Fodorites:

Does anyone have experience with the deNaga Hotel in Chiang Mai? We booked it through Agoda after getting no response from the Baan Orapin. We tried Baan several times with no luck so went with deNaga.

The reservations are set, so we can't change. I am just wondering what to expect. Curious, I guess.

Also, we are going to and from CM by train. So, any advice here?

Thanks for your usual great responses. Once again we are looking forward to what has become our annual trip to Thailand.

Sandra/mcbeanie

This should have been a PS to the above, but ------!

Also, we are trying several "firsts" on this year's trip to Thailand. We have flown different airlines every year since 2005, and 2009's choice is Singapore Air. They have recently opened a route from Houston to BKK. It takes a little longer, as it refuels in Moscow, but the seats a a little wider and appear to be more comfortable. I hope it is as comfortable -- well as possible -- as we think.

But, I wonder if SA's economy can possibly be as comfortable as last year's Continental business class! Wow! what a trip!

Sandra/mcbeanie

We did the overnight train from Chiang Mai to BKK. We booked a 1st class compartment of which I believe there are just 24. We left CM @ 16:30 hrs arriving in BKK @ appx 06:30 rs.

We ordered an evening meal and breakfast which was served in our cabin by a friendly Thai lady whom I noted at the time was clearly a heavy smoker. There is a choice from a small & typically Thai menu but nothing to write home about. Woud recommend you take water with you - you can buy drinks/snacks etc on the station both in BKK & CM.

Our beds were made up for the night with fresh linen and the journey was easy & pleasant & I would highly recommend.

Not sure if you are aware but there is a left luggage service at the BKK station which is very handy & reasonable - we used it a couple of times as we went in & out of BKK. If you are facing the station exit, it is located in the far right hand corner. From the same position, the toilets are located in the near left hand corner - (you never know!). Enjoy.

In CM we dined in a great restaurant on the river Ping - The Gallery. The market of course is great and if you have the time, I would recommend hiring a car and driving up to Pai. We went as far as MHS but to be honest this wasn't one of our favourite places. The drive is really easy and the scenery is stunning.

Sandra, we're staying there for a night in December, so I'll definitely be reporting on it once we're back.

We, as well, like to change up where we stay on our trip each year. Last time we stayed in Chiang Mai 2 years ago we found a little boutique hotel called Tri Yaan Na Ros, which no one had ever heard of (at the time) and had just opened up. Since then, it seems to have become a hip little place.

Hoping De Naga is the same--looks promising so far.