64. Chiang Mai Accommodation

Arrived at Smilehouse Guesthouse, was shown a very small room which was 500 baht - no room, dreary, damp and decidely yukky. And it smelt. I had booked a double room at 700 baht with television and air-con. The lady showed me another room, in the "new" building but, she told me, the television is not working. I didn't like the padlock which was to be placed on the outside of the door and locked. Security issues? Very likely in my opinion.
The lass said to complain to the office, she said all online bookings go to Smilehouse Boutique Hotel, then a reservation is sent to the guesthouse. Because I was one person, I was given a room for 1 pax. She also said many things broken here, please complain to office, She offered me a refund (I'd had to hand over 2,800 baht there and then). I said I'd look for another place.
Now that I think of it, this was the first place that wanted the cash upfront.
I hadn't been able to find somewhere else - remember, this was my first time in Thailand and I had no idea really where I was, it was very easy to get lost.

The Be Bee Cafe
Leaving the dismal Smilehouse (so inaptly named, don't you think?), I made a beeline for Tee's cafe and had an excellent meal. (See photo below)

Above: Most delicious lunch

Tee introduced me to her brother, Pang, who informed me he often worked as a guide. He offered to show me Chiang Mai, take me where I would like to go and said his sister rang him and said I was by myself and might be lonely and maybe would like someone to show me around. As this was my first time here I decided to take him up on his offer and thought it would be a good idea to go on a "walking tour" - that's the best way to find your bearings in a strange place.

We agreed that he would meet me at the Smilehouse GH in around 30 minutes.

A Shower And A Blackout
Walking back to Smilehouse, I turned on the air-con (the room was pretty hot) then hopped under the shower. So, there was me - starkers with a head full of shampoo, when all of a sudden - Bang! - the power went out. I couldn't see in the dimness, the water went cold and I had to quickly try and wash out the shampoo suds under cold water. I wasn't very pleased I can tell you.

Dressed, I made my way to reception. There was a beefy looking chap there (he told me the lady had finished and gone home) who was most unhelpful. I insisted he come with me to take a look at the now non-existent electricity. Grumbling, he did so. Outside my room on the opposite wall, he pulled a switch or something and the power came back on.

You can't have a shower and have the air-con on at the same time
He told me it was my fault the power went off because I was using "too much electricity" to which I responded I only had one light and the air-con on while I took a shower. He said you can't use the shower and have the air conditioning on at the same time because it uses too much electricity and the power goes off.

I resolved to ask Pang if he knew of another place to stay that was within my budget.

Pang Saves The Day
In the midst of the electricity fiasco, along comes Pang who asked what was wrong. When I explained, he said to come with him and took me to the Anodard Hotel saying that he knew this place (the hotel) and it was better than where I was. After speaking with the receptionist who said they had two spare rooms, I asked to see both before committing and chose the larger of the two. After giving them the details, we went back to Smilehouse, collected my luggage and asked for a refund.

NO Refund
The beefy one was most unhelpful and rather un-friendly. Didn't want to give anything back. Pang spoke with him in Thai. They had words. He eventually said he'd give back some but would keep 300 baht - for the use of the shower.
Not good PR. I definitely would not recommend this place to anyone.
I was not a happy little Vegemite!


The Anodard Hotel

Above: Anodard Hotel
My room was just up there - that square bit that juts out at the front was almost in front of my window - about the sixth from the right.

Above: Reception Staff
The girls at reception were lovely and always had a smile for me. When I was checking in, a chap came over and took my suitcase - I'd never stayed anywhere before where someone takes your luggage to the lift and wheels it into your room - and I asked Pang was I supposed to give him money for doing that. He replied, "Up to you. But if you give him something, he will do anything for you."

Not having ever stayed at a place where they wheel your stuff to the lift and take it to your room and never having been in this situation before, I thought it probably better to give him something to show gratitude and gave the chap 100 baht. I was surprised at the look on his face - it was wreathed in a big smile which reached his eyes and he seemed very happy. I was glad I gave him the money, just to see the happiness on his face. And Pang was right, this dear man nearly fell over his feet wanting to do things for me. We had lots of conversations which I greatly enjoyed and I think he did too.

Above: My room
The room was clean - I was given a choice of two, this being the better. The window faced the street and there were fly screens. It was basic but very dated. From the front, the hotel looked wonderful but the rooms alas just aren't in the same league. The public area, that is reception and lobby are far more appealing. Breakfast isn't included and they don't do meals although there is a smallish urn where for the cost of around 30 or 40 baht you can get a cup of coffee or tea. But you are not allowed to do it yourself - one of the chaps on duty does it for you. It isn't the sort of place where you meet and mix with fellow travellers.
Still, in spite of this, the staff were lovely and friendly. Should I find myself in Chiang Mai again, I think I would probably look for accommodation that has a bit of life - it was very quiet here and I found myself spending more time at the Be Bee Cafe for company than I did at the hotel.

