Notes on Chiang Mai
Jul 20th, 2008 | 09:58 PM
#1
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Notes on Chiang Mai
Was in Chiang Mai over the weekend, and thought I's post a few notes:
The Le Meridien is almost done. I saw some ads saying it would open next month (August). They were promoting a 'special rate' of 4,900 Baht ++ - which doesn't sound all the special to me. Still, the location is hard to beat.
I stayed at the Manathai, which is out of the same mold as Tamarind Village and Tri Yaan Na Ros, although maybe a bit nicer. I think I had one of the less desirable rooms, but was more than compensated by the free wi-fi. Go for the more expensive rooms if you stay here.
Banthai Village was right next door on the small soi where Manathai is located. It looks a bit nicer, in about the same price range.
Lastly on the hotel front, I took a look at Bodhi Serene, which has just been opened a few months in the old city. It looks very nice, with a big pool and some larger rooms. Price looks reasonable, especially for the suites.
Went to the Saturday walking street, which was much more robust than I've seen it in recent years. It's still mostly the same vendors as set up on the Sunday street, so if you're in Chiang Mai for a full weekend, you don't really need to go to both.
The Le Meridien is almost done. I saw some ads saying it would open next month (August). They were promoting a 'special rate' of 4,900 Baht ++ - which doesn't sound all the special to me. Still, the location is hard to beat.
I stayed at the Manathai, which is out of the same mold as Tamarind Village and Tri Yaan Na Ros, although maybe a bit nicer. I think I had one of the less desirable rooms, but was more than compensated by the free wi-fi. Go for the more expensive rooms if you stay here.
Banthai Village was right next door on the small soi where Manathai is located. It looks a bit nicer, in about the same price range.
Lastly on the hotel front, I took a look at Bodhi Serene, which has just been opened a few months in the old city. It looks very nice, with a big pool and some larger rooms. Price looks reasonable, especially for the suites.
Went to the Saturday walking street, which was much more robust than I've seen it in recent years. It's still mostly the same vendors as set up on the Sunday street, so if you're in Chiang Mai for a full weekend, you don't really need to go to both.
Jul 28th, 2008 | 09:01 PM
#2
Joined: Jun 2006
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Michael,
Just came across your post--and just in time! We're considering some of these places for 1 night in December in CM.
Manathai is at the top of the list--and your reference to Tri Yaan Na Ros is great, since we stayed there in 06 (before it was "discovered"
and loved it.
One thing we didn't like, however, that I'd like to avoid this wherever we stay--the rock hard mattress-of-death.
Tri Yaan Na Ros has everything going for--except that. I literally could not sleep at all there--it was like sleeping on bedrock.
How were the beds at Manathai? I love the look of the place and really only need validation of that before I book it.
Also, how's the location? Hard to tell from the cryptic map on their site.
Just came across your post--and just in time! We're considering some of these places for 1 night in December in CM.
Manathai is at the top of the list--and your reference to Tri Yaan Na Ros is great, since we stayed there in 06 (before it was "discovered"
and loved it.One thing we didn't like, however, that I'd like to avoid this wherever we stay--the rock hard mattress-of-death.
Tri Yaan Na Ros has everything going for--except that. I literally could not sleep at all there--it was like sleeping on bedrock.How were the beds at Manathai? I love the look of the place and really only need validation of that before I book it.
Also, how's the location? Hard to tell from the cryptic map on their site.
Jul 29th, 2008 | 05:37 PM
#3
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Hey Film,
The beds at Manathai were rather comfortable. Certainly not the rock-hard ones I've had elsewhere (Bouganviller in PP springs to mind as the hardest in recent memory). The main drawback, for some, might be that they're extremely low - just a mattress (no box spring) on a low wooden frame. The top of the bed is barely a foot off the floor.
The location is good, but as it's back in the sois, it can be hard to find. The area is between the canal and old city, between Tapae and Loi Kroh roads. It's easiest to find if you come at it from Tapae Road. You go straight down Tapae Soi 3, veer right when it forks (left is Banthai) and Manathai is right where the soi makes a near-right angle turn. I just added it to my interactive map of Chiang Mai. Try this link:
http://thailandforvisitors.com/north...p;lat=18.78632
Manathai should show up dead-center of the map.
The beds at Manathai were rather comfortable. Certainly not the rock-hard ones I've had elsewhere (Bouganviller in PP springs to mind as the hardest in recent memory). The main drawback, for some, might be that they're extremely low - just a mattress (no box spring) on a low wooden frame. The top of the bed is barely a foot off the floor.
The location is good, but as it's back in the sois, it can be hard to find. The area is between the canal and old city, between Tapae and Loi Kroh roads. It's easiest to find if you come at it from Tapae Road. You go straight down Tapae Soi 3, veer right when it forks (left is Banthai) and Manathai is right where the soi makes a near-right angle turn. I just added it to my interactive map of Chiang Mai. Try this link:
http://thailandforvisitors.com/north...p;lat=18.78632
Manathai should show up dead-center of the map.
