Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) Tourist Guide


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LIVING IT UP:
Villa San Pee Seua -
Exceptional Riverside Living

Text: Finley B. Luge
Images: Karin

When looking for accommodation in Chiang Mai, some find it hard to choose between inner city digs and a rural retreat. Do you stay in close proximity to the ancient, treasured temples of the old city, or do you find somewhere in the midst of the verdant surrounds of the countryside? Those on a strict schedule will have to weigh up the pros and cons of their holiday base, but if you have come here for a week or more (and shame on you if have not) then the solution is a simple one: spend a few days somewhere in the heart of the city, and then head out of town for a time to enjoy a change of scene.

The Ping River cuts through Chiang Mai north to south, with beautiful dwellings adorning both its banks. Following it in either direction for just a few kilometers will take you to tranquil villages with distinct atmospheres and local charms, and one such village is Baan San Pee Seua, which roughly translates as Butterfly Village. This is the setting of our recommended accommodation for this month, which we think you will find somewhat different to the usual crop of lodgings, both in terms of its lay out and unique facilities.

Originally a line of eight townhouses built a stone's throw from the river, today four have been converted so that each has three separate units that can be rented daily or monthly. The remaining four have been left as complete townhouses that boast three bedrooms and five bathrooms, and which are perfect for families looking to stay somewhere quiet yet close to the city, which can also can be rented daily and monthly. Refurbished as a boutique resort hotel, communal amenities for short and long term guests include an in-house fitness room, library, outdoor swimming pool, and canoes, so guests can get up close and personal with the river. Room designs are the work of the owner and it is clear that inspiration has come from The Castle, their boutique guesthouse in the city. Classic teak furniture and colorful northern fabrics can be found in every guest room, which also come with cable TV, wireless internet, and en suite bathrooms. Spacious, comfortable and well appointed with beautiful views of the river below and the distant Doi Suthep beyond, the rooms here are hotel quality and the two bedroom suites are ideal for families of four or more.

To ensure guests are well connected to the city it was originally planned to have a complimentary bus shuttle service. By combining this plan with wanting to offer something different, the result is that guests instead have at their disposal a converted antique teak wood boat that can ferry them to either Warorot Market at the edge of the city, Wat Chai Monkol, a beautiful temple at the water's edge just a brief stroll from the Night Bazaar, or to a riverside restaurant of their choice.

A second boat, similar in style but with a different design and purpose, can be chartered to take relaxing trips along the river, and to experience net fishing, a hundreds of years old highly skilled way of catching fish that is still practiced in the North. Spa massages, lunches,dinner and sunbathing are alternative onboard activities and thirty minutes upstream is an area near Mae Rim where �rocks� formed from teak can be seen. Soon to be a popular tourist attraction, guests at Villa San Pee Seua can enjoy exclusive access to this unique natural phenomenon.

Clearly guests who want to spend a few days relaxing at their new home will have no shortage of activities to keep them occupied, and when the urge to head into town gets too strong to resist, a fabulous means of transportation awaits them. However for anyone wanting to experience a few days of city living and the remainder of their stay in the sticks, an exceptional opportunity is open to them.

A package is being offered that combines stays at Villa San Pee Seua and The Castle, a sister boutique guesthouse inspired by the ancient styles of Roman castles, using a combination of stone textured bricks and wrought iron but which maintains the traditional feel of Chiang Mai. Located along the Rajchaingsan Road, The Castle is very close to the historic Chiang Mai Gate, the southern-most gate of the old walled city. On foot you can easily access some of the city's main tourist attractions such as the Night Bazaar, Anusarn Market, and the Wualai Walking Street market held on Saturday evenings, showcasing the area's most famous handicrafts in an open-air environment. Many of the city's oldest temples, such as Wat Daowadung and Wat Muang Mang are also just a brief stroll away as are the more popular foreign hang-outs along Moon Muang and Loi Kroh roads.

Extensive leisure facilities include the beautiful swimming pool with cross current jets that turns it into a large Jacuzzi, ample sunbathing decking, a library and internet corner with connecting living area that has an extensive DVD library, LCD TV and DVD player, poolside restaurant and coffee shop. Free WiFi internet access is available throughout The Castle, and every room comes with standard amenities and private en suite bathrooms. Villa San Pee Seua and The Castle represent two contrasting high standards of living, and combining the two furnishes tourists a wonderful chance to experience Chiang Mai from alternative viewpoints.