Places to tick off your list when visiting Chiang Mai:
1. Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara - inside the moat (old city)
2. Wat Phra Singh - inside the moat (old city)
I get to hear foreign tourists complain why they need to pay 40 THB to enter. People need to realise that locals pay to preserve their culture through TAXES which we do not pay while enjoying their city. Please be considerate and not annoy staff, locals, and better minded tourists about these misinformed complaints.
I would not recommend staying in Hug Hostel, which I gave 3/5 stars in TripAdvisor. Fortunately we transferred to A Good Place, a nearby hostel that is cheaper and way better that I gave 9.1/10 rating in HostelWorld. This hostel is family-run, most of the time by Uncle who is very kind and really takes care of the property and guests. Rest assured the place is secure but trade-off is it is not 24-hours and need to book and communicate in advance for late check-in. Location is the best compromise to be near the moat but far away from the noise and smell of the road. If you are like me that wants peace and tidiness and likes to separate partying outside sleeping place, then this hostel is perfect for its price.
In Chiang Rai, we stayed in Mercy Hostel, another 9.1/10 I rated in Hostelworld. Mercy Hostel is near the old bus station and everything in the city is within walking distance. However, it is located at the end of a small road so it is not that accessible. Everything else of this hostel is above expectations, and the environment and services are more like a budget hotel. It has a poolside, bar and billiards. They have hairdryer and free water! Laundry is self-service though. Staff are really helpful and friendly. It's quiet, clean and secure. Bathrooms are uniquely old style.
2. Wat Phra Singh - inside the moat (old city)
I get to hear foreign tourists complain why they need to pay 40 THB to enter. People need to realise that locals pay to preserve their culture through TAXES which we do not pay while enjoying their city. Please be considerate and not annoy staff, locals, and better minded tourists about these misinformed complaints.
I would not recommend staying in Hug Hostel, which I gave 3/5 stars in TripAdvisor. Fortunately we transferred to A Good Place, a nearby hostel that is cheaper and way better that I gave 9.1/10 rating in HostelWorld. This hostel is family-run, most of the time by Uncle who is very kind and really takes care of the property and guests. Rest assured the place is secure but trade-off is it is not 24-hours and need to book and communicate in advance for late check-in. Location is the best compromise to be near the moat but far away from the noise and smell of the road. If you are like me that wants peace and tidiness and likes to separate partying outside sleeping place, then this hostel is perfect for its price.
In Chiang Rai, we stayed in Mercy Hostel, another 9.1/10 I rated in Hostelworld. Mercy Hostel is near the old bus station and everything in the city is within walking distance. However, it is located at the end of a small road so it is not that accessible. Everything else of this hostel is above expectations, and the environment and services are more like a budget hotel. It has a poolside, bar and billiards. They have hairdryer and free water! Laundry is self-service though. Staff are really helpful and friendly. It's quiet, clean and secure. Bathrooms are uniquely old style.
