What time of the year will you be going? Also, what are you looking for when you state that you want a resort outside of the city, like peace and quite, nature, waterfalls, mountain resorts etc?

Thank you for reminding me that the more specific I am, the better one can respond.

We will be in Chaing Mai the first weekend in March, after 5 weeks of quite a bit of "roughing it" in Cambodia and Laos. I am looking for some place that is an easy taxi to town, and the airport. However, if the place is lovely enough - furnishings, pool, views, fairly quiet, possibly small, pleasant service - we might just sink into a chaise and only head into town for meals.

To repeat, hopefully no more than 45 minutes to the airport, closer than that to the city with a target of $200 - pool is a must.

Thanks

The Four Seasons is the first place that comes to mind, but I think it's way over your budget these days. You might have a look at Kaomai Lanna Resort. It's definitely different, although there isn't a lot around it. The resort is closer to the airport than it is to the city, so it fits most of your requirements.

Early March you might be subject to smokes from crop burnings! Last year it was really bad and I would not recommend travelling to Northern Thailand during this time of year. You might get lucky as for some years you will not notice the smoke but last year was awful. If you do go then see below for some suggestions.

My favourite out of town resorts are around Mae Rim but any place outside of Chaing Mai proper will be hard to get to and from town unless you have a car. Some resorts will have shuttle service but IMO it will not be convenient especially for dinners. If you are renting a car or don't mind waiting for shuttle bus or taxis then take a look at these resorts:

http://www.fourseasons.com/chiangmai/#openCalendar my favourite out of town resort but pricey.
http://www.proudphufah.com I've stayed and eaten here. Not bad.
http://www.sukantara.com have stopped by but not stayed.

If you decide to stay in town check search for special rates for these resorts:

http://137pillarshouse.com
http://www.ratilannachiangmai.com

Come to think of it, wait until mid February and search the Bangkok Post, local English newspaper, for news on haze or smoke around Chiang Mai. Or you could remind me and post here and I will let you know if it's bad year for pollution. No need to do any advance booking for March.

Thanks for your input. I had looked a Pillars House as an option. Understand we may have an issue with smoke, but we need to be in Chaing Mai at that time in order to complete our flight plan.

Look for a trip report early March!

The burning season stretches from February to April, so if you're arriving in March in that part of the world, be prepared. Check out this news report to get an idea of the problem: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/9175667/Thailand-pollution-puts-Chiang-Mai-off-the-tourist-trail.html

Also, last year several flights to Chiang Mai were cancelled because the runway wasn't visible to incoming flights.

Keep an eye on the PM-10 levels here: http://ourchiangmai.com/air-pollution-in-chiang-mai-thailand/

Thank you for these links to the air quality in Chiang Mai. We will keep up-to-date, and hopefully, will not need to change our flights at the last minute.

CM is very spread out... while it is a city, it is more urban sprawl.... hanuman can best advise you as he is thai and is often in CM.

chedi get good marks

Bain Orapin is a lovely resort that has a great pool. We stayed there for four nights, and they provide a great breakfast as well, American or Thai, which includes tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

*baan Orapin