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Raya Heritage
Hotel Information
Perched on the banks of the River Ping, all-suite stay Raya Heritage celebrates Chiang Mai’s rich culture and craft-making pedigree. At first glance, the simple styling and muted colours make it seem a very modern affair, but look a little closer and you’ll see the design has roots than run deep. Traces of northern Thailand’s Lanna culture can be found everywhere: in hand-carved teak mirrors, ceramic tiles, woodcuts and naturally dyed fabrics, all made by artisans from nearby towns and villages. The menu in restaurant Khu Khao is equally engaged, showcasing dishes from Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and China – a tip of the hat to the cultural crossroads on which Chiang Mai sits. Best of all, though, is the location: it only takes 20 minutes to go from sipping on the peaceful tea terrace to browsing the markets in the city centre.
At the hotel
Spa; gym; tea terrace; free WiFi throughout; laundry. In rooms: flatscreen TV; minibar; tea- and coffee-making kit; free bottled water; Erb bath products.
Our favourite rooms
All three suite categories are the same layout, and have elegant rattan furniture and fabrics by Jim Thompson; suites on the ground floor have a private plunge pool, but if you can do without, those on the second and third floor have private balconies with daybeds and lofty river views.
Poolside
There’s an unheated lap pool in the lush gardens, surrounded by tree-shaded sun loungers and daybeds
Spa
Ai Waan spa draws on traditional Lanna healing techniques, putting you in touch with time-honoured traditions that have been handed down over generations. Restore weary muscles with a hot bamboo or Au-Mann massage, a traditional, oil-free treatment that originated in Myanmar. If you’re looking to detox and reinvigorate tired skin, try a treatment in the northern-Thai steam room, where the steam is suffused with herbs combined by a master herbalist from a nearby village. Herbal scrubs, body wraps and facials are available too.
