Tried avoiding going to Chiang Mai on this third trip to Thailand, but given all the buses were sold out for Sokhathai and Phrae, no choice but to take the overnighter to Chiang Mai. Great bus line called 999 and costing BHT876 for both us (less than $30) Comfy seats, blankies (very cold airconditioning) and water provided. Rocked up to the bus terminal early next morning.
Because of last minute plans, hotel options were slim on Booking.com and booked at Mercure hotel outside north gate by Elephant Statue, about 10 minutes to the Northgate on foot. Safe area, super friendly and helpful staff, but the room was dreadfully dated: 70's tatty furniture, sheets seemed threadbare, windows janky, in dire need of a remodel, which I think since Mercure took over the hotel they must be working on (a new pool apparently). Definitely not worth the 35 a night we paid (or was it 60?)...
Great city to walk arund, visit the night markets, temples and wander in the street where there are no tourists (as small as CM is, there are many streets tourists, thankfully, don't bother going down) Walk to the river area and market, and outside on the west gate, keep walking past the very modern hospital and wend into the side streets on the opposite side where there to an old overgrown run down temple.
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