Tourist Inn

Tourist Inn was a huge improvement on the guesthouse we left the night before. That one cost twice as much, but wasn't clean and had damp rooms. I don't think you can do better for the money here. This guest house has traditional charm, clean rooms, nice linens, big airy windows, friendly staff, and cats. It's in a cute, peaceful part of town with everything close by. Breakfast was excellent: help-yourself freshly baked artisan breads and pastries with wholesome grains and seeds, great coffee and matcha, natural orange juice, scrambled eggs, seasonal fruit, compotes, and salad.

The hosts were so caring. They brought us a hair dryer when we asked and even prepared breakfast the night before our 4am checkout. The simple, clean rooms are right in central Chiang Rai, and breakfast and coffee are included. The breakfast was decent.

The night bazaar is close by, so it’s easy to head out for food and shopping. Tourist Inn Home & Bread itself feels cozy, and the hosts are so welcoming that you feel at home straight away. Mornings were a treat, especially the fresh bread they bake themselves. You can smell it as soon as you walk in. Our beds were wonderfully soft, and the bathroom was fine, though it could do with some work. One small heads-up: I wouldn’t rent a scooter from the company they work with. That didn’t spoil a fantastic stay, though. I’d happily come back to Chiang Rai.

A handy base for budget travel in Thailand, right by the bus terminal and night markets. It’s a friendly family-run place, with really nice staff and a lovely little breakfast included.