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The phrase is popular. If you’ve been to Thailand you understand. If you've never been, it's worth a visit. "Same Same but different" is heard everywhere. This phrase is used by the Thais to describe anything that is similar; Food, clothing, travel, and yes, even guest houses.

The Same Same Café & Guest House opened in early 2005, yet the word is traveling quickly through the phat thai telegraph. This place is jammin'.

Making no bones about it Robert Wu, the Singaporean owner, is targeting the lucrative adventure sport and travel market just when most of Thailand is giving up on it, trying to go “upscale.”

A RESOURCE FOR ADVENTURE SPORT TRAVELERS

INTERNET, COFFEE, INTERNATIONAL FOODS, AND TRAVEL BOOKING

Not a newcomer to the hotel business, Robert has worked thirty years in the industry all of which catered to the high end traveler. So what made him do a 180 degree change and open Same Same? “I saw how much business was created on Khao San Road in Bangkok, and Chiang Mai is the perfect location to duplicate  this environment. Backpackers are so eager to try new things including adventure sports, I cannot go wrong with their easy going attitude.”

With twenty-six rooms ranging from 80 Baht dorm rooms to 400 Baht air-con ensuite, he has a room for anyone. There’s even a roof top garden that’s perfect for “chillin' out,” apparently a favorite for sun worshiping Dutch girls.

Located inside the historic brick walls of Chiang Mai, shopping and Temples are easily within walking distance. The café opens early at 6:00 AM with breakfast selections, steaming brewed coffee, smoothies, and fresh fruit juices. There's plenty of time to relax before catching your ride to mountain bike, elephant ride, whitewater rafting or any of the adventure trekking tours Same Same is offering. Luggage storage and airport pickup are also available.

Western, Asian and Thai foods are on the menu, and Same Same boasts the cheapest beers in Chiang Mai. Following in the Khao San Road tradition, Robert has food carts serving fried noodles and banana pancakes. Dreadlocks can be had, or your future predicted by a Tarot Card Reader and there will be plenty of Lonely Planets to go around.

"We are the Adventure Club of Northern Thailand," Wu says. "I want to know how to serve these travelers better."

Same Same Cafe has a fun atmosphere that makes your time there enjoyable. All that is needed now is the full moon party.  We are sure  Robert  has plans for that too. If you are  coming  to Chiang  Mai  for a  few  days or  weeks,

MESSAGES FROM SATISFIED TRAVELERS