56. PLOY Guesthouse

This is where I stayed in Kanchanaburi - PLOY Guesthouse. It is very clean and the staff were very helpful.

Above: My room
I was in Room A 103 - the "A" building is the single storey building with an outdoor shower with private garden. I would sit on the timber seat and have a smoke, in peaceful surroundings.
There was an information sign on the wall near the mirror which I thought rather delightful. It reads -


DO'S & STOP
:DO REMIND The breakfast time is 7:00 - 10:00am After that
we have to apologise that we can't serve because a ton of work to do.
For the bar serves you until 20:30

:Don't Take Bath towel of the room, please take your towel out.
Pool towel is provided 20 BHT per day.

:DO REMEMBER everything in a room have a price DON'T RUIN them.

:DO Check-out before 12:00 or the late is 100 BHT per hour.

:DO fill the drinking water as we provide.

:DON'T smoke in a room.

:DON'T BE HESITATE to ask for something or any question. we appreciate
to serve you but please DO SPEAK EXTRA SLOWLY AND CLEARLY.
As we can speak English just a little bit.

:DO Enjoy kids with our facilities: Lego, Paint, Sand pool for free
of charges except Radio Control Boat is 40 BHT per 10 minutes.

:DO NOTE that most toilets in Thailand mean you will have to squat,
but in PLOY please sit. And DON'T PUT the toilet paper
or sanitary pads in the toilet bowl.

:DO REMOVE FOOTWEAR before getting on the bed.

Above: PLOY gardens
The gardens around the guesthouse. There are quiet spots where you can sit and just chill out. The centre photo shows the pool and the river. The swimming pool...hmm, yes.

Thou Shalt Look Where Thou Put Thy Big Foot!
I decided to take a dip in the pool, not being a swimmer, I gauged the shallow end and went in accordingly. Oh it was so refreshing sitting there, legs floating in the water, water coming up to chest high, arms weightless. Such a cooling place. Finally I decided to get out and have a drink. Now, there was no sign saying, "Caution - Slippery" and as I awkwardly climbed up the ladder and gingerly put my foot down on the ground --- WHOOSH! I slipped, lost my balance and ended up very inelegantly on my rear end. I put my right arm out to break the fall, and landed in a heap. (I'm afraid I wasn't very quiet about it either) - I couldn't move - pain shot up my right arm and my rear end was very sore. Two of the staff (both male) came over (it was so embarrassing - the top of my bathers had slipped down) and as I feverishly tried to pull them up I asked them to pass me my sarong. After several minutes, I slowly, very slowly got up, sat in the cane chair.
Ever been in situations where you wish the floor would open up and swallow you? Well, this was one of those times. That was my first (and last) adventure into a pool. Sigh........

Above: PLOY Guesthouse
Looking down from the entrance to the rooms. Note the thatched roofs

Above: Bedroom
My first experience of Thai beds - the mattresses are not just firm they are hard! And instead of it being on a bed with four legs, it was situated on the floor - the floor where the bed was, was higher then the rest of the floor. Just think of a huge step. Getting on it was fairly easy - it was the getting off that took some doing. I found the best way was to slither down to the end of the bed, dangle my feet over the edge on the right hand side and onto the chair, then put them on the ground! What a sight for sore eyes I must have been.

The little fridge was on the same level as the mattress and the window showed the "garden" outside. To the right of the narrow table and mirror is the bathroom door.

Above: Outdoor garden shower
When you go through the bathroom door, the basin and mirror are to your left, the loo is on the right and the shower faces the garden.
There is another sign, equally quaint and rather humourous which says:

DO'S & STOP
:DON'T FORGET that mosquitoes looking and flying like fighter planes will,
not may, also extend you a warm welcome even during daylight. DO BRING
some anti-mosquito-aircraft necessities along and if don't have them ask us.
Especially please DON'T FORGET to close the door.

:DON'T BE ALARMED if you find pigs trotting by or in front of you,
or big monstrous (perhaps to you) lizards wisping out their forked tongues above
your head, or others.....because this is a REAL NATURF.

:DO CONCERN that the electricity and water is the world's resources,
let's save this energy. Please DO TURN OFF when YOU DON"T NEED IT.

:DO let us know if you back from the National park as always many blood
eater come with you, we could give you a hand to clean stuff.

:DON'T KEEP your valuables in a room. And if you do think
we are decent and honest do keep your valuables in out safe deposit box.

:DO BE ALERT if you take NEW FRIEND in room, please take
care your personal belonging.

:DO hang on the sign "do not disturb" If you don't need us to make up
your room.

:DON'T FORGET to double lock the door by wood club.

