Chiang Mai

[mally]

Hi Guys,

My GF wants to visit Chiand Mai for a week ... it's never interested me, especially with what I've read about the air quality and influx of Chinese, but it looks like I'll have to spend a little time there, so -
Any recommendations for which area to stay in ? She will want things to visit during the day, and I like a drink at night time.
I'm well past the back packer adventure things, so I'm looking for somewhere a little interesting for her, and not too quiet at night for me.

On a different topic - I applied for the GF (Lao, but lives in Thailand) a Visa to come and stay with me in the UK for a while. First attempt, and she was granted a Multi Entry 6 month Visa, (much to my surprise as I've read elsewhere how many people have had problems). So, if anyone is interested, I can tell them how we went about it and what documents we supplied. I'm not going to do a post about it, unless there's someone looking for guidelines.

The main thing is where to book a hotel in Chiang Mai.

[Lone Star]

Hi Guys,

My GF wants to visit Chiand Mai for a week ... it's never interested me, especially with what I've read about the air quality and influx of Chinese, but it looks like I'll have to spend a little time there, so -
Any recommendations for which area to stay in ? She will want things to visit during the day, and I like a drink at night time.
I'm well past the back packer adventure things, so I'm looking for somewhere a little interesting for her, and not too quiet at night for me.

On a different topic - I applied for the GF (Lao, but lives in Thailand) a Visa to come and stay with me in the UK for a while. First attempt, and she was granted a Multi Entry 6 month Visa, (much to my surprise as I've read elsewhere how many people have had problems). So, if anyone is interested, I can tell them how we went about it and what documents we supplied. I'm not going to do a post about it, unless there's someone looking for guidelines.

The main thing is where to book a hotel in Chiang Mai.

It's not my favorite city either, but I've been there a lot in the recent past.

Anywhere between the Ping River (on the east side of ChM) and the Old City Square will have lots to do -- including the Night Bazaar and places to eat and drink. Lots of good hotels in that area too.

Highly recommend the River Market Restaurant on the Ping River for great meals and a good place to have some drinks and watch the world go by.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+R ... authuser=0

Decent Mexican restaurants there. Loco Elvis is one of the best. Other than having a need for good Mexican food since moving here, I usually eat Thai food and eat at the River Market Restaurant.

I've stayed at quite a few hotels on the east side.

- Hotel M Chiang Mai is on the east side of the city and next to the Tha Phae Gate. It's close to a lot of things to do.

Good luck!

[Lone Star]

.

Forgot one.

Last time I was there, went to a restaurant out west of the city: Galae

It was fabulous.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Galae ... authuser=0

I also stayed at the Dusit Princess a couple of times.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dusit ... authuser=0

I've never had a bad experience at any of the Dusit hotels.

[trekkertony]

Duangtawan off Loi Kroh is close to the night market and is value for money, serving excellent breakfast. Chang Mai has some great drives out in the country, superb golf and adult entertainment along Loi Kroh. The previous recommendation of the Rivermarket restaurant is right on the money. If you have transport, the an individual gardens are beautiful. Hope you enjoy the stay.

[mally]

Some good info there - thanks Lads

[trekkertony]

Mally,
Previous post should have read an individual gardens

[trekkertony]

Mally,
For some reason when l type in the name of the botanical gardens at Mae Rim it defaults to ‘individual gardens’ given that the gardens are named after a member of the royal family, unsure why. Having said that, they are well worth the drive, if a senior (60+) no charge for admission.

[mally]

Thanks for the info lads, but .... as I'm sure you will all have experienced .... the GF has changed her bloody mind !
She wants to go somewhere else - not sure where yet, but anything for a quiet life.
But the info is there for me now, if (and it's a possibility) she changes it back again

[stattointhailand]

You were making going to CM too easy mally ........... she's probably feeling that she hasn't WON anything, so therefore it lost it's appeal

[GT93]

Mally,
For some reason when l type in the name of the botanical gardens at Mae Rim it defaults to ‘individual gardens’ given that the gardens are named after a member of the royal family, unsure why. Having said that, they are well worth the drive, if a senior (60+) no charge for admission.

The Map's a real hoot on that one. The next individual of Australia is individual Charles III.