Awww, Chiang Mai’s Awana House Guest House. What a find. When we were plotting and planning our Thailand trip, we considered heading back to Lai Thai House, where we have stayed several times in the past. Although Lai Thai is a lovely option, this time around we wanted a fresh stay within the old city walls for our time in Chiang Mai.
We wanted something in a great location, with comfortable guest rooms and places to lounge, with a lot of local Thai charm. We found it in spades at Awana House.
The first thing that caught my eye on their website was the COLOR. A virtual riot of multi-colored tiles, local artwork, and nicely defined areas.
Our van driver dropped us off on Rachadamnoen Street, just inside the Tha Phae Gate. We eagerly headed down Rachadamnoen Rd Soi 1, towards Awana House. Our first impression hit all of the right notes. The extremely colorful tiled entry was stunning. The reception was easy and typically Thai-friendly. In Thai custom, there was a shoe rack to leave our sandals along with the other guests and staff’s shoes.
We were on the 2nd floor, and Dave & Anne were on the 3rd, both with queen bed balcony rooms. Although not overly large, they were nicely appointed with a teak armoire, mosquito netting over the bed, and a large bathroom.
Both the hallways and our rooms were attractively decorated, and on the top floor, there was a large lounging area, as well as an outdoor patio overlooking the neighborhood.
In the lobby was a small pool with a colorful fresco on the walls. While Anne & I embraced a swim several afternoons, Jim deemed it “like an ice bath”, and, to be fair, with no direct sunlight hitting the water it was refreshing to be sure.
However, the very best thing about the Awana House was its location. We arrived in Chiang Mai on a Sunday, and immediately headed out to the famous Sunday Walking Street located almost right outside our door.
Every Sunday evening, Rachadamnoen Road comes to life as a pedestrian shopping mecca, complete with vendors, food trucks, sidewalk massage, and a million people milling randomly down the two dozen or so blocks teaming with energy.
It was a perfect first evening in Chiang Mai, but the rest of the week also lived up to everything we wanted. We took an amazing cooking class, walked miles and miles every day, and ate our way through the inner-walled city and beyond.
Awana House was absolutely perfect for our week in Chiang Mai, offering up a colorful, comfortable guest house in the heart of the action.
While price is not our only consideration, we also cannot argue against the amazingly low rate of USD 15/night! (They were offering a deal…but the normal rate of USD 24/night is still a steal) Make sure to check out this gem of a guest house on your next trip to Chiang Mai.
Awana House: 7 Rachadamnoen Rd Soi 1, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand