One Night In Chiang Rai

[pete66]

Stopping over in Chiang Rai on Saturday to see the town, and then doing visa run on Sunday Morning to Mae Sai. I already have ticket booked CM -> CR for Saturday, and also Mae Sai -> CM for Sunday, leaving Mae Sai at 15.30, so ...

1) I need to buy the bus ticket on Saturday when I get into CR, from CR to Mae Sai for Sunday Morning. She wouldn't sell me that in CM for some reason. Where is the bus station in CR that the Green bus leaves for Mae Sai?

2) Any recommendations for reasonable hotel nearby? Just staying one night, so nothing fancy, 600b to 800b range.

thx in advance,

pete

[pete66]

oh and also, any places to watch English Premier League on nice big screen TV - preferably with commentary in English - kills the atmosphere of a game when places turn the sound down and have music on. Nothing against music, just doesn't sit right with footy

[harrry]

Chiangrai to MaiSai greenbus leaves every half hour or so from cuty bus station.

[pete66]

OK thanks. Did I read somewhere there are two bus stations in Chiang Rai and the Green Bus from CM stops at both. If so, is the "Cuty" the first or last stop?

[villagefarang]

The new bus station is on the highway heading to town so that is the first stop. If they continue into town, then the city stop would be the last stop. We have always picked people up at the new stop so I can’t confirm the bus continues on into town, to the old bus station. I am sure others know.

If you are going to be here on a Saturday night, shouldn’t you be checking out our walking street instead of watching TV?

[pete66]

The new bus station is on the highway heading to town so that is the first stop. If they continue into town, then the city stop would be the last stop. We have always picked people up at the new stop so I can’t confirm the bus continues on into town, to the old bus station. I am sure others know.

If you are going to be here on a Saturday night, shouldn’t you be checking out our walking street instead of watching TV?

OK gotcha, get off at last stop, whether its the first or second definitely check out the walking street, but need to check out the footy as well if possible

Still no recommendation for 600-800 baht hotel in town? I know its not much of a budget but I won't be there long.

[villagefarang]

I am sure there was a post or two recently with hotel recommendations. I seem to remember someone mentioning Chiang Rai Diamond Inn but don’t know the price. Living here I never stay in local hotels so can’t offer any recommendations, sorry.

[pete66]

Looks like a long way from the new bus station into town - I'll ask if the Green Bus continues into town!

Ah, hold on though. I need to buy a ticket from Chiang Rai to Mae Sai for Sunday Morning. Is the old bus station in town still functional, sell tickets etc? If not, I'd be better off getting off at the new station, buying a ticket there and getting a ride into town somehow

[jombom]

Looks like a long way from the new bus station into town - I'll ask if the Green Bus continues into town!

Ah, hold on though. I need to buy a ticket from Chiang Rai to Mae Sai for Sunday Morning. Is the old bus station in town still functional, sell tickets etc? If not, I'd be better off getting off at the new station, buying a ticket there and getting a ride into town somehow

Have stayed in Diamond many times -- not recently tho'. Anyway it's cheap enough , clean, and very close to the Chiang rai Walking St, which is called Jetyod, if I not mistaken.

[Will27]

Hi Pete

They have songthaew's from the new bus station to the old for 20 Baht.

If you haven't booked a hotel as yet, I can recommend the Diamond Park Inn.

It's excellent value at approx 650 Baht.

http://www.diamondparkinn.com/

It is right in the middle of the city, has spacious rooms and a restaurant attached.

Also, just around the corner from the Night Bazaar and bus station.

Sorry, I can't help you with Premier League. I prefer to watch real football.

The Australian football League

Regards

Will

[villagefarang]

Looks like a long way from the new bus station into town - I'll ask if the Green Bus continues into town!

Ah, hold on though. I need to buy a ticket from Chiang Rai to Mae Sai for Sunday Morning. Is the old bus station in town still functional, sell tickets etc? If not, I'd be better off getting off at the new station, buying a ticket there and getting a ride into town somehow

Have stayed in Diamond many times -- not recently tho'. Anyway it's cheap enough , clean, and very close to the Chiang rai Walking St, which is called Jetyod, if I not mistaken.

Jetyod is more often referred to as the red-light district or bar-road. The Chiang Rai Walking Street is found a few blocks away on Thanalai Road on Saturday evenings.

[krobert6]

Hi Pete

They have songthaew's from the new bus station to the old for 20 Baht.

If you haven't booked a hotel as yet, I can recommend the Diamond Park Inn.

It's excellent value at approx 650 Baht.

http://www.diamondparkinn.com/

It is right in the middle of the city, has spacious rooms and a restaurant attached.

Also, just around the corner from the Night Bazaar and bus station.

Sorry, I can't help you with Premier League. I prefer to watch real football.

The Australian football League

Regards

Will

I agree - The Diamond Park Inn is a good choice for budget accom. Book early as they cater for the coach tourists

[pete66]

Thanks all. A bit late to "book early" as I will arrive in CR in about 5 hrs (!) but I'll try the Diamond Park Inn first. Tried their website but all browsers showing its been infected with malware! Thx again