guenmai
Yep, I understand that. But I also think the OP can leave luggage at Centerpoint if they are "returning" to their apartment after another short trip.
Carol

I'll let you know what they say- I've e-mailed to ask if we can. It may be good to know for others wanting to stay there!

We stayed at the President Solitaire service apartments, cousin of Grand President, off Soi 11 and it was awesome. However on Dec. 31st the room was 30% higher but for only one night. The service, room size, cleanliness and location was awesome. They offer a free shuttle to the Nana Sky Train stop & Bumrungrad Hospital.

I would definitely avoid Chinatown the traffic was horrendous! When we go back next year we will again stay there.

Thanks for the info. That was one reason I liked the Centre Point- the price for New Years' Eve was the same price as the week before! And we might be able to watch the fireworks from our room...or maybe not!

Baan Orapin has a pool now! They just finished installing it...or maybe it will be done soon. Either way, it will be done by July 2007 for our honeymoon!

Oh, and we are staying at the Old Bangkok Inn too. www.oldbangkokinn.com

Okay- so I still have not heard from the Baan Orapin- and based on vedette's information we may be out of luck for them. To further complicate the issue, when I booked the Discovery Pass on Bangkok Air we have to fly back to Bangkok the evening of the 30th, not the morning of the 31st as we had planned.

So- now we arrive in Chiang Mai at 10 the morning of the 28th and leave at 6:30 on the 30th. What would be our best bet as far as the "must sees" while we are there? I've read about some of the wats to see, but what's off-the-beaten-path or non-touristy sites?

I cut the other post off too soon...any other hotel recommendations since the Baan Orapin may not be possible?

For CM if you can't stay at Baan Orapin and want something in that price range that is in the heart of the city, two places that get decent reviews are Golden Cupids and River Ping Palace. I have stayed at neither nor have I seen them but they get good reviews on tripadvisor.

Otherwise you can always stay at the big tourist hotels -- Chiang Mai Plaza, Royal Princess, Imperial Mae Ping etc. They are fine and cheap but I would try hard to avoid them and stay someplace that has more "soul" and charm.

I would much rather stay somewhere with charm as you said than a big touristy place. I will check both of those hotels out.

Any thoughts on the "Must Sees"? I know everyone goes to see Doi Sutepand the night bazaar, but what else is there to do? Or would we be better served taking some kind of tour around the area- Chiang Rai, Chiang Dao, that kind of thing?

In Chaingmai I recommend Bossotel Inn . It's only $20. Nice room nice bed and very nice swimming pool. good location. Friendly service!!