Libra Guest House, Chiang Mai

Advantages: see op
Disadvantages: see op

...Chiang Mai is one of the biggest cities in the North of Thailand and I’m lucky enough to have recently returned from there. I visited Thailand for a fortnight as a break from a trip to Singapore visiting relatives, and although I’ve been to Thailand before, this was my first trip to the North and to Chiang Mai. I had spent 2 days in Pattaya before we set off on the journey up to Chiang Mai, that took a 2 hour trip to Bangkok and then a 16 hour coach ride to take us to Chiang Mai itself. To be perfectly honest, I was dreading this and would have then preferred to spend some more time in Pattaya but it proved worthwhile! Part of me was also quite looking forward to this leg of the trip too as I’d been told that Chiang Mai was a nice quiet retreat after spending time in the bustling atmosphere of Bangkok and Pattaya. My first... Read review

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Advantages: The trekking is the main attraction although Doi Suthep and the shopping are both appealing
Disadvantages: More relaxed and less polluted than the Bangkok but still suffers from an abundance of touts and pollution

...hour bus journey was how I reached Chiang Mai but I flew back so I have first hand experience of two of the three possibilities. The bus, which I booked tickets for from my guest house in Bangkok, cost a mere 350 baht (around 6 quid - the exchange rate is approximately 60 baht to a pound) and whilst air conditioned and not uncomfortable was subject to numerous stops which combined with the erratic driving was not conducive to a relaxing or restful journey. The train is apparently more comfortable but is surprisingly slower than the bus and is slightly more expensive at 580 baht. Flying is obviously the quickest and least hassle but also the most expensive method. Bangkok Airline offer one flight a day costing 1500 baht and Thai Airways offer more flights at 1900 baht with a 50 minute flight time. Obviously wallet permitting the best... Read review

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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... Read review

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