I got there at 4AM because I took the night bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. I then hopped on a tuk tuk to get me to my lodgings. The driver seemed to know exactly where the Libra was. Apparently, it's well known.

So I woke a man up who was sleeping in the common area, and he kindly gave me the keys to a room and quoted me 180Baht a night. I ended up not having to pay for that first night (4AM-10AM). Plus, they only charged me 150Baht.

I also went on the 3 days 2 nights trekking trip that Libra Guest House hosted. It was really fun and quite an adventure for me. 1800Baht was a good bargain.

The sisters who took care of the business were also very helpful with traveling information. They helped me with how to get to Mae sa Long and what to see in Chiang Mai.

This was a place filled with friendly travelers. I had a great time bonding w/ my trekking buddies.

All in all, I'm very glad I heard about this place online.

If you are staying on a budget in Thailand beg, grovel or plead to get into the Libra guesthouse. It is situated just into the Old City along a soi off Moon Muang Road within easy walking distance of the Thae Pae Gate and Night bazaar. The guesthouse is a family run affair and the front desk is manned by two sisters. Tables for guests are out on the verandah, the kitchen is viewable from these tables and you can smell the chefs cooking lemongrass and chicken.

The rooms are very clean and cheap (100 baht when I was there, £1.50) and are on the upper storey or along a soi (lane) and grouped around a tropical garden (see photo)and the lane gives a view into the surrounding houses whose smiling families seem to live their lives outside. But the Libra guesthouse is primarily a trekking guesthouse and has an excellent reputation. Guides hang around the guesthouse and the family will arrange a 5/4/3 day trek for you for a reasonable price (500 baht a day). There are no worries about leaving your valuebles behind as they seal them in envelopes and lock them in a safe. The professionalism of these sisters gives the place an excellent reputation.

Along with hot showers, free-roaming dogs, tropical plants and affable owners - does life get any better then the Libra guesthouse.