Families with older kids, bargain hunters, and those who’d like to mingle with monks.
At the heart of Chiang Mai in the walled and moated Old Town, 10 minutes from the Night Bazarre and lively riverside restaurants.
You can imagine contemplative monks pacing around the peaceful courtyard at Tamarind Village, shaded by an ancient tamarind tree, and surrounded by the 46 rooms and suites. Polished concrete floors and white walls continue the sense of calm inside, whilst handmade lacquered boxes, embroidered cushions, and tribal artefacts inspire you to hit the colourful markets opposite the hotel. Most luxurious is the two-floored Spa Suite which has a large marble bath, a separate bath-tub, and an invigorating outdoor shower.
You can look forward to all the Thai favourites at Tamarind Village's Ruen restaurant, including ‘gaeng hang lay’ (a mild pork curry), but there are also some unique family recipes for you to try. Outside the resort you can sip a Chang beer by the Ring Ping before joining the party at the lively water-front restaurants.
Tamarind Village is in the walled and moated Old Town of Chiang Mai, and the famous Sunday Walking Market is right in front of it. Here you can pick up genuinely unique finds, like embroidered pillowcases, jewelled slippers, and handmade dolls with postcards telling their story (it’s worth noting that everything is slightly cheaper than the Night Bazarre, though this is still worth a visit). As far wonderfully ornate temples are concerned you’ll be spoiled for choice, but one of the most spiritual is Wat Chedi Luang due to the greater space around it, and incredible detail revealed at sunset. Those who’d like to dabble in Buddhism should wander to Wat Suan Dok where you can learn meditation, and have informal chats with the monks. Where better to relax at the end of the day than at Tamarind Village's traditional Thai spa and pool?
November is a particularly special time of year in Chiang Mai, when hundreds of lanterns are released, and miniature rafts are floated down the river as part of the Loy Krathong cleansing rituals.