Hotel
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
Riverside resort on Charoen Prathet Road with a former British consulate, the 1921 House, at its centre, plus a spa, private pier and riverside dining.
All-suite heritage hotel in Wat Ket built around an 1889 teak house that was once part of the East Borneo Company's headquarters, with 30 suites and a pool.
Good to know
137 Pillars House is one of Chiang Mai's best-known heritage hotels. At its heart is a teak house dated to 1889, built as part of the East Borneo Company's headquarters. The building has been restored with guidance from the country's historic society, and archive photographs of the Borneo Company inspired a small on-site museum about the teak industry.
The hotel has 30 suites, each with its own veranda or patio overlooking the gardens, which gives the property a calm, spacious feel despite its central location. Guests have use of a swimming pool, a spa offering Thai massage, aromatherapy and yoga, a gym and a library.
Dining is a strong point. Palette Restaurant is the evening restaurant, The Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and The Parlor is the setting for afternoon tea. The Jack Bain Bar opens daily from 17:30 to 23:00 and is a good place for a drink before dinner. There is also a wine cellar, and private dining can be arranged for special occasions.
The hotel is in the Wat Ket area, close to Wat Ket Karam temple and its museum, and about 9.4 km from Chiang Mai International Airport. Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is at 12:00. It is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
137 Pillars House suits couples, honeymooners and travellers who value history and personal service over a large resort. It is less suited to families looking for lots of children's activities. Book well ahead for the cool season, and ask about room locations if you want a quieter garden view. The Old City is a short taxi ride away, and the Wat Ket area itself has cafés and bakeries worth exploring on foot.
For a special occasion, ask the hotel about private dining or a table at Palette Restaurant, and book afternoon tea at The Parlor for a quiet break. Guests who are interested in the history of the building should allow time for the on-site museum. Light sleepers may want to request a suite away from public areas. If you are planning a short stay, arrive in time for a drink at the Jack Bain Bar on your first evening.
It is built around an 1889 teak house that was part of the East Borneo Company's headquarters.
30 suites, each with a veranda or patio overlooking the gardens.
Yes, there is a swimming pool and a spa offering Thai massage, aromatherapy and yoga.
Palette Restaurant, The Dining Room, The Parlor for afternoon tea, and the Jack Bain Bar.
Check-in from 15:00 and check-out at 12:00.
About 9.4 km.
At 2 Soi 1 Na Wat Ket Road in the Wat Ket area, near Wat Ket Karam.
Yes, a small museum about the teak industry and the Borneo Company.
Restaurant
Bib Gourmand noodle shop in Chang Phueak serving Chiang Mai's signature khao soi, a rich, gently spicy curry noodle soup, from morning to mid-afternoon.
Bar
Small, informal live music bar by Chang Phueak Gate that has hosted local and visiting musicians since 2008, with free entry and regular jam nights.
Café
Dark, compact Nimmanhaemin coffee bar opened in 2011 by Arnon Thitiprasert, the 2017 World Latte Art Champion, known for milk drinks and signature creations.
Thing to do
Weekly evening market that closes Ratchadamnoen Road from Tha Phae Gate to Wat Phra Singh, with crafts, street food and temple-courtyard food courts.