Have a nice dream!

Above: Walkway
From my room, I walked this way to get to the restaurant - turn left after the elephants.

Above: Entrance to restaurant
The steps lead to the restaurant - on the right hand side is the bar and the area where the breakfast is cooked.

Above: Breakfast table
The tables are made of a solid piece of beautiful timber, topped with glass. The seating is also made of timber, polished to a sheen with the patina of old wood. This was my table. A free breakfast consisting toast and tea or coffee is included in the room price. The rest is extra. I had scrambled egg, 25 baht, bacon - 30 baht and orange juice 40 baht as well. It was 95 baht well spent.

Above: Antiques and Collectables
There are many beautiful pieces - timber sculptures, antiques and curios. This cabinet holds hookah pipes, lustres and candelabras. Above is an old steamer travelling trunk.

Above: Rooftop Garden
I discovered this delightful rooftop garden setting. Relaxing lounges and pillows, undercover from the blazing sun and tables and chairs - again made from nature - solid timbers and marble tops. The whole is surrounded by shrubbery and trees with a view overlooking the River.

Above: View from restaurant
My favourite view - the River Kwai as seen from my breakfast table.

All in all, I was very happy with my choice of accommodation and would recommend it to anyone visiting Kanchanaburi wanting a quiet, relaxed place where you can chill out and just listen to the birds and the gentle lapping of the river.

44. Chiang Khong Accommodation

Change of plan
Further to my previous post, there has been a change of plan regarding accommodation for the 15th of February. Mr. Adisak emailed me on Sunday night saying the bungalow was available but I would be the only one staying there that night and suggested I spend that night in Chiang Khong and recommended two hotels, although he would book the bungalow for me if that was what I wanted. I took his advice and decided to stay in Chiang Khong. He also assured me I had nothing to worry about the boat not leaving on February 16th and said he will take the boat off the dock even if I was traveling alone.


The hotels he recommended were Nam Khong Riverside THB.800 including breakfast and Teak Garden THB.1,000 including breakfast. Both hotels looked rather nice and the Nam Khong one had lovely gardens around it but seemed a little isolated. With this in mind, I decided on Teak Garden, even thought the cost is higher and sent an email advising of this.

Above: Teak Garden
This is a lttle closer to the Thai Immigration checkpoint and appears to be more in the middle of the town. (Photos are from the internet)The address is 666 Saiklang rd. , moo 8 wiang, Chiang Khong, Chiangrai, 57140. Tel: +66 (0)5379 2008-9 Fax: +66 (0)5379 2007 .
I do like the look of this hotel - the rooms have either a river view of a garden view. At this stage I don't know which one I will have, although a river view would be nice. I'm not too fussed, whichever it is, I'll enjoy it.

From hotel to Laos
Mr Adisak sent me another email saying he will book my accommodation at the Teak Garden Resort for 15 February and will pick me up at 08.10 and transfer to the immigration office and on to the boat, and that his staff will assist me with Lao visa / immigration formality.

Getting to Chiang Khong
He also suggested I take the VIP Green Bus fro, Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong - the trip takes six hours, has comfortable reclining seats, a loo and takes you right to Chiang Khong and that the hotel is 7 minutes away from where you get off the bus by Tuk Tuk. He said the fare was around THB.200 and offered to book the ticket for me and to let him know. Taht was nice of him wasn't it? I took him up on his offer, thanked him and asked him to book the ticket. So for now it's just a matter of waiting for a reply confirming this.
As always, I'll post it here when this has occurred.

43. Chiang Khong Accommodation Booked

Well I have sent an email to Mr Adisak of the Nagi of Mekong booking one night's accommodation at Baan Nai Sra for the 15th February. I also asked about how to get there. I will be departing Chiang Mai by bus in the morning and I've been informed you get the bus to Chiang Rai then another bus to Chiang Khong. Getting from Chiang Khong to the village of Baan Nai Sra is in the "I don't know" basket. When I receive confirmation regarding both (ie accommdoation and transport detail) I will post it on this blog.

From their Nagi website, the cost for the cruise is THB.4,600 (twin sharing) with a single occupancy surcharge of THB. 600 which brings the amount to 5,200 Baht.

The accommodation room rate including full breakfast for two people is THB.1,000 per bungalow / night.
Unlimited tea & coffee and drinking water are provided free of charge.

And it says people who also book the Nagi of Mekong cruise to Luang Prabang will be transferred to the Thai immigration office in Chiang Khong at no additional cost.

The package is 5,300 Baht plus 1,000 Baht for single occupancy. This is higher than I had originally planned but what the heck - the place looks nice and I might never come this way again.

42. Chiang Khong or Huay Xai?

Which should I choose?

