I decided to get away from Bangkok and spend a long weekend in the (sadly soggy) north. Staying at Tri Ya Na Ros (more accurately: Tree Yah Na-rote) Colonial House this time. I did Baan Orapin several years ago.

Tri Ya Na Ros is a very small 'boutique' hotel with only 8 rooms. Rooms are 'cosy' but quite nice, with a large four-poster bed. Bathrooms are small, but that's mostly becuase they have a HUGE bathtub. The hotel is located just south of the Chiang Mai gate, in the old silver working village. Lots of shopping during the day but everything closes at 5 pm so it's very quiet at night. Except tonight (Saturday), as there's a street bazaar on.

Dropped in on the 'new' D2 - Dusit's extreme makeover of the old Chiang Inn. While the outside is much the same, albeit a lot cleaner than it ever was in its former life, the inside is unrecognizable. It's all white, with some earth tones and orange accents. They ripped out much of the mezzanine to make the lobby a lot more light and airy. The lobby bar, part of the main restaurant 'moxie', features a menu stickered on to an aluminum sheet. I actually had a blast of deja-vu when I walked in. The doorman's ensemble - can't call it a uniform - instantly reminded me of the Paramount in New York when it opened in the '80s. Grey slacks with a tweedy looking t-shirt. The lobby bar may be a good place for those looking for an escape from all the Lanna kitsch around.

The Chiang In Plaza, in front of D2, is now closed except for a couple of shops on the street side. No idea what's going to happen to it (it was bought by the owners of Chang Beer a while back).

Also dropped in on the Chedi. Quite severe from the street, but very nice once you get inside. Lobby is open air, but very cool with some ponds and lawn surrounding it. There's a 'couch' in front of the fireplace that has to be seen to be believed. There is of course Chedi's trademark spa and a large pool (long but narrow). The whole hotel is built around the former residence of the British counsel, dating from 1912. The residence is extensively restored and now serves as the hotel's restaurant. It's right on the river, not far from the night bazaar. If you can afford it, it's probably one of the best in-town hotels in Chiang Mai - for now.

I hear the Pan Pacific has agreed to manage a property in Chiang Mai to open next year, and the Shangri-La has finally broken ground on its new hotel.

The Galare night bazaar is closed for what looks like a rebuild and expansion. It will probably be open in time for next high season. Every place has 'rainy season' sales as part of the Thailand grand sale. Discounts are much more than most Bangkok retailers are giving right now.

Thanks for the great report! I am going to try to make it to CM, probably for an overnight visit, the end of August/very early Sept. Your suggestions are much appreciated! I have always stayed at the Westin.. now Sheraton... Riverside, but would consider a change of pace.

Carol

thanks michael for this update

Forgot to mention that a new Le Meridien is going up on the old vacant lot across from the Suriwong hotel, between the night bazaar building and Loa Kroh road. Looks like it won't be done until next year.

Also, the street market on Wualai Road is held every Saturday night. Not as big as the Sunday market on Ratchadamnoen, but worth a look.

It's good to know that the Suriwong is still there. I got a room for about $35.00 there in 1999. It was a huge room with a mountain view. Happy Travels!

The Suriwong will probably be there forever. I'm sure they're getting good rents from Starbucks and Hagen Daz. The hotel is one of those little gems not many people know about. Yes, it's a little threadbare, as most Thai owned up-country hotels are, but for a small pittance you can get a huge room and stay right in the middle of the action.