Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort Chiang Mai

A red Thai pitched roof tops a white building, which has teak details and subtle Lanna features in its architecture. Traditional Thai music plays throughout the bright, airy lobby, which is large with plenty of seating and vibrant northern Thai artwork. Authentic carvings, teakwood, and earth tones adorn the restaurants, some of which offer river views; others have lovely fountains. Magnificent views are also available from a wooden pier on the Ping River. The property is tranquil and removed from the bustle of more central neighborhoods, and in the mornings the occasional monk may be seen passing by along the river. Couples make up most of the clientele.

The Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort Chiang Mai is on the banks of the Ping River in a quiet area of Chang Khlan. Restaurants, bars, and entertainment are a one-minute walk in either direction. This isn't the most central spot for guests looking to walk to Chiang Mai's major sights, but there are plenty of other hotels in the area. The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar will take 30 minutes to reach on foot, or around 10 minutes by taxi. Phae Gate, the scenic entrance to Chiang Mai's iconic Old City, is even farther, though taxis can make the trip in around 10 minutes as well. Chiang Mai International Airport is 15-minute drive from the hotel and Wat Doi Suthep, a famous hilltop temple notable for its sunrise views, will take about 40 minutes to reach by car.

Teakwood floors and art highlighting the area's Lanna heritage in the Ratilanna Riverside's simple but elegant rooms, all of which have furnished balconies. With handsome recessed ceilings, white walls, warm wood tones, and pops of crimson in wall art and tapestries, these rooms feel far more elegant than is expected from the building's humble exterior. Shimmery shag throw rugs add a further layer of visual depth to the spaces. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, free bottled water, and coffeemakers. Some rooms have marvelous Ping River views, and all are large, with Deluxe Rooms starting at 60 square meters (646 square feet). Deluxe Suites have separate living rooms with handsome rattan and wicker furniture plus home theater systems, while the Riverside Grand Room has a private plunge pool as well. Modern bathrooms are outfitted with terra cotta tiles and still more teak, with walk-in rainfall showers and separate soaking tubs with mounted flat-screen TVs. Higher category rooms have jetted tubs and toiletries are provided in all rooms.

A large, blue-tile infinity pool has a jetted area along with an attached kids' pool and swim-up bar, all surrounded by trees and lounge chairs. The Ratilanna Spa has a sauna, steam room, and hot tub, and offers massages and body treatments. Asian fusion and international cuisine is served at Mira Terrace restaurant, which also serves the hotel's Thai and international buffet breakfast, while Rio Restaurant & Wine Bar offers Brazilian barbecue and live piano entertainment. Cocktails, wine, and small plates are available at the Malin Pavilion, and there's 24-hour room service. The fitness center has a range of cardio and weight equipment, and the business center has computers and printers. There's also a library, and the hotel offers cooking classes plus a free shuttle to the night markets. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There is an on-site gift shop selling trinkets, jewelry, and art, and every morning monks pass the hotel in traditional merit-making walks through the neighborhood. Guests are invited to meet them along their way.