Still going strong after nearly 30 years, the excellent Galare, with its quiet, yet central, riverside location is still one of Chiang Mai’s best options in the budget to flashpacker range. Every time we pass by we expect to see this long standing guesthouse has gone boutique, doubled its rates or added another three storeys yet, despite its popularity and prime location, the owner has stuck commendably to their principals and nothing in this classic guesthouse style joint has changed, give or take the occasional lick of paint. Comparatively speaking 25 years ago Galare would have seemed more on the swish side though these days, with all the new competition, it tends to the ordinary.

The small garden with its well-tended flower beds is very cute and exteriors, in brick and varnished wood are smart but interiors are perhaps in need of a makeover.

The rooms are well maintained, it is reasonably priced and has a friendly, cosy, vibe. Interiors come with air-con, fridge, en-suite bathroom with hot shower, safes and huge beds with mosquito nets. Decor’s not up to much but all that’s not bad for 700 baht even if breakfast isn’t included. The small restaurant cafe area, separated from the river by a tiny lawn, does serve very good and inexpensive simple Thai and Western breakfast and lunches though closes for food at 16:30.

Galare Guesthouse’s location is excellent, down a narrow lane of Charoen Prathet Road as it parallels the Ping and around halfway between the old metal bridge and Narawat Bridge.

They manage to squeeze 35 rooms in the three storey blocks; all identical, all with small balconies and all with similar rates for single, twin or double occupancy. Old school but still a good choice by virtue of its position, atmosphere and prices.

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7 Charoen Prathet Soi 2, Chang Klan