And about the night markets. We went to the night markets in both Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. Chiang Rai was better, and there is an excellent restaurant just opposite the entrance to it. Sorry, I can't remember the name. Your hotel can probably tell you, if you describe it as just across the street from the entrance to the Night Market.

Anyway, night markets - overrated. You might want to go to one if it is convenient, but it is no big thrill, and the merchandise is mostly of the cheap trinket variety. You can easily skip the night market and not miss much. You might want to go to one somewhere in Asia just to know what you are missing. If so, go to the one in Chian Rai. Take a tuk tuk there and back. Your hotel will arrange the trip there, and there are a million tuk tuks to take you back to the hotel.

We stayed at a bed and breakfast outside the city. It was unique, but I would stay in Chiang Mai proper. There are plenty of tuk-tuks around, and the dollar has been strong, so hiring a car and driver to get to places outside the city is realistic.

You can read my Chiang Mai trip report and see my photos at
http://www.travelswithdiane.homestea...hiangMai1.html

Great to get all the info about Baan Orapin. I'm staying there for a few days in November and it sounds that it is in an even better location than I expected.