Need 2 Book Chiang Mai Room on 4-7 arrival till end of SongKran?

[BohemianDaddyo]

Just purchased RT airfare for $1240 this AM from Air China with confirmed itinerary and confirmation emailed from Orlando to Chiang Mai arriving 07-APR-2014 at 22:35 and leaving Chiang Mai to return on 05-MAY-2014 23:45 . 27 hrs 45 min travel time in each direction. From what I've read here and elsewhere, it's a good idea to initially reserve a room for a few days and wing it from there. But I also read the period around SongKran New Year festivities is a busy time for the Thailand tourism industry.

So I'm asking here of seasoned travelers and locals alike if I will need to reserve a room in Chiang Mai for longer than just say 3 days after arrival until after the 15th of April? The fixed date for Songkran Festival is from April 13 to April 15 though Chiang Mai starts earlier depending on the weekend before the respective dates. http://songkran2014.com/chiang-mai-songkran-festival-2014-sawadee-pee-mai-muang-2014/

Or will there typically be empty single private hostel and simple hotel accommodations available at reasonable rates starting on April 10, 2014 near the old city area of Chiang Mai? Planning to also visit Bangkok, but am winging it so didn't really want to reserve a room for more than 3 days after arrival, but will if those 'in the know' here advise me to. Was thinking about trying to get a room at the Ginny Place or guest house owned by Captain Bob.. More suggestions of cozy inexpensive but pleasant homy guest house w/a private room would be very welcome..

Prior thanks for any knowledgeable advice!

[craigt3365]

It is a major holiday. If you're willing to cruise around for a few hours (or more) to find an acceptable room, after flying for some 30 hours, then fine.

My recommendation would be to make a reservation for a few days. Find something else, if desired, and go from there.

I think you'll do better with this over in the CM forum.

Topic Moved.

[BohemianDaddyo]

Thanks for moving it over to a CM forum section Craig - thought I'd posted in it.. And thanks for your advice, but I know this and plan to book a room for at least 3 days.. What I asked though is if I should book a room from the time I arrive on April 7th until April 16th because of the Songkran celebration. In other words, will I be able to 'wing it' in finding a room in either Chiang Mai or Bangkok from say April 10th till after the Songkran festivities? I may decide I want to go to Bangkok during the Thai New year but just don't know which place I might want to be then until I get there. Prefer to be as spontaneous as possible during the month I'm there to see as much as I can of Thailand..

[Canada]

If you're going to be in Chiang Mai for the entire period of the 7th to the 16th, I'd try to book in advance if I were you. Major holiday in Thailand and Chiang Mai is a zoo during it. You'll have a hard time finding something convenient and reasonable if you leave it too late. I've lived in Chiang Mai for about 6 years now.

Word of caution: read trip advisor reviews before booking. Some places have <deleted> service attitudes.

Good luck and have fun. Chiang Mai is a blast for this festival.

[BohemianDaddyo]

If you're going to be in Chiang Mai for the entire period of the 7th to the 16th, I'd try to book in advance if I were you. Major holiday in Thailand and Chiang Mai is a zoo during it. You'll have a hard time finding something convenient and reasonable if you leave it too late. I've lived in Chiang Mai for about 6 years now.

Word of caution: read trip advisor reviews before booking. Some places have <deleted> service attitudes.

Good luck and have fun. Chiang Mai is a blast for this festival.

Hey - thanks Canada! Always nice to hear from a local making the advice more knowing I'd guess. Yet another local elsewhere said 3 days is enough.. But, best to rule on the side of caution I'd think.. Any suggestions from anyone in the know of a reasonable sized private room in say a cozy guest house near old city? Nothing fancy mind you, but a private room w/at least a double sized bed and private bathroom and security boxes at front desk for valuables, traveler's checks or what not. Is there such a thing as Baht Traveler's checks, or can you use credit cards in most places? Don't want to carry around lots of Baht cash, ya know? I read Ginny's Place or Guest House owned by Captain Bob is quite nice for the price.. Any other nice places?

[naboo]

Yes, only time of the year pre-booking is important. Once Songkran is over it will be easy to find anything.

If you don't pre-book, you may find yourself staying quite a way out of the city.

[heybruce]

You will arrive during one of the few times of year when you can't be confident of finding a decent room in Chiang Mai. If it were me I'd reserve something until the end of Songkran, and make the reservation soon, I'm sure a lot of places are already full.

If you arrive late on 7 April and have three days reserved you'll be checking out on 11 April, by then anything decent will be taken and travel in parts of the city will be getting difficult. You could start looking for someplace you like better than your current reservation starting on 8 April (jet-lag permitting, I know the flight you're taking and you won't be at your best for a while)--you may find a decent place but it's not guaranteed.

I've been in Chiang Mai almost eight years and I've never had to find a room during Songkran, but I know the city goes nuts with tourists then. I have a friend who runs a guesthouse with her partner near the old city, I think they are already booked full for these days.

