We stayed here for the last 4 nights of our honeymoon from New Year's eve 2007. Everything that has been said is true - it's just the most wonderful place, and I'm so glad that it was the last place we stayed on our trip, as it meant that we left on a real high note. From start to finish the family who own Fern Paradise were so incredibly helpful and friendly and genuinely lovely people. The setting is beautiful, and the fact that it's slightly out of town really isn't an issue - it's well worth it. I can't recommend Fern Paradise highly enough, it's the best!

Really, it is all that and a bag of chips. The place is fantastic, and the owner really makes it a point to help you to have the best experience possible in Chiang Mai. The rooms were quite nice (I got a kick out of the mosquito netting) and it was wonderfully quiet there. The free internet is a big bonus too. The breakfast was pretty good, and despite the fact that we were leaving super early for Phuket they got up to make us something to eat before we left.

It was really helpful to have someone to recommend activities there; I HIGHLY recommend doing the Asian Scenic cooking class that the owner has pamphlets for. I can't thank the man enough for his helpfulness even after I left Thailand; I had downloaded some pictures and movies to the computer there to email to people, and when we got back to California and realized that I had left the camera in Bangkok (never did get it back, all 1000+ pictures gone) he went out of his way to help me to get what I had put on there so that we at least had a few memories captured digitally.

A hint about getting around: there isn't really a cheap way to get to Chiang Mai from the hotel since it's a bit outside of the main area, but you can grab a taxi or tuk-tuk to take you back cheaper than the pre-arranged taxis through the hotel.

Again, I couldn't possibly recommend this place enough; if you're going to be staying in Chiang Mai look here first to see if there are rooms available!

This is a true paradise!
The rice barns are simply amazing, beautifully decorated and very unique.
The surrounding is just breathtaking - the owner is a landscape architect and this is noticed in the top notch surrounding.
This is a family run hotel with an amazing Thai family that runs it.

Highly recommended for couples who'd like to spend their nights (and days if you wish...) at a very special place.

Cons: Small bathroom, aircon is a bit weak during hot days (if you stay inside), no phone in the room, a bit far from the city (200baht one way)

Pros: Everything, this is just great! the Cons simply don't matter in this case, i'd give it a 6 but 5 is the max...

First off, I want to say I do not know where to begin. This place was my favorite place I have ever stayed and I have been everywhere. Me and my seven girlfriends stayed at fern in Jan 08 (we are all from New York, and Miami). This place was really paradise. The rooms were decorated perfectly, down to the little details. Fern paradise is surrounded by different types of ferns, it is so beautiful. But the best part of Fern Paradise is Om. He is the owner of Fern Paradise but he has become a great friend. He was so accomadating. He went out of his way to make sure that we were set up in every way.

We did a two day trek through the jungle, that was amazing. We rode elephants for an hour, treked for like 4 hours both days, stayed with the Lahu village people (with no electricity). It felt like camp, we drank, sang, and ate the delicious dinner they cooked for us. We also went white water rafting, bamboo rafting, and much more. All this was like for 30 dollars (around 1000 baht, its crazy). We left our stuff at Fern Paradise and had no problem.

In Chaing Mai we also went to the monkey farm, and snake farm, that was so much fun. We also went to a cooking class, that Om recommended. That was one of the best experiences.

Overall, Fern Paradise and Chaing Mai has been an unforgettable experience. The only problem is, we NEVER wanted to leave. But I hope we will be back one day to visit Om and his adorable son Karn. I will try. I recommend this place to everyone. YOU HAVE TO STAY HERE!!!