Chiang Mai and Environs Hotels

Fears of a tourist slump due to soaring oil prices, a strong Thai currency, and political uncertainty failed to put the brakes on the hotel building boom in Chiang Mai, and several grand establishments opened in 2010. The most luxurious rival those in Bangkok, and one, the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Devi, justly claims to be among Asia's finest. Prices are nonetheless far lower than in the capital (outside the December to February high season). Charming, modestly priced guesthouses and small hotels abound, and some are right on the water. Watch out for guesthouses that advertise cheap room rates and then tell you the accommodation is only available if you book an expensive tour. Always ask if there's any tour requirement with your room rate.