Hi, my wife and I are new residents of Chiang Mai. We plan to make our first trip to Laos next week and were thinking about using one of the tour operators that we see in and around the old city area, but there are so many we have no idea who's good and who's not. Anyone have good/bad experiences using a tour operator in Chiang Mai? We want transportation provided to where we would catch the slow boat to Luang Prabang (we'll make our own plans from Luang Prabang to Vientiane and back home to CM).

Also, anyone know of a good hat shop in Chiang Mai for both men and women (straw hats, summer hats, etc.)? Thank you all!

Miss Pond of Side Road Travel, corner Loi Kroh Road and Soi 1 is specialist for this trip..can arrange all..and get your hats as well.

Her mobile is 081-5681652. Mention my name "Mr. ROD" and she will give you the best price. She offers a wide-range of services.

For the hats, check out Airport Plaza.

Robinsons probably has the best selection,(but I have never looked for any so I can't be sure, but they seem to have more of everything than anyone else) but there are bargains to be found on the ground floor mall.

I'm sorry but I don't know any specialist hatters in CM, maybe another member does

Thai's don't seem to be big on hats

For the hats, check out Airport Plaza.

Robinsons probably has the best selection,(but I have never looked for any so I can't be sure, but they seem to have more of everything than anyone else) but there are bargains to be found on the ground floor mall.

I'm sorry but I don't know any specialist hatters in CM, maybe another member does

Thai's don't seem to be big on hats

Thais don't seem to be big on hats? Don't tell my wife and her friends that. They look like a Mad Hatter Convention.