“We have nothing to lose, and a world to see” – Anonymous
Traveling the world grants the traveler the gift of seeing how other cultures have made their way in this world – how people live, work, dine, celebrate, rest, and most importantly – love.
The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand offers the unique opportunity to reside in the magical setting of a traditional and working Thai village – complete with rice fields, lake, animals, dining and leisure areas, and the radiant heartbeat of an authentic community.
Here is a brief introductory video that highlights this most extraordinary destination:
Getting There
Chiang Mai is located in northern Thailand, which features an international airport if you are traveling from Bangkok. We traveled from the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle by luxury sedan, which you can schedule through the hotel. We are happy to have done so since we were able to view the country’s beautiful northern countryside.
Wat Rong Khun
A highlight of the trip between properties is a visit to the majestic Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai Province, also known as the White Temple.
Arrival
Our sedan glides into an expansive courtyard, featuring a variety of traditional Thai statues and dramatic architecture. The day was a bit overcast upon arrival, so my images do not perfectly capture the area, but do provide a sense of the beauty and serenity.
The main entry is dazzling, an open space rich with Thai art, drawing you toward the breathtaking elevated viewing area that overlooks the heart of the property.
Suite
We enjoyed an Upper Rice Terrace Pavilion, and you will notice the vibrant working rice fields that supply local and surrounding restaurants. In addition to the incomparable views of the heart of the property, our Suite featured all of the luxury appointments you would expect at a Four Seasons – plush bedding, spacious and stone-filled bathroom with double vanity, and mini bar with local selections.
Residences
The The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand also features a number of luxury residences with an impressive selection of amenities to suit all tastes and group sizes.
Special Experiences
A number of unique experiences await guests.
Waterside Yoga
Guided by the resort’s In-House Yogi, guests breathe and bend in the serenity of the waterside yoga setting. Absolutely lovely.
Animals!
As mentioned, the resort is a working community, and guests have the chance to meet the local water buffalo, and water them, which is such a fantastic experience!!!
Spiritual Offerings
Local monks visit the property to bestow blessings, in exchange for offerings of nourishment. Quite exquisite.
Nature Walk
If you have time, I highly recommend that you take the Nature Walk. Special thanks to Padi and Prasit for showing me the grandeur of the property and its many plants and flowers.
Dining
Succulent cuisine abounds across the property, but guests must visit the signature dining space – Khao, which serves authentic local Thai cuisine through dishes such as Yum Pla, Tom Yum Kha Moo, Galok, and Pad Hed Hom.
Rim Thai Kitchen offers a relaxed lunch setting and cooking classes, using fresh local ingredients. We especially enjoyed our Terrace dinner. I’m not certain which we enjoyed more thoroughly – the views or the food! A spectacular setting. Wow.
Also, the daily breakfast is sublime, a feast for the senses and variety for everyone. Video coverage required almost three minutes!
I also loved the local artisans working during breakfast.
Pools and Spa
The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand offers two quite dramatic and serene water areas – a main resort pool and an adult-only whirlpool reaching out toward the inner verdant heart of the property.
As is evident by the images below, the whirlpool awards the weary traveler with a space and setting for quiet contemplation – an effortless stillness that fills you with gratitude and solemnity that a special community has accepted you as its honored guest.
I also had the pleasure of experiencing an authentic Thai Massage at the Spa, which I highly recommend.
Closing Thoughts
One may travel the world without truly experiencing other cultures through the eyes of those who cultivate that way of life – for the simple fact that hotels and resorts often create environments that separate us from those authentic experiences.
The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand stands alone by immersing its guests in the setting of a traditional Thai community – as an honored guest in a home where its residents live, provide for their families, and preserve their culture for future generations.
So I urge you to slip into the rushing waters of the whirlpool, turn slowly and breathe in your vibrant surroundings – for you have been granted entry to a timeless and spiritual space, and a surge of gratitude will remind you of the rewards that await when you step out of your world, and into someone else’s.
Contacts and Social
Website: The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand
Click Here to learn more about how you can personalize your visit and itinerary while on property.
Address: Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Chiang Mai, 50180, Thailand
Twitter – #FSChiangMai
Thank You!
Thank you so much to Karuna and the whole team at the resort for an incredible visit! Thanks especially to Yam, Danny, Max, Rohan, Ning, Lucy, Nuy, PJ, Mei-Li, Padi, Prasit, Prin, Poon, Bo, Yani, Robert, and Golf!!! The number of special people that we met during only two days is reflective of the incredible service at the property.
Please also take note that The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand welcomed me as a special media guest, but that my opinions are, as always, entirely my own.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to read this article, and happy dining and traveling!
#LTG
My Thailand Visits!
I had the fortune of visiting each of the three Four Seasons properties in Thailand. Click below to read about my other visits!
The Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