Aug 31st, 2008 | 03:51 PM
#4
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For anyone interested, I've had nothing but problems trying to book Manathai. I've sent them 3 different emails now (using 2 different emails posted on their site) as well as the direct booking inquiry feature on their site. I have heard nothing from them.
So disappointing. I really wanted to book with them, but if I can't get a response in 3 weeks of trying, I shudder to think what would happen if we needed to get in touch with them for a last-minute change.
Oh well, time to look for a new CM hotel.
So disappointing. I really wanted to book with them, but if I can't get a response in 3 weeks of trying, I shudder to think what would happen if we needed to get in touch with them for a last-minute change.
Oh well, time to look for a new CM hotel.
Aug 31st, 2008 | 05:01 PM
#5
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That's unfortunate. FYI, I didn't book directly with the hotel, but through AsiaTIV. Got a confirmed reservation within two days.
One of the side-benefits of booking through a discount site is that many of them have people on the ground who will call the hotel and bug them if they're not responding to reservation requests. It's still unbelievably common for small hotels in these parts to ignore their email.
One of the side-benefits of booking through a discount site is that many of them have people on the ground who will call the hotel and bug them if they're not responding to reservation requests. It's still unbelievably common for small hotels in these parts to ignore their email.
Nov 11th, 2008 | 01:19 AM
#6
Joined: Aug 2003
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Any other thoughts on CM hotels? We're looking to go over Chinese New Year; we're Americans living in Taipei. I know it isn't Kathie's favorite place; I hope we can find enough to do.
The Rachamankha seems to be booked. I've been considering the Manathani, as mentioned here, Tamarind Village, Yaan Come Village, and Ratilanna Riverside. What else would you suggest? I'm looking for great atmosphere, a nice pool (are they ever heated? it might be too cold to swim), proximity to the city markets and sights...Opinions will be welcomed!!
The Rachamankha seems to be booked. I've been considering the Manathani, as mentioned here, Tamarind Village, Yaan Come Village, and Ratilanna Riverside. What else would you suggest? I'm looking for great atmosphere, a nice pool (are they ever heated? it might be too cold to swim), proximity to the city markets and sights...Opinions will be welcomed!!
Nov 11th, 2008 | 04:26 AM
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If you've never been to Chiang Mai, there is tons to do, all within easy walking distance, despite what Kathie says. ;-)
Banthai Village, next to Manathai, is another option. What you might want to do first is decide which general area you might want to stay in. Your list includes places in the old city as well as the night bazaar area. The old city is handy for sight-seeing on foot, while the night bazaar is, obviously, good for shopping and dining. The two areas aren't that far apart, so this is not really a crucial decision.
Tamarind Village is in the middle of the old city. It's a slightly less posh version of the Ratchamankha. I thought the rooms were a bit too dull when I stayed there, but I think they've been redone since then. The Bodhi Serene is another new place in the old city you might want to consider.
None of the pools will be heated. By late January that may not be an issue. Chiang Mai's reputation for cool weather is vastly exagerated, IMO.
Banthai Village, next to Manathai, is another option. What you might want to do first is decide which general area you might want to stay in. Your list includes places in the old city as well as the night bazaar area. The old city is handy for sight-seeing on foot, while the night bazaar is, obviously, good for shopping and dining. The two areas aren't that far apart, so this is not really a crucial decision.
Tamarind Village is in the middle of the old city. It's a slightly less posh version of the Ratchamankha. I thought the rooms were a bit too dull when I stayed there, but I think they've been redone since then. The Bodhi Serene is another new place in the old city you might want to consider.
None of the pools will be heated. By late January that may not be an issue. Chiang Mai's reputation for cool weather is vastly exagerated, IMO.
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Nov 11th, 2008 | 06:08 AM
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Yuck. Mold in the bathrooms of the Rachamankha? I thought this was a Relais et Chateaux...
Do either of you have strong feelings about the old city vs. the night bazaar area? I'm trying to book a Thai Air package, so this will be somewhat dependent on what they have available.
I'll do some more investigating on Sawadee and Trip Advisor for Manathai Village, Yaang Come Village, Tamarind Village and Banthai Village -- oh and Bodhi Serene.
Many thanks.
Do either of you have strong feelings about the old city vs. the night bazaar area? I'm trying to book a Thai Air package, so this will be somewhat dependent on what they have available.
I'll do some more investigating on Sawadee and Trip Advisor for Manathai Village, Yaang Come Village, Tamarind Village and Banthai Village -- oh and Bodhi Serene.
Many thanks.
Nov 11th, 2008 | 04:37 PM
#11
Joined: Aug 2003
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I haven't found reviews of Le Meridien yet, as it opened Nov 1, but I'm anxious to hear. The location looks nice.
While we're thinking hotels, may I also ask about tours? I've read quite a few negative comments about visiting the hilltribe people -- visitors are uncomfortable with the tawdriness of gawking at people on display. That being said, are there tours and/or tour companies or guides worth seeking out?
While we're thinking hotels, may I also ask about tours? I've read quite a few negative comments about visiting the hilltribe people -- visitors are uncomfortable with the tawdriness of gawking at people on display. That being said, are there tours and/or tour companies or guides worth seeking out?
