Some query about Chiang Mai....
Whats is the best way to travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok??Bus,train or flight?
Where is the best place for backpackers to stay at Chiang Mai?
CS
Chiang Mai ...
I got the overnight train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and that was pretty good. You get a seat for the first couple of hours and then the train attendants come round and convert everyone's chairs into beds so you sleep for most of the journey and it was reasonably comfortable (providing you're used to backpacking and not expecting luxury).
I think I booked in the second class section for about 550 Baht (but that was a couple of years ago so it might be slightly different now).
Check out Galare Guest House in Chiang Mai . I stayed there a couple of years back, its right on the river and was a fantastic place to stay. Nice big rooms, very clean. and with a great relaxed atmosphear I think it was about 1000 baht though so not dirt cheap but is a great base as it is very close to the main area.
I did also stay in a place called Green Lodge (i think) that was a lot cheaper - about 600 baht, but was not that great, pretty grotty but OK for a night or so.
just found there website on google, search for Galare Guest House and its the first one. Depending when you go the rate may be reduced to 860 baht - great value.
ta
mark
[ Edit: Edited on Jan 11, 2007, at 5:01 AM by ainsworth1 ]
Bus is also quite comfy and really doesn't take that long (under 1/2 a day); get a window seat for the scenery and watch out for the hairy driving! On second thoughts, take the train 
I took the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai just a few days ago. I travelled on second class and the ticket was 880 baht. The bed was quite comfortable but I didn't get much sleep anyway because of the constant stopping and starting and the less than perfect railroad tracks - but maybe I just haven't done enough backpacking yet 
hi,
Thanks for all the advice above..many thanks..any idea where is the best place to stay for a group of 5 backpackers in Chiang Mai.??
CS
well do u wanna stay in dorm?? it's about RM6 per person per night.
recommend by lonely planet too. julie guesthouse.. u can google this.
email to the person in charge. for tour services, they also can introduce you to ppl in charge.. I did my 3 nights mountain trekking, waterfalls, bamboo rafting, white water rafting ..all for RM150..
sorry that i count everything in RM because I'm concerned about money that i spent.
food there is about RM 2.00 above.. for hawker food..
hopefully that helps.. anything else, u can message me then..ciao
Quoting cstan
hi,
Thanks for all the advice above..many thanks..any idea where is the best place to stay for a group of 5 backpackers in Chiang Mai.??CS
How much do you want to spend per room per night? How much you want to spend will help narrow down some choices.
I like the Montri Hotel, it is on 2-6 Ratchadamnoen Road, across from the Thapae Gate. You can walk to the night market, internet shops are nearby and some decent restaurants are in this area.
I have stayed at The Royal Guest House many times and I find it to be great value for money (just 500 baht per night). It has a nice swimming pool, good restaurant and the staff are really friendly here. The only negative point is that it's got 5 floors and no lift, but hey the walking is good for you anyway, if not request a room on a lower floor. This place has got great character and the location is perfect, just off the Old City moat and not far from the Night Bazaar. Restaurants, shops, bars etc are within easy walking distance.
If you want cheaper then SK House is a good option, from only 300 baht per night. The location is not as good as the Royal Guest House and it's not as unique but it has a pool and the rooms are clean.
I hope this helps.
Ive just been looking at flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai with Air Asia - and in November they are working out at around £17 one way for an adult - flight takes around an hour.