Raya Heritage Chiang Mai

Inspired by the spirit of Lanna life in former times, Raya Heritage offers a clean, contemporary take on traditional Thai design. Beautifully curated, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, artefacts and accessories, sourced from and often created by hand by local craftspeople, are featured throughout.

The resort concept stems from northern Thai culture’s simple, elegant approach to life and art, and the social value placed on living in balance with nature and the surrounding community.

Immersed in tranquil natural surroundings on the banks of the Ping river, Raya Heritage’s serene atmosphere makes it the perfect base for discovering the unique charms of the region at an unhurried pace.

Raya Heritage offers 38 spacious suite rooms situated on 3 levels set in lush gardens just steps from the banks of the tranquil Ping River.

Inspired by the artistry and craftsmanship of northern Thailand’s Lanna culture, Raya Heritage blends the simple charm and character of the region’s past with discreet, personalised service and state-of-the-art guest comfort.

The fully-equipped suites feature comfortable outdoor terrace areas and many of them have private pools. Handcrafted artisanal touches such as handwoven textiles, baskets, pottery and woodcarvings underscore a style of luxury based on simple, natural beauty and northern Thailand’s unique heritage.

Raya Heritage offers a range of culinary options at the resort’s signature dining outlets: Khu Khao, Laan Cha Tea Terrace, Baan Ta Lounge & Lawn as well as in-suite room service and poolside dining. Whatever the venue, the emphasis is on fresh locally sourced ingredients and a blend of local and international recipes.

PHILOSOPHY
Inspired by the spirit of Lanna life in former times, Raya Heritage offers a clean, contemporary take on traditional Thai design. Beautifully curated, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, artefacts and accessories, sourced from and often created by hand by local craftspeople, are featured throughout.

The resort concept stems from northern Thai culture’s simple, elegant approach to life and art, and the social value placed on living in balance with nature and the surrounding community.

Immersed in tranquil natural surroundings on the banks of the Ping river, Raya Heritage’s serene atmosphere makes it the perfect base for discovering the unique charms of the region at an unhurried pace.

DESIGN
Raya Heritage comprises 38 spacious suites set in lush gardens overlooking the tranquil Ping River in low-impact, three-story structures designed by noted Thai architect Boonlert Hemvijitraphan.

Terracotta tiles, hipped roof gables, vintage hardwood columns and beams, and mulberry-paper screens evoke traditional northern Thai design while high ceilings and a colour palette of whites and creams give the interiors a light contemporary twist.

The suites’ generous outdoor verandas facing the river hark back to a time when villagers gathered on their front porches in the evening, chatting together and sharing the day’s stories.

The resort’s design incorporates beautifully curated, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, artefacts and accessories, sourced from and often created by local craftspeople using traditional techniques.

Hand-carved teak-frame mirrors, locally-crafted ceramic tiles, handwoven, hand-dyed textiles and handmade lacquerware underscore a style of luxury based on simple, natural beauty and northern Thailand’s unique cultural heritage.

Natural fabrics such as cotton, hemp and linen hail from weaving cooperatives in villages that are among the last anywhere in Thailand to employ age-old methods of spinning and weaving. Only rich, natural dyes – such as authentic indigo sourced from the leaves of local Indigofera tinctoria – were used to colour the cloth.

GIVING BACK
Our commitment to giving back to our community stems from the belief that a business is only successful when employees and society benefit alongside shareholders. For this reason, our owning company, The Premier Group of Companies, has founded and actively supports a number of charitable organizations that benefit less advantaged members of society.

These include the Yuvabhadhana Foundation which offers scholarships for children from poor families across Thailand, Pan Kan, which resells donated second-hand items to support children’s education and Food 4 Good, which offers funding towards nutritious meals for children in disadvantaged circumstances. Explore this page to learn more about our charities and foundations.

SUSTAINABILITY
Raya Heritage’s design team worked closely with local weavers, potters, woodcarvers and other artisans in small towns and village communities around the north of Thailand for two years prior to opening, and their work is showcased throughout the resort with sustainability as a key element of the overall design.

The concept behind Raya Heritage stems from Lanna culture’s simple, elegant approach to life and art, and the social value placed on living in balance with nature and the surrounding community. The old ways of doing things, the way people in the past approached artistic endeavours.

