For as long as I can remember I have had a love affair with Thailand. In fact, I can probably even pinpoint the moment it happened and the love affair began. I was nineteen years old when I first visited Thailand. On this trip I traveled direct to Phuket and stayed a few nights in Bangkok on my way home to Australia.
But since this trip, I’ve always wanted to discover more of the country. In particular, I wanted to visit Chiang Mai.
One of my closest friends, Sophie, wrote about her time in Chiang Mai here on World of Wanderlust about five years ago, and it was her enthusiasm for northern Thailand alone that put this city on the map for me.
And when I found myself with an invitation to Bangkok to visit and write about the newly opened Four Seasons Bangkok, I took it upon myself to make a whole trip out of it! I booked a flight to spend two weeks in the country and finally ticked off all the destinations I had been longing for now that the trip is back.
Check in at Four Seasons Chiang Mai
I’ll be honest and say that I didn’t plan too much before this trip. I knew when we would be flying to each new destination (Golden Triangle, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Bangkok) but beyond that I had very loose plans. I suppose after waiting the past two years to experience travel again I’m just grateful for the opportunity to do so. And as such, once we got there, I put our destiny in the hands of the destinations and their offerings.
As it turns out, there’s plenty to do in Chiang Mai, and plenty to do at the resort itself as well. The resort is a twenty minute drive outside of town, making it a peaceful oasis to watch the time go by. But of course if you are staying more than a few nights here at the resort be sure to take day trips to Chiang Mai and explore the surrounding area as there are some exceptional temples to check out and my personal favourite, loads of cafes!
Around the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
It’s been a really long time since I’ve checked into a resort. With the last two years of a travel hiatus, that time has intensified even further. But honestly, I wouldn’t call myself a vacationer. I much prefer visiting cities and being in the hustle and bustle or in a remote area somewhere off the grid. However, I was pleasantly surprised with our time in Chiang Mai and having stayed a few nights I can see why travelers would choose a resort atmosphere (especially if traveling as a family or in a group!)
The resort has everything from bikes to explore nearby cafes (I highly recommend Fleur Café), motorbikes for rent, yoga classes and even crystal sound healing experiences (which I also recommend!). There are a number of restaurants on the resort property, ranging from casual fare to sumptuous six-course meals, depending on what you’re craving.
For me, the highlight of our dining experience was dinner in the rice fields, complete with a local musician and private dining on the water. The atmosphere was straight out of a movie but it was the food that really stole the show! Everything we ate during our time at Four Seasons Chiang Mai was fresh, full of flavor and locally sourced. So, even if you’re not staying here, be sure to reserve an evening for dinner and enjoy a stroll around the hotel grounds.
Book your stay
If you are looking for a relaxing getaway in Northern Thailand then this is it. Four Seasons Chiang Mai is idyllically located just a 20 minute drive from Chiang Mai city center which means you get the best of both worlds! Relax by the pool during the day and check out the cocktail scene at night.
Visit Four Seasons Chiang Mai to book your stay.
Brooke Saward
Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. Today she divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.
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