I am booked on the Nagi of Mekong for Wednesday 16th February which departs Huay Xai at 9.00am. I can either spend the night of the 15th in Huay Xai (Laos) and make my way to the boat landing or, opt to stay on the Thai side of the border in either Chiang Khong or book accommodation with Mr. Adisak's place at Baan Nai Sra Resort. The cost of this option is an extra 1000 Baht on top of the boat price.

This includes - One night accommodation at Baan Nai Sra, home cooked dinners & breakfasts. Transfer from the resort to the Thai immigration office on the cruise day, visa / immigration assistance and luggage handling. Lao visa & immigration forms will be given to you at the resort.

Below are the two choices I'm considering.

Above: Sabaydee Guesthouse
Guesthouse in Huay Xai

Above: Baan Nai Sra Resort
Accommodation Baan Sri Lanna - House in the Pond. I've been told the village of Sri Lanna is 21 km south of Chiang Khong on the Thoen road (rte.1020) Above photo from Mr. Adisak, owner/manager of Nagi of Mekong

Cost
A room at Sabaydee Guesthouse is 70,000 kip, or AUD$8.78
Baan Nai Sri is 1,000 Baht, or AUD$33.18 - a difference of $24.40. Even allowing for meals, Sabaydee still works out cheaper. But....I think I like the idea of the other one, mainly because of concerns I still have about the Nagi. I suppose you could say I think I would feel more secure. Secure that is in the knowledge that the boat will run and the Nagi will be what it is said to be. So - what to do? Do I stay in Huay Xai or not? Personally, I'd like to stay in Laos the night before - sort or builds the excitement of actually being in Laos and sailing down the Mekong.

On the other hand, Mr. Adisak's resort does look idyllic - a real little gem and a lovely place to relax.

The phrase "sailing down the Mekong" has thrilled me when I have read it in the past, why, I'm not too sure. Maybe because it fills one with a sense of adventure, a sense of doing something of days gone by in a far distant land. Well, whatever it is, I want to do it. As for accommodation? Well - I'll think about it a bit more before committing. Actually, I've thought about it a bit more and decided to stay at Baan Nai Sri Resort. All I have to do now is make a booking, which I will do a bit later on today. Fingers crossed.

41. Chiang Mai Accommodation Booked

Well accommodation for Chiang Mai has been booked - I received an email from Smilehouse Guesthouse confirming my reservation yesterday. Below is the photo I posted back in July last year when I was looking into somewhere to stay.

Above: Smilehouse Guesthouse
I remember saying that the above photos were the only ones I could find. They have obviously updated their website because there are plenty of (small) photos of the place now - new photos here. I went for a room with air-con, 700 Baht (AUD$23.29). Looking back on the July post, the dollar equivalent then was $24.29. Let's hope the fluctuations stay the same. Just think - I'll save four whole dollars! Oh, and four cents...☺

Printed Addresses
Not only did I print the reservation, I also printed the address written in Lao to show the taxi driver when I arrive. This is a good idea in case the driver doesn't speak English or my pronounciation of the street address is incorrect.

All my accommodation is now booked except for the night of the 15th. Not sure whether to stay in Chiang Khong (Thailand) or Huay Xai (Laos).

38. Accomodation Update - Luang Prabang

Have received an email confirming my reservation at Souk Lan Xang for three nights. The lady sounds very nice (I thought this when I read the first email last year) and the grounds look quite lovely. Price was a little more than I'd have liked - $30, that's American dollars but it comes with breakfast. I may prefer a more budget price but I'm not willing to stay in a dingy little cell with tatty sheets, grimy floors and and plumbing that looks like it belongs in the 19th century.

Above: Souk Lan Xang
Looks like a nice, friendly place to stay. Photos above are taken from the website.

Below is a map showing location

Above: Guesthouse is marked with an "X"

37. Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang

Well I finally sent of the reservation forms for Luang Prabang and Chiang Mai.

First - Luang Prabang
I ended up choosing Souk Lan Xang while it doesn't seem to be on a main road or anything and rather quiet from what I can make out, it does seem to be a more 'personal' type of accommodation.

I had sent an email last month (December) and received a response from the owner. A mate recommended this place and said the garden was lovely. I suppose you could say (from what I've heard) it's a little like comparing a small, friendly office compared to a large one in a huge conglomerate where it is impersonal.

Chiang Mai
I couldn't decide between three places, Smilehouse GH, Chiang Mai Thai House and Awanahouse so I emailed all three of them. The first one (Smilehouse) has rooms on the ground floor I've been told so that will probably be the one I go for. If the other two have ground floor rooms also, then it's a case of seeing which has the most to offer.

So now, we play the waiting game and see what happens. I've already had a response from Awanahouse saying they've received my online booking and will contct me as soon as possible.
WEll now, a funny thing happened. I just checked my emails and lo and behold there was on from Awanahouse saying sorry they didn't have a ground room available in January. Strange, I could have sworn I selected February when I filled out the reservation form. Have sent an email informing them of this so we'll just see what happens.

