Spells of Chiang Mai
The Hotels
Meliá Chiang Mai
We had a wonderful experience during our stay at the Meliá Chiang Mai. I would wholeheartedly recommend booking a Level Room, which has a Club Lounge Access (complimentary Afternoon Tea + fantastic Cocktails and Canapés in the evenings) with a view on the Ping River. The rooms are clean and modern, with subtle infusions of artisanal décor elements. It is located nearby the Night Market and a little farther away from the Old Town.
Rachamankha Boutique Hotel
This Boutique Hotel truly captivated me. While I understand that it may not suit everyone’s tastes, you will absolutely fall in love with Rachamankha if you enjoy design, heritage, and art. The architecture celebrates Lanna heritage, and even has a library and gallery filled with antiques. It is in the heart of the old city, a walking distance away from the temples and museums that are on your bucket list. I absolutely loved this place and wished that this were my home. It is just stunning.
The Wellness
ChabaPrai Massage
We had a late-night return flight and wanted to indulge in relaxation on our last day. After quite a bit of research, we booked a Duo Package for 2 hours and were so impressed. We would go back to the ChabaPrai at any time, the reviews and pictures you find online speak for themselves. It is also conveniently located in the Old City of Chiang Mai. Just make sure to make an appointment via WhatsApp beforehand, this place seems to be quite popular.
The Museums
Very unfortunately, the museums were all closed due to the Songkran Festival during our visit. Here is a list of the museums, which I could not check off my bucket list, but I will hopefully do so sometime in the near future.
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center
A City Museum, all about the enchanting city of Chiang Mai.
Lanna Folklife Museum
A museum all about the lifestyle, traditions, and rituals of the Lanna people.
MAIIAM Contemporary Art
A bit farther away from the center, but I love Contemporary Art Museums in Asia. They have just a completely different curatorial take. An absolute must-visit for my next trip to Chiang Mai!
The Shopping
KALM Village
If you appreciate art, artisanship and design, KALM is truly THE place to go. They have beautifully curated and well explained exhibitions throughout the year (+ entrance is free), and small shops with artisanal objects. They organize events, workshops, and activities, too. It is challenging to capture the essence of KALM, so allow me to draw upon the eloquent descriptions from their website: “Through means of architecture, objects, food, archive, workshops, dynamic exhibitions, residency program, happenings and conversations, our goal is to empower local wisdoms, makers and communities, through space and contemporary platforms.” Do I need to say more?
Nussara
This aesthetic place on the other side of the Ping River sells local handicrafts and cotton products. Even if you do not intend to buy anything because your suitcase is full of other beautiful objects already, I would nevertheless stop by this enchanting place, just for all the interior inspiration!
Sop Moei Arts
Just a walking distance from the Nussara away, you will find another little shop filled with a myriad of textile treasures. Did I mention that shopping in Chiang Mai is like stepping into a wonderland for interior enthusiasts?
Chang Moi Road
Strolling down this street, you will find an array of little shops that sell basket bags and interior objects. I have bought plentiful of baskets here for our home, each one now evoking memories of our time spent in Chiang Mai.
The Eateries
I personally mostly enjoy trying all these little restaurants and street food stalls without checking any Google reviews beforehand. Just walk around and trust your intuition! That being said, here is a list of the eateries we have enjoyed (or wanted to enjoy) during our visit. We did not explore any bars this time, because we enjoyed the Cocktails in the Club Lounge at the Meliá so much!
Kiti Panit
Loved the building, loved the interior, and absolutely loved their food. The restaurant is located in a 130-year-old mansion and serves tantalizing Lanna Cuisine that transport you on a cultural journey.
Kalare Night Market
Plentiful of food stalls and delicious eateries to choose from, and a lively atmosphere for a casual dinner.
Guay Jub Chang Moi Tat Mai
We did not make it to this place, but this place had a mention in the Michelin Guide. It serves Guay Jub with Sai Ua, which is rolled rice noodle soup topped with traditional Northern Thai sausage. It is located nearby the cute shops that sell basket bags and interior items!
