De Naga Chiang Mai – holidaying in Lanna style
In contrast to the capital Bangkok, Thailand’s second largest city, with over 700 years of heritage, does not include any skyscrapers on the skyline. And sticking to that could prove a strong advantage onwards – as the city of leisure it is increasingly becoming.
Except from a few new high-rise hotels that have been developed recently, Chiang Mai consists mainly in low-slung buildings.To paint a picture, the city architecture mostly exudes low-key style though the city landscape in its central parts is balanced by a large number of temples.
There is a contradiction here, in the strong architectural traditions Thailand’s north is famous for while the vast majority of city buildings are unfortunately modern concrete ones.
But an interesting noticeable change is going on where Thailand’s famous northern city is increasingly adopting to a distinct hybrid of tradition and modernity that is upgrading the city for the better.
This is a welcome trend where Chiang Mai thanks to hotel developers is improving in class; growing in reputation for its many boutique hotels springing up and all that comes with it in terms of dining venues etc.
The light is on the city as the laid back holiday destination where many investors are putting their money at stake on this Northern getaway apparently expecting strong growth in tourism, including holiday makers as well as conference groups.
A new era of up-market tourism is clearly seeing the light of day where Chiang Mai is evolving as a lifestyle destination.
On this vibrant scene De Naga Chiang Mai(opened in 2008) is a hotel that really stands out as a symbol for what Thai culture stands for.
Here is a morepersonalized venue that contributes to preserving theauthentic as a distinct Lanna(Northern Thailand and Chiang Mai’straditional art and culture) style boutique hotel perfectly hidden in the oldcity area near one of the historic gates and minutes away from the famous nightbazaar area.
Somehow squeezed in (but tucked away in a nice way) between downtown ChiangMai’s ordinary townhouse buildings, De Naga stands out like a proud beacon ofwhat traditional Thai architecture stands for.
At the same time it beckons to those insearch of sophistication as it has adapted to today’s hotel guests’ needs andby including contemporary amenities.
Part of The Unique Collection of Hotels& Resorts in Thailandit is therefore likely to command attention as a resort honouring the area’sheritage.
In its concept this boutique hotel has adopted a northern legend, the mythological creature Phaya Naga; a formidable serpentine creature believed to have helped the kings in building the city of Chiang Mai.
By the entrance is a special fountain with a Naga symbol surrounds the hotel’s own spirit house. And throughout the interior in the hotel there are Naga statues, ornaments and various decorative details.
The design is modern but with the use of distinct Lanna architecture including warm teak wood interiors and Thai silk details. Following the tradition the building is elevated from the ground.
Stairs lead up to the warm-lit lobby whichis part of the Lanna centrepiece building also containing the Naga Suite on thesecond floor. This lobby is majestic also displaying works of art on the wallsand with d
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