destination guide: chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a sensory overload of adventure and flavor. It’s a place where you can practically taste the centuries of history, and it’s the kind of town that welcomes you with open arms and a mischievous glint in its eye.

As you wander through the labyrinthine streets of this Northern Thai gem, you can’t help but get lost in its story. You see, this is a place where ancient temples and modern luxury happily coexist. You’ve got monks on their smartphones crossing paths with tuk-tuks zipping through the streets like they’re on a never-ending joy ride. And on our Chiang Mai Life & Legends experience, you’ll get an immersive beginners’ guide to all this and more.

The artisans here, they’re like mad scientists of taste and style. The street markets are an absolute madhouse of creativity. There’s something for everyone, from exquisite silks that practically beg you to touch them to jewelry that’s so intricate, it’s like wearing history on your wrist.

And let’s talk food, one of our favorite subjects. Chiang Mai doesn’t just serve meals; it crafts stories on plates. This is where street food becomes an art form, where the blending of tradition and innovation creates dishes that explode in your mouth like fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Join our Chiang Mai First Date experience, and we’ll take you to the city’s best addresses for food and drink.

Chiang Mai is also the place where you can’t help but smile. It’s a town with tuk-tuks decked out in wild, hand-painted murals, and locals who welcome you with a grin and a cold beer. It’s all about embracing the quirks and finding the fun in every nook and cranny, whether it’s in the city itself or its jawdropping countryside, where you’ll hike up mountains, encounter elephants, and have an absolute ball in welcoming hilltribe villages.

Chiang Mai is a place where you don’t just eat; you devour life. It’s a city that’s like a secret you can’t wait to share, a place where authenticity meets adventure, and where every moment is a high-end escapade.

CHIANG MAI EXPERIENCES

Please note these experiences can only be booked as part of a longer multi-day itinerary, and are not available as standalone trips.

OUR FAVOURITE CHIANG MAI HOTELS

Four Seasons Chiang Mai

Nestled amidst emerald rice fields, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai stands as a sanctuary of well-being, designed for unwinding, recharging, and finding fulfillment through individually-tailored experiences.

Set within a rustic courtyard reminiscent of a traditional Thai home, “Chaan Baan” offers an intimate connection to the local culture. Here, you can explore time-honored tools and techniques used in rice cultivation, participate in planting shoots alongside experienced farmers, try your hand at pottery, and create beautiful fabric art with natural dyes. Wander through our carefully nurtured herb and vegetable garden, and assist our friendly water buffalo during their ritualistic bath.

Accommodation includes Pavilions, immersed in tropical gardens and rice paddies, ideal for enjoying the Resort’s landscape. Romantic Villas, encircled by water, provide complete privacy and a connection with nature, featuring a private pool and traditional outdoor Thai sala. Private Residences offer kitchenettes, private pools, and expansive interiors, where relaxation or entertainment is impeccably managed by a live-in butler.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai beckons you to embark on a personalized journey to well-being, discovering inner harmony amidst the beauty of the surroundings and the embrace of local traditions.

Raya Heritage

Raya Heritage stands as a testament to the timeless artistry of northern Thailand’s Lanna culture. Offering 38 spacious suite rooms spread across three levels, amidst lush gardens, the hotel harmoniously marries the rustic allure of the past with modern comforts and personalized service.

Each suite, thoughtfully designed, boasts private terraces, and select accommodations feature secluded pools. Handcrafted artisanal elements, such as handwoven textiles, woodcarvings, pottery, and baskets, imbue the surroundings with a luxury grounded in natural beauty and the rich heritage of northern Thailand.

Located on the Ping River, Raya Heritage serves as an idyllic base for unhurried exploration of the region’s distinctive charms. Designed by the acclaimed Thai architect Boonlert Hemvijitraphan, the hotel’s low-impact, three-story structures incorporate traditional elements such as terracotta tiles, vintage hardwood, and a palette of whites and creams, delivering a light, contemporary twist to the ambiance. Discover a luxurious haven deeply rooted in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of northern Thailand, where every detail reflects the region’s rich artistry and traditions.

Anantara Chiang Mai

Situated along the picturesque banks of the Mae Ping River, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort beckons you into a realm of limitless exploration and revelation. This idyllic location grants you access to the historic old city adorned with temples, the rich heritage of Lanna, quaint artisan villages, and the captivating world of mountain hill tribes.

Here, the art of relaxation is at your fingertips, whether you choose to recline on your private balcony daybed or luxuriate by the poolside. Dive into the world of Muay Thai boxing, rejuvenate your spirit with healing spa therapies, and awaken your inner culinary artist through captivating cooking classes.

The resort has 52 meticulously designed rooms, 32 lavish suites, and 26 exquisitely serviced suites. Explore its 100-year-old heritage house, a haven for memorable dining experiences and unforgettable events. With Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, your journey transforms into a thrilling, high-end adventure, embodying the Lanna spirit, where authentic, quirky, and fun experiences await at every turn.

137 PILLARS HOUSE

Set against the rich tapestry of Chiang Mai’s history, 137 Pillars House stands as a venerable relic of opulent times. This magnificent gem, dating back to the 1880s, once belonged to the East Borneo Company headquarters and has been lovingly resurrected to pay homage to its 19th-century heritage.

Step into a world where old-world charm dances harmoniously with modern luxury. Each of the 30 splendid suites within these teak wood walls is a sanctuary of serenity, boasting verandas and patios that overlook meticulously manicured gardens. The fusion of nostalgia and contemporary comforts defines 137 Pillars House. Here, you’ll find an undeniably sophisticated ambiance. Take a leisurely dip in the inviting pool amidst the lush gardens, or explore the nearby treasures, such as the Wat Gate Khar Rham Temple and Museum and the neighboring teak wood residences.

As the sun sets, surrender to relaxation with a rejuvenating massage, followed by a delectable dinner in the hotel’s dining room. 137 Pillars House, where the spirit of the 19th century meets the modern luxuries of today, awaits your visit.

TAMARIND VILLAGE

Tamarind Village, an enchanting boutique retreat in the heart of historic Chiang Mai, seamlessly weaves design, service, and comfort into an authentic Chiang Mai experience. Inspired by the stories woven into the city’s rich history, this unique property combines the elements of local heritage and culture to create a memorable stay.

Surrounded by ancient temples and charming shopping streets, Tamarind Village derives its name from the venerable 200-year-old tamarind tree that provides a benevolent shade over the property. This tranquil haven offers 41 guest rooms and five suites, nestled gracefully around flower-filled courtyards. Each space exudes a sense of relaxed luxury, where contemporary design harmoniously mingles with the vibrant patterns of hill tribe fabrics against a backdrop of terracotta tile floors and crisp white bedding, creating a visual feast for the senses.

Tamarind Village: where history meets hospitality in a stylish, culturally rich Chiang Mai setting.

WHEN TO GO

Chiang Mai is warm all year round, though the heat peaks in March & April – given that this is also the ‘burning season’, when the city is blanketed in smog, we discourage travel to Chiang Mai during this time.

November-February is the best time to travel, with little to no rain and cooler temperatures, especially at night. The rainy season peaks during the summer months and whilst this won’t affect your trip too much, it can make hiking in the hills a little muddy and difficult so bear that in mind if you’re the outdoor type!