36. Kanchanaburi Accommodation - Booked

Well now, after a long time trying to make a decision about where to stay in Kanchanaburi, I finally did it and made a booking. So that's another place sorted. It was a toss-up between two places - I had been planning on staying at Pong Phen GH, but after reading so many mixed reviews and putting it all into perspective, I went for PLOY GH.  Their website doesn't seem to be working at the moment so it's sort of 'stuck' on one page. I do think the other one (Pong Phen) would be more lively and has perhaps more going on as far as noise and meeting other travellers, but the PLOY seems to have more satisfied customers.

I decided to go for the Category 1 - Garden Building A which has a fridge and is the one storey concrete building facing the private garden with the - get this! - the outdoor shower. I rather like the novelty of the outdoor shower which is only available if you stay in this building. The double storey building opposite charge 50 baht less for the downstairs rooms but what the heck - it's only 50 baht which in the scheme of things isn't all that big a price difference and this way I have a fridge in the room as well which might come in handy of I buy fruit or something.

Finding a street map
This isn't easy as the ones I found cover Kanchanaburi province when what I wanted was a street map of Kanchanaburi, the town. With this in mind, I've had to resort to using a Google map which is below.

View Kanchanaburi in a larger map
Above: Location of PLOY GH

35. Vang Vieng Accommodation Booked

After a long search, I have finally booked my one night's accommodation at Vang Vieng. A few places had been suggested, but alas their price outweighed my wallet! I had been advised to choose somewhere away from what is nick-named "tubing corner" as this is where a lot of drunken backpackers hang out.

I settled on Ban Sabai Bungalows which is a little further away than the pricier options I'd been looking at but not too far from the centre of town. It was a little cheaper booking online with one of those booking places and it cost US$36. Going through their website was US$41, although I heard later from someone that places will meet the same price as online booking systems.

Above: Ban Sabai Bungalows
The bungalows look quite nice. There's no television but it's only for one night.

Above: Deluxe
This is the Deluxe bungalow - funny how they don't show the standard models. Perhaps the decor is plainer and the view not as good. Who knows?

Above: River view
The above pics are from their website. I must say that view looks splendid.

Below is a town map of Vang Vieng. Due to the map length, I have done it in two sections. The first is the "top" part of the map.

Above: Vang Vieng town map
I have marked my accommodation with an "X". To the right along the main road is the bus stop, so it isn't too far a walk.

34. Vientiane Accommodation Sorted

Lane Xang Hotel
Accommodation in Vientiane has been booked. After agonising over finding places with a lift or ground floor rooms, I settled on the Lane Xang Hotel in the riverside are. All rooms have a balcony - either facing the river or the swimming pool. I opted for the riverview. It is possible there won't be much to see as the river looks like it's been dragged and there has been building going or for quite some day.

Above: Lane Xang Hotel
Photos taken from the hotel's website,

Reason for choice
There was more than one reason for chossing this place, it has a lift, there are smoking floors, the balcony, and it wasn't that much higher than my price range.
Also, it has a riverview, so it will be quite nice sitting on the balcony after dark facing the river.

33. Bangkok Accommodation - Booked

I just booked my accommodation for my four nights in Bangkok. Yippee! I'm glad to have that out of the way - at least I know where I'll be. After weighing up the pros and cons, I decided on Bhiman Inn. Below are photos from their website.

Reason for Choice
Firstly, the location. Although the other two were closer to Khao San Road and cheaper, I realised the one located in KSR itself would be very, very noisy. Now I don't mind noise but seeing their check-in time as being 4.00am meant it could possibley be very noisy indeed plus I don't think the rooms would be as nice.

Secondly, appearance and atmosphere. New Siam II was my original choice but seems to lack a certain something in comparison. A friend advised that Bhiman Inn was in a nicer location and on looking at some maps, it's fairly close to the river and the river taxis.

Thirdly they offer a full breakfast and all rooms have a mini bar.

Above: Front of building

Above: The interior

Above: Map
It would probably be adviseable to print a copy of this to show the taxi driver.

32. Kanchanaburi Accommodation & Map

I have a few places in mind for my two night stay in Kanchanaburi,
PLOY Guesthouse
Pong Phen Guesthouse
and the Jolly Frog Backers. (No website)
Sugar Cane GH which has two - Sugarcane GH 1 and Sugarcane GH 2 The first one is closer to town, the other is 1 km further away. Guesthouse 1 is 2 kms from the River Kwai Bridge, Guesthouse 2 is 1 kms from the bridge.

There is a closer to town raft house called Sam's River Rafthouse but so far I haven't seen a good review.

