A characterful, well-kept guesthouse - actually a collection of bungalows around a restful, landscaped tropical garden - Baan Orapin takes its name from the century-old teakwood family home at its centre. The owners still live here, without the benefit of air conditioning, but have striven to offer their guests comfort at a reasonable price. All the amenities are in place, floors are teak or hardwood, furniture is handcrafted, and if the surfaces aren’t always finished to the highest of standards, this is compensated doubly by the attentive service and care which manager Khun Opas takes to make you feel welcome. You can ask him anything, and he will provide the answer, map at the ready.
The location is another draw, a historic street along the sleepy Ping River that has been carefully restored not by edict, but by the affection of the residents. Lovely arts and craft shops abound, and you're within easy striking distance of the Night Bazaar, Wat Ket temple, riverside bars and cruises. The city centre is a short tuk-tuk ride away; the old building at the top of the road is probably the city’s most interesting student-y art showcase. And the hotel's peaceful garden will be welcome respite after a hill-tribe trek.
Highs
- Good value; each room has an outdoor sitting area
- Friendly, helpful knowledgeable owners who speak excellent English. There are few questions about the city they can't answer
- Handy location: out of the worst tourist crush but within tuk-tuk reach of all the sights
- A pleasant small pool to soothe tired limbs
Lows
- Book early - it's often full!
- Some of the finishings are a little worn
- No restaurant or food service other than breakfast
- Being near the bars means there can be a colourful cross-section of guests
Best time to go
The cool season (Nov to Feb) is best, with daytime temperatures in the high 20s celsius, and bearably cool nights. But it's also the busiest. The hot season (March to May) is for the hardy only, though temperatures soar into the mid 30s celsius with high humidity to boot, and the rains can hit quite hard from mid-May, without getting much cooler. However, the water festival, Songkran, is held in mid-April and is a spectacle worth taking on the heat for. The rainy season (June to Oct) is an option – average rainfall is about 200mm per month, peaking in Aug-Sept, but it all comes down in half an hour a day and you can expect one or two dry days per week. It's usually in the mid to high 20s celsius.
Our top tips
There are festivals throughout the year, so no matter which season you choose to travel you're likely to coincide with an exciting event; the fabulous fireworks-and-float-fest of Loy Krathong, on the night of November's full moon; the water festival, Songkran, in mid April; Chang Mai's 'life-prolonging' Inthakin festival in early June, where young men are paraded around on others' shoulders before starting life as monks.
Location
Baan Orapin is located on the banks of the Ping River in Chang Mai, northern Thailand.
By Air:
Chiang Mai (7km) is the nearest airport. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving it.
From the Airport
The hotel offers a transfer service - see Rates - or you can jump in a taxi.
By Train:
If you really enjoy train journeys, and/or you want to save money, there is a handy 'special express' sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (approx. 12 hrs); but you will need to book a few days ahead (best done through your previous hotel). There are also daytime trains, including the 'Sprinter' from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (approx. 11 hrs).
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Thailand (international flights) and getting around
Airports:
- Chiang Mai International 7.0 km CNX
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International 700.0 km BKK
Other:
- Beach 700.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape