Chiang Mai resorts

[cmon0005]

So last year did Koh Samui and loved it, stayed at Le Meridien which was impeccable.

This year wanting to do Chiang Mai, in a thread last year someone suggested Four seasons Chiang Mai, although at around $780 AUD per night a bit high per night.

I am looking for suggestions of good resorts/retreats but in the more palatable $350-400 a night range ie. I still want a 5 star resort?

Also something a bit more Thai authentic style and not right in the city centre, something similar to Four seasons but not as expensive, really I am up for anything as long as its good.

Shangri-La and Ratilanna Riverside Spa look good from what I can see online, though I always find AFF suggestions the best.

Thanks!

 

[cmon0005]

No-one been to Chiang Mai?

 

[Boris spatsky]

I am going there next week. When i looked, most of the 'resorts' were upwards of $600 a night. We ended up at a hotel in town for less than $200 a night. Will report back once i get back.

 

[tuapekastar]

Stayed at Shangri-La earlier this year only because my preferred choice (Le Meridien I think) was unavailable (I booked quite late). Wouldn't have called it a resort but it was a very nice hotel with large grounds including tennis court and good looking pool. 20 minute walk from the 'CBD' - or old city. And 10 minute walk from markets and restaurants/bars etc. I booked a club room (somewhere around AUD320 IIRC - a bit more than I would usually pay) and it was excellent, along with the lounge, which ranks along with the best that I've been in, not that I'd consider myself a lounge guru. Definitely among the better properties I've stayed at.

 

[JohnK]

No-one been to Chiang Mai?

I go all the time.

I am there again in the beginning of September and paying AUD420 for 7 nights accommodation including breakfast for 2 people.

 

[cmon0005]

Still haven't decided on the resort..yet.. that is this weekends task..

But thought I would get my flights organised for Bangkok>Chiang Mai>Bangkok, options are:
1.) Bangkok Airways: Have flown them before and wasn't overly blown away, only 20KG's baggage in Y.
2.) Thai Airways: Never flown them, 30KG's baggage in Y.

Which airline would you choose? Thai any good?

Wh

 

[amaroo]

No-one been to Chiang Mai?

Yes, but I've only stayed at the Four Seasons - terrific property!

 

[JohnK]

Which airline would you choose? Thai any good?

Bangkok Airways without doubt. You get 30kgs luggage allowance when you signup to FlyerBonus. Also basic lounge access before flight.

 

[cmon0005]

Bangkok Airways without doubt. You get 30kgs luggage allowance when you signup to FlyerBonus. Also basic lounge access before flight.

Thanks JohnK for the tip! just out of interest, what is draw to PG over TG?

 

[JohnK]

Thanks JohnK for the tip! just out of interest, what is draw to PG over TG?

For me it is the cost and the great customer service.

Airfares are cheap. I need flights BKK-CNX return in 2 weeks and the current cost for my flights is THB2,980 which is just over AUD110. And you get some sort of meal on all services. Occassionally they are a little expensive if I have left booking until late but that is not that often.

I generally check-in more than 30kg. Last time it was 33kg. Managed to get away with it without charge. One time I was only 31kg and the check-in lady asked to take out something and put into carry on luggage.

One time I had an early evening flight BKK-CNX booked as I wasn't certain about the connection time in case of delays. I got to BKK early and asked if possible to go on earlier flight. Not a problem. Cost only 800baht which I think is fantastic for a non-refundable, non-changeable airfare.

My golf driver was broken in flight BKK-CNX back in June. I put in a claim and without receipts managed to get back THB4,400 which has been paid into my wifes bank account to avoid conversion fees and charges.

Their frequent flyer program is OK but I find the taxes too high so even though I collect Status credits I haven't used them for anything yet. Waiting for some special in the future.

I am sure Thai is just as good (and I don't have any issues with TG) but since I tried PG a few years ago I have been quite happy to stay fairly loyal.

 

[Boris spatsky]

I flew Thai today CNX-BKK and wasn't impressed. Disorganised boarding, oldish A330 that had a lot of rattles and the overhead bins shook so much that i thought they might fall down. But i paid $49 so can't complain.