Studio
One Bedroom Suite
*Denotes local charge
*Denotes local charge
This superb Shangri-La resort in Chiang Mai combines traditional Thai design and modern luxury, conveniently located in the heart of the northern capital. Less than a mile outside the historic walls and equal distance to the Ping River, you're a short walk from the city's sights such as the famous night bazaar. The large freeform outdoor pool is lined with loungers and semi-private cabanas, making it the perfect spot to soak up some sun as you enjoy a refreshing drink from Dhala Pool Bar. Embodying the spirit of Chiang Mai, dining here is a casual affair, with Kad Kafé serving Thai, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, European and Mediterranean specialities, and China Kitchen offering a wide selection of Szechuan and Cantonese dishes throughout the day and into the evening. As the sun goes down, the Lobby Lounge is the perfect spot to enjoy a post-dinner cocktail in a Lanna-style setting. In an oasis of peaceful gardens and lotus ponds, CHI, The Spa, is a haven of tranquility, with its yoga pavilions and indulgent treatments. The rooms here continue the theme of relaxation, with elegant northern Thai décor and modern touches, designed to place an emphasis on comfort. Neutral tones are mixed with hints of colour to immerse you in your peaceful surrounds.
U Chiang Mai’s philosophy revolves around getting you involved in local life and experiencing the enchanting culture of Chiang Mai. In the heart of the city within the famous ancient walls, this charming hotel has a fantastic location so you can explore the nearby sights like Wat Chedi Luang. On arrival you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back in time as you step into the restored Residents' Lounge, which was once the residence of Chiang Mai’s governor. Eat restaurant offers innovative cuisine, with a European-influenced bistro for breakfast, and delicious local fare cooked using traditional methods. After indulging in a delightful meal, head up to the bar to enjoy a refreshing cocktail while watching the bustling street life below. The hotel offers a range of excursions so you can get to know the heart of Northern Thailand, its people, its culture and its food. If you’re looking to relax in the evenings, head to the swimming pool or indulge with a treatment at the U Spa. The comfortable rooms here continue the traditional theme with a modern twist. Upgrade to a Deluxe Room to enjoy extra space. For a more personalised experience, the U Choose programme enables you to choose your own pillow type, soap, tea and minibar items prior to arrival.
The Riverie delivers spectacular views from its enviable spot on the Kok River. It was recently renovated and is centred around a dazzling gold-on-white theme – a cool contrast against the river’s earthy tones. And because this spot on the riverbank is uncrowded, there’s plenty of space to breathe in the outstretched views. By the bright blue pool, you’re just a sun lounger’s space from the river’s edge and the rooftop Peak Wine & Grill has stunning vistas that brings you almost eye-level with watercolour mountains in the distance. The hotel’s just-off-centre riverside location means you can be tasting your way around Chiang Rai’s night markets and seeing intricate temples in next to no time. At the hotel, there’s an on-site minimart for everyday essentials if you prefer to stay put and brightly coloured distractions if you’re travelling with little ones including a small aqua play area and a soft play room. The hotel’s restaurants have wide glass panels so you’ll get river views whether you’re trying a spicy Thai curry at the main Blossom Restaurant or nibbling dim sum dumplings at China Garden. Marshmallow-soft bedding and brilliant white décor in the rooms and suites are treated to subtle Northern Thai influences like a lotus emblem over each bed. Family Suites come with a children’s bunk bed just on the other side of a sliding door from the main bedroom area. We love the Deluxe River rooms for the views that bring you closer to the serene, green backdrop, which are even closer from the balcony of the Riverie Suites.
The Legend Chiang Rai is nestled on the Mae Kok riverbank, away from the hum of civilisation in Chiang Rai just a mile away. Upon entering The Legend Chiang Rai, the first thing visitors notice is how rustic it feels. Decorated with local Lanna styling and teak wood that is found throughout northern Thailand, the simple beauty of the resort complements the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This is the ideal spot for a breath of fresh air and respite in between exploring Thailand’s lively northern cities. Slip into the resort’s infinity pool, which has stunning views of the Mae Kok River, for some downtime away from the clamour of cities. At Sala Rimnam, one of the hotel's two restaurants, you can listen to the distant ribbits of frogs as you dine on the riverside terrace, or take a seat by the open kitchen and watch as the chefs prepare your meal. If you want to explore what Chiang Rai has to offer, a ten-minute tuk-tuk ride takes you right into the city where splendid temples await. You’ll find it hard to believe that these grand structures are so close by on your return to the tranquillity of The Legend Chiang Rai. The rooms are simple, in keeping with the traditional aesthetic, with white bedding and views of the gardens or the river. For your own uninterrupted river view, opt for a Pool Villa.
Veiled by the haze-shrouded jungle up where Thailand meets Myanmar and Laos, this luxury resort is one of those once-in-a-lifetime retreats. Not only do you have views of the rolling landscapes of a trio of Southeast Asian countries and access to those quintessential five-star facilities, you can come face to trunk with elephants in their natural habitat just steps from the resort. The Anantara’s conservation camp is home to more than 20 rescued orphaned and abandoned elephants and the mahouts who take care of them. As part of the unrivalled Golden Triangle Discovery package, which is included in the price of your holiday, you can interact with these majestic beasts as you walk through the jungle by their side or learn more about their behaviour and biology as well as the important conservation work carried out from the camp’s on-site experts. And this isn’t where the unforgettable ellie experiences end. Stay in one of the Anantara’s Jungle Bubbles – a domed transparent room furnished with a comfy king-size bed and situated on a raised platform – from dusk until dawn and you can watch the roaming herd as the light fades and again when the sun rises. But it’s not all about wildlife encounters at this Thai-inspired resort. You can start the day with a yoga class in one of the most picturesque settings you can imagine, take a tour of this stunning corner of Northern Thailand in a Royal Enfield Classic 500 sidecar, learn the art of Muay Thai kickboxing and ‘dine by design’ on stilted terrace overlooking the elephant camp. If you have an interest in local culture, you could head out to a nearby paddy field and learn how rice is cultivated or take a trip along the Mekong in a longtail boat. There’s a real sense of place here, with designs inspired by the architecture of the historic Lanna Kingdom. The interiors are also influenced by local culture with dark-wood furniture and richly coloured soft furnishing throughout the restaurants, bars and other public spaces. We love the spa which is located in a three-storey open-air pavilion that overlooks the jungle and features a menu full of muscle-melting treatments. There are just 61 rooms and suites at the Anantara Golden Triangle each with sweeping views of the local surroundings; choose a spacious Deluxe Three Country View Room which features a comfy king-size bed and balcony or a luxe-but-cosy Three Country Suite which has a separate living area. The largest option is the Three Country Family Suite which consists of a Deluxe Room and a Suite.