[BohemianDaddyo]

Thanks so much to you both and especially bruce with your detailed answer as a local. Now I am sure I need to book something to the 16th if not 17th of April. Problem is, I just don't know where because it's all so unfamiliar never having been there before. Old City and Tapai Gate preferred area to be in center of it all? Do lower priced hostels have private rooms and bathrooms or only guest houses? Think I can get a reasonably nice private room w/private bath between $5 to $10 a day in those areas and anyone have any recommendations?

I'm researching now on hostel sites and such mostly looking at lower priced hostels and guest houses with private rooms, but that Agoda site is way high in price compared to others! Outrageous in fact from what is commonly understood as reasonable room prices in Chiang Mai. I'll even budget up to $100 a day for 30 days if necessary, but I don't want 20 to 30 US a day going to a room I'm only renting for 10 days, ya know? Don't have extravagant taste, in fact just the opposite in just seeking a clean, comfortable, even small room is fine as long as is private room. Any suggestions as to area and place to stay from April 7th to April 16th?

Thanks so much folks - you're time and kindness is appreciated by this newbie to Thailand..

[naboo]

Booking with Agoda you will have the room, cheaper places usually won't take the booking in advance, first come first served.

This one:

http://www.agoda.com/ben-guesthouse-restaurant/hotel/chiang-mai-th.html?asq=krg6Bw1rtVk%2blx1LAjj361ziCRjBiL9weUy7ipGPqGfM%2bYJfYaFVP%2bdgeLAKhU26INpTYHscXuS70Smj2dcYKWiKvG4KxXnxcBSACqkg46goKfSZ4nGz3MQ7Bfwrf0iqQZdAVW3EHUSXC1chMD%2f2P2HJjAAmWwMnovL03eewfhbvvuVsN4Cy3b%2bpOLRVi9Nw3dDJ8MmlYrrQOLcPolm0gf6Ha8o36G0CCxHth%2bHjSFAEhx08nhAhsQojZUnKELCYeK08H83xXWa9XRaYJ5kuI%2fT2hhb2NNzNcfrPqE9e4KE%3d&tyra=1|8

is under $10 a night, just over the river, slightly awy from the madness which you may appreciate. Actually a nice area 10 minutes walk to Thapae Gate next to the river.

Edit: try this link:

http://www.agoda.com/ben-guesthouse-restaurant/hotel/chiang-mai-th.html

[Dante99]

contact the Pun Pun Guest House

[BohemianDaddyo]

Thanks to you both Dante and Naboo especially in taking time to look up exact link to exact dates. I don't trust these 'middle men' on lline travel agencies booking airflights after my experiences with scammers and con artist travel agenices like expedia, priceline, and ALL the rest in trying to book a flight.. Just read reviews on a few that book accomadations and I see the same problem - higher actual credit card charges than quoted on line. Any way I can book a room directly with guesthouse in Chaing Mai be email or calling them even? I'd rather deal directly with a business I'm doing business with to avoid all the scams and other BS I find on the internet in so so many areas..

I am finding most all are already booked w/no rooms from the 9th or 10th till the 16th..

[Beetlejuice]

I suggest you book your hotel or guest house room in advance, otherwise it`s up to your own discretion, but if you don`t book in advance, the likelihood of you finding a room is remote.

Here is a hotel and guest house for you that I recommend:

http://www.tapaeplacehotel.com/

http://chiangmaiguesthouse.99k.org/

[BohemianDaddyo]

I suggest you book your hotel or guest house room in advance, otherwise it`s up to your own discretion, but if you don`t book in advance, the likelihood of you finding a room is remote.

Here is a hotel and guest house for you that I recommend:

http://www.tapaeplacehotel.com/

http://chiangmaiguesthouse.99k.org/

Thanks for suggestons - Send direct email to guest house or hostel rather than going thru these on line booking agencies for now. Have to wait another few hours till someone might even read it since 12 hours later there in middle of night. Emailed Chiang Mai Guest House, Ben Guesthouse, Pun Pun, and a few others so far.. Pun Pun and Ben do still have rooms available in time period according to hostelworld, but not many others for entire time and many only reserve for 7 days only.

Thanks folks - I'll let ya know what I manage to book - and any please leave any more suggestions in guest house or hostel accomodations with air con - I'm such a wimp in humid hot weather even though here in Florida now where for 8 months out of the year it's likely close to as hot and humid as Thailand.. Only been here a year though..

[BohemianDaddyo]

Then again, I checked the average low temps in Chiang Mai in April and they're mid 70s or 24 celsius. Cool enough to sleep without Air Con there in mid April it seems? Relevant given rates seem almost half without air con and some places like Ben Guest House, which has every date open I can book directly at their website costing only 3.83 USD for double private room - w/no air con. Any local expats in Chiang Mai think it's cool enough to sleep at night in April without air con? Thanks

[BohemianDaddyo]

I booked Ben Guest House directly from their website sending me to power hostels booking site.with no booking fee to be on safe side from so many hotels, guest houses and hostels showing no private rooms on most of the dates I needed. It was just 2.5% deposit, only $1.73 USD on CC, to reserve a double bed room w/fan only for 9 days, but can cancel reservation free of charge up to 2 days before arrival. Total for 9 days came to $69.12 @ 3.84/day per person but they charge for 2 people even though just myself in a double bed w/fan only. So actually it's $7.77/day for 9 days, or $3 USD less a day than through the link to Agoda Naboo kindly gave me to Ben Guest House. Guess I may have to rough it w/no air con But if necessary, at that low price during a special holiday celebration, I'll survive.. Just got the confirmation in email.. Hotel Casinos in Vegas, where I spent most of my adult life, jack up rooms $100 rooms to $100s more after Xmas into New Year..

