We’ve recently hit the road again with an open-ended itinerary.
First stop: Chiang Mai, Thailand.

In our wild and care free days without a child, we would just arrive at a new destination and hunt for housing. We’ve found some incredible apartments in multiple countries this way.  This time around Google did the heavy lifting, finding us a new studio service apartment 5 minutes from the Chiang Mai Gate.

For $375/month, we get everything on our list: roof top pool, well equipped gym, outdoor space, regular cleaning service, kitchen, great shower, and central location.

On to the tour…

The winter climate in Chiang Mai is perfect for afternoons by the pool.  If that happens to be a near-infinity salt water pool on a roof top, even better.

Rooftop Saltwater Pool

Rooftop Saltwater Pool

Learning to Swim Amongst the Temples

Learning to Swim Amongst the Temples

The cool mornings are a great time for a workout.  The gym is nicely equipped with cardio machines and free weights.

Time to Work Out

Time to Work Out

The outdoor space is great for lounging in the shade, with an abundance of grass and flowers.

Outdoor Play Time

Outdoor Play Time

Great Outdoor Space

Great Outdoor Space

At 5 meters x 8 meters, the room is comfortably sized.  It is not too big, such that we must overcome a great deal of momentum to go out and explore, and yet it is not too small where we feel cramped.  The lighting and storage spaces are superb, and make the space feel even larger.

Queen Size Bed and Breakfast Nook

Queen Size Bed and Breakfast Nook / Work Space (Note drawers under bed)

A small kitchen area makes it easy to prepare home made baby food and to have breakfasts at home.

Kitchen with Sink, Range, and Medium sized Refridgerator (not shown, Microwave)

Kitchen with Sink, Range, & Medium-sized Refrigerator (not shown, Microwave)

The bathroom has a great shower, with unlimited hot water and great water pressure.

Bathroom

Bathroom

Shower and Gas Powered Hot Water Heater

Shower and Gas Powered Hot Water Heater

The staff has been incredibly warm and inviting.  You would think GCCjr is a famous rock star by how they treat him every day.  We are also treated very well, as you would expect for a couple of groupies. :)

Room cleaning service is twice per week, and the entire building is immaculately cleaned and maintained.  The building is only ~1 year old and everything is new, clean, and comfortable.

Smith Suites

Smith Suites

When we do venture out, we are only a 5 minute walk to the Chiang Mai Gate market.  We can eat Phad Thai and Tom Yum soup for ~$1, and get fresh fruit smoothies or Thai iced tea for $0.50.  Tuk tuks to anywhere in the city center are just a few bucks.

cmmapOur plan is was to stay here at least 30 days.  We might have to extend that :)

If you are looking for accommodations in Chiang Mai, any of the following links will get you started:

Smith Suites



Booking.com

$:
Rent: 13,000 THB/month (~$362/month)
Internet: included
Electricity: 7 THB/kWH (~$0.20… total bill, TBD)
Water: ~30 THB/m^3 (~$0.80… total bill, TBD)