As an urban destination in Thailand, Chiang Mai often sits in Bangkok’s shadow. It needn’t. This beautiful cultural hub is home to some of the best properties in the world, surrounded by the the most stunning geography. Here, Nicole takes a look at a hotel that combines the best Chiang Mai has to offer — a tropical feel and proximity to all the amenities …
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Last month, I spent a couple days in Chang Mai for work and was lucky enough to stay in Puripunn Baby Grand Boutique Hotel. Puripunn has to be one of my favorite boutique properties in Chang Mai. I absolutely love the hotels aesthetic from individual rooms and common areas, to the ideal location of the hotel. Located in Wat Gate, one of Chang Mai’s oldest and culturally diverse districts with temples, this property is an interesting alternate option outside of the popular city center.
Many guests traveling to Chang Mai express that they would rather stay in the middle of the old town or near the night bazaar and restaurants, but I believe just right outside of the main city areas is the perfect spot. Puripunn is secluded down a small quiet lane, amongst traditional family homes and only a 5 minute walk to popular restaurants and cafes (a favorite amongst locals) along the Ping River. The famous night bazaar is less than a 10 minute walk away and the hotel offers a complimentary tuk tuk shuttle to the bazaar and inside the gates of the old city if you don’t want to take a stroll.
Puripunn, translates as “the land of sharing”, is perfectly designed to incorporate modern colonial styles with the architectural traditions of the former Lanna Kingdom. The antiqued look is successfully carried throughout the hotel from the woodwork and furniture to the water fixtures in the bathroom. I was lucky to stay in a Puripunn Deluxe Signature room, which are located on the ground floor amongst the lush garden and steps away from the swimming pool. Even though I loved the antiqued wood and tiled floors, lounge areas and the king size bed, my favorite feature was the bathroom. The bathroom was almost as big as the bedroom and balcony combined, with a separate toilet, shower, bath and even a lounge! You couldn’t help but feel regal while “swimming” in the large tub.
Each of the 30 rooms, even if in the same category, is a bit different from the next in decor and color. Even with five different room types, I could see the consistency in the small details. All the rooms are decorated tastefully and laid out comfortably providing a private terrace, lounge areas, roomy bathrooms and accented with handpicked wildflowers and fresh fruit.
I think the hotel provides all that is necessary for a wonderful, peaceful stay while visiting Chang Mai. They have Wi-Fi throughout, a swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, spa (which I highly recommend), business center, meeting room, restaurant and café/bar. In addition, they provide laundry, childcare and concierge services. The Managing Director, Mr. Att and his team of staff are exceptional in creating a warm and homely atmosphere. Honestly, I never wanted to leave!
Community Support: The hotel gives back to the Chetupol Monk School located down the road. They donate to the school during festivals and support incoming youngsters from the community who go to learn over their summer break by providing robes, supplies and learning materials.
Upside: The hotel is small and located outside of the city center, which provides a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.
Downside: The upside could be your downside. The hotel is not located in the city center where most tourists stay and will require transfers to and from the hotel.
Insider Tip: Even though the shuttle is on a schedule, you can request it at any time and they can drop you anywhere along the route from the hotel to the city center.
Recommended Room: Recommend the Puripunn Deluxe for one of the lower cost options due to its extra spacious bathrooms and first floor location. The Puripunn Grand Suite is ideal for couple who want privacy as they have a private pool and plunge bath.
Ideal customers (Family, couple, single): This hotel is great for any traveler. They are small and intimate which is great for people traveling solo or as a couple. The hotel provides connecting rooms and a specialty suite for families (all rooms types can accommodate an extra bed).