This name may not ring a bell but it’s certainly worth taking a detour: Rachamankha, a member of the Secret Retreats group, is a luxury hotel centrally located in the old town of Chiang Mai.
You can go there for an obvious reason – to explore the city with ease -, but also to get shelter from the heat, in the plush ambiance of what looks and feels like a retreat. Art, traditional architecture, exceptional furniture… the Rachamankha feels more like a private house than a hotel.
Imagine a series of inner courtyards overlooked by about 20 rooms and suites, but also a well furnished Library, a big pool, a spa and leisure areas. Architect Ong-ard Satrabhandhu has attained an ambitious and challenging goal: blending Chinese and South Asian traditions into a charming hotel. Go there with your lover!
Indonesian artist Edward Pasaribu has reinterpreted traditional puppets, whereas the works of several artists in Chiang Mai are combined with the antique furniture (from Burma, Thailand, Africa and sometimes Europe) adorning the hallways and the rooms.
The rooms at Rachamankha are refined, though not minimalist. Wooden pieces, large doors, a decor that is far from that of the palaces which surround the city – all of this serves the main purpose perfectly : to offer guests a wonderful experience in the heart of Chiang Mai, only a few minutes away from the main temple, Wat Phra Singh.
Unfortunately, the WiFi connection was quite chaotic when we stopped over (apparently, an Apple-related issue). Let’s assume that everything will be set in order for a better connection, but anyway, not everybody works while on vacation, so this might not be such an inconvenience after all.
In the morning, breakfast is served in the building that is home to Ratchamankha restaurant (which features traditional Northern cuisine – Burmese, Lanna & Shan ), either inside or outside, in a wonderful, shaded courtyard. The menu is a bit light given the price (go for an offer that includes breakfast) but it is still nice: fruit plate, bread and pastries, choice of eggs, fresh fruit juice, coffee or tea. Everything is served in beautiful blue and white china.
Take the time to enjoy fine things in such a busy, bustling country!
Rachamankha Hotel Chiang Mai
6 Rachamankha 9 Phra Singh Chiang Mai
From 100€ / 130$
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