Kavil Guesthouse 1
10/1 Ratchdumnon, Soi 5 Muang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
Why We Like It
Value for money comes close to the top of the list of the things we like about Kavil, but it is beaten out by the welcome you receive. The owners and staff are all in the business of trying to persuade you that the legendary Thai hospitality is very much alive and kicking in the 21st Century. The location doesn’t do this place any harm either, you can walk anywhere in the old walled city and you can book transport to anywhere else you want to go. Budget travelers will love this place, but, if you are not on a budget, it would probably be best to find different accommodation.
Fodor's Expert Review
The Kavil Guesthouse doesn’t look like much to look at, indeed, it is just one of many properties in Chiang Mai’s walled city center which offer cheap rooms at the budget end of the market. However, it really stands out from the crowd for sheer value for money and the warmth of the welcome.
The building itself is one of the drab 1980s style generic buildings which sprung up to cater to the increasing influx of backpackers who were making their way to Chiang Mai. The Kavil is centrally located and you will find yourself in the beating heart of Chiang Mai.
You Should Know The lobby area is a clutter of tour brochures, sprinkled with some plants and tatty furnishings. The guest house has been well used.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
Not all rooms are the same in terms of size, but the choices are limited. You can opt for the A/C or a fan room, twin or double beds, but other than that, the amenities are all reasonably standard. The rooms themselves are clean and the bedding has been washed (something which isn’t always true at this end of the market) and if you bag a room at the top (you can ask), you will get a view.
Tip Ask for a room at the top for the mountain views on the Doi Suthep side of Chiang Mai.
Bathroom
En suite bathrooms are standard and offer basic, but are clean and well maintained. Each has a shower and a toilet.
You Should Know Hot water is only available in some rooms--it may be essential to ask for a room with hot water during the cooler spells in Chiang Mai.
Lobby
The reception lobby includes the adjacent breakfast/lounging area and is dotted with lush green plants and shrubbery. This is the perfect place to relax and chill after a hard day’s temple viewing or mountain trekking.
You Should Know Entering the lobby area will also fill you with no discernible local charm, however, the staff will immediately throw the welcome mat out for you, and from that moment you will feel very much at home in this basic, but warm, budget accommodation.
Dining
The in-house restaurant offers a decent breakfast from a set menu and throughout the day offers standard Thai dishes and a few popular western meals.
Drinking
At the in house restaurant the beer is cheap and the service is extremely friendly.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The Kavil offers many tours, with a tour business being one of its major revenue streams. The guest house will also sort out independent transport to any location in Chiang Mai or Thailand. There are a few taxi drivers lurking on the small lane, alongside any number of tuk-tuks or motorcycle rental in the nearby shops and businesses. The airport, bus and train terminals are all within fairly easy reach and the reception can book you cheap transport to all of them.
Restaurants
The rustic and friendly Kanjana (1-minute walk) located next door to the Kavil offers a sumptuous array of northern Thai and central Thai dishes. This places oozes Thai charm and has prices which will leave you bemused as to how they turn a profit. Angel’s Secrets (2-minute walk) is one of the ultra-trendy cafes opening up all over northern Thailand. They serve a dazzling mix of cakes and dessert with a healthy selection of Thai staple dishes. Prices are rock-bottom and the effort which goes into the food can be seen from the amazing presentation of the dishes.
Bars
The Writer's Club & Wine Bar (5-minute walk) is less about wine, and more about beer and good food, but don’t let that put you off. There is a nice selection of wines and the ambiance is very laid back. The ever-popular Zoe in Yellow (5-minute walk) is the place to head to if you want to dance the small hours away with cheap drinks and a pleasant atmosphere. The music is loud, the place is packed, but there are very good reasons for that.
