THAILAND HOLIDAY HOUSE

Elephant House is a stylish property rooted in its Northern Thai heritage, and offering a markedly different experience from any stay at a hotel in the area.

The house is primarily a wooden structure that boasts dramatic, panoramic  views over the verdant, jungle-covered  mountains that surround it. Peace, calm and the beauty of the environment prevail here, and often, for early risers, the sea of mist in the valley below will be a sight not easily forgotten. 

The interior space of the  large living room reflects the property's borderlands setting, being finished predominantly in Thai and Burmese furniture, whilst the bedroom is centred around a large Chinese four-poster bed.  Here, an en-suite bathroom is also provided.

The house provides a music system for use by guests, as well as a telephone and internet access. The property does not have a television.

A large kitchen is located at a lower level.

From the property you can readily access the town of Chiang Rai itself, but can also explore places of interest directly. The owners of the villa are part of the broad community of artists of Northern Thailand, and enjoy very close relationships with local temples. As such, they can offer unusual temple experiences in the vicinity and introductions to indigenous artists and designers.

Travel to the infamous Golden Triangle, the shared frontier land of Thailand, Laos and Burma on the shores of the mighty Mekong river. Whilst historically this was the Heart of Darkness of opium  poppy trade,  it is now more of interest for its natural beauty. An excellent way to explore is to haggle over and then  hire a long-tail boat for a ride along the riverbanks.

Khun Korn Nature Park is a peaceful forest location with a picturesque waterfall splashing down from the bamboo hillsides.

There are many places that you can arrange an elephant ride or organize a trek into the mountains, and near the town you can also visit the brass-ringed Karen Padaung (or "Long Neck")  tribe - although considerable controversy surrounds the morality of this.

Chiang Rai is also very popular with cyclists, given its stunning scenery and quiet meandering roads as well as a plethora of mountain tracks.

The house rental rates include transfers from Chiang Rai, daily American breakfast,  and laundry done at no additional charge. Additional guests may be accommodated in a second, smaller property where a queen bed is available.

Nearest airport: Chiang Rai

Rates from
THB5,000  / night

Sleeps: 2+      Bedrooms: 1 or 2     Includes American  breakfast