Chiang Mai Travel Forum

Hi all
I'm planning to go to Chiang Mai and am wondering which is a better area to stay, the old city or the riverside?
I'd like to be walking distance from the Sunday market and the night bazaar, so which area should i look at?

Thanks

I loved the old city but riverside is also OK. Both are about the same distance - as long as you don't go too far down the river or to the far end of the old city! - from the markets and it is walkable.

There is a lot more character and life in the old city but there are a lot of new places opening up around the river which is making the area a nice place to stay.

Last visit I stayed riverside - next visit I am going to go old city.

It may depend upon the type of accom you are after as to where you stay. Have a wonderful time.

Thanks cafank.
I think the Old city area sounds more interesting. Besides, I've read that the Sunday market is better than the night bazaar.

Can anyone suggest a clean, green place to stay in the old city? My budget's around THB1000/night for a room with private bathroom. I've seen a lot of guesthouses and hotels online but would appreciate if i can get a recommendation from someone who's stayed there. Thanks

Well, there are quite a few in the 'old quarter'. One lane/alley in particular which offers quite a few budget to moderate accomodations is right behind the Montri Hotel.

Also if you want a great meal and enjoy relaxing with a 'riverside view', then have dinner at the Good View Restaurant on the riverbank of the Ping. It's about a 15 minute walk from Taphae Gate. Also offers live music at night.

Thanks seagypsy for the tip. I remember you also gave me very useful info on Laos earlier this year.
By the way, I ended up taking a VIP bus from Vientiane to LP and the bus was ok but the journey was a bit too long for me so I flew back from LP to VT. I thoroughly enjoyed LP....just chilling and met some really nice people there too!

Yes, I can understand wanting to take a flight back down from LP after taking the VIP bus up. God knows I've gone up and down by bus enough times that now days, I prefer to fly. Given the cost of a oneway flight between LP and VTE, it's worth the extra cost to get there in less than an hour versus 10+hours on the road. But the advantage of taking the bus/road at least once is that you get to see the wonderful scenery en route.

Check out this place - Veerachai Court, which is located in Thae pae soi 2, centrally located between the river and the old town and it will defenitely fit in less than you budget, book in advance, this place is much wanted!! Check out my Chiang Mai page for further information