Staying at Fundee Story Guesthouse is a wonderful experience and the host, Pho, is extremely helpful but the lack of air-conditioning is insufferable. I have problem sleeping at night even though I have the electric fan at full blast.
To give myself more flexibility, I did not pre-book the train ticket from Chiang Mai to Pattaya where I was to meet up with my girlfriend. I did not have any problem with booking train tickets at the last minute in Vietnam, so I thought it should be okay in Thailand too. What I did not expect is a whole week of celebration to honour the new Thai king and railway ceased operation on exactly the day I planned to travel from Chiang Mai to Pattaya by train. I even considered taking an overnight bus from Chiang Mai to Pattaya, but even that was fully-booked. In the end, I had no choice but to buy a last-minute flight from Chiang Mai to Pattaya.
There is only two daily flights from Chiang Mai to Pattaya, one early in the morning and the other in the evening. By the time I got to buying the flight, I could only get the next morning flight. That meant that I had to stay an additional night in Chiang Mai. My host at Fundee Story Guesthouse told me I can extend my stay for another day if I want to but the thought of another hot sleepless night made me look for another lodging, this time with air-conditioning.
I did a search on Airbnb and found DewyHouse.
[use this referral linkto get S$45 travel credit when you book your first homestay with Airbnb, this travel credit can be used to offset part of future Airbnb bookings].
It has all the features and amenities I wanted – free WiFi, single room, lock, shower with toiletries, air-conditioning. Although it is located outside of Chiang Mai Old Town, it is still within walking distance. DewyHouse it is!
After I got back from Chiang Rai Day Tour, I picked up my packed luggage and took a songthaew (red truck) to DewyHouse.
The host, Chim, was waiting for me when I arrived. He showed me how to used the security lock at the entrance of the building.
DewyHouse is run by Chim and it is named after his wife, Dewy. Dewy works as an accountant in a Japanese company and she helps out in DewyHouse after work. Chim and Dewy are very friendly and they make me feel like old friends. We talked for more than an hour and they recommended that I check out Nimmanahaeminda Road, MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre and One Nimman.
The room I booked is one of the two female-only single room on level 2. The two single rooms share the facilities in the common area which includes a bathroom, sink, hairdryer and water boiler.
There is even a small cosy red chair which is perfect for snuggling up with a good book.
The bathroom is spacious and clean with separate sink, shower and toilet areas. Body wash, shampoo and conditioner is provided.
The room is cosy and clean. A single bed takes up half of the small room and it is fitted with clean sheets and blanket.
A small wooden cabinet stands bedsides the bed and a metallic table lamp illuminates the whole room.
A white basket besides the table lamp holds a bottle of mineral water, a bath towel, a face towel, toothbrush and toothpaste pack, comb and ear plugs.
There is a small wooden clothes rack at the end of the bed to hang your clothes.
There is even a small balcony where you can take a smoke or soak up the lively Chiang Mai atmosphere.
If you need a massage after a long day of sightseeing, there is a massage parlor named Dewy Massage just next door.
If you are ever looking for a place to stay in Chiang Mai that is clean, safe and has a great host, I recommend DewyHouse.
DewyHouse
Address: 19/2 Charoensuk Road, Changpuak, Muang, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Telephone: +66 81-885-2788”