KRAAM POOL SUITE
Situated in the resort’s lush garden landscape just a few steps from the Ping River, these suites offer indoor-outdoor living space with a large terrace for lounging and a 3×7-meter private pool. A clean palette of whites and creams is offset by touches of hand-woven indigo fabrics to striking effect.

HUEN BON SUITES
Accessed by a private staircase to the third floor, the Huen Bon Suites boast high-pitched ceilings that recall the style of thai house architecture of the past. Bathrooms feature artisanal touches such as hand-carved teakwood mirrors and lically-crafted ceramic tiles.

A large bath, separate shower and double vanity offer added comfort and convenience. handwoven textiles, baskets, pottery and woodcarvings underscore a style of luxury based on simple, natural beauty and northern Thailand’s unique heritage.

RIN TERRACE SUITE
The Rin Terrace Suites offer spacious 2nd floor accommodation in subtle shades of white and cream with black accents. The generous use of natural materials and textures enhances the sense of luxury.

Each suite features a cozy covered outdoor terrace with tranquil views over the resort’s lush green spaces to the River Ping. Handcrafted artisanal touches such as handwoven textiles, baskets, pottery and woodcarvings Underscore a style of luxury based on simple, natural beauty and northern Thailand’s unique heritage.

KHU KHAO RESTAURANT
Rustic elegance and cuisine inspired by the rice-based culture of the north define the dining experience at Khu Khao, the resort’s signature restaurant. Khu Khao refers to the threshing baskets used by northern Thai rice farmers in the past, a number of which are cleverly incorporated into the décor of the restaurant’s interior.

LAAN CHA TEA TERRACE
A cosy, outdoor roofed terrace is the perfect spot to relax, lounge and enjoy afternoon tea, herbal teas and fresh juices while watching the river flow by. Our daily high tea set is a highlight of the afternoon. Along with Thai-grown natural teas, a speciality is Cha Payom, an herbal infusion made with the fragrant flowers of the payom tree.

BAAN TA LOUNGE & LAWN
For pre-dinner cocktails or light evening meals, our bar and adjacent riverside garden is a wise choice. Baan Ta, the bar’s namesake cocktail is made with local Mekhong rum, Thai herbs and passionfruit while the Long Mae Ping is a refreshing combination of local Phraya Rum and fresh fruit juices. The menu of light dishes includes sandwiches, soups, salads, and local specialities.

FACILITIES

Raya Heritage has 3 dining venue to choose with cuisine that ranges from Asian fusion fare to light selections served in a variety of attractive settings. In addition, there are a full service for relaxation; swimming pool, fitness room and spa massage venue, Ai Wann Spa as well as a service for shopping experience; ‘Him Gong,Curated Craft’ boutique shop.

AI WAAN SPA
The serene spa focuses on regional healing techniques applied in private treatment rooms. Treatments include the signature Bamboo Massage, in which therapists massage tired muscles with lightly-heated sections of bamboo to great effect, and Au-Mann Thai Burmese Massage, a classic, oil-free northern Thai traditional massage, which originated in Myanmar.

SWIMMING POOL
Enjoying a vantage point parallel to the Ping River, Raya Heritage’s 8 x 20 x 1.2 meter swimming pool is perfect whether for swimming laps or relaxing in the river breeze on one of the loungers, shaded by umbrellas with views of the river below.

FITNESS ROOM
Our fitness room offers a combination of free weights and cardiovascular equipment to maintain a healthy lifestyle while away from home.

HIM GONG, CURATED CRAFT
Raya Heritage introduces an all-new boutique ‘Him Gong,Curated Craft’ offers a new shopping experience in Chiang Mai. This beautifully- design concept store features a wide range of exquisite items including jewelry, clothing, accessories, and home décor.

Alongside with the hotel’s own signature products, the boutique also showcases a selection of northern Thai artifacts and the works of many up-and-coming local designers.

Inspired by a fascination with art, culture and the great artists and passionate craftsmen and women that are behind each masterpiece in our curated collection, the collection features the best of local wisdom, rustic charm, exotic creation and a rich array of contemporary creativity and timeless designs to be discovered.

