Next time you’re in Chiang Mai, look for these boutique hotels for an unforgettable hotel experience.
Whether you’re looking for cool mountains, vibrant art scenes, or cultural explorations, the versatile city of Chiang Mai has a space for every need. As a favourite destination for locals and tourists alike, the northern city of temples flaunts many beautiful resorts and hotels, yet if you’re looking for something with a sense of story, these are the most elegant boutique and heritage hotels to consider.
[Hero and featured image credit: 137 Pillars Chiang Mai]
Heritage Hotels In Chiang Mai
137 Pillars House
From an old traditional Thai house in the 1800s to a luxury resort in the present day, 137 Pillars House used to be a part of the Borneo Company headquarters before undergoing a major renovation and turning into a stunning boutique hotel. The resort boasts 30 luxury suites with large terraces, signature planters rattan rocking chairs, high ceilings, king-sized beds, outdoor garden showers, and tropical garden views. Although it is located in the city centre, this beautiful historic resort is perfect for anyone seeking story and tranquility.
Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort
Na Nirand was built from the love legend between a noble Lanna lady and a Bangkok gentleman who owned the riverside house called Baan Thab Phaya. Nowadays, the riverside house has been renovated into Lanna Colonial style buildings that make up the Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort. In this romantic getaway, guests can choose to immerse themselves in 8 room or suite types enveloping an enormous 100-year-old rain tree. While TIME Riverfront Cuisine & Bar serve delectable afternoon tea sets and Thai fusion dishes from morning to night, it’s the ideal place to uncover the secret to ‘eternal love.’
Raya Heritage
Simplicity, sustainability and tradition are the three main concepts that make up Raya Heritage. This minimalistic and contemporary resort features many one-of-a-kind furniture items made by the local people, and aims to promote the local artisans and foundations. The beautiful property offers 38 exquisite suites amid the lush garden beside the Ping river, including the Rin Terrace Suite, Huen Bon Suite, and Kramm Pool Suite. Be sure to also stop by at the healing Ai Waan Spa and Him Gong curated craft shop inside the resort.
Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa
In downtown Chiang Mai lies a mesmerising Lanna Colonial hotel, the Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa. The boutique hotel stands out for its white architecture adorned with hand-carved teak fretwork and charming small Thai design elements that permeate the space. The highlight is The Library, a modest reading room in the afternoon that turns into an outdoor cocktail and wine lounge with a whimsical ambience at night.
Rachamankha Hotel
Behind the concrete walls and Chinese-style entrance lies this heritage hotel founded in 1296 that boasts a distinct interior. For history lovers, Rachamankha is a must-visit. Not only does the hotel’s prime location make it a great spot to explore the old temples that encircle it, but the hotel’s own history and architecture is also worth admiring. Inspired by a combination of Chinese and Lanna influences, guests can enjoy the beauty of the open-air pavilions, colonnaded courtyards, and oriental suites.
Tamarind Village
A sister hotel to Raya Heritage in Chiang Mai, Tamarind Village boasts 41 guest rooms and 5 suites, and is located in the Old City centre. Simple yet elegant, the rooms feature artistic elements like hill tribe fabrics, hand-made lacquer boxes, tribal caps, regional artefacts, and dark wooden accents. Outside of the rooms, guests can relax in The Village Spa, feast at Ruen Tamarind Restaurant, and shop at The Tamarind Boutique, or talk a walk around the nature-centric and tranquil premises.
Paint Chayanin
Lifestyle Writer, Bangkok
In spite of her name, Paint can't really paint or even draw. Life, for her, is a journey in search of good chocolates, fries, chicken wings, and the implication behind her fat cats' split personalities.