Belle Villa Resort, Chiang Mai

Advantages: vibrant and better climate than bangkok
Disadvantages: none

...Fascinating though Bangkok was we were glad to leave this frenetic city and head for Chiang Mai. It is certainly not provincial or unspoiled but it is quite different from Bangkok with its beautiful mountain setting and more comfortable climate. There is lots to do in Chiang Mai – museums and temples galore, handicraft centres, the Night Market, trips to orchid farms, elephant treks etc but our favourite trip was to the Temple of Doi Suthep, 16 km west of Chiang Mai. Although it is possible to get there by public transport or on an organised tour we struck a balance and hired a car and driver through the hotel. You have the choice of climbing the 300 steps up to the temple or taking the little train. However you do it, with its bells, golden umbrellas and rows of golden Buddhas, this is one of the most beautiful temples we have seen... Read review

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Advantages: good food, nice nature
Disadvantages: -

...I am the one who like Chiang Mai, there are good food, good atmosphere, good sceneries, and good nature. I paid more for the accomodation to stay in the resort, out of the city in order to get close to the nature, I didn't feel sorry at all. I had rent the bikecycle to go around the city and outside the city because it was so convenient. I certainly visited Pra-That-Doi-Suthep temple which is located on the top of the mountain. It was not easy for me to reach the temple, there were hundreds of steps that I had to climb up, anyway who don't want to experience these steps, there are also cable cars provided. Eventually, I reached the temple, I did not feel disappointed with my attempt. I looked down from the temple to the Chiang Mai landscape. For the night life, there are bars and shops to spend some money. A famous one is Night... Read review

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Advantages: Warm/hot
Disadvantages: Cool at nights/VERY wet in monsoon season

...Chiang Mai is Spain without the beach. Although a favourite destination for middle class Thais escaping Bangkok for the weekend and "Farangs" from the UK and elsewhere, I think if you go this far east you'd be better off in Phuket or Koh Samui beside the sea. OK it has the ancient walled centre, hill temples, the Karen and other exotic hill tribes and the "glamour" of the Golden Triangle just to the north at Chiang Rai but - once you've seen the Night Market and eaten in Macdonalds- there's little else left to do except laze beside the pool. Thailand's great if you like heat (but it can get cold at times in Chiang Mai, take a sweater) and incredible thunderstorms in the rainy season but do yourself a favour and stick to Bangkok or the beach resorts. After all it's a jungle out there [or should that be tropical rainforest?] assuming... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful