Khon Kaen
Supanniga is actually fairly close to Khon Kaen’s bustling night market, but you’d never know. The garden, which has been lovingly tended to by the family’s matriarch, is a stunning maze of mango orchards, pebble alleys, rock sculptures and tall trees, overrun by climbing vines. The three villas go from cozy and Asian to modern and minimal, and if you want to head for the great outdoors, Khon Kaen is surrounded by national parks, reservoirs and even a few Khmer ruins (see 24 hours in Khon Kaen below).
Trippin’: A breakfast of kai krata—an egg fried with minced pork and little bread rolls stuffed with Chinese sausage, in the garde.
Rates start from 4,800 per night. 089-944-4880, www.supannigahome.com
Pressed for time? Here are some fun things to do if you only have a day to spend in Suan Phueng, Samui and Khon Kaen.
Hua Hin, Prachuab Khirikhan
While several new Hua Hin resorts have a King Rama 6-7 architectural style to go with the new vintage trend, The Hen is the real deal. The former beach house belonging to relations of the royal family, has been transformed (by the same family) into a small, six-room boutique hotel right on Hua Hin beachfront. Attentive service and a wide selection of local food close to the hotel are added bonuses.
Trippin’: Le Chapon, its beachfront tea room, is perfect for romantic afternoon tea.
Rates start from B6,990. 032-531-331, www.thehenhuahin.com
Chiang Mai
A latecomer to the revived Rama 7 trend, Ping Nakara is a faux-vintage hotel in Chiang Mai. A three-story all-white building is home to 19 exquisite rooms decked out as though you’re sleeping in a royal guestroom.
Trippin’: Nakara Spa promises high-class ayurverdic spa treatements created by a holistic expert who also works for the Mandarin Oriental.
Rates are from B4,163. 053-252-999, www.pingnakara.com
Chiang Mai
As Chiang Mai’s latest mid-size hotel in the outer quarter, De Lanna is not a super luxurious nor an uber-stylish boutique accommodation. Instead the hotel blends its contemporary Lanna design into the existing neighborhood of old houses and temples. With a location close to the Sunday Walking Street but not actually on the walking street itself, you can be sure of your privacy as well as easy access to the center of town.
Trippin’:The location gives you best of both worlds: shopping streets and a historical temple. The hotel cafe is also a good spot to escape from the busy Sunday walking street and enjoy the view of busy street instead.
Rates start from B2,750. 053-326-278/9, www.delannahotel.com
Advertisement