Just noticed on a website, Sam's River Rafthouse is closed for renovation. Still no closer to making a decision.

I emailed Ploy GH and the Category 1 room is in the single story building and is more open and faces the private garden with the outdoor shower, plus it has a fridge.
The Category 2 rooms are on the ground floor of the two story building. This guesthouse includes morning coffee/toast and offers free pick-up from train / bus station. They don't have a restaurant.

If I choose Pong Phen GH, I'll go for a room in the guesthouse around 500/600 baht and I'd select the one with air con plus they have a balcony.

31.Bangkok Accommodation

Well now, it looks like I may not be staying at the New Siam II after all. A friend who is well travelled said he was staying at Bhiman Inn and I had a look around their website. Comparing rates, although New Siam is cheaper - 790 baht per night, and Bhiman Inn 1000 baht per night, it also includes a full breakfast. Now by my calculations that works out at $7.15 for breakfast which may work out cheaper in the long run. Not being familiar with food costs in Bangkok, I'm presuming that it would cost me about the same were I to have to buy breakfast.

So now it's a case of

a) Pay 790 baht a night, no breakfast.
b) Pay 1000 baht a night breakfast included.

I somehow like the idea of breakfast included for a number of reasons. It means I can just go down for breakfast in the morning without having to having to go and check out prices either at New Siam or surrounding shops/stalls.

Anyway, I'm not sure which direction I'll go. I have plenty of time to make up my mind, but if the full breakfast includes tea and coffee, then I think it may have just won me over. I'll also check reviews and compare them.

Taxes?
I will need to find out if "net" includes tax and service charge. If it doesn't then I will most likely opt for New Siam II.
Emailed then (Bhiman Inn) and the price includes taxes etc.

Another Alternative ~ Cheaper Accommodation?
I heard from someone who stayed at Siam Oriental Inn on Khao San Road - 190 Khao San Road, cheap rooms for 500 baht. They seemed quite happy with it, then again they are about half my age and are backpacking around over something like 18 months or so. The place is right on Khao San Road and there's a 7-11 nearby with a pharmacy across the road and the police station near by. I think it would be very noisy and not sure if it's where I really want to be, although the fact that it is half the price compared to the Inn makes it seem like a very attractive alternative.

From their website

1-2 persons

C1-C2, 500 baht, fan and air con, hot shower, free american breakfast, international tv, window, plus free tissues, soap and safety box.

There's also 2 persons deluxe for 700 baht which offers the same things. Perhaps the room is a little larger? Or doesn't face the noisy street? Somehow I don't think they will have a lift.

So, it's either 500 baht in the noisy area or 1000 baht in a nicer, quieter area. As this is the very last part of my trip, it might be nice to go for the dearer option and stay in the better location. Looking through the photo gallery of Birhman Inn, I am drawn to staying here. $33.87 a night, making a total of #135.51 add on a few dollars for the international exchange rate etc. say $140 for four nights including breakfast it still isn't a lot of money especially when you compare that staying in a dorm hostel in Canberra is around $30 a night and you don't get breakfast included.

So yeah...I think this might be the one. I'll spend the day or so to think it over before making a final decision.

I just asked Junior (20 yo son) should I stay on the noisy street an pay $67.50 for four nights with breakfast of on the nicer, quieter street and pay $135.50 for four nights with breakfast. His ansewer? The $67.50 one. Given the fact that the cheaper one lists check-in as 4.00am..er it 'd likely be very noisy and somehow I don't think I'd really relish the thought of drunken backpackers stumbling in at 4 in the morning. Decions, decisions, decisions. I know if I were to ask people familiar with Bangkok they would say go for the dearer option.

23. Maylin Guesthouse

The Maylin Guesthouse in Vang Vieng has been recommended to me.

Price:
With prices being from 40,000 kip to 80,000 kip per night - ($5.45 to $10.95) this is a pretty good price. It's away from the noisy backpacker scene and tubing corner which is where the "action" happens.
Vang Vieng is fast becoming known for "tubing" - flying over/down the river in a rubber tyre and drinking copious amounts of beer.

Edited to add:
I checked online and put in random dates for check in and check out for this property with two different websites. One gave the price as $33.75 and the other was showing $40 something and that was in US dollars. The dollar amount(s) I gave ($5.45 to $10.95) are Australian dollars. Now it may be a case of being a far higher price if you book online through accommodation websites.

Above: Maylin Guesthouse and bungalows

Above: Vang Vieng town map
As you can see, No 17 is Maylin GH, the red arrow is the Main Highway heading towards the Bus Station. The marked letter T (in yellow) is the High Street. And the broken white line near number 34 (Thavornsouk guesthouse) is the Song Bridge.

