High in the hills of Chiang Rai province, overlooking the valley of the Mae Lao River, lies the resort of Suanthip Vana. With 30 rooms and 6 villas of international standard set in 35 acres of gardens, this Thai resort – winner of the Thailand Tourism Award for Outstanding Resort Accommodation for Northern Thailand for 2002, 2004, and 2006 – provides a haven of peace and tranquility. It is a place to understand the traditions of the North and a base to explore the Golden Triangle.

The Suanthip Vana Resort was founded to marry the best international influences to the unique culture of the tribes of Northern Thailand and the natural resources of the region. Each villa is built from local materials of wood, sand, straw and leaves – but designed to an international level of style and comfort. The outdoor shower and bath – sheltered by red palm, banana leaves and Heliconia – provide a calm place of renewal; and the wooden deck, adorned by cushions of richly patterned local fabrics, provide a place to survey the valley landscape, enriched by the sound of the birds and the sight of the butterflies.

The 35 acre garden provides a treat for all the senses. The planting brings together the richness of the plants of Northern Thailand – the scents, the foliage and the flowers of thousands of shrubs and trees. Throughout the gardens, private salas afford the opportunity for an outdoor Northern Thai massage. The fruit, herb and vegetable gardens, with everything from papaya and pineapple to winter melon and rice paddies, provides an introduction to the great culinary richness of the region as well as a source for the Resort’s well-regarded Northern Thai restaurant and its cooking demonstration.

And if the pervasive calm of the Resort, the 300 square meter pool, the massage rooms and the library are not enough, the Suanthip Vana Resort provides a great base for exploring the region’s landscape and culture. The Resort works with local Karen and Mon communities to provide introductions to local music, dances and handicrafts. Through its relationship with the Royal Projects, visits can be made to the royal coffee plantations that are improving the welfare of the local people. Further afield, the Resort provides one-day Golden Triangle tours to take a boat trip on the Maekong River and visit the markets and Opium Museum of Chiang Rai. For the more active guest, the Resort provides a range of short and longer nature trails through enchanting forest and waterfalls for walking, mountain biking or kayaking (in season). And for those who like an aerial view, balloon trips can be arranged, starting from the valley floor below the resort.

The Suanthip Vana Resort – bringing you the natural resources of Northern Thailand.