Everyone knows Chiang Mai is Thailand’s popular Northern destination. The province inherits an abundance of charming Lanna heritage that people love to come to explore. We are delighted to see hotels embrace the Lanna influence in their architecture, décor, and ambience. These 7 boutique hotels, selected by MICHELIN Guide, offer beautiful Lanna settings. They are also close to restaurants and attractions that will make your trip more memorable.
Let’s explore where these lovely hotels are.
(© Tamarind Village)
Tamarind Village
Lanna's history and culture inspire Tamarind Village’s architecture. Despite the location in the heart of Chiang Mai, this boutique resort gives out the countryside vibe. It’s perfect for people who want a convenient quiet place to reach attractions in the town. The bamboo arch welcomes you to the serenity signified by the 200-year-old tamarind tree that gives the hotel its name. The room design is contemporary, with an emphasis on white. The cement walls provide a contrast to dark-coloured wood and clay floor tiles. Tribal fabrics add to the charm. The facilities are top-notch. The highlight is the uppermost suite that comes with a spacious terrace, outdoor shower, and private entrance. The hotel’s own Ruen Tamarind Restaurant serves traditional Northern food. Its spa integrates Lanna's wisdom into their contemporary wellness offerings.Nearby attractions: The hotel is only a few minutes away from the renowned Wat Suan Dok and a legendary night bazaar. There are also eateries along Ping River, including the traditional Huan Soontaree (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024).
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(© Sala Lanna Chiang Mai)
Sala Lanna Chiang Mai
This beautiful resort sits on Ping River’s side. The decoration is clean and contemporary. You can still find Lanna’s atmosphere amid the modern facilities. There are several room types to match your preferences. You can see the beautiful Ping River from most of the rooms here. Its rooftop bar is a great spot to view the sunset while sipping your favourite cocktails. Spa treatments here are inspired by traditional Lanna massage.Nearby attractions: Experience the beauty of Wat Ket Karam. Inside, there’s a museum exhibiting interesting antiques. San Pa Koi Market is brimming with local food and souvenirs. Don’t forget to taste delicious Kanomjeen (Fresh rice vermicelli) at Sanpakoi Kanomjeen (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024).
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(© Raya Heritage)
Raya Heritage
Raya Heritage is surrounded by lush gardens at Ping River’s side. It offers tranquillity at the heart of Chiang Mai. Renowned Thai designers are inspired by simple riverside life and Lanna’s craftsmanship. The result is an ‘artisanal resort’ that harmoniously blends international design with a local vibe. It becomes a unique resort offering convenience and craftsmanship. There are only 38 rooms. All of them are spacious suites best suited for rest.Nearby attractions: Mae Kha Canal is small but charming. Along its side is filled with shops you can explore. Don’t forget to visit Khao Soi Mae Manee (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024) for one of the best curry noodle soups.
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(© Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai)
Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai
Despite its central location, Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai gives out the rural vibe at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain. You’ll be impressed with the luxurious comforts and meticulous service that reflect the resort’s personality. The design is thoughtful, brimming with local influences. The spa on the poolside pavilion providing ultimate treatments by skilled therapists cements Aleenta Retreat’s commitment to being a ‘boutique holistic wellness retreat & spa’. The Garden restaurant crafts menus so everyone can enjoy them. The luxurious 1892 Bar showcases its expertise via refreshing cocktails with local flavours.Nearby attractions: Get your blessings while enjoying Chiang Mai’s view from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Fill your stomach with affordable traditional food at Han Thueng Chiang Mai (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024).
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(© 137 Pillars House)
137 Pillars House
137 Pillars House is where elegance, luxury, and history converge. The majestic house that once housed the headquarters of the East Borneo Company has been well-preserved. You’ll be transported back to the classy Western-influenced 19th-century Chiang Mai but with improved convenience. All rooms are suites with modern facilities. Both the Library Bar and Parlor Lounge are refined and inviting. The hotel offers cooking classes, a gym, a spa, and a pool. Chiang Mai Old Town is only a few minutes away. Enjoy the historic, cultural, and Buddhist attractions as well as a contemporary museum.Nearby attractions: MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum holds exhibitions for contemporary Thai and Asian artists. Experience seasonal flavours made from local ingredients at Blackitch Artisan Kitchen (Recommended, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024).
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(© RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort)
RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort
The atmosphere is as Lanna as the name suggests. RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort is a secluded and luxurious boutique hotel on Ping River’s side. Famous tourist attractions are close by. Choose from a variety of deluxe or suite rooms. Every room comes with a private corridor, widescreen plasma TV, home theatre system, broadband internet, and a bathroom with LCD TV. Lanna was the land of many tribes. The décor here proudly reflects those tribal cultures. There are 6 treatment rooms at RatiLanna’s spa. Each comes with a private herbal steam therapy and hydrotherapy tub. There are several treatments on offer that will definitely match your needs – from massage, therapies, to comprehensive spa packages.Nearby attractions: Wiang Kum Kam is just across the river. The archaeological site was once Lanna’s capital. Sip nice coffee in chic cafes around the hotel before heading for local delicacies at Krua Phech Doi Ngam (Recommended, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024).
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(© Rachamankha)
Rachamankha
Rachamankha is a serene boutique hotel with only 25 rooms at the heart of Chiang Mai. Its main building is modelled after Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang’s chapel. Its interior is brimming with Lanna's influence. The common area is spacious, well-lit, and elegant. Its décor is furnished with unique components from all around Asia, including exotic orchids, carved doors, bamboo blinds, Chinese ornaments, Lanna lanterns, and distinctive art from Laos and Myanmar. Rooms face towards the courtyard where bougainvillaea is flourishing. Suites on the second floor are airy. They come with four-poster beds and roomy bathtubs. Internet is available at the beautiful library, offering luxury and convenience. Try Thai-focused fusion cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant. Each menu is served on traditional Chinese porcelain. Then, sip your favourite cocktails at the poolside or the bar.Nearby attractions: The famous Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan is within walking distance. City Gates are also close by, including Tha Phae Gate, Saun Dok Gate, and Chang Pheuak Gate. Don’t forget to visit Busarin Cuisine (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024) for the famous Kaeng Hang Le (Northern Thai Pork Curry).
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Let MICHELIN Guide hotels be a part of your memorable trip to Chiang Mai. Relax at these boutique hotels while soaking up the Lanna culture. For updates on travel destinations, contact TAT Call Centre 1672, or Facebook TAT Contact Centre. Please add #MustDoinThailand to share your experience. Your stories never end in Thailand.
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Book the best hotels you can imagine — for every style and budget.
Illustration image: © Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai
This post is brought to you in partnership with Tourism Authority of Thailand
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