General Overview of the Hotel.

A haven of peace within the 700 year old city walls of Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand, Rachamankha is a small, yet spacious gem in the crown of Thai boutique hotels. Designed by one of Thailand's most renowned architects, and with the interior and landscaping designed by an equally renowned designer, the property is more a work of art than a hotel.

With only 18 superior rooms, 4 deluxe rooms, and 2 two-bedroom suites set around two enclosed courtyards privacy and serenity are guaranteed. The colonnaded walkways - reminiscent of Lanna, Northern Thai, temples - and the central sala give the guestroom courtyards an ecclesiastical air: the structure of the sala is in fact a 'wiharn', or prayer hall from an old Lanna period temple that was earmarked for destruction; revived and rebuilt by the architects at Rachamankha as a very relaxing and quiet private lounge area for the guests.

There is a wonderful timeless quality to Rachamankha, as if it has been here for countless centuries but in fact it is a completely new structure which opened for business in 2004. This sense of age was fully intended by the architect who didn't want to create something new but wanted to explore the classic designs of Lanna temples, and ancient Chinese residences, with which he has created wonderfully serene and relaxing spaces that induce calm and quiet. These effects are enhanced by the extensive use of Asian antiques and object d'art.

The experience continues in the restaurant building which houses, on the second floor, a display of the owner's private collection of Lanna period antiques: in fact, the property is decorated throughout with Asian antiques from the owner's collections. The hotel's heritage is also reflected in the cuisine: it is probably the only restaurant to feature dishes from Lanna, Tai-Yai, Thai and Myanmar cuisines together in the same menu, which is designed to inform diners, new to South East Asian cuisine, on how to order and fully enjoy the regions gastronomy. Chef's own delicious take on European and fusion dishes is also featured, all of which are complimented by a comprehensive wine list from both the old and new worlds.

Guest comfort is of paramount importance to all at Rachamankha, there has been no compromise in the name of design with either guest convenience or comfort. There is wireless internet connection throughout the hotel, accessible in all the guestrooms, by the pool, in fact anywhere on the property. In keeping with the Asian theme, traditional Thai massage is available in the massage spa on the second floor of the pool pavilion - located on the axis of the 20metre teal-tiled pool. Every room has satellite TV, with a full range of channels, and a DVD player; there is a library of modern titles for free viewing by guests available at the front desk. The concierge service is ready to recommend all that Chiang Mai has to offer from an incredible variety of excellent restaurants, world class golf, truly unique shopping and cultural experiences, to jungle adventures: we are sure we can keep the most discerning of guests entertained in Chiang Mai.

From the outset, it was the architect's intention to pay homage to Chiang Mai's Lanna period and take a step towards beautifying the cityscape; this has lead to a unique and beautiful experience for Rachamankha's guests. The architectural theme runs like a thread throughout the property, completing and harmonizing the experience of cuisine, design and hospitality, leaving the guests with the feeling that they are staying in a wonderful home not simply a hotel.

Rachamankha has 25 rooms, from 1 to 26 in keeping with tradition there is no room number 13. There are 3 types of room; 18 superior rooms, 4 deluxe rooms and 2 suites. No, there's no mistake, we do have 25 rooms; suite 24 can be converted into 2 rooms, a deluxe room and a superior room if required.

The two keynotes of Rachamankha are a more personal, friendly service - we want our guests to really feel at home - and design. With design in mind, the owner personally designed the interior of every room, fitting each one with antique furniture and object d´art from his own private collections to emphasize the personal touch, and give each room its own character.

Superior Room

There are 18 superior rooms; 6 twin rooms and 12 double rooms. Each room has been individually decorated with antiques collected from the 3 regions that have had the greatest influence in the overall design concept of the hotel; namely Lanna, The Shan State of Myanmar and China. There is nothing antique about guest comfort: satellite television, DVD players, air-conditioning and wireless internet connection as standard. Every room has the comfort and convenience of the 21st century, combined with the enduring charm and classic design of yester-year.

Room Specifications:

The superior rooms are 32sq.m in size.

The following rooms are fitted with a double bed: 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23.
The following rooms are fitted with twin beds: 2, 4, 5, 9, 17, 19.
The following rooms are fitted with a bath tub: 3, 8, 18, 21.

Deluxe Room

Rachamankha has 4 deluxe rooms, each with its own unique style. In keeping with the theme of the hotel the rooms are decorated with Asian antiques. For guest comfort modern amenities abound including, wireless internet connection, DVD players and satellite television.

Room Specifications:

The deluxe rooms are 40sq.m. in size and include room numbers 10 and 11 on the ground floor and 15 and 16 on the second floor.

