Hi Everyone!

I would love some recommendations about clean, yet cheap hotels/guesthouses ($65-80, or less for two people) for my friend and I. We will be in Bankok for 2 nights and Chiang Mai two nights.

We want to stay in hotels/guesthouses near the happening sights if possible.

Also, are there any Must See's that you recommend? (We are already planning the floating markets, Night Safari, & Elephant refuge.) We also want to know what goes on in the night bazaars in Bangkok, and what are must have souvenirs?

Thank you SOO much for your help!!

I STRONGLY AND HIGHLY recommend Baan Orapin in Chiang Mai. I normally stay in deluxe hotels (stay at the Oriental in Bangkok) and Baan Orapin is one of my favorite hotels -- and it is in your price range!

Must see places: In Bangkok, the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha, Wat Po, Jim Thompson House. People either love or hate the Floating Market. Since you'll only have one full day in Bangkok, I'd skip it. It's quite a way out of town.

In Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep is a must-see, and since you are going to an Elephant Refuge that will take the whole day. Make sure you are visiting one of the two well-run elephant centers. Two nights give you only one day here as well, so you really don't have time for much else.

Night Safari? The only night safari I know of is in Singapore.

Night bazaars are in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai. There are all kinds of things to buy. There is no one "must have souvenir." Buy what you like.

There is a Night Safari in Chiang Mai. We unfortunately didn't have time to catch it on the last visit, but our driver Poon (whom most of you know) recommended it highly

Thanks, Bill. I didn't know that.

In that price range, you can actually get nice hotels in both cities, although in Bangkok you will be a bit away from the center of things. In Bangkok, have a look at the Arnoma, Chaophraya Park and Ayudoya Grand. The first of these is somewhat close to the center of some things, but the other two are on the subway route.

In Chiang Mai, Baan Orapin is definitely worth a look. I recently stayed at Buri Gallery, which I reviewed here. But, you could actually get nicer rooms for less at the Pornping Tower or Suriwong hotels, both of which are closer to the center of things.

Just got back from Baan Orapin and would highly recommend it. Very quiet, great breakfast, use of an internet, and 10% discount if you pay cash.

Thank you SOOO much for the helpful info! I really appreciate the advice!

If you stay at Baan Orapin, tell Opus (the owner) that Gloria is looking forward to seeing him again in 2008!