Bus from Chiang Mai was on Green Bus, a modern, new and very efficient bus line that "gets" the travel space and provided an on board steward(ess) who handed out moist towlettes, water and a snack! Boy can US bus compnaies learn alot from these smaller operations who understand customers and service, even wit the smallest of gestures such as a bottled water and a smile. Note: there are two bus stations in Chiang Rai, a new modern one about 7 km south of town and old bus station that is in the center. make sure to ask if the bus stops at both. i saw many falangs get off at the first stop thinking it was the end of the line, but it wasn't. saves haggling with a tuk tuk driver to get into the center.
This go round I booked via Booking.com a room at the new Baan Siam, 111/36 M.19 Banrai Rd.
Bann Siam Google map street view
When i booked back in May I think it was only open a week, and so there were no reviews at all to go on. i chanced it, it was 600 BHT a night ($20) and figured if it was absolute hell, we can find a place for the second night. It was FAB! Turns out it must have been a promo price as when i did a price check through Booking.com again for the same dates, it was %60 a night. The owner came out upon payment as i think he too couldn't believe the price. Thank god for printed out copies and Booking.com to back up the confirmed price! I wouldn't stay there for $60, but at $20 it was a deal...perhaps it is more a $30-440 a night place. Then I learned from the owner that he also owns the GORGEOUS Ratchamanka Hotel in Chiang Mai managed by his son, it made sense all the modern and subtle touches.
Clean, modern, tucked in a quiet side street on the western side of the city near to the Mekong and towards the far more cush Meridien where the rest of New Year falangs were staying. Right next door is a self-serve laundry spot.
The main road near the hotel is Hwy 1-Phahon Rothin which comes from CR center over the Mekong. By the hotel end of it, there was a restaurat that was jamming with locals and looked quite good with lots of outdoor seating and a grill. Sor Lung Kam. Turn right out of the hotel and about 50 yards from the hotel is the Halal Muslim place-brand spanking new, or if not, spanking clean: https://maps.google.com/maps?q=baan+siam+hotel+chiang+rai&ie=UTF-8&ei=3RL7ULuTJsbg2QXG-oHwCA&ved=0CAsQ_AUoAA. (lots of Muslims in Thailand!)
Not central to the night market, so a 15 minute pleasant stroll to the bus station and market area. but nice and close to the temples and Mekong areas. Nothing is ever really far in Chiang Rai.
End of december until early January is the International Flower show. this year at the fair grounds along the mekong on the northern side a bit west of the center. Great way to interact and be with the throngs of locals who rock up with families to snap endless photos in front of displays made of flowers and browse through the stalls and exhibits. Great fun, and Free! We hopped a small boat for $1 each to go up river to the central part of Chiang Rai. 
