Ping Nakara consists of just 19 guest rooms in a beautiful, white Lanna Colonial-style mansion. The decor and arrangement makes guests feel like they have been welcomed into someone’s very stylish home. The floor plan is very open, incorporating the surrounding palms and sounds of nature, while somehow still creating intimate seating areas. The overall atmosphere was calming and chic, with nods to the past reign of teak dealers.

The Rooms

The rooms at Ping Nakara are all uniquely decorated. Each has a large balcony, bathroom with separate tub and shower and ours had a king sized bed. The balcony and windows stretched the length of the room and created a beautiful green view with the curtains open.

A complimentary mini bar complete with local snacks, caramel candies, tea and coffee is provided in each room. When we left the room for dinner, we returned to find camomile tea and water set beside the bed.

The Grounds

The grounds at Ping Nakara are all white and green, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Huge palms grow behind the pool area and tall grasses shield the pool from a covered seating area. We spent a lot of our visit sitting on the comfy couches that face the pool, soaking up the fresh air and enjoying the cooler temperatures this time of year brings. Along the walls above wicker chairs are old photos of farmers with elephants and jungle scenes depicting a way of life before Chiang Mai became the busy city it is today.

There is a small bar situated in a library filled with books about Southeast Asia and travel, plus a more formal sitting room in the corner of the hotel where wooden chairs are covered in embroidered silk. Even the lobby is clean and grand with a ceiling several stories high and a large chandelier.

The Food

We had great traditional Thai food at the restaurant and sat at a table with a view of the pool. The small dining room has a wrap around porch making it great for nights with nice weather.

Even better than dinner was the afternoon tea and breakfast. High tea comes with an abundance of snacks and dessert including smoked salmon, shrimp and papaya relish, cookies, chocolate cake and coconut sweets. We enjoyed our feast in the lounging area and made use of the free wifi to do some work.

Breakfast was very impressive, especially for such a small hotel. Yogurt, fruit, granola and cereal were available at the buffet as well as toast, cheese and meats. The coffee and fresh juice were delicious. Hot dishes are made to order and we had french toast with fresh fruit and honey and an omelet.

The Location

Ping Nakara is conveniently located near Chiang Mai’s famous Night Bazaar and is only a quick tuk-tuk ride from the Old City and the weekend walking streets. There are several temples around the hotel, and of course the river is just a few steps away.

Even if you don’t get the chance to stay the night at Ping Nakara, it is a wonderful place to enjoy a romantic Thai meal, or spend an afternoon over tea. If you’re looking for a unique, classy place to stay that will provide a quiet escape after a busy day of sight-seeing, Ping Nakara is a top choice!

Quick Tips

• Ping Nakara is a small boutique hotel, so make sure you make a reservation early
• Enjoy your meals on the property! Breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner were all delicious
• A spa is also on site and an affiliated French restaurant, Nakara Jardin, is around the corner
• Located near the Night Bazaar and the river, and only a few minutes to the old city
• Visit Ping Nakara online to make a reservation

Poplar Travels was a guest of Ping Nakara. Our opinion is always our own.