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.
- Boutique B&B
- 16 rooms
- Breakfast (+ walk to restaurants)
- Not suitable for small children
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
The rooms are dominated by dark wood varnished furniture, with pieces of local handwoven fabric, which Khun Opas can help guests source in the markets of Chiang Mai. They're a generous size, all with their own little outside seating area. Bathrooms are functional with shower cubicles. The simple minibar comes at the smallest markup in hotel history (4 baht more than the 7-11, as far as we could tell) and you get complimentary bottled water and an umbrella, should it rain.
The front wing has a more old-world feel to it, and is more tastefully put together, while the rear wing benefits from a tranquil garden setting.
Superior rooms have a little rattan seating area, and the Superior Single rooms have a patio. Junior Suites are bigger and more inviting for longer stays. The One-Bedroom Suites and Baan Orapin Suites have an inviting teak four-poster bed and generous sitting area decorated with exclusive Sop Moei Arts items. Some also come with a bathtub.
Features include:
- Minibar
- Mosquito net
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
The excellent breakfast is provided in an open wooden house by the pool. Eggs and bacon are cooked to order, and there’s toast and jam plus fruit, just-brewed coffee and freshly squeezed juice.
Just opposite are the city’s 2 most famous riverside restaurants, The Riverside Bar and Restaurant ‘since 1983’ and its slightly slicker neighbour The Good View. Spend at least one evening here: turnover is quick, so a table with river view will become available. Draft beer and retro European favourites are one draw - the filet mignon comes with ribbed carrots - the eclectic mix of humanity another. Ageing bards murder one standard after another on the little stage. For afternoon snacks, check out the coffee shop near the riverside for its wonderful fruit smoothies and homemade chocolates and truffles; or visit Vieng Joom On the musk-pink tea house.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Just outside the door, Charoenrat Road bakes sleepily in the sun, exactly as wide as the doorsteps on either side. Old wooden shophouses are lovingly restored and sell good handicrafts, with the emphasis on wood
- Wat Ket (or Wat Gate), the temple that gives the area its name, is worth a look and has a nice museum
- A footbridge over the river leads to the sweltering nightmare of Chinatown, with steeply priced tat (wait till you get to Bangkok, where it’s half the money), a flower market and that interestingly stinky mess of pickles and dry goods which only Chinese people understand
- The Night Bazaar still offers the best selection of handicrafts, trinkets and pirated goods produced within a 50-mile radius
- A tuk-tuk ride away is the old town, with its temples, restaurants and fairy-lit bars; or drive up to famous Doi Suthep temple for views over the city
- Thai massage and cookery courses - there's no better place in the country to learn these arts, with a plethora of classes and schools vying for your custom
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Art classes
- Cooking classes
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Rafting
- Shopping / markets
- Traditional cultures
- Trekking
Kids
The atmosphere may be less suitable for young children - there are no special facilities for kids and small children are not welcome - and better for couples as close to the riverside bars and attendant crowds by night. The pool is more appropriate for a relaxing reading or sunbathing time in the afternoon where guests can meet and share their experiences.
Children under 5 years old to share existing bedding.Children older than 5 require extra bed.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The One-Bedroom Suite and Baan Orapin Suite are are the best options as they are the most spacious.
Extra Beds Available
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
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 3 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape