Lonely Planet Review

Tucked away in a quiet soi (lane) off Th Chang Moi, opposite Wat Chomphu, Karinthip's nicely landscaped grounds welcome you in. The 62 rooms are of equal size, the different rates reflecting the value of the furnishings only.

Located close to Chiang Mai's busy Th Chang Moi - the main road of the city's 'Chinatown' - this would seem an unlikely spot for a hotel that resembles one of Thailand's many country resorts. The main building containing the rooms is a simple and straightforward box divided into three wings (Thai, Chinese and colonial). Most of the ambience comes from added architectural detail, faux-antique decor and ample landscaping. A sculpture of a white elephant in front of the hotel entry conjures the area's history as a thoroughfare for elephants carrying goods from the raft landing on the Mae Nam Ping to the walled city.