Good morning all!

I'm planning a trip up to CR for Xmas and NYE. Can anyone suggest a nice villa or even a nice apartment to rent preferably quite close to the town centre itself?

I've had a look at the 2 bedroom villa @ The Legend but it is a bit extortionate and is fully booked over the high season.

Boy do I miss the Rai' haven't been up in a year, can't wait to come back up for 'winter'

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Keep in mind that the CR flower festival has gotten to be a BIG event that brings in loads of Thais from BKK etc...The flower festival dates are approx. Dec 25 to Jan 4 or so every year...

So would be wise to get a reservation for something asap as many hotels are full then.

Depends on the amount you want to spend, but I find this page useful to look for buy/lease/rent. Normally in Thailand you have to rent for 6/12 months, but it's negotiable:

http://www.ddproperty.com/en/property-for-rent?listing_type=rent&search_type=district&listing_sub_type=&property_type=&region_code=TH57&district_code=&transportation_type=&distance=0.5&zone_ids=&latitude=&longitude=&interest=&minprice=&min_price_text=&maxprice=&max_price_text=&minbed=&maxbed=&minsize=&maxsize=&minsize_land=&maxsize_land=&freetext=&min_latitude=&max_latitude=&min_longitude=&max_longitude=&is_commercial=&submit=

If you use www.agoda.com you'll also find guest-house and hotels for an affordable rate. Good luck - I've bean in Chiang Rai area for about 15 times and still keep coming back:)

I think you're right Pomchop, the majority of hotels are almost fully booked!

Thanks Prolm, I usually stay in the Diamond Park Inn on Soi Sanpanard (minus the inclusive breakfast ) I will have a chat to DD property and see if they can offer any short term rentals in the meantime.