 510 Victory Monument, Southern Bus Terminal Bus 513 Th Sukhumvit, Eastern Bus Terminal, Bus 29 Northern Bus Terminal, Victory Monument.

Hotel in Suvarnabhumi International Airport

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel (0 2131 1111; www.novotel.com; r from 5000B; ai) Boasts 600-plusluxurious rooms in the airport.

Grand Inn Come Hotel (0 2738 8189; www.grandinncome-hotel.com; 99 Moo 6, Th Kingkaew, Bangplee; s/tw from 1800/2000B; ai) Solid midranger 10km from the airport; airport shuttle; ‘lively’ karaoke bar.

Refill Now! Nearby good budget alternative.

Hotel in Don Muang Airport

Amari Airport Hotel (02566 1020; www.amari.com; 333 Th Choet Wutthakat; r from US$90; as) Opposite Don Muang, most in style airport hotel and has well-equipped day-use rooms from US$85.

Rama Gardens Hotel (02561 0022; www.ramagardenshotel.com; 9/9 Th Vibhavadi Rangsit; r from 4700B; as) Tranquil garden location and very comfy deluxe wings with deep-soak tubs. Shuttle buses to airport.

Brief of Bangkok Hotel

After a decade of little enthusiasm, Bangkok has been going through a absolute hotel-building boom during the last couple of years. Particularly in the midrange and top-end, where even the Millennium Hilton was finally finished, fresh properties have been challenging to outdo each other and the established dames. And Thai designers have given the accommodating midrange fans several new options that sit firmly in the chic, urbane 21st century. Bangkok is house to some of the best hotels in the world.

Like the city itself, Bangkok’s accommodation is increase far and wide. Your options are modern Sukhumvit, the industry center around Silom, the scenic riverside, the backpacker commune of Banglamphu, the shopping area around Siam Sq, or lively Chinatown. To catch a feel for which neighborhood you might fancy before you reserve. And remember, Bangkok traffic can be almost apocalyptic...so if you can be close to the Skytrain, Metro or river ferry you’ll save time.

If money is your main concern, then there’s a good possibility you’ll end up on or near the well-known Th Khao San backpacking Mecca. Th Silom and Th Sukhumvit cater mostly to midrange and top-end budgets. Interesting choices in the low end of the midrange can be found in Siam Sq, Ko Ratanakosin and Chinatown.

The greatest way to get a discount is to book online. Without a doubt, you’re likely to pay significantly more if you just walk into a top-end hotel. The best moment for discounts is outside Bangkok’s peak season, November to March and July and August. Discounts can also be had through Thai travel agencies or at Bangkok’s airport hotel desks. With few exceptions, Bangkok accommodation wishes you to check in at 2pm and check out at noon.