Legend:
17. Maylin Guesthouse

Eat and Meet
A: Erawan
B: Jeska Bar
C: Kangaroo Sunset
D: Luang Prabang Bakery
E: Nazim's
F: Organic Mulberry Farm Cafe
G: Sakura
H: Smile
I: Stalls set up in front of Kang Temple
J: The Rising Sun
K: Viengchampa
L: Viewpoint Restaurant


Attractions and Activities
4: Green Discovery
5: Laos Rock Climbing
6: Tubing Co-operative
7: Wat Kang

Transport
2: Bus Station


Vital Information
1: Bank
3: Exchange

16. Chiang Mai Thai House

The fourth accommodation place I'm looking at in Chiang Mai is Chiang Mai Thai House which according to the website, is in a quiet lane between the main city gate and the night bazaar area and is more "boutique style". It also has a pool.

 

Above: Chiang Mai Thai House

Price:
a) 700 Baht - $24.29 per night for double room with air con.
b) 950 Baht - $32.95 per night for deluxe room with private garden.

They also offer a number of tours plus transfers to your next destination as well as transport to Laos including the slow boat to Luang Prabang.

To lift or not to lift?
From what I can see, I don't think any of these guesthouses have lifts. This one has what looks like four floors and I can't risk getting a room anything above first floor. (Bad knees - arthritis). Although their rooms with private garden could be ground floor.
The alternative is to go for a more expensive property that does have lifts, but then I'd probably be paying a much higher price which would be way outside my budget. With this in mind, I think I'll go for the cheaper one(s) which have only ground floor and first floor.
Alternately, I could email them for information and ask about the viability of getting a room on the first floor. Something to think about anyway.

 

Above: Location map

15. Awana House

The third accommodation place that I'm considering in Chiang Mai is Awanahouse which is located at
7 Ratchadamnoen Road, Lane 1, Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai 50200. All their rooms have air-conditioning, television and a fridge. Some rooms have balconies, some have mountain views and some have street views. They also have a couple of rooms on what they call the "Panoramaroof" - which are cheaper but have a fan only, no air-con.

Pros and Cons:
One of the pros is you can rent a laptop for 60 baht an hour (the most you'll pay is four hours).

Disadvantage:
ON the flip side of the coin, I'm not very happy with their form of payment - you can either transfer money to their Dutch bank account in Euro currency, transfer to their Thai Bank account in Thai baht currency or use Paypal. From reading their website, it looks like you can only use a credit card if paying with Paypal. It seems a long drawn out affair making payment - if you live outside the Netherlands, you have to have a code, and a BIC, then you have to go to a bank and have the money deposited into a their account. A bit too much trouble if you ask me.

Another thing I thought a little odd - "For Awanahouse it is important that the Dutch (European) accent continues in the guesthouse, one of the wishes of meanwhile deceased Jan van Delft. That’s why Ron Bertsch, Dutchman, is the new supervisor and host since july 2007."

Above: The guesthouse

Rates:
a) Double room - TV. fridge, balcony with mountainview, 650 baht, (750 Jan - March)
b) Double room - TV. fridge, balcony with streetview, 600 baht, (700 Jan - March)
c) Double room - TV. fridge, 500 baht, 550 high season
d) Single room - TV, fridge and balcony with streetview, 500 baht, (550 Jan - March)
e) Room on the Panoramaroof with fan and double bed, 1 person , 225 baht, 2 people 350 baht.

The higher rates shown are from 20th January to 20th March - what we would call "shoulder season". I've not listed all the rooms and rates, only the ones that I would be looking at.

Special Rates:
This is what would be called "peak season" and the dates as follows -
1 July - 20 August
20 December - 20 January
9 - 16 April (Sonkran)
You can find them on their website.

 

Above: Awanahouse logo
Awanahouse also runs a number of Tours.

Above: Map showing location

14. Ginny Place

One of the accommodation places in Chiang Mai is Ginny Place located in the heart of the old city and in a great location.

Address
114/1 Ratchapakinai Road
Tambon Phra Sing
Amphoe Muang
Chiang Mai 50200
Phone: (0)6 587-6249 / (0)5 30272009
Email: phiphawee_buasen@hotmail.com
ian@iantaylor.org

 

Above: Ginny Place Bedrooms
Bright, colourful cheerful rooms although basic, are all scrupulously clean. The guesthouse provides a towel and hot water is available in both shared bathrooms and private ones.
The guesthouse is very popular with budget travellers with rates from 100 to 300 baht per night. I was hoping to stay here but they don't take online bookings, meaning you can't pre-book, so you just have to try your luck and hope they have a vacancy on the day you arrive.

I have heard the people who run the place are very friendly and helpful - Tee also runs a travel agency and can help arrange tours and sightseeing and answer questions like "Where do I get the bus to such-and-such a place"? and Ian will quite happily sit with you and have a drink.
They have wi-fi available as well as television.

