My husband John and I leave from Seattle in 4 days for our Thailand trip. You have replied to several of my posts regarding N. Thailand and I now have a few more questions: 1. We will be spending 5 days outside Chaing Mai--Mae Hong Son to Doie Mae Salong. Should we hire a driver or rent a car. If we hire a driveer for those 4 nights, do you have any recommendations, approx costs and do we pay for lodging in the same place we are staying or is appropriate to find a room elsewhere nearby? Or should we just hire drivers from place to place?

2) What are some of the must sees in that area. We love to hike as well.

3) Chaing Mai, what are you recommendations for best food and best place to buy art?

4) I think we are overlaping at the Baan Orapin, would you like to meet for a drink, on us? We are there from Jan 9-11.

Thanks. Hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend

You should definitely hire a car and driver for the four nights. Many people use Sargeant kai and like him. Do a search for info.

We do overlap at the Baan Orapin. I'd love to meet for a drink. Actually we are having dinner with Kathy on the 9th so perhaps you would like to join us.

See my long post on off the beaten track northern thailand for suggestions of things to do and see. I'm not a hiker but there are many treking companies that can help you.

What kind of art are you looking for?

And what's your real name so I know who to look for at Baan Orapin?

Gloria

Gloria, we would love to join you and Kathy for dinner. We are Cori and John Chandler-Pepelnjak.

As far as art, we are looking for some contemporary thai art, particularly paintings.

the hotel will also find you a driver...there are also drivers who hand around the airport looking for people to take around...

We have already reserved our rooms. 2 nights at Fern Resort and then 2 nights at the Mae Salong Villa, so I assume that wouldn't work ChiangMaitours.com, since they include tours.

Gloria-
Just so you know we will arrive early evening to Chiang Mai. We will be coming from our 4 days of travel up north.

Cori-- then let's play the 9th by ear. If you get in early enough to join us, great. If not, maybe we can have a drink on the 10th. We leave on the 11th in the morning.

Sounds like a plan. We look forward to it.
-cori

Cori,
We, too, will be at the Baan Orapin during your stay - 10th-13th. We're from Silverdale, small world! I hope we'll get a chance to say hi. I'd love to hear your tales from further north.
Carolyn & Bob Fessler

That would be great. Just leave us a message. We fly out tonight from Seatac at 12:40 am. Can't wait.


Do you know the Buskirks? (spelling) in Silverdale? I knew their son, Todd.

Wow more people from the Pacific NW. I'm also from Seattle.

All of you have a great time in Thailand!