Thailand - Chiang Rai driver or guide advice

Dear Thailand advisors

I'm taking my mum up to Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai area for Songkhran. Have been before a few times but Mum is a senior lady of a somewhat sensitive disposition so I'd like to get a car/driver/guide instead of going on the bus or driving this time.

Anyone used a local person they can recommend?

Dear Thailand advisors

I'm taking my mum up to Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai area for Songkhran. Have been before a few times but Mum is a senior lady of a somewhat sensitive disposition so I'd like to get a car/driver/guide instead of going on the bus or driving this time.

Anyone used a local person they can recommend?

I think you'd be smart not to take public transportation. Nobody is spared the bucket during len nam festivities. That includes older men and woman, Thai and farang.

Are you looking for a driver to take you to CR (from where?) or someone to drive you around CR?

Mum is a senior lady

Do you know the air in the North is quite bad now?

"Authorities consider evacuating children and the aged as air pollution in North worsens"
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Authorities-consider-evacuating-children-and-the-a-30177685.html

Do you know the air in the North is quite bad now?

"Authorities consider evacuating children and the aged as air pollution in North worsens"
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Authorities-consider-evacuating-children-and-the-a-30177685.html

Rains in the north decreased a lot of the particulates last week in many, but not all northern provinces, but it's anyone's guess as to what will happen in the next month.

The rains do look set to pick up early this year.

Yes I know the smog has been bad...am hoping it will be a little improved by then. I've been up there at this time of year before & also lived in Malaysia for a long time, so realise that air quality is not going to be good.

But I have to leave Thailand so it will be our last chance for a Songkhran celebration. Mum has experienced it before, she likes the water throwing and the general sanuk going on.

We'd like a driver from Chiang Rai out into the surrounding areas for a couple of days - and possibly to transport us to Chiang Mai too for the actually Songkhran holiday.

ps
thank you all for your thoughtful responses:)

You do not say how familiar you are with the CR area or if you speak Thai. If you don't my primary and only personal vouch would be Mr. Jermsak from Chiang Rai who is an experienced guide, has good English communication skills and is an all-around nice person.

If interested I'm happy to supply contact info through PM.

If you happen to be in CR with transportation there's some decent restaurants on the Mae Nam Kok just east of the highway bridge. To get there head north out of Chiang Rai but just before the bridge bear left. This is a one lane 'U turn' under the bridge. Before the road merges with the highway heading south turn left (heading east) and there will be a handful of restos on the left with parking on the right.

I've eaten at Leelawadee on several occasions but there are other that are good (just can't remember their names).

You are unlikely to find many (or any) farang here although the menus do tend to have English. This stretch is arguably the best food in Chiang Rai. The restaurants in 'downtown' are quite poor.

Both suggestions sound great, most appreciated. PM please yes.

My Thai is abysmal! I think I'm saying something but clearly am saying something entirely different. Trouble is I kind of lost motivation once I knew I was moving.