If you haven’t been able to take advantage of the long weekends this year, that’s okay; that just means it’s time to use your annual leave days for a trip up north to Chiang Mai. We’ve scoped out the city for places where you can stay in style while you’re there.
Chandra Artist Residence
The style: A hint of Balinese influence peeks through the compound’s dark teak buildings framing a central swimming pool. Chic furniture and colorfully painted walls contrast with the dark wood, adding a touch of fun.
The facilities: Everything you need and more—four bedrooms, a dining pavilion, garden, library, pool lounge and a fully equipped kitchen, along with a portable barbecue grill.
The location: Located in the foothills of Doi Suthep, it’s isolated and surrounded by an incredible landscape. A 15-minute drive takes you to the airport, and it’s 20 minutes to the Old Town. The local markets and a Rimping supermarket have you fixed for daily supplies.
The price: Roughly B25,500/night ($1,039; cleaning included). Sleeps a maximum of eight.
443 Moo 12, Nong Kwai.
Chiang Mai Luxury Villa
The style: Simple yet comfortable and elegant. Surrounded by jungle, the villa draws inspiration from the Thai-Lanna countryside and is divided into two properties: the Ta Chang and the Spa Villa. Both are furnished with rich Lanna textiles, teakwood and rosewood.
The facilities: The Ta Chang villa comes with an open living room, fully equipped kitchen, outdoor seating lounges, plus four bedrooms and a private pool and garden. The Spa Villa has the same, only with one more bedroom.
The location: About a 30 minute-drive from the city center, but don’t let it put you off—the relaxing atmosphere makes it totally worth it.
The price: To make a reservation you have to send them a request on the villa’s official website, but you can also take a look at booking.com to check the price and possibly bag a good deal. We checked and it’s around B22,750/night ($927/night) for both Ta Chang and Spa Villa on booking.com. Ta Chang sleeps up to 10 and Spa Villa 15.
502 Moo 1, Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Rd., +66 (0) 53-298-181.
Baan Chang Noi
The villa: Enlivened by its Lanna features and touch of colonial design, the villa pairs teakwood furniture with traditional Lanna-style crafts and paintings.
The facilities: A riverside sala makes the most of the villa’s location on the bank of the Ping River. In the back garden there is a 45-sq-meter pool with a waterfall, as well as poolside bar/restaurant and loungers. There are two bedrooms, a living room overlooking the pool and Ping River, and a fully equipped kitchen. Massage therapists, yoga classes and Thai cooking classes are also available upon request.
The location: Located alongside the Ping River, the villa is in a tranquil, tropical spot, only 20-30 minutes outside the city center. The local market is five minutes’ walk away.
The price: We checked prices on different websites and found that Airbnb offered the cheapest rate. It costs around B9,126/night ($372), and the villa can fit up to six people.
214 Moo 1, Sob Mae Kha, Hang Dong, +66 (0) 91-889-4190.
Villa 88
The style: This modest villa takes up a comfortable, modern suburban Thai home, offering a pleasing, on-trend mix of Asia-referencing artwork and mid-century decor touches.
The facilities: This villa pulls no punches. With a private swimming pool, Jacuzzi, home cinema room, gas barbecue and integrated sound system (the perfect accompaniment to any pool party), you’ll have to force yourself to leave. There are five bedrooms.
The location: The villa is right in the heart of Nimmanhaemin, which is like Chiang Mai’s Thonglor, 3km from the airport.
The price: On Airbnb the villa price is pretty steep (B29,999/night [$1,223/night]), but other websites have it listed cheaper (expedia.co.th at B21,779/night [$888/night] or hotels.com at B21,772/night [$887]). Up to 14 guests can stay at any time.
321 Nimmanhaemin Rd., Soi 15, +66 (0) 90-149-8688.
Vana Som – The Upper House
The style: Up high in the Mae-Rim mountains, this villa takes its styling cues from classic Lanna architecture, showcasing a built-up teak structure on a foundation of red bricks. Plenty of antiques and original artwork only enhance its charm.
The facilities: Two bedrooms, a formal hall, indoor kitchen and a lounge overlooking the forest. The house also provides resort services such as an in-house butler, staff onsite and laundry and housekeeping services. If that’s not tempting enough, they’ll also whip up daily breakfast.
The location: The quiet Mae Rim district sits about 30 minutes’ drive from Chiang Mai. You can explore local shops and restaurants, or drive to nearby attractions like Maesa Elephant camp and Mae Rim’s canopy walkway.
The price: B19,944/night ($813/night) on Airbnb. Sleeps a maximum of five.
Tambon Rim Tai, Mae Rim.
Luxury 6 Bed Chiang Mai Villa
The style: Modern yet with a dash of rustic style, this boutique is made up of three separate units set in a tropical garden, complete with a large feature pond. The focus is on simplicity— stone, hand-crafted timber and local art dominate the interior.
The facilities: In the midst of luscious greenery, the villa has a spacious outdoor sala and private swimming pool. There are six bedrooms, four fully equipped kitchens, a game room and comfortable living spaces. They even provide guests with an on-site butler and daily housekeeping.
The location: Near the city center, the villa is just a few steps away from Chiang Mai markets and temples, meaning you can easily explore the charming city by foot.
The price: B25,386/night ($1,035/night) on Airbnb for a maximum of 12 people.
22 Nantaram Soi 5, Tambon Hai Ya, +66 (0) 91-808-4257.
Baan Talad Mai Residence
The style: Overlooking a lake with mountains on the horizon, the house features a mix of Lanna and modern architecture. High glass windows and doors mean it’s beautifully bright, furnished with gleaming hardwood furniture.
The facilities: Besides the extensive garden and living room, the villa comes with a large private saltwater pool, Jacuzzi, three bedrooms (one with a pool view) and fully equipped kitchen. Housekeeping, laundry and grocery shopping services are also available.
The location: The house is in a small village roughly 30 minutes away from Chiang Mai. Though not in the city center, you can explore the nearby lake and village, where there are evening markets and local restaurants. The villa’s are also close to many attractions, such as Doi Suthep National Park’s night safari and some of Chiang Mai’s stunning temples.
The price: The website homeaway.co.th quotes the price as B8,130/night ($331/night) for a maximum of seven people.
Tambon Luang Nuea.
