Banana Guest House

The owners of this guesthouse are Thai and Japanese, so understandably there are a lot of Japanese tourists who come here, however there are just as many Europeans, Americans and Australians and for good reason. The staff are renowned for there friendliness and are more than willing to help with anything asked of them. The Banana guesthouses multi-national residents allows a very relaxed and open-minded atmosphere and is a great place to meet other travellers.

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 your 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 attaction 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 travellers who have come and gone. There is also always someone to help out which is very convienient!

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 accomondation aspect, trekking etc. the food is very good. A T.V with cable channels and assistance with air, bus and train tickets, as well as massage, Thai cooking courses and laudry seperate Banana from other guesthouses. The treks at Banana are definately 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 it's 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 travellers going to Chiang Mai!

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review