With no claims to be anything more than a simple guesthouse, Mr Charles Hotel is well located in the centre of Hsipaw and the best property in town. Whilst this is not saying much, standards are more than adequate for a stay of a night or two in this charming Shan town.

Mr Charles is a friendly family run hotel and rooms are basic with no added frills, but have everything you need including hot and cold water, comfortable beds and air conditioning. They are all of a decent size, but we prefer to use only use the Deluxe Rooms and Junior Suites in the newer block.

When Hsipaw has mains-power (6pm – 10pm most nights and a few irregular hours in the morning) there is air-conditioning, hot showers and TV. Whilst many rooms have their own outside space, there’s also a pleasant communal balcony and lounge areas where you can relax with a book or swap stories with fellow travellers.

Warm service and even a good doctor’s clinic on site makes this is good base for those visiting Hsipaw. Being centrally located it can be a bit noisy with several early-waking monasteries in close vicinity – however this is real life in Hsipaw.

Breakfast is served on the drive way-cum-terrace, whilst the guesthouse does not serve dinner, Hsipaw’s main drag is right on your doorstep giving you easy access to a handful of good eateries in the evening.Mr Charles Hotel is sitting at just off the main road (Namtu) at the northern end of town, which turns out to be the most peaceful part in the town as it is well away from traffic.