2 Bedroom Suite

Each of Rachamankha's two bedroom suites comprises of two bedrooms, with designer en-suite bathrooms, a large lounge and a kitchenette, yet the similarity ends here.

Tow bedroom Suite 26 is located above the library. It has a large private balcony with views of the pool and gardens: a very private space, occupying as it does the entirety of the second floor of the library building. The interior design beautifully combines congeniality and grandiose: in the judicious use of soft furnishings, occasional furniture and deeply comfortable lounge chairs one feels at home; and with the opulent details, the chandeliers, plush drapes and canopy beds, one feels at home in a very grand home.

Two bedroom Suite 24 is located through a rather unassuming doorway to the right of the entrance courtyard. The first space one enters is a delightful courtyard garden: privacy is assured as suite 24 occupies a corner position and the garden space is walled. On entering the suite there is a real sense of being in a living space, not the usual sterile hotel environment, as the object d´art, for the most part, are cherished pieces from the owner's private collection.

Luxuriously decorated with rare Asian antiques and all the necessary mod cons; Rachamankha's two suites tastefully combine the timeless quality of classic design with modern convenience.

Two bedroom Suite 24 comprises of 2 en-suite bedrooms - one with a bath-tub and shower; a spacious lounge; a kitchenette and a small private courtyard garden.

Two bedroom Suite 24 comprises of 2 en-suite bedrooms - one with a bath-tub and shower; a spacious lounge; a kitchenette and a large private balcony overlooking the library lawn.

Restaurants & Bars

The restaurant building houses two dining environments - the interior air-conditioned dining room and the courtyard; the bar and the concierge; and on the second floor the gallery and the boutique.

The air-conditioned dining room seats up to 60diners in a formal, yet relaxed, dining environment. The tables are dressed in crisp, fresh white linen; the dinner service is blue and white Chinese porcelain; the walls are decorated with Ming Dynasty porcelain and 19th century Thai "Kradat Khoi" paintings; the waiting staff courteous and attentive without being obtrusive.

The courtyard, which can comfortably seat 70diners, is used throughout the year: even under a canopy or sunshade it is a wonderful space to dine in, or simply enjoy a drink. It is a popular venue for functions and small wedding parties

The Chinese porcelain on display in the cabinet is from the Qing Dynasty, 17th to 20th centuries. Ming Dynasty porcelain decorates the wall adjacent to the stage.

The sideboard, with the orchid display, is Qing Dynasty, late 19th century, and would have been used as an altar in a family home, where one would have paid respect to religious icons and ancestors. What look like large planters would originally have been used in temples, or large homes, and filled with sand or earth to place burning incense sticks when making devotions, or praying at altars or shrines.

The square painting on the back wall of the restaurant is 19th century Thai. The picture has a practical history; it would have been used by soothsayers for telling fortunes and predicting the future. The twelve figures along the top of the picture represent the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac.

The Pool and Massage Spa

Located through a passageway off the second guestroom courtyard, Rachamankha's 20m teal-tiled pool is serviced by the two-storey pool pavilion which houses both the pool bar, and on the second floor, the massage spa. The pool bar offers a full beverage service and a range of hot and cold dishes that can be eaten comfortably poolside. The massage service, performed by well trained and very experienced masseuses, includes the treatments listed below.

Traditional Thai massage is also available in the guestrooms. All the massage services are by appointment only.

The Library

There is undoubtedly a classic style to Rachamankha, perhaps nowhere more evident in the hotel than the library. Fitted from floor to ceiling with polished hardwood and lit by a chandelier the effect is completed by the addition of crystal glasses and a crystal decanter of brandy provided free for guests' enjoyment.

The day's papers are put in the library every morning; books are available for guests' enjoyment during their stay; and 2 personal computers are set-up with high-speed internet connection for free use by guests.

There is also a 20-metre swimming pool, which is lined with sun beds and bougainvillea flowers. The airy Pool Bar offers snacks and drinks, while the open-air room above provides a massage service.

The hotel provides high speed internet connection and also wireless internet connection throughout the hotel which is free to all guests.

The service concept is based on the principle of creating a memorable experience for all guests, and supports the unforgettable feeling of peace and homeliness created by the hotel's architecture and design. Overall, a stay at the Rachamankha is unique.

The Boutique

The Boutique is located on the second floor of the restaurant building. Unique pieces from local designers and artisans are available along with antiques and a range of books about the regions peoples, culture and histories. Open every day from 8a.m. to 10p.m.

The Gallery

On the second floor above the restaurant, the gallery is a showcase of the regions culture and history. A permanent but ever changing display of antiques, and objects that reflect the regions fast disappearing cultures and traditions. All the pieces are taken from the owner's private collections; the aim is to inform guests and visitors alike about the regions rich artistic and cultural heritage. Open to all from 8a.m. to 10p.m