Furama Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand
54 Huay Keaw Road, Muang Chiang Mai
Furama is a 4 star luxury hotel in a quiet area of Chiang Mai city, great as a base for the Hill country explorations, elephant trekking, rafting, hill tribe villages, breath taking views from the Golden Triangle within easy reach.
Chiang Mai is Thailand's major northern city, and is famous for its enchanting mountainous region steeped in culture and history. The Furama Chiang Mai is an elegant 4 star hotel, designed with contemporary Thai features and is an ideal base for exploring the wonderful surroundings and the vibrant city attractions. The hotel is only 15 minutes away from Chiang Mai airport and flights run regularily from Bangkok taking around 1 hour. A more adventurous way for families with slightly older children to travel here is to take the sleeper train from Bangkok.
Ever since my first visit to Chiang Mai I have been mezmorized by the colourful presence of the hill tribes, and overwhelmed by their simple way of life and outgoing friendliness. Chiang Mai is the base from which to explore the exiting remote villages and take advantage of many activities such as elephant trekking, rafting, and mountain trekking.
The Furama has 295 guest rooms, graded as Superior, Deluxe, Executive, Executive Suites and 2 Bedroom Suites. Each has either panoramic views of the Doi Suthep mountains or of this most charming city skyline. All rooms are tastefully furnished including a large comfy bed, LCD cable TV, internet, jacuzzi bath tub and shower. The swimming pool on the 17th floor has amazing views and there is also a smaller more intimate pool on the 5th floor. Children under 12 can stay for free if sharing existing bedding. The hotel offers a baby sitting service and can arrange family excursions out for elephant treks, the elephant training camp, the zoo or to hill tribe visits etc.
There is a choice of dining options with the Heritage Cafe serving international cuisine, with a kids menu, Xanadu pub and restaurant and for more formal dining with a French influence there is The Grill . There is also the Bar in the lobby for evening cocktails or afternoon teas.
The hotel is to the northwest of the city centre and about 20 minutes walk to the night markets, and a great variety of restaurants and shops etc. You can take a cab back in just 5 minutes. This is a nice way to explore the city, especially as it's very comfortable climate, much cooler and less humid than Bangkok or the coastal resorts in the south. There is plenty to do in and around Chiang Mai, whether is shopping for locally made silks, garments and other textile accessories and hand crafted souveniers, or taking a more active challenge and joining a mountain tribe trek, or elephant ride. There are some amazing views to encounter with cascading waterfalls, sunsets and stunning mountain terrain ( dont forget your Mozzi spray).
All in all the Furama is a great base to explore this amazing city in Northern Thailand and its fascinating surroundings, be sure to check out the website for more information and don't forget to mention Away with the kids when booking.