Ping Nakara Hotel and Spa

Tranquil and romantic hotel with superb service, just steps from the heart of cosmopolitan Chiang Mai

Ping Nakara is a relative newcomer to the Chiang Mai boutique hotel scene, but it has already won prestigious awards for hoteliering, architecture and design. Arriving at its front steps, this elegant white mansion feels like the private home of royalty but oozes design and taste in a very subtle way. Nothing is overdone.

There are just 19 rooms, set around a tranquil courtyard with a sparkling pool. Although built new from the ground up, Ping Nakara was inspired by the style of a century ago, when Chiang Mai was a prosperous teak-trading centre - hence the hand-carved fretwork and gingerbread details. Lanna traditional arts are found throughout, such as the dramatic Zodiac oil painting in the lobby, yet the hotel exudes a contemporary ambiance. And the attention to architectural detail is incredible: each of the 7 buildings is different, and the bas-relief plaques around the pool took 2 years to complete.

Casual and friendly, Ping Nakara avoids an overly stuffy or deferential atmosphere, yet provides impeccable service. The restaurant is open until 11pm and breakfast is especially nice with a good variety of dishes. There's also a concierge for booking excursions, a vintage car to chauffeur guests around town in style, and tour guides can be provided.

Highs

• Excellent location that is the best of both worlds: tranquil along the end of the Ping River, yet mere blocks from old Chiang Mai
• Beautiful, spacious rooms with tropical flower murals
• Peace and serenity invade the senses: from sight and feel to the specially formulated fragrance that wafts throughout, created from local herbs and plants. Instrumental Lanna music plays softly in the background
• Romantic, private and restful; the perfect place for couples
• Superb Nakara spa with a full range of Ayurvedic treatments

Lows

• For guests who like more of a party scene, Ping Nakara may be a little quiet
• Set on a busy road so you may experience distant traffic noise
• There are only 6 loungers around the pool; more are on their way