Whats On Chiang Mai

The Nakorn Ping Palace Hotel is an older, yet to be renovated, budget property just south of the Holiday Inn Chiang Mai, right behind the Nong Hoy Market. According to the front desk staff, Nakorn Ping Palace Hotel does not see many western tourists; most of their customers are from Thailand, China and Taiwan.  We toured the rooms and they were old, but clean.  Some of the rooms has nice views of the Mae Ping River and other rooms had nice views of the surrounding mountains.    Personally, I don’t think I would recommend staying at the Nakorn Ping Palace Hotel.  The rooms are old and the furnishings need to be updated.  However, it is a good landmark when you are looking for the Nong Hoy Market.   Travelers on a budget might find the property interesting, since the rates are quite low.

If you love authentic Northern Thai food, I strongly recommend you visit the Nong Hoy Market (Nong Hoi or Nonghoi Market), just south of the Holiday Inn Chiang Mai.  For the past two days, I enjoyed some of the best tasting smoked Northern Thai sausages (Sai Oua) I have ever eaten.   When in Chiang Mai you must get off the “beaten path” of over priced tourist places and find the real Chiang Mai.   The Sai Oua at the Nong Hoy Market is freshly smoked and sells for 20 baht for a 6-7 inch piece.   Delicious!   Don’t forgot to order 5 to 10 baht worth of sticky rice.   If you smile, they might even toss in a big handful of delicious Thai herbs (Samun Prai).