Vacationers wishing to live with nature and get back to the simple life may do so at the newly opened Visama Mae Chan luxury camp in Chiang Rai. It's a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Located 40 minutes from Chiang Rai airport, 10 beautifully furnished tents are arranged among the verdant surroundings to provide guests an all-encompassing holiday experience that blends outdoor and cultural pursuits with fine northern Thai cuisine, much of which is produced organically on a nearby farm.
There are four tent types -- Akha, Yao, Lahu and Lisu, ranging in sizes from 48m² to 80m². Each room features a balcony that spans 12m² to 20m², overlooking a hill and tropical garden. The largest tents offer two bedrooms, making it ideal for families. A collection of 12 luxury tents will be added to the resort next year.
Inside, each tent provides every convenience you could want including air conditioning, an espresso machine, Wi-Fi, rain showers, safety deposit boxes, bathtubs, his and her bathrobes and slippers as well as a 24-hour concierge service.
During the day, families can enjoy enjoyable leisure activities such as painting, crafting, planting trees, preparing traditional Lanna cuisine, going on a private picnic or participating in wellness sessions. Additionally, a schedule of private excursions to several cultural sites is available, including the Opium Museum, Wat Rong Khun and Doi Mae Salong.
"What sets Visama Mae Chan apart is our ability to fill multiple-day immersive experiences that leave an unforgettable impression on guests, the local community and the environment," said lodge co-founder Mark Remijan.
Focusing on sustainable living, chef Suphannat "Miu" Amnuayrit has created a menu featuring local produce that includes both local Lanna cuisine and nutrient-rich international comfort foods and local specialities based on produce from a neighbouring farm.
The resort will also host a farmers' market once a month to raise funds for the Friends of Thai Daughters foundation, which seeks to prevent child trafficking by empowering girls from hilltribe communities. Three hilltribe girls from the foundation are currently hired to work in the resort too.
"We aim to provide income, vocational training and sustainability benefits to the local community. Visama Lodge will also proactively involve itself in nature conservation and the promotion of local Lanna culture," said Christopher Stafford, co-founder of the lodge.
