
Design On Tap
Design On Tap Written by Gastronomer Lifestyle March issue ‘Fine
Written by Wariya Intreyonk
August 19, 2022
Chiang Mai is a city enriched with arts, culture, cuisine and a harmonious blend of old traditions and modern lifestyle. Among Thailand’s tourist destinations, it is one of the most popular.
With the backdrop of a growing hipster and digital nomad community, the former seat of the Lanna kingdom is blissfully calm and laid-back. You will encounter lush green countryside, pristine rainforests, serene wáts, peaceful country villages, and a wide variety of markets and elephant sanctuaries.
But ‘Where to stay in Chiang Mai?’ Some of you might wonder. There are plenty of accommodation options from large luxury hotels to more humble bed & breakfasts. However, these boutique hotels provide luxury, a sense of space and uniqueness unlike any others.
Listed below are the best boutique hotels in Chiang Mai 2022, according to Gastronomer Lifestyle.
Built around a sacred fig, this stunning hotel blends Lanna and Rococo styles. Sacred figs are depicted in every room of The Inside House as bas-reliefs. The hotel gives its guests a glimpse of heaven through the space, architectural style and colour scheme. Each room has either a balcony or terrace, so all guests can take advantage of the ancient city views or hotel gardens. When the sun comes down, the hotel staff bids guests good night with small bites of a traditional dessert and mineral water at the door. The hotel’s restaurant, Ghin, serves delicious food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the afternoon, the restaurant serves a delicate signature afternoon tea.
56 Samlarn Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
This pure white hotel in Nimmanhaemin Street was built in an oval shape under the wabi-sabi style. The hotel has two stories, and the centre of the hotel is a roofless round swimming pool where guests can dip in or sunbathe. Every room type is spacious and equipped with all types of USB plugs and ports. So if you forget one of your cables or plugs, this hotel ensures that all your smart devices are charged. There is a free flow of wine and snacks available from 5 – 7pm in a common area on the second floor, where breakfast bites are served in the morning from 7 – 11am. It’s the hotel that encourages people to socialise and make new friends.
3 Lanna Villa Alley, Suthep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
The emphasis on privacy is set with an underground entrance to the property. From the moment you step inside the hotel after checking in at the reception, you are transported to another world. Among the greenery and minimalist architecture, you’ll find some Lanna trinkets to remind you that you’re still in Chiang Mai. The hotel gives you the rest and tranquillity you need while getting in touch with nature simultaneously. You can choose an American Breakfast, or a traditional Lanna breakfast of pork skewers, Sai Uah, steamed sticky rice, steamed vegetables, and Nam Prik Noom served with tea, coffee or juice. The staff will serve you breakfast in your room at your preferred time. Some room types even have a fireplace to set the mood and provide warmth.
67/8 Na Wat Ket Alley, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiangmai 50000
With hotel reservations at this boutique hotel, you’ll get access to the cocktail bar with a view of the pool. In contrast to the black and white architecture, the green and blue garden and pool area create a relaxing environment. Each hotel room is smartly divided into spaces for leisure, sleep, work and bathing without making you feel claustrophobic. The bathroom was parted by an electrochromic (smart glass) window which turns opaque if you want some privacy or transparent if you’re down for something more risqué. The hotel doesn’t provide breakfast, but it has a restaurant called Somm Wine & Dine. It serves delicious comfort Italian fusion food and you can pair your meal with some wine from their selection.
8 Moonmuang Rd Lane 5, Sri Phum Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Close to the Ping River and away from Chiang Mai City Centre, this boutique hotel showcases handcrafted artefacts and furniture made by local craftspeople. The spacious and comfortable rooms offer a balcony with a Ping River view. One of the highlights is the in-room tea blending box, where you can blend tea with herbs and botanicals to your liking. The hotel has various activities, from basketry workshops to hiking for guests to choose and indulge in while supporting the local community simultaneously. The hotel has a restaurant, Khu Khao, where you can tantalise your taste buds with locally sourced and homegrown produce.
12 Bunrueang Rit Road, Si Phum, Muang, Chiangmai
This boutique hotel in Chiang Mai, knotable for its giant tamarind tree as the hotel’s centrepiece, was heavily inspired by Lanna’s traditional arts and culture. The structure and furniture are Lanna style with Lanna letters detailed on the pillowcase, engraved on the wall and the label of room amenities. The lighting is warm and gives you a sense of privacy but not too dark for reading your favourite book before bed. The local-made bathrobe and slippers are incredibly comfortable and available for purchase. The hotel has a pool-side restaurant, Ruan Tamarind, which serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Their culinary team gives beautiful and tasty food to your table. As part of their sustainability philosophy, the hotel does not provide disposable toothbrushes.
50 Rachadamnoen Rd Soi 1, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Villa Alanna is located on one of the main roads in Chiang Mai but oddly provides some serenity to its guests. The hotel is inspired by Thai tribal fabric patterns and wabi-sabi style. Every room is spacious and well equipped. The hotel provides luxury elements such as a view of Doi Suthep, a private outdoor bathtub including soundproof doors and windows. The hotel offers a kitchen in every room encouraging guests to cook and allows them to harvest some small produce from the hotel’s garden. If you’re not into cooking, the hotel can serve you food and beverages in your room or by the sea salt pool. There are three breakfast styles to choose from; traditional Thai, American, or Lanna. For those who love massage, you don’t have to go to the spa. The spa comes to you. Choose your spa programme from the menu, and the masseuse and equipment will arrive at your room door.
12 Bunrueang Rit Road, Si Phum, Muang, Chiangmai
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