Dear Experts,

We are staying at Anatara in January..their airport pickup service is $75.00--yikes!!! Is it that far from the airport? Other alternatives you might suggestion?

And, what might we expect in the way of temperatures in Chiang Rai in the middle of January? Thank you! Carol

It's an hour from the airport.

We were there when it first opened a number of years ago. At that time airport transfers were $50 and worth every penny.

A few people have opted to rent a car and drive, notably Bob (rhkkmk).

for temperatures, check www.weatherbase.com

the drive is so easy you cannot make a mistake...like four turns from the airport to anantara...

rent a car at the airport and there is hardly any traffic at all once you leave the town limits....

plus its nice to have the flexibility once you are at anantara...

you will love it...

people are reporting cool weather, but to them that means 75...plan on hot and bring one sweater...lite one..,.

did you see the trip report by winter travels about her stay at anantara....she mentions a guide who you might want to use...

We stayed at the Anantara for 5 nights in early November and it was wonderful. I just posted a trip report a few days ago. We arranged for a driver to pick us up at the airport for the drive (which was just under an hour). We made all the arrangements in advance with our guide Jermsak, who was FANTASTIC. He can be reached at
[email protected] The car/driver from the airport to the hotel was 1000baht, about $30. When we picked up our bags, the driver was waiting for us with our name on a sign.
By the way, if Jermsak is available, try to book him for at least one day or longer. He was only available when we were there for one day plus another half day to go back to the airport and do some sightseeing on the way.

Do you have a phone number or other way to contact Jermsak? We have been in touch with him ourselves, but family members who are in Thailand now have found out that there guide who they had hired is non-existent and they are in need of a guide ASAP.

Sorry, I don't see Jermsak's phone number in any of the emails I have from him. I recall that he called me at the hotel when I arrived and gave me his phone number but I don't have the paper I wrote it on any more. Jermsak was very good about responding quickly to email so you should hear back from him right away. If not, try again.

sorry i meant "fromDC" as the person with the report

Bob, you're forgiven for mixing me up with another poster. After all, it is the holiday season !

We stayed at Anatara last November. Used their airport service. Yes, its pricey -- but oh so wonderful. We felt like royalty. A lovely young woman attaired in traditional dress and a driver met us at the airport with flowers and cold drinks. All the way to the resort - and its a long drive -- she gave us a running history of the area. We felt the price was justified and worth it.

I did book an English speaking driver/guide for one day during our stay at Anatara based on recommendations from this board. The guide didn't show up, but sent a replacement who spoke not a word of English. It was a very disappointing day. I would have hated to have had that disappointment upon arrival.

In fact, the young lady who had met us at the airport helped a great deal with our non-English guide. She gave me her cell phone number and all day long we would phone her to act as interpreter with the driver. Sometimes you get what you pay for.