The Intercontinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping review: Where ancient roots meet the modern spirit
A mere three hours separates you from Chiang Mai.
Imagine a vibrant city rising from the mist in 1296, a beacon of culture and power. This is Chiang Mai, "new city" in Thai, but its history is anything but. It was the beating heart of the Lanna Kingdom, a land rich with rice fields and proud independence. Majestic temples like Wat Phra Singh were built with love and devotion, their spires reaching for the heavens. But time, like the flowing Ping River, can be unforgiving. Centuries later, Lanna fell, and a shroud of foreign rule descended. Yet, Chiang Mai's spirit never truly dimmed. Liberation came, and today, it thrives anew. Walk its ancient walls, feel the energy in the bustling markets, and lose yourself in the beauty of hundreds of temples. Chiang Mai is a city that whispers stories of resilience, devotion, and a magic that transcends time.
A mere three hours separates you from Chiang Mai. Just a short flight, and suddenly, you're soaring above a tapestry of emerald jungles and ancient temples. As you descend, the city rises to meet you, a kaleidoscope of colour basking in the warm embrace of the March sun. It's a sensory explosion – the promise of adventure hangs heavy in the air, as intoxicating as the scent of exotic spices that will soon greet you on the ground.
I checked in to the new Intercontinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping. Opened last year in November 2023, the brand resulted from a strategic partnership between IHG Hotels & Resorts and Thailand's real-estate group, Asset World Corporation (AWC). A whole new reception lounge was built, and rooms were stripped and redesigned in a manner where old traditions meet modernity. PIA Interior was responsible for that layered traditional Lanna heritage with the hotel’s own storied past.
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Reasons to stay in The Intercontinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping
The King Premium room offers a city view that includes the hotel's garden and a restored temple on the ground. Guests would also love the spacious bathroom walkthrough, which includes a plunge bathtub and a shower room. The interplay of luxurious marble wallpaper with stark black accents elevates the bathroom to a realm of refined design. Bathroom amenities are provided by Erb, which contains certified organic ingredients.
You will notice the Lanna-inspired décor, which includes lacquered panels and wood-carved sculptures, beaten metal accents, and precious handcrafted objects commissioned from local artisans. Guests staying in Premium Rooms and Suites will enjoy Club Intercontinental benefits, including a deluxe breakfast served in a private zone, daily afternoon tea, and evening cocktails.
The hotel's swimming pool, a popular amenity, enjoys a secluded setting. A perimeter wall, constructed with bricks that echo the design of the Old Gate, ensures privacy for guests.
In addition to growing fresh produce at its own organic garden, the hotel works with carefully vetted local suppliers, including bee and cacao farms, as well as partnering with the Royal Project Foundation, a Thai non-profit organisation founded by King Bhumibol Adulyadejto, to improve the quality of life of the hill-tribe people. Restaurants and bars at Intercontinental Chiang Mai, The Mae Ping, promises to be a showcase for northern Thailand's rich flavours.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Gad Lanna evokes a traditional market with seasonal, organic ingredients spun into comforting northern dishes using traditional cooking methods.
Overlooking the hotel’s main pool, Kam Lobby Lounge brings the spirit of Yi Peng Lantern Festival alive through evocative décor, while the menu offers light meals, coffee and organic Monsoon Tea produced in the mountains of Northern Thailand, with expertly crafted cocktails served after dark to a soundtrack of live jazz. Order the delish Khao Soi noodles, a highly-rated dish soaked in yellow curry made from creamy coconut milk.
On the 16th floor, its signature restaurant Hong’s Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar pays homage to the historic Lanna-Chinese trade links in décor and on the menu. Panoramic vistas of Doi Suthep and the city are paired with fiery Sichuan, Cantonese and Taiwanese dishes, while the signature Teresa Teng tea ceremony is a tribute to the famous Taiwanese singer who was once a regular at the hotel (there is a suite which has been carefully preserved if you're curious to know).
The hotel has also curated educational and fun experiences for guests to showcase the local heritage and natural beauty of the region.
Together with other guests, we explored the old city in tuk-tuks, including the Old Gate, and Wat Sri Suphan, a breathtaking silver temple.
Guests who appreciate the finer things in life can indulge in the Tea Artistry Blending and Tasting Workshop, which will introduce them to the art and science of tea blending and tasting. Conducted at the riverside Monsoon Tea Boutique, the workshop will be led by a local tea artisan who will teach guests how to create their own blends using different types of tea, including the rare and exotic jungle tea that grows wild in the mountains, focusing on professional brewing methods to bring out their best qualities.
We also got to indulge in the art of Thai lacquerware, which was pretty meditative and interesting! Thai lacquerware, or "Ngarn Rak," is a centuries-old art form transforming natural resin from the lacquer tree. Artisans layer it onto wooden bases, creating a durable, high-gloss finish. They then adorn these pieces with intricate designs using gold leaf, paint, or mother-of-pearl. This meticulous craft, passed down through generations, imbues everyday objects with a touch of timeless beauty.
Steeped in Chiang Mai's rich heritage, the Intercontinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping beckons you with a world-class hospitality experience. Imagine stepping into a haven that seamlessly blends modern luxury with the timeless charm of Lanna tradition. Here, attentive staff caters to your every need, ensuring your stay is filled with unforgettable moments. Whether you seek tranquillity by the pool or cultural immersion in the surrounding city, the Intercontinental promises an experience that transcends expectations.
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