DISCOVER CHIANG MAI
Chiang Mai qualifies as a ‘must-see’ destination for any first-time visitor to Thailand and the city’s many charms – its warm hospitable people, rich culture, laid-back atmosphere and proximity to verdant national parks and other popular northern sites – make it a place that many come back to time and again.

Born at the crossroads of Asian trading routes between southwestern China and the Gulf of Martaban, Chiang Mai has flourished for over a millennium as an entrepôt where peoples from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand have long traded goods and ideas in a fusion of cultures.

Whether they come to work, play, or simply observe, Thai and foreign visitors alike find that, even today, Chiang Mai has perhaps the most unique sense of identity of any city in Thailand. A capital born in pride for things Northern Thai, it’s a city that continues to holds fast to its khon meuang (‘people of the principality’) ways.

Outside of the capital, Chiang Mai Province boasts more natural forest area than any other province in the country. A short drive out of town in any direction takes you to into northern Thailand’s scenic countryside.

The lush valleys of the north are surrounded by rolling hills which are perfect for day trips to local waterfalls or for the more adventurous, for trekking to semi- remote areas to visit northern Thailand’s ethnic minorities. Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s tallest peak at 2,595 meters is just a three-hour drive from Chiang Mai and can be visited as a day trip from the city.

A walk through Chiang Mai’s sleepy old town reveals its centuries-old history with ancient temples shaded by towering trees hidden down winding alleyways and historic landmarks dotted along its main streets.

The city moat, brick ramparts and numerous gates hint at the strategic role Chiang Mai played as a royal capital and center of trade in the past. Bustling local markets and colorful shops add flavor to any visitor’s experience of the city.

For those interested in art and architecture, history and Buddhism, Chiang Mai offers a number of unique opportunities to study and discover its traditions. Chiang Mai cuisine also keeps gourmets busy sorting out the exciting blend of Thai, Burmese, Shan and Yunnanese influences.

There are massage courses and Buddhist meditation programmes available for short and long stay visitors as well as Thai cookery, textile weaving and language classes.

The region also boasts a fascinating array of crafts which reflect the region’s varied cultural influences from neighbors such as Burma, China and Laos. Woodcarving, lacquer ware, hand woven cloth, painted umbrellas and silver are amongst some of the more traditional objects produced whilst younger generations of Chiang Mai artists create contemporary décor and design items of note.

The great variety of one-of-a-kind items available ensure Chiang Mai’s continued reputation as Thailand’s best shopping destination for those ‘in the know’.

Chiang Mai is also renowned for its lively festivals and celebrations including Loy Kratong, the candle floating festival held each November; Songkran, the Thai New Year festival in April as well as the Flower Festival held in February making it a popular place to take in these special occasions for both Thais and visitors alike.

ART & ARCHITECTURE
Northern Thai art is predominantly religious in inspiration and as such the region’s finest work can be found in its temples. As the repositories for Lanna’s artistic legacy, temples offer visitors the chance to discover the beauty of the region’s architecture, mural paintings and sculpture as well as its numerous craft traditions.

Notably different from Bangkok temple architecture with its emphasis on height, grandeur and refinement, northern Thai temples are characterized by a simple yet striking contrast of whitewashed plaster set against dark teakwood beams. The majority have an almost rustic quality with thick, low walls and a tiered, clay tile roof that sweeps downwards towards the ground with dramatic effect.

Lanna temple interiors feature red lacquered columns decorated with gold leaf stenciled patterns and mural paintings illustrating stories from the Buddha’s life. Lanna murals, which represent another important part of the area’s rich artistic heritage, are full of colorful, vibrant scenes depicting local people and everyday life.

Unfortunately, few examples remain, yet those which do provide a wealth of information about the beliefs, customs, and culture of northern Thai people in the past. The influence of Burmese, Shan, Lao, and Tai Lue culture is clearly seen in Lanna art and architecture from the 19th century onwards.

As these groups settled in Chiang Mai and the northern cities of Lampang, Phrae and Nan, they brought with them an intriguing mix of artistic styles. It is this blending of outside influences with local traditions and sensibilities that gives Lanna art its surprising variety, adding to its distinctive charm and character.

ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS
Raya Heritage arranges half and full day excursions to some of the area’s most interesting sites. Temple and market trips, village visits and forays into national parks are all on offer. Other popular activities include elephant experiences, jungle walks, rock climbing and rafting.

Those interested in traditional crafts can spend the day visiting artisan studios or explore the very best shopping that Chiang Mai has to offer. Tours are designed with quality in mind and are perfect for those looking to gain insight into the local culture.

A DAY OF ECO VALLEY
Spend your easy day to get away from the bustle city, get to touch the nature and learn the way of farmer’s life in organic farming valley with Pakeryaw’s family. Nu and his family are Pakeryaw hill tribes, they own this farm over 30 years since his dad was so young.

Now, as an elder brother, Nu inherited farming knowledge from his father and strongly intended to do organic farming in order to obtain quality products which are checal-free and environmental friendly.

THE SUNRISE CYCLING
Let’s hop on a bike and go for a ride! This bike tour is just the one for the person who wants to have some exercise in the morning. Starting from the hotel ride out to the Huay Teung Tao Reservoir along the forested foothills of Doi Suthep.

Experience the refreshing atmosphere in the morning with mountain and a large reservoir. You can do cycling around which is surrounded by the rice field. On the way back bike through vegetable gardens on small back lanes and alleys to experience a bit of the non-touristy part of Chiang Mai.

THE AFTERNOON OF THE INHERIT LANNA HERITAGE
Enjoy the afternoon tea with the Heritage signature trail of Lanna on the house “beautiful moon” before visiting the Dara Pirom Palace and Dara Pirom Temple which princess Dara Rasamee had used this palace to perform many good deeds in the fields of agriculture, culture and arts.

She also supported Buddhism and was a major influence in developing Lanna’s handicrafts which has been Chiang Mai’s heritage of pride until today.

ARAKSA THE JOURNEY OF THE TEA TREASURE
The Araksa Tea Garden, located on a scenic, evergreen hill in the Mae Tang District in Chiang Mai, specializes in producing high quality Assam tea, an indigenous tea plant in this area. The site is one of the oldest tea gardens in Thailand.

Thanks to its high elevation and the quality of its soil and water, the land here is ideal for tea planting. Undisturbed for many years, the tea plants have not been exposed to chemical pesticides or fertilizers for over a decade. Thus, today, we are producing excellent tealeaves.

PONG KRAI ORGANIC COFFEE PLANTATION TRAIL
Follow the story of our Pong Krai Organic Forest Coffee, served at Raya Heritage, and learn about its production by visiting the coffee’s plantation itself as part of the Baan Pong Krai Community Tourism program.

Get to know the local villagers and participate in an environmental conservation activity provided by the village. Join our wild orchid breeding activities and enjoy planting them in the forest along the natural path to propagate the Fah Mui orchid, Thailand’s very rare blue-purple colored wild orchids, as a legacy for their descendants to appreciate.

“Pong Krai Coffee” Arabica coffee bean, is a Catimor breeding line from Columbia. It has been well-grown at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,100 meters above sea level under the shade of forest trees in Baan Pong Krai, Maerim, Chiang Mai since 2014 until now.

The beans were first harvested by hand in 2016 using the Wet Process to extract cherry beans from the pulps, dry and prepare for artisan roasting. It usually takes 6 months to ferment the shell coffee before the beans are roasted. The annual yield of coffee cherries ranges from 12,000 to 16,000 kilograms per year.

LANNA HANDCRAFT THE BASIC BASKETRYWORKSHOP
Par Bong Village is a village in a sub district in Saraphi district, Chiang Mai. In the past, this village was full of bamboo forest which was called by the locals as ‘Mai Bong’, and finally became the name of this sub district.

Most of the villager’s weave Pai Bong to make appliances as a hobby after finish farming. Bamboo weaving is a part of life inherited from generation to generation. Bamboo weaving changed the local people’s lives since the bamboo weaving become the main job for the villagers.

Bamboo weaving is a part of daily life of the villagers showing Lanna identity as seen from the products which are natural and uniquely different from other regions.

Therefore, this village can provide charming bamboo weaving made from bamboo to visitors very well. Also, Par Bong Luang village is the production base of the well-known bamboo weaving at present.

Website: www.rayaheritage.com

Rooms: 38

Price: from 274 EUR per night