Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
COUNTRY ESCAPES
Becoming acclimatised to Chiang Mai's laid-back pace and then finding it too hectic is a common affliction. To
escape from your escape, there are many scenic country resorts just beyond the superhighways and the sun-
stroked suburbs where you can adore misty mountains, green fields and tropical forests. The following are less
than two hours' drive from Chiang Mai.
Kaomai Lanna Resort
( 0 5383 4470;
www.kaomailanna.com
; Th Chiang Mai-Hot/Rte 108, Km 29, San
Pa Thong; r from 3500B; ) has turned many of the property's abandoned tobacco-curing sheds into com-
fortable lodgings amid a lush garden. This used to be one of many northern Thai tobacco farms supplying the in-
ternational cigarette market before China supplanted the local growers. The resort also arranges tours to the
nearby handicraft villages (which are truly villages instead of souvenir markets). The yoga studio, spa and swim-
ming pool mean you can easily spend a few relaxing days here. Even if you don't stay here, the outdoor restaur-
ant serves superb Thai food. The resort is south of Chiang Mai on the outskirts of San Pa Thong and can be used
as a base for exploring Doi Inthanon.
Rabeang Pasak Tree House
( 08 7660 1243; ChiangmaiTreehouse@gmail.com; Rd 4031, Baan Pasak
Ngam , Doi Saket; r from 2000B) is a kid's fantasy come true: wooden huts are built high among the tree
branches. Lodging is simple - open-air bathrooms and basic beds - but far from ordinary. A small creek runs
through the wooded property and jungle insects gossip nonstop. Bicycles are available for exploring the nearby
village, and tours can be arranged to a to bat cave and waterfall. Online booking is available through its Facebook
page. It is 75km north of Chiang Mai in the Doi Saket area.
Chai Lai Orchid
( 0 86923 0867;
www.chailaiorchid.com
;
202 Moo 9, Tambon Mae Win, Mae Wang; r
1200-2250B; ) is a nature resort planted in the middle of the forest, across the Mae Wang river via a sus-
pended footbridge, and shares space with an elephant camp. Huts range from rustic to resort-ish. Jungle critters
and trumpeting elephants serenade visitors, and a variety of activities (elephant bathing, bamboo rafting, Thai
cooking) are offered. The resort also partners with a social welfare group that provides educational and profes-
sional development training to at-risk women. It is 45km southwest of Chiang Mai.
Stonefree House
( 0 8503 17332; 7/4 Moo 7, Yuwa, San Pa Thong; r from 400B) redefines easygoing with
its backpacker country 'resort'. This down-home operation has four rustic bungalows that squat beside a rice field
and longan trees. The price is modest and the vibe is rasta. It is 21km south of Chiang Mai.
Tharnthong Lodge
( 08 6420 5354;
www.tharnthonglodges.com
; r 1200-4000B) is the Thai version of the
idyllic alpine chalet tucked into a jungle embrace. A pebble-strewn stream bisects the garden-filled property that
backs up against a dense jungle. Resident bunnies hop among the sitting areas and the flowers delighting the vis-
iting children. The spacious bungalows sized for couples and families have porches and patios for watching all
the natural solitude. The restaurant is a popular weekend stop for Thais who stroll the grounds posing for pictures.
The lodge has become an anti-gravity-yoga training centre. It is 50km east of Chiang Mai in the Mae Kampong
area.
Tamarind Village
( 0 5341 8896-9;
www.tamarindvillage.com
; 50/1 Th Ratchadamnoen; r from 7000B; )
One of the
first of the 'Lanna revival' hotels in Chiang Mai, Tamarind Village recreates the quiet
spaces of a temple on the grounds of an old tamarind orchard. The bamboo-shrouded
HOTEL
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