Chiang Mai Hotel Tips by SumTingWong Top 5 Page for this destination

Homestay: Homestay

To truly experience first hand Thai culture and life I recommend a homestay with a Thai family. This will be an unforgettable experience. Eating and interacting with local Thai people in a town removed from tourism and the city. You can enjoy playing football and cards with little brothers or sisters and talking about life with parents and older siblings. If you are interested in a homestay you can contact several Thai travel agencies, I recommend contacting Dtaw at 3rd Eye Travel, at: www.3rdeyetravel.com .

Comparison: less expensive than average

Price: less than US$20

Theme: Other

A chance to sleep in a Thai wat: Free Accommodation

OK, this is not for everyone, but all of you on VT should know about this type of free accommodation in Thailand.

Yes, you can sleep for free at watsin Thailand. Note that this doesn't work in cities, because for the most part city wats are for tourists to visit/see or just locals. However, in more rural Thailand anyone can sleep at a wat for free (lets keep this tip quiet)!

If you are staying in some of the many beautiful villages around Chiang mai Province you can sleep for free at any local Wat. Just ask very politely and you may even be able to have some meditation lessons or speak with some monks. This is a great way to experience Buddhism and the real Thailand.

Also don't just appear like a backpacker, look respectful and act respectful. One sleeps at a wat because they want the experience, rather than just some free accommodation.

Many wats do however accept any donations. By no means is a donation expected, but it is a nice offering.

Address: Any local and more rural wat

Directions: On Luay Wat is very nice and friendly

Theme: Other

Top North Guest House: Great Backpacker Hotel in Chiang Mai City Center Top North Hotel Chiang Mai Review

This 99-room hotel in the city center of Chiang Mai is perfect for the backpacker. There are good cheap rooms 600 Baht and under. Rooms come in three categories - fan, air, and new air and the difference between them is only around 250 Baht. The hotel has a travel center and Internet center, great for arranging transportation and trips. There is also a pool to cool down in. The hotel is located by the city center, walking distance from many banks restaurants, bazaars, wats, etc...

Unique Qualities: Pool, Restaurant (Chinese and Thai), Safty Box, Car rental, Travel Agency, Inetrnet Center

Address: 15 Moon Muang Rd., Soi 2, Muang, Chiang Mai

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: City Center, Chiang Mai

Phone: 0-5327-8684

Price: less than US$20

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com/