Funky Monkey Guesthouse & Tours

There really isn't much of a scene at the Funky Monkey. After all, it only has three rooms, and most guests are out touring Chiang Mai all day. That said, the downstairs common area -- a simple space with tile floors, charming wood furniture, and a few leather couches -- can be a relaxing and inviting spot at night, when guests chat over cold beers or some Thai food. Look for the enormous stuffed ape hanging near the entrance. The owners are always around, and are some of the most helpful and knowledgeable folks guests will find in Chiang Mai; they are usually busy giving guests advice on food, tours, and anything else guests might need. Travelers here tend to be budget-oriented, as this is a simple and cheap guesthouse. However, some more well-heeled folks do stay here, as well, just because the owners are that pleasant and informative -- and the rooms are of great value. It's also a perfect spot for families or larger groups due to the large rooms, each with an extra bed. 

The Funky Monkey Guesthouse is located in central Chiang Mai, about a 10- to 15-minute walk from the Thapae Gate, the eastern entrance into the historical old city. It's about a 10-minute walk to most of the major temples and sights, including Wat Chiang Man. The downtown area and Night Bazaar are about a 15-minute walk west, while the airport is a 10- to 20-minute drive. There are abundant bars, restaurants, and shops all around the guesthouse. The only drawbacks here are the lack of parking and constant traffic running down the main moat road, which is just 50 meters away.

There are only three rooms at the Funky Monkey Guesthouse, and they are pretty much all the same, except that only two have balconies. Rooms are all the same price and only differentiated by how many guests they can hold (up to six, but normally for four), and whether or not they have control over air-conditioning. Each room has a large mini-fridge with freezer, as well as a leather armchair, sofa, TV with cable channels, and both a king-size and single bed. Simple en-suite bathrooms have hot-water stall showers. Of the two rooms with balconies, one is partially blocked by an air-conditioning fan, while the other is a full-size balcony. All rooms do have free Wi-Fi. Decor is very basic, just clay-color tile floors, wood bed frames, and some decorative touches such as Asian-style fans and potted plants. 

The guesthouse is small, so doesn't really have any features like a gym, pool, or spa. It does have a small common area downstairs, with indoor and outdoor wood tables where the owners serve breakfast and Thai food throughout the day and early evening. There are also comfy leather chairs, a TV, and a public computer. Outdoor tables overlook the small lane, and guests can have beers here and watch the world go by. The downstairs area has a shelf filled with tourist pamphlets and brochures about Chiang Mai, and the owners are an absolute treasure trove of information on the area. Guests should ask for the owners' local food map, and for information on tours or travel, as they give some of the most helpful, knowledgeable, and unbiased information on the area to be found in the entire city.