Spells of Chiang Mai
The Hotels
Meliá Chiang Mai
We had a wonderful experience during our stay at the Meliá Chiang Mai. I would wholeheartedly recommend booking a Level Room, which has a Club Lounge Access (complimentary Afternoon Tea + fantastic Cocktails and Canapés in the evenings) with a view on the Ping River. The rooms are clean and modern, with subtle infusions of artisanal décor elements. It is located nearby the Night Market and a little farther away from the Old Town.
Rachamankha Boutique Hotel
This Boutique Hotel truly captivated me. While I understand that it may not suit everyone’s tastes, you will absolutely fall in love with Rachamankha if you enjoy design, heritage, and art. The architecture celebrates Lanna heritage, and even has a library and gallery filled with antiques. It is in the heart of the old city, a walking distance away from the temples and museums that are on your bucket list. I absolutely loved this place and wished that this were my home. It is just stunning.
The Wellness
ChabaPrai Massage
We had a late-night return flight and wanted to indulge in relaxation on our last day. After quite a bit of research, we booked a Duo Package for 2 hours and were so impressed. We would go back to the ChabaPrai at any time, the reviews and pictures you find online speak for themselves. It is also conveniently located in the Old City of Chiang Mai. Just make sure to make an appointment via WhatsApp beforehand, this place seems to be quite popular.
The Museums
Very unfortunately, the museums were all closed due to the Songkran Festival during our visit. Here is a list of the museums, which I could not check off my bucket list, but I will hopefully do so sometime in the near future.
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center
A City Museum, all about the enchanting city of Chiang Mai.
Lanna Folklife Museum
A museum all about the lifestyle, traditions, and rituals of the Lanna people.
MAIIAM Contemporary Art
A bit farther away from the center, but I love Contemporary Art Museums in Asia. They have just a completely different curatorial take. An absolute must-visit for my next trip to Chiang Mai!
The Shopping
KALM Village
If you appreciate art, artisanship and design, KALM is truly THE place to go. They have beautifully curated and well explained exhibitions throughout the year (+ entrance is free), and small shops with artisanal objects. They organize events, workshops, and activities, too. It is challenging to capture the essence of KALM, so allow me to draw upon the eloquent descriptions from their website: “Through means of architecture, objects, food, archive, workshops, dynamic exhibitions, residency program, happenings and conversations, our goal is to empower local wisdoms, makers and communities, through space and contemporary platforms.” Do I need to say more?
Nussara
This aesthetic place on the other side of the Ping River sells local handicrafts and cotton products. Even if you do not intend to buy anything because your suitcase is full of other beautiful objects already, I would nevertheless stop by this enchanting place, just for all the interior inspiration!
Sop Moei Arts
Just a walking distance from the Nussara away, you will find another little shop filled with a myriad of textile treasures. Did I mention that shopping in Chiang Mai is like stepping into a wonderland for interior enthusiasts?
Chang Moi Road
Strolling down this street, you will find an array of little shops that sell basket bags and interior objects. I have bought plentiful of baskets here for our home, each one now evoking memories of our time spent in Chiang Mai.
The Eateries
I personally mostly enjoy trying all these little restaurants and street food stalls without checking any Google reviews beforehand. Just walk around and trust your intuition! That being said, here is a list of the eateries we have enjoyed (or wanted to enjoy) during our visit. We did not explore any bars this time, because we enjoyed the Cocktails in the Club Lounge at the Meliá so much!
Kiti Panit
Loved the building, loved the interior, and absolutely loved their food. The restaurant is located in a 130-year-old mansion and serves tantalizing Lanna Cuisine that transport you on a cultural journey.
Kalare Night Market
Plentiful of food stalls and delicious eateries to choose from, and a lively atmosphere for a casual dinner.
Guay Jub Chang Moi Tat Mai
We did not make it to this place, but this place had a mention in the Michelin Guide. It serves Guay Jub with Sai Ua, which is rolled rice noodle soup topped with traditional Northern Thai sausage. It is located nearby the cute shops that sell basket bags and interior items!