From five star international hotels to budget backpackers, there's plenty of choice. Rates range from 3,000Bt to 100Bt per night. Here are some rules:

Try and get as much information as you can beforehand on the type of accommodation in which you are interested. Most travellers arrive early in the morning, tired and dishevelled. Despite this do not accept the recommendation of the tuk tuk driver - they are paid by the establishment. Have a list of candidate hotels/guest houses ready. Price does not always guarantee a clean room. Always inspect it and look for obvious signs of insects and dirt. ALWAYS check the plumbing both for operation and cleanliness. Depending on who told you, personal recommendations are a good bet, at least if the recommendations are recent and you need somewhere to stay initially. Ask for a better rate. Walk in customers can often get 40% off. If you have stayed there before, also ask. Chiang Mai has a wide selection of Guest Houses that act as backpacker accommodation. These are generally shady houses in side streets near the tourist areas. Check that your room will be reasonably quiet, away from communal areas and that the walls are more substantial than board. Ensure that the room is lockable - preferably with your own padlock. In summer, check that the aircon works - some blow but do not cool. Make sure the hot water is hot - particularly in winter. The accommodation falls into several categories: Hotels: Usually of good quality with Thai style rooms, EuroThai cuisine and Thai attired staff. Resorts: A feature of Northern Thailand not known by overseas tourists and patronized mainly by Thias. Excellent to ge away from the bustle and back into pristine tranquil surroundings. Make a point of choosing one during your stay. They are usually located in the cool mountain areas and contain a restaurant. Prices range from 400 - 100Bt per night. Tourist Hotels: Occasionally an old teak house but more usually bland establishments. However, the rooms are usually clean. Prices go from 300 - 1000Bt per night. Bed & Breakfast: Few and far between in Thailand but they may be found in private houses. Guest Houses: Used extensively by backpackers. Typical price, around 100 - 300Bt per night. Most have restaurants serving food of varying quality and travel agenciesd offering good prices to the rest of SE Asia and visa services. Some are very well equipped with car/bike/pushbike rentals, laundries, money changers, luggage storage, pubs, shops, swimming pools. If you like hot water, check whether there is any before booking. Many offer good rates for longer stays. Always look at the rooms first. Temples: Why not consider a temple? In addition to accommodation (which should be paid for with a donation) you will experience Thai religious life. Village Housestay: If you get stuck, there will always be a nearby village where you will be provided with simple accommodation. All in all, unless you are really unlucky, accommodation in Chiang Mai is exceptionally inexpensive.

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