Sleepy Chiang Saen isn’t known for exciting hotel openings, but the small town set along the Mekong has just welcomed a beautiful new boutique worthy of your attention.

 

The family-run Athita Hotel adds a gorgeous, rustic touch to Chiang Saen’s riverside. Filled out with brick and teak wood to reflect the historic city’s architecture, the hotel boasts nine rooms and suites bursting with character (through Oct, from B3,150 net, including breakfast). Some overlook the 700-year-old Athi Ton Kaew temple next door, while others offer outdoor bathtubs or private lotus gardens. All feature tons of warm, tropical teak.

 

There’s a quaint indoor-outdoor cafe offering a range of northern dishes, like baked rice with mixed local herbs (B125), khao ob moo mern (stewed pork belly served with a special house-made sauce, B235), and gaeng khae klang kuang (spicy chicken curry made with local vegetables, B145 small/B185 large). With loads of activities to sign up for, from block printing on fabric and tok sen (Lanna-style massage) to city tours, the hotel provides a great base for exploring the surrounding region.