Selected Accommodation in Chiang Rai
    Chiang Rai offers the full spectrum of accommodation. The high end hotels and resorts include the soon to be bankrupt Little Duck, the Chiang Rai branch of the chain Dusit Island, the newly opened Legend, the soon to be opened Teak Garden Villa and Spa (where did all that teak come from?), and the Rimkok. All of them have all the facilities you would expect from a 5 star hotel. There are also all kinds of inexpensive guest houses for the budget traveler. None of them have websites and many are in the Lonely Planet so there is no need to list them here.
     But, why stay at a 5 star hotel or a run-of-the-mill guest house when you can experience a whole new side of Thailand by trying something a little out of the ordinary? The following recommendations will cost you only a bit more than a guest house but will leave you with a memory to write home about. For an adult playground, try the Red Rose Hotel at the south end of Sanambin Road. The Japanese owner has created the one and only Japanese style love hotel in Chiang Rai with each room having a different theme. Take a look, you will be shocked.
     If you like Balinese style bungalows, head north a few kilometers to Nagahill. It is set on the top of a hill with great views, a stunning swimming pool and a romantic restaurant. Perfect for those looking to get away.
     Another place you can rent rooms for a night or a month is Condotel. Home to many temporary foreigners, it is centrally located on Uttaradit Rd. and offers a swimming pool. Since it is one of the tallest buildings around, the views are great.
     Two places to get away from everything are Akha Hill House and My Dream Guest House. Akha Hill House is about 20 km outside of Chiang Rai. Free transportation is provided from the office on Phakdeenarong Rd., just north of the morning market. The guest house is located in an Akha village situated high in the hills. Conveniently, there is a nice waterfalls, only a 15 minute walk away. The downside of this is that although all the villagers have to endure foreigners constantly coming to their village, almost all of the profits go to only one individual.
    My Dream Guest House is about 25 km from Chiang Rai located on the Maekok river. To get there, the easiest way is to rent a scooter and go 20 km to Baan Ruamit (the elephant village) and continue on a dirt road for another 5 km. You can also take a boat from Mae Fah Luang Bridge boat station. This upscale guest house is located in a Karen village. Treks can be arranged from there.