Duangtawan Hotel, Chiang Mai

Advantages: Great pool and breakfast buffet
Disadvantages: Expensive Italian restaurant

...Highly recommend this hotel as a base in Chiang Mai. It is slightly out of town but depending on your interests that can be a bonus. Certainly if you have a family and don't want to be right in the middle of the city or the Night Market it is a great choice as a cheap songthaew ride will take you there in 5 minutes. We have stayed there a number of times and would recommend you ask for a room overlooking the pool. The pool itself is excellent and the hotel also has a tennis court if you can play in the heat! There is also a Happy Hour at the pool bar (2 drinks for the price of 1) at 4pm. Watch out for the Italian restaurant in the hotel - the food is good but it is (by Chiang Mai standards) expensive and there are so many great options elsewhere. The rooms are comfortable rather than luxurious and we have found the staff to generally... Read review

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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: Cultural, busy, great shopping
Disadvantages: Pollution

...As part of our honeymoon in 2000, my new husband and I journeyed to Thailand. We wanted to avoid Bangkok, but still wanted to experience a Thai city and so headed for the famed ancient capital, Chiang Mai. The first thing that greeted us when we got off the plane was the heat, although the clouds and smog give the city a hazy appearance, do not be fooled, the sun beats down hard! Dripping in sweat we headed for our hotel, the Empress in the centre of the city. Just 5 minutes walk from the fabulous Chiang Mai night bazaar, this hotel is in a prime position for exploring the city. The hotel itself is positivly luxurious, with its huge and ornate marble lobby and splendid rooms. Our room overlooked the city, busy and bustling at all times. All the staff at the hotel were exceptionally friendly and helpful and service was always... Read review

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