Baan Bua Guest House

We had hoped to stay at our regular hotel, Ban Jaru, but they were full. Ban Bua is also very near the bus station and the famous clock, but it is set back on a lane and surrounded by trees. It was raining when we arrived and there was a frog on the doorstep. We had a room with 2 bunk beds (so 4 beds) and 2 sinks. The fan was sufficient (A/C is extra $). Breakfast is extra, and we had it under an awning (still raining). For the price, this is a great bargain, and I'm sure many of the people visiting are regulars.

I was torn between a 4 or 5 score here, 3.7 would be ideal. The room was great, very clean and a good size. The bed was comfy and there was a fan which we didn’t need as it was cool at night. Hot water in the shower worked well. The garden is lovely and the lady owner is helpful and friendly and speaks good English. The price was very good for the standard of room. Location is great, just off the street with lots of bars and restaurants but no noise…from them. The reason I’m rating less than 5 is that the room walls are either very thin or the people around us were very noisy. We could hear a lot of sounds particularly from the bathroom. Also, our room faced straight onto the garden and noise from people sat out talking seemed to travel, especially at night. Apart from that, it’s clean, good size room, cheap and in a good location!

This place is such a find in Chiang Rai! A 10-minute walk to the night market, and hidden down a quiet residential alley, you feel like you are entering a secret garden when arriving! The area is very well-cared for, with lovely little garden areas complete with picnic tables in the shade, as well as the covered dining area. The woman in charge here makes a mean breakfast, and has quite the varied menu available - beware that the prices are steep compared to what you might pay outside the guesthouse, but you won't realize the breakfast costs racking up until you check out an pay your bill! It's good food, but you're paying for the convenience. The guesthouse is a little on the older side, and looks a bit like a 1960's motel done up in the colours of a dingy hospital ward. The room are big and airy, but a little too echoey, especially when your neighbors come in late and slam their door. If you are a light sleeper, I would recommend earplugs. Everything is clean, and furnished very basically, with a bed, side tables, an armoir, a small table and chairs, and a very functional washroom. There is no TV, but good WiFi. If you are looking for good value and quiet, look no further, but definitely shop around when it comes to breakfast!