Chiang Rai is a Northern Thai city on many bucket lists for its famous White Temple, and is often paired with a visit to the larger city of Chiang Mai, which is about a 3 hour bus ride away. Looking for budget accommodation for our visit, we found Laluna Hotel and Resort, a surprisingly nice property with low rates starting at just $29/nt. With a good location and a strong set of amenities, this stay was one of the best values of our entire trip.
Hotel Entrance
Laluna Hotel and Resort, Chiang Rai | From $29/night
Check in: After arriving at the bus station, we hailed a songthaew driver who was familiar with the property and took us straight to the hotel. The cost for the ride was 100 baht. The check in desk is under a large pavilion, and helps establish the island resort vibe of the property. Suddenly, you no longer feel like you’re in the middle of Chiang Rai, but perhaps arrived at some tropical resort.
Reception found our reservation with no problem and we were quickly taken to our room.
Reception area pavilion
Room: The room was fairly large, with an open layout. By no means luxurious, it still featured a comfortable king bed, TV, and coffee-maker. The bathroom was large, with a walk-in shower, but was a bit understated in terms of its finish. However, the room was clean, and everything functioned properly, so no complaints given its $29 price tag. Just know that the pics might make the room look better than it actually was, but it’ll still feel like a great value for the price.
Room with king-sized bed
Bathroom
Bathroom
Property: The property is well-landscaped with lots of palms offering a sense of tucked-away seclusion, creating privacy around the many bungalow-style buildings that house the rooms. You’ll forget you’re in the middle of the city; really, it’s quite impressive the level of privacy the property offers given its location. The pool is surrounded by palms, and there were plenty of lounge chairs so it didn’t feel crowded. Even though it was just after Songkran, there seemed to be few guests there—perhaps they had all returned to their home city.
Sweetening the deal even more, breakfast for two is included in the room rate, and consisted of a large buffet offering both Western and Thai choices. Fresh fruit and juices, an omelet bar, bacon and sausages, and more were readily available.
Lush landscape around bungalow-style buildings
Lush landscaping
Glimpsing the pool. The landscaping offers a feeling of privacy throughout the property.
The large pool offers respite from the balmy weather.
Location: Being in the middle of the Chiang Rai, Laluna Hotel and Resort is convenient to the Night Bazaar and downtown life of the city. There are typically tuk tuk or taxi drivers waiting at the front of the property so getting a ride is easy. A ride to the Night Bazaar should cost around 60-100 baht. If you’re inclined you could also walk to the Night Bazaar, which will take about 30 minutes. The hotel staff can help arrange taxis for you as well. They have a posted rate of 550 baht from the hotel to the airport, but the clerk was able to get us one for 250 baht.
Conclusion: Laluna Hotel and Resort offers couples a great value for stays in Chiang Mai. The well-landscaped property separates you from the noise of the city, while still offering close and convenient access to the city center. While the room itself is basic, it still offers a comfortable and clean stay at extraordinary value. If you need a budget hotel in Chiang Mai, give Laluna Hotel and Resort a look.
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