Chiang Mai Garden Guesthouse

The big selling point of this place is the Thai lady who runs the place (Pissamorn Senthong, I think). She is an old hand and very experienced. Speaks very good English and German (her son and daughter speak excellent English) and is very knowledgeable - a mine of information to the backpacker and budget tourist.

She offers tours but not the kind you see in most tour operators around town (like Panda Tours). Instead of being an agent for a cattle-herding tour operator, she offers exclusive hiking tours to the North of Chiang Mai to meet the hill-tribe people, and you rarely see other tour groups. The tour guide we had (Piroon) was a great and sweet, local guy. 20 years experience. Recommended!

She can also assist with all of your other tour needs, even if you're ill she'll help you out.

Our twin room was big for the price, overlooking a central, basic courtyard with only a fan and private bathroom with hot water. They have rooms with A/C, and a German family of 4 were housed comfortably.

They have a restaurant where you can buy all of your meals and have a laundry (30 baht/kilo) where they will also clean your boots (30 baht per pair).