Hi Guys I will be visiting Chiang Mai next month for 2 weeks with a view to staying longer term in the very near future. I'm Aussie and have been to Phuket and the islands several times but am thinking Chiang Mai may be more suitable for me now that I'm getting on in years.

Am hoping to get some info from you guys re: A good area to base myself this trip within easy access to bars where expats frequent, decent mid range restaurants and mid range accommodation. Any tips as to where to stay short term would be greatly appreciated.

Also it's footy season in Oz and I love to watch it on telly with a cold beer in hand. Are there any bars which show AFL and NRL on a frequent basis?

One more. Are there any decent pools or fitness clubs with swimming pools where you can do a few laps.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. I have done some googling but I think you guys would be more attuned to what I am looking for. Thanks again Flanno

Will be super hot weather in April. Also you'l want to decide if you want to catch Songkran in Chiang Mai or come after. In Phuket they do Songkran just one day, in Chiang Mai it's a water carnival 12 -> 15 April.

A good place for Aussie sports is the UN Irish Pub, in the old town area. I would try and see if you can find a nice place in or near the old town, or riverside area. Tough to find a nice place long term there though, but quite easy to rent a room for a couple months until you decide where you want to be. Places like Life in Town, Smith Residence, or one of the nicer apartment buildings in town.

The best place hands down for Aussie sport is the DownUnder Pub on Loi Kroh (Soi McDonald as it's known), the owner is an affable Aussie called Stewart.

He can probably answer your other questions as well.

A decent hotel like the Centara, right near the Night Bazaar and Loi Kroh bar areas, is Bt12-1500 I would think, but you can check on Agoda.com.

The best place hands down for Aussie sport is the DownUnder Pub on Loi Kroh (Soi McDonald as it's known), the owner is an affable Aussie called Stewart.

If it's open.

It is for Aussie sports.

http://downundercm.com/index.php/ct-menu-item-2.html

Thanks guys. Much appreciated. I have googled both bars and also Centara and they are what I was looking for. Thanks again. Flanno