Raya Heritage sits on the banks of the Ping River in Mae Rim, just a short drive north of Chiang Mai city. It is a celebration of Thai elegance and suave, sleek modernity. This is shown through the contemporary, muted colour scheme accentuated by the prevalence of Thai handicrafts specifically celebrating Thai Lanna culture. The hotel actually makes a point to purchase objects from local artisans, including hand-carved teak mirrors and naturally-dyed fabrics.
The hotel comprises 37 suites, all offering the same layout, rattan furniture, elegantly designed with that pleasant mix of clean, precise modernity accented by Lanna influences. The ground floor suites feature private plunge pools and spacious terraces, while the above floors swap the pools for vast private balconies with comfy day beds for lounging. All rooms offer freestanding bathtubs and twin vanities.
The Ai Waan spa on-site specialises in treatments inspired by Northern Thai and Burmese wellness traditions. Alongside the usual selection of treatments, the speciality here is a massage that uses heated bamboo sticks to relax the muscles. After a long day of trekking the northern mountains, it’s also fantastic to step into the hotel’s steam room that uses a mix of local herbs selected by a herbalist from the nearby Pa Ruak community. There is also a small but adequate fitness centre within the hotel.
The in-house Kun Khao restaurant is fantastic for the curious cuisine enthusiast. Here, the hotel takes a slightly different approach. Instead of featuring local Thai dishes, the chef chooses to spotlight a variety of influences with Cambodian, Burmese, Laotian, and Yunnanese meals on the menu. Where possible, the restaurant makes a point of sourcing local, organic ingredients.
