Chiang Mai Hotels & Resorts - The Veranda

If you are heading to Chiang Mai, don't miss a visit to Veranda - The High Resort. It is the latest luxury resort in Chiang Mai, and also the most breath-taking. Veranda is located on a valley slope in Hang Dong, about 30 min drive from the old town. Clear vistas of the beautiful mountains and valleys are what set this resort apart from others.

The design of the resort is modern contemporary, but with touches of tropical architecture in the details. The most unique part of the resort is the lobby - an open pavilion with an oval-shaped curved roof. The main structure of the roof is made entirely of timber, and is covered in timber shingles. It is a bold architectural statement and a stunning welcome to the resort.


The main landscape feature here - like The Four Seasons, are the rice fields, only here they are not rice but pretty little yellow flowers and native plants. Because of the hill side location, the fields are terraced and even more beautiful. The landscape is very natural and immaculately maintained throughout.


There are two main types of accommodations - rooms in 3-storey terraced blocks, and individual 2-storey villas. I find the 3-storey blocks more interesting - there is a roof terrace above the lowest level which double as a roof garden, and the 1st level rooms have a reflecting pool next to the individual balcony terraces. Very sophisticated and thoughtful design.


Most of the facilities are in a multi-storey block near the lobby complex. These include a spa, gym, bar, restaurants, and an infinity pool right at the top with breath-taking views of the mountains.

Rates are The Veranda are actually very reasonable. You can get internet rates starting from around THB 3,500 (about 25% discount) per night. That is a steal for a resort of this quality.

Chiang Mai Hotels & Resorts - The Chedi

The Chedi is another one of Chiang Mai's iconic luxury resorts. Designed by Kerry Hill of Aman fame, it has become an architectural destination for design aficionados. The resort is located along the Mai Ping River, not far from the old town centre.


The design of the hotel is modern and contemporary, but a predominance of wood used in the finishing gives it a softer and warmer look compared to other more pared down Modernist resorts. An old Colonial mansion in the middle of the compound has been preserved and restored to become the centre piece. It also accommodates some of the F&B facilities.


Rooms are in 4-storey accommodation blocks wrapped around a very large courtyard. As is typical of Kerry Hill's projects, the design is very understated and elegant. His resorts are always a lesson in good taste and doing more with less.


The Chedi's swimming pool is probably the most well-known part of the resort. It has been featured in countless travel magazines and advertisements, and much copied around the world. It is an amazing visual delight created just using clean lines, proportions and a limited palette of materials.


The Chedi is truly a design icon and an example of the best that luxury travel has to offer. Rates are surprisingly affordable, starting at around THB 4,500 (after discounts) for a Deluxe Room. It should definitely be at the top of your list should you visit Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Hotels & Resorts - Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi

The Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi in Chaing Mai is one of those "Destination Resorts" that will blow you away when you arrive. The design is opulence taken to the extreme, and no square inch has been left untouched in order to create a total fantasy world which transports the guests to another place. This is usually not my cup of tea, but it is a visual spectacle you don't want to miss. You can literally see where all the money went !

The road leading to the resort passes through a small village. It really doesn't prepare you for what is to come.

From here, you begin to get a glimpse of the palatial resort. The telltale sign that you are entering something totally different from a normal resort is this pony carriage.


The opulent entrance structure and lobby.


Rooms are in 2-storey colonial blocks surrounded by immaculate gardens.


Even the swimming pool is enormous.


Everything about the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi is designed to wow, and for the targeted well-heeled traveller this is no doubt one of their top options. As for me, I prefer the more understated approach. Still, you should make a trip just to see this marvel of the modern tourism industry.

Chiang Mai Hotels & Resorts - The Four Seasons

I only have a few more posts on Chiang Mai to go on, and as usual I have saved the best for last. The next few posts are going to be about the best and most interesting resorts in Chiang Mai, and The Four Seasons is undoubtedly one of the best. Located in the beautiful Mae Rim Valley, it is about 30 min from Chiang Mai Town.

The resort was designed by famed architect and landscape designer team Bunnag and Bensley. It bears their signature touch of lush landscaping and fantasy-themed architecture. Here, the design is a little bit more restrained then usual, and the resort benefited from this understated approach.


The centre piece of the design is the rice field which is the first thing you see from the lobby. It is truly a beautiful sight, with the Chiang Mai mountains in the background. The facilities include a spa, a cooking school, several restaurants, and a beautiful main pool.


The architecture is based on the Northern Thailand Lanna Style - modernized and refined for a luxury resort. Most of the buildings are nestled in the hills among the trees, and the overall ambiance is very green and relaxed. Once you come here, you may never want to leave !


The rates at The Four Seasons are not cheap, but at around THB 20,000 per night it is reasonable compared to many other resorts of the same calibre. If you can afford it, you are guaranteed a memorable experience. I couldn't afford to stay there, and sadly had to leave at the end of my too-short visit.