What to expect
Some practical information to consider
The neighbourhood
Gecko Hideaway is located to the north of Chiang Mai in the village area of Luang Neua, Doi Saket.
It is a largely rural area with rice paddies, livestock and market gardens.
The immediate area is largely low-lying and flat, but roads become steeper and winding towards the surrounding hilly areas.
In more recent times numerous hotel/resort/accommodation options have opened up, as well as some lovely restaurants and cafes dotted around (although COVID took its toll, with some hospitality businesses never recovering)
It’s a generally safe, quiet, low traffic area, and neighbours look out for each other. So far I have never experienced any kind of crime or security incident.
Weather, best times to visit
Cool season, November to February: This is the most popular time to visit for Chiang Mai because it’s cool and dry (ideal for outdoor activities) and there are various festivals around this time. While it’s not ‘cold’ as such, long sleeves, jackets and light woollens may be needed at night.
Hot season, March to May: The daytime temperatures can get very hot between April and May and it can also be a bit hazy and smoky during crop burn-offs in rice paddy areas. Mornings are best for outdoor activities, afternoons are better for indoor activities, or lounging around staying cool.
Rainy season, June to October: Temperatures start to lower but humidity rises with the monsoon. Daily rain, mostly in the afternoons, occasional storms, but overall quite pleasant and fewer tourists.
How to get there
Getting to Chiang Mai is easy, with a small and efficient international airport, with lots of domestic and regional connections. From the airport, you can hire a car or take an airport taxi to Gecko Hideaway, around 35 mins drive.
Intrepid train buffs may also be interested in the overnight or daytime train from Bangkok. At the train station you might find a taxi, or you can order a Grab or Bolt to take you to Gecko Hideaway, around 25 minutes drive.
See more detailed transport options in Transport & getting around.
Accessibility
The property has not been designed for wheelchair access and has internal steps and external staircases which can be slippery after rain. There are limited handrails and supports including in bathrooms. If you require specific accessibility features, please contact the property manager in advance to discuss.
Bringing kids & pets
Kids and pets are very welcome! However there are a few things to keep in mind:
There are no special safety measures for stairs, deck/balconies, power point covers etc.
While there is a fence surrounding the property, it may still be possible for your pet to escape
There are no baby/child facilities (high chairs etc)
Wildlife inhabits the garden which may pose a risk to unsupervised kids and pets (see section on wildlife safety)
There are fragile ornaments, glassware and crockery within easy reach of small kids and pets
Some of the books in the shelves may not be age-appropriate 😳
Things to do
Out and about
There is so much to do and see around Chiang Mai. Whether you’re into nature, arts and crafts, music, food, shopping, markets, temples, movies, nightlife – there really is something for everyone. See some of top pics and off-the-beaten track recommendations in the Out & about Gecko Community pages.
Entertainment at home
Some ideas to get your started…
Cooking. Buy some fresh ingredients from the market and see what you can do.
Reading. Find a book from the home library.
Board games.
Audiobooks, podcasts and music on the portable bluetooth speaker.
Treadmill walking/running, yoga, weights
Smart TV (with Netflix) and a fairly eclectic assortment of DVD series and movies.