 

Above: Ginny Place

Dining:
There's a cafe called The Be Bee Cafe at Ginny's which serves reasonably priced meals. Below is a sample menu:

Breakfast:

Big Breafast - 150 baht
The big breakfast consists of 2 Sausages, 2 rashers of bacon, 2 eggs (fried, scrambled, or poached), baked beans, fried tomatoes and mushrooms, french fries, toast with butter/jam, orange juice and tea or coffee.

Aussie Breakfast - 120 baht
Also sounds delicious with 2 sausages, 2 rasher of bacon, 2 eggs (fried, scrambled, or poached), baked beans, fried tomatoes and mushrooms, toast with butter and jam, orange juice and teoa or coffee.
The only difference between the two is chips.

Omelet - 80 baht
Served with cheese, ham, onion, tomato, butter and jam

Pancakes
Plain Pancake - 40 baht
Pineapple Pancake - 50 baht
Banana pancake - 50 baht
All pancakes are served with syrup

Sandwiches
Toasted Ham and Cheese - 65 baht
Toasted Tuna - 60 baht
~ combination of chunky tuna, onion, and tomato

Grilled Chicken Supreme - 75 baht
~ grilled chicken, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, thousand island dressing

Club Sandwich - 120 baht
~ ham, cheese, fried egg, bacon, tomato, and lettuce and served with french fries

Chicken Sandwich - 60 baht
~ grilled chicken, tomato, onion, cucumber, and lettuce.

Above: Chiang Mai town map showing location Map courtesy of Ian from Ginny Place.

12. Merry V Guesthouse

Bangkok Accommodation The Merry V Guesthouse
The third in the series of suggested accommodation places in Bangkok. Have heard if you want something nice at Merry V, you need to get a room in the back part. The rooms in the front section are a bit tired looking plus they only have share bathrooms. Also, I've been advised to pay for an air conditioned room as the ones with fans are hot and stuffy. They are larger rooms and the price difference so I'm told is around 300 baht.

The service personnel is reported to be friendly and helpful and you should take your own padlock for your room as there have been reports of theft.
The location is very good, being only a short walk to Khao San Road, but the amenities sound pretty basic.
Address
33 Chana Songkram, Bangkok
T: (02) 282 9267;

Room rates:

Double fan share bathroom - 200 baht
Dobule fan private bahtroom - 400 baht
Single fan share bantroom - 140 baht
Single fan private bantroom - 250 baht

Single air-con private bathroom - 350 baht, that's AUD$11.92 per night
Double air-con private bathroom - 500 baht which is AUD$17.05 per night.
Triple fan share bathroom - 270 baht
Triple fan private bathroom - 450 baht
Triple air-con private bathroom - 600 baht

If I do decide to stay here at the Merry V, then I would either get a single with air-con and private bathroom, or a double with air-con and private bathroom.

Mind the stairs!
One young chap said he had to go up three lots of stairs.

 

Above: Merry V

11. Rambuttri Village Inn

Another post on accommodation in Bangkok. Rambuttri Village Inn, a few minutes walk to Khao San Road.
I liked the look of this place and after reading from their website, thought this could very well be it! Reading the reviews though, made me a little wary, they weren't all that crash hot, and the common theme seemed to be the staff were unhelpful and very rude.

Nevertheless, I emailed them asking for their rates for the dates I required - I had decided on a Deluxe room as the Deluxe rooms have a fridge, complimentary water and a garden view, but mainly because of the fridge. That meant I could keep some fruit or something and drinks in it, plus I could make tea and coffee if I bought along a small travel electric kettle. But it did also depend on whether there was a lift.
The return email - "For one person cost 650 baht/night.
Please take superior single room cost 650 baht/night 1st,2nd,3rd,4th,5th floor have elevator too.
For deluxe single don't have elevator and don't have first floor only stairs."

This was very disappointing and I must admit I found this confusing - how can the superior room have a lift but the deluxe one doesn't? Remember too, the deluxe room is a higher price than the superior. It looks like this is probably out. Some of the photos I've seen show rooms with windows facing the pool. I think I'd much prefer a garden view.

Above: Entrance

Price: Nov 01, 2010 - Mar 31, 2011
a) Standard Single Room - 600 Baht - $20.85
b) Superior Single Room - 650 Baht - $22.55
c) Deluxe Single Room - 750 Baht - $26.10
d) Junior Double Room - 780 Baht - $27.10
e) Superior Double Room - 880Baht - $30.53

Security Deposit:
1000 Baht - $34.69 per room at check in to guarantee payment of any incidental charges. It will be returned when checking out.
#You have to leave your room key at reception when going out.

Above: Map showing location

Above: Room facilities

Above: Street entrance view