Artisanal riverside haven
Open-air pavilions and hushed riverfront gardens establish a tranquil retreat where Northern Thai craftsmanship takes center stage.
“few hotels make that more clear than Raya Heritage, a retreat on the banks of the Ping River centered on Thai craft traditions.”
Where it shines
Exceptional
Every suite embeds northern Thai village craft, from hand-thrown pottery to indigo textiles and woven basketry.
Remarkable
Clean rice-barn geometry frames bespoke terracotta tiles, hand-carved teak mirrors, and custom mulberry-paper window screens.
Notable
Chilled lotus tea welcomes, cold lemongrass towels, and generous riverfront suites with expansive terrace daybeds.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
UK Gold List
Condé Nast Traveler
2026
Also in AFAR and Tatler.
Instead, the all-white, straight-lined buildings by Bangkok-based architect Boonlert Hemvijitraphan nod to the clean geometry of Northern Thai rice barns.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Set along the serene Ping River in Mae Rim, the property offers quiet seclusion twenty minutes north of Chiang Mai's bustling Old Town.
The rooms
Upper suites feature wide daybed verandas over the river, while ground-floor Kramm suites open to private plunge pools framed in terracotta.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A 20-meter lap pool runs along the riverbank, lined with terracotta tiles and indigo-cushioned loungers.
The spa
Ai Waan Spa offers warmed bamboo massages and northern Thai herbal steam therapy in private treatment suites.
The gym
The fitness room looks onto shaded gardens through floor-to-ceiling glass, equipped with cardio machines and free weights.
Restaurant
Khu Khao
Woven rice-threshing baskets hang above tables serving regional recipes from Northern Thailand, Laos, and Yunnan.
Comprising 38 spacious suites set in lush gardens… the resort features low-impact, three-story structures designed by renowned Thai architect Boonlert Hemvijitraphan.
At the table
Baan Ta Lounge pours craft cocktails in a dark wicker salon that opens onto the river lawn.
How it began
The resort spent two years collaborating with northern Thai village potters, weavers, and woodcarvers to create its bespoke furnishings and textiles.
Good to know
Stay here
Raya Heritage
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.