by TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – As the world reopens for travel and tourism, Raya Heritage, a resort in Chiang Mai, Thailand, looks forward to welcoming guests from Taiwan and around the world.
Raya Heritage is a 20-minute drive from Chiang Mai’s Old Town. Its location on the bank of the Ping River provides a serene environment that is further enhanced by its lush gardens and rustic yet elegant architectural and interior designs steeped in natural elements.
Much of the furniture and decor used in Raya Heritage is made by local artisans from multiple communities with specialties ranging from weaving, dyeing, wood carving to potting.
Vichada Sitakalin, the resort’s designer, said she chose the furniture and decorative elements with sustainability in mind: “Sustainability is very important to me. I appreciate culture. I appreciate the craftsmanship. I appreciate the old ways of doing things… In the past, people were much better at sustainability than we are today. Organic was not a new concept at the time, it was a way of life.
Located on the bank of the Ping River and boasting lush gardens, Raya Heritage cultivates a tranquil and natural ambience. (photo Raya Heritage)
The resort was built with sustainability and growth in mind with local communities in mind, using furniture and decor sourced from local artisans throughout the resort. (Taiwan News, photo by Stephanie Chiang)
The resort offers 38 suites, including the Rin Terrace and Huen Bon suites which offer spacious outdoor terraces overlooking the Ping River, as well as the Kraam Pool suites with private plunge pools. All three suite types are decorated with their own color accents that complement Raya Heritage’s underlying white theme — black for Rin Terrace Suites, beige for Huen Bon Suites, and indigo for Kraam Pool Suites.
Along with a cohesive color scheme, the resort also showcases the local culture and way of life, linked to the river and fishing. Props and artifacts used to decorate suites, hallways and walls take the form of boats, nets and fish baskets.
The white and beige color scheme of Huen Bon Suites enhances the rustic style of Raya Heritage. (Taiwan News, photo by Stephanie Chiang)
The Rin Terrace and Huen Bon suites have large outdoor terraces overlooking the Ping River and the surrounding jungle. (photo Raya Heritage)
In the morning, the air is filled with birdsong as the sun rises above the river and jungle, which is easily visible from all suites at Raya Heritage as they all face east. On weekends, guests can choose to attend a yoga session on the bank of the Ping River, which is offered as part of the resort’s daily cultural activity program.
Breakfast is offered at the Khu Khao restaurant in the form of all-you-can-eat à la carte dishes. The wide variety of choices range from bread baskets, eggs, salads, fish, rice dishes to yogurt and oatmeal, all of which come in moderate portions that allow customers to try multiple dishes different in the same meal.
Sunrise seen from Raya Heritage. (Taiwan News, photo by Stephanie Chiang)
Khu Khao Restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner, and its all-day menu blends cuisine styles from Northern Thailand, Southwest China, Burma and Laos, reflecting the diversity of the culture and history of Chiang Mai which have their roots in the geographical location of the city. crossroads. Dishes are seasoned with a list of spices that provide distinct flavors and textures, and although many are spicy, there are always mild flavored options that are just as rich in taste.
Other dining options at Raya Heritage include Laan Cha Tea Terrace, which offers afternoon tea and snacks, and Baan Ta Lounge & Lawn, which offers evening cocktails and light meals.
The Khu Khao restaurant specializes in fusion cuisine that blends Thai, Yunnanese, Burmese and Laotian flavors. (Taiwan News, photo by Stephanie Chiang)
Besides meals, daily cultural activities and spas, Raya Heritage also organizes local tours featuring Chiang Mai’s most famous attractions. Its signature package, “A Day in the Eco Valley,” provides guests with a guide and driver and takes them on a trip to Doi Inthanon National Park, which is popular among international and domestic tourists.
Some highlights of the tour include a stop at Wachirathan Falls, a guided hike on the scenic Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, and a visit to the twin pagodas (Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Bhumisiri) built in honor of the late king of Thailand. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Along the way, an experienced guide working with Raya Heritage provides in-depth information not only about the attractions, but also about local culture, history, and geography.
Two other main parts of the tour offer even more special experiences. At a private farm dubbed “Eco Valley,” visitors are treated to a fresh, hearty meal prepared with ingredients grown on the farm, and at Mae Klang Luang Cafe, they can taste and purchase locally grown organic coffee.
Wachirathan Falls. (Taiwan News, photo by Stephanie Chiang)
Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Bhumisiri seen from the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail. (Taiwan News, photo by Stephanie Chiang)
“Eco Valley” is a private organic farm owned by a Pakeryaw Hill Tribe family. (Taiwan News, photo by Stephanie Chiang)
At Mae Klang Luang Cafe, visitors sample organic coffee grown by the local Karen. (Taiwan News, photo by Stephanie Chiang)