At least I know I 'supposedly' have someplace to go on arrival according to the print out I made and email confirmation supposedly coming. So even if I manage to find something else, I only loose $1.73 if cancelling 2 days prior..

Thanks for all your help guys..

[scorecard]

Check the website of Lux hotel, very central location, lots of Songkran activity on the close by main road around the old city moat (Two hundred metres or less to walk from the Lux).

Very clean hotel, decent size rooms, nice bathrooms, very friendly staff, very reasonable rates usually around 700Baht per night for a double room, not sure if rates go up in peak times, coffee and tea and selection of basic cookies and snacks for breakfast included in the price. Worth checking. Dozens of great small restaurants all cuisines within 10 minutes walk. Maybe OK for your whole stay.

[heybruce]

It will be warm to hot during April, but a fan room is probably ok if you only plan to be in the room at night. I'd check out the 100 to 200 baht a day rooms very carefully, they're probably pretty rough. Remember that if you stay inside the moat area of the old city it will not be easy to travel outside the moat area during the day for the duration of Songkran.

[CMSteve]

not trying to sound like a broken record, but... www.airbnb.com

[uptheos]

It will be warm to hot during April, but a fan room is probably ok if you only plan to be in the room at night. I'd check out the 100 to 200 baht a day rooms very carefully, they're probably pretty rough. Remember that if you stay inside the moat area of the old city it will not be easy to travel outside the moat area during the day for the duration of Songkran.

Probably have lots of (unwanted) sleeping companions.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Remember that if you stay inside the moat area of the old city it will not be easy to travel outside the moat area during the day for the duration of Songkran.

And the other way around. So all things considered I would always stay inside the old town, where the roads are not congested during the festival. And on foot you can get anywhere anyway.

[heybruce]

I booked Ben Guest House directly from their website sending me to power hostels booking site.with no booking fee to be on safe side from so many hotels, guest houses and hostels showing no private rooms on most of the dates I needed. It was just 2.5% deposit, only $1.73 USD on CC, to reserve a double bed room w/fan only for 9 days, but can cancel reservation free of charge up to 2 days before arrival. Total for 9 days came to $69.12 @ 3.84/day per person but they charge for 2 people even though just myself in a double bed w/fan only. So actually it's $7.77/day for 9 days, or $3 USD less a day than through the link to Agoda Naboo kindly gave me to Ben Guest House. Guess I may have to rough it w/no air con But if necessary, at that low price during a special holiday celebration, I'll survive.. Just got the confirmation in email.. Hotel Casinos in Vegas, where I spent most of my adult life, jack up rooms $100 rooms to $100s more after Xmas into New Year..

At least I know I 'supposedly' have someplace to go on arrival according to the print out I made and email confirmation supposedly coming. So even if I manage to find something else, I only loose $1.73 if cancelling 2 days prior..

Thanks for all your help guys..

I'm not familiar with Ben Guesthouse, from their map it looks like you'll be on the east side of the river in the vicinity of Dukes Restaurant. You'll have an easy walk to the river and Songkran activities there, riverside restaurants (somewhat more expensive than average Thai restaurants but nice) and not too far of a walk to the moat area. It's kind of on the edge of Songkran activities, which may or may not be what you were looking for, but I'd say that's a decent place to be. However if you want to engage in late night drunken carousing with other foreigners you probably want to be inside the moat or between the eastern moat and the river.

[BohemianDaddyo]

Thanks for all the info on the location guys! Was very unsure where Ben Guesthouse was located, but I can always rent a scooter for $5 USD a day w/only $7 USD a day for a room. I don't plan to be in the room except to sleep at night. And thank you much Bruce for your detailed view of the area I'll be in close enough it seems but not right in the midst of the celebration. I don't drink anymore 'cause it always left me on the floor [as Ringo said in song, or something like that;-], but still like to party with others that do.. Do like the wacky weed now and again, and again and again, but won't dare indulge in that there in Thailand! I'm quite gregarious, and amiable from a life in entertainment oriented occupations meeting 10s of 1000s from all over the world while living in Vegas n Reno my entire adult life till moving here.. So I do like to have fun, just in fun way I can remember now;-] Ha!

John, US owner of Pun Pun Guesthouse for 18 years now, was the only one that replied to my email queries saying he doesn't have any air con rooms left but I was wondering if that's any closer or a better location, nicer place? I replied back to get a quote on his fan only double bedroom.. Anyone know anything about that one or stayed there?