Banana Guest House
Chiang Mai
4/9 Ratchapakinai Rd., Chiang Mai, Thailand, 50200
beds from |
$ 3.15 |
Hostel Description
The Banana guesthouses multi-national residents create a very relaxed and open-minded atmosphere, which is a great place to meet other travelers.
The guesthouse can become full in peak season (December-March) as they sometimes take reservations in advance. Try contacting them a few days in advance if youre desperate to stay as it is well worth it. However, rooms do not empty until midday so if you plan to just turn up don't do it too early.
Its easy to see the attraction to staying here. There's a community, family feel with the owners children and friends often around and you only have to look at the walls to see the postcards and positive feedback from travelers who have come and gone. There is also always someone to help out which is very convenient!
There is a great selection of books and newspapers and the cafe/restaurant serves until 9pm and unlike many other guesthouses who concentrate mainly on the accommodation aspect, trekking etc. The food is very good. A TV with cable channels, assistance with air, bus and train tickets, as well as massage, Thai cooking courses and laundry separate Banana from other guesthouses. The treks at Banana are definitely up to other guesthouses standards, they offer a wide selection and in addition to the standard treks, which vary from day trips to 2 nights/ 3 days tours, Banana Guesthouse also offers private tours especially tailored to their customers' needs. They can arrange trekking tours to anywhere in northern Thailand.
There are two mixed dorm rooms with 8 beds in each (4 bunks). The rooms are fairly small but there is access to a balcony. This is a popular spot for people to relax, chat and read books. The dorm is upstairs away from the restaurant.
The main selling point of Banana is the "The Banana Project". The owner of Banana decided to construct a school for the young Karen village people. The school is a community center which is being funded by the Banana Guesthouse and its visitors. The school needs more money so it can attract the young people in the villages and educate them, so they can be independent in society and make decisions for themselves. The school is in a village that is used as a trekking base in the hills near Chiang Mai. If you have any old clothes or would like to make a donation it would be greatly appreciated, donations can be made even if you are not staying at the guesthouse.
Overall, the Banana Guesthouse is one of the best in Chiang Mai and along with the Banana project and the friendly staff and atmosphere, along with the affordable prices and trekking options it is a must for travelers going to Chiang Mai!
The guesthouse can become full in peak season (December-March) as they sometimes take reservations in advance. Try contacting them a few days in advance if youre desperate to stay as it is well worth it. However, rooms do not empty until midday so if you plan to just turn up don't do it too early.
Its easy to see the attraction to staying here. There's a community, family feel with the owners children and friends often around and you only have to look at the walls to see the postcards and positive feedback from travelers who have come and gone. There is also always someone to help out which is very convenient!
There is a great selection of books and newspapers and the cafe/restaurant serves until 9pm and unlike many other guesthouses who concentrate mainly on the accommodation aspect, trekking etc. The food is very good. A TV with cable channels, assistance with air, bus and train tickets, as well as massage, Thai cooking courses and laundry separate Banana from other guesthouses. The treks at Banana are definitely up to other guesthouses standards, they offer a wide selection and in addition to the standard treks, which vary from day trips to 2 nights/ 3 days tours, Banana Guesthouse also offers private tours especially tailored to their customers' needs. They can arrange trekking tours to anywhere in northern Thailand.
There are two mixed dorm rooms with 8 beds in each (4 bunks). The rooms are fairly small but there is access to a balcony. This is a popular spot for people to relax, chat and read books. The dorm is upstairs away from the restaurant.
The main selling point of Banana is the "The Banana Project". The owner of Banana decided to construct a school for the young Karen village people. The school is a community center which is being funded by the Banana Guesthouse and its visitors. The school needs more money so it can attract the young people in the villages and educate them, so they can be independent in society and make decisions for themselves. The school is in a village that is used as a trekking base in the hills near Chiang Mai. If you have any old clothes or would like to make a donation it would be greatly appreciated, donations can be made even if you are not staying at the guesthouse.
Overall, the Banana Guesthouse is one of the best in Chiang Mai and along with the Banana project and the friendly staff and atmosphere, along with the affordable prices and trekking options it is a must for travelers going to Chiang Mai!
Hostel Directions
The location of the guesthouse is right near the Chiang Mai gate and situated in a fairly non-touristy part of town. You may find the price of food slightly cheaper around here. Chiang Mai is full of canals and there's a big one with a park just across the road, a nice place for a picnic lunch or mornings and evenings. You can also find cheap internet cafes and restaurants and markets nearby. If you want to go to the real touristy areas they are about a 10 minute walk.
Photos from Banana Guest House
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Facilities
- Restaurant
- Cards
- Cheap
- Curfew
- Net
- Shower
- Free Towel
- Free Linen
