Neil Aronson Are you considering as part of your Chiang Mai itinerary doing the Samoeng Loop? Here are several of the best resorts you can stay along the way. And while most foreigners may want to visit the general tourist spots such as Doi Suthep, the elephant sanctuaries or the bustling night markets, some may prefer to slow down and bask in the natural ambience of Chiang Mai.
Add the Samoeng Loop into your travel itinerary to get the perfect adventure. By following the route, which is roughly around a 100 km circuit which starts and ends in the city of Chiang Mai, you can hop from destination to destination, and spend the day relaxing in the midst of gorgeous scenery.
What is the Samoeng Loop? Basically a series of several mountain roads winding around Doi Suthep National Park, starting in the north of the city and looping around ending in the south. Named after Samoeng district and town that sits half way.
It is commonly known as a day trip, but I suggest staying a few nights along the way if you like peaceful mountain nature. There are some amazing hotels and resorts for all budgets, including some of the best resorts in all of Chiang Mai.
So let’s get to the list. Here are several of the best resorts you can stay along the way. For more on the attractions along the way we have two articles for you. The first 5 on this list are on the fist half of the Loop, going counterclockwise from Mae Rim.
The Best Resorts Northern Side Of The Loop
Four Season Chiang Mai
Probably the best resort in Chaing Mai province is the Four Seasons. Located north of city center in Mae Rim Valley close to nature, golf, Mae Sa waterfall, zipline, and many more things to do. This stunning Northern Thai Lanna-style retreat is set amidst a luscious garden dotted with lily ponds. This may be considered one of the top luxury hotels in Chiang Mai.
Proud Phu Fah Resort
Along with the Four Season, Proud Phu Fah is considered one of the best resorts in the area. And it is located right on the Mae Rim – Samoeng Road. Attain a feeling of zen by walking through its lush pathways and flowing streams, calming your spirit and clearing your mind of any daily stresses.
Checked-in guests will find no problem with keeping themselves occupied with the numerous activities and services provided which includes: watercolor painting, thai cooking classes, thai massage, ATV tour, and a refreshing pool with an Aqua Pool Salt system- activities which energizes your body and mind.
O n s e n At M o n c h a m
This peaceful property is a cultural retreat where guests will find themselves at one with nature while experiencing a harmonious blend of Japanese Onsen Rituals and Northern Thai Culture. The resort retreat is located further past Mae Rim, halfway up the mountain going to Mon Jam Hilltribe community.
Guests can indulge in massages at the spa, and international cuisine is served at Onsen At Moncham, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This luxurious hotel also features a bar/lounge, a terrace and a garden.
Cool Downs Resort
Budget and family friendly, Cool Downs (Mae Rim) is one we just stayed at recently. It is a small boutique hotel just off route 1296 and in a perfect location to access all the attractions. The staff, pool, rooms, and breakfast were great. I highly recommend staying here.
The rooms are very nice with wonderfully remodeled bathrooms and a nice balcony. Try to get the second floor room. Nearby you can walk to the Ironwood Cafe which is an amazing cafe on a huge family owned property.
Panviman Spa Resort
Live is nature beyond the hilly area of Mae Rim. The ride may be far, but the destination is well worth the kilometers. Snuggled in the tropical forests, Panviman will leave visitors in awe of the sights that Chiang Mai has to offer. As you arrive, a chauffeur in a golf cart will assist you through the sloped resort.
Single day visitors can choose to relax in the spa room, pool area, or simply dine. The entrance fee to the spacious outdoor pool for non-hotel-staying guests is 250 baht. There are two floors in the pool area: on the bottom level sits one big pool, while the top floor contains another pool with a built in jacuzzi on the side.
The Best Resorts Southern Half Of The Loop
Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai
Along Hang Dong Route 1269 is a luxurious property located in the serene and picturesque area off the Samoeng Loop. It is on everyone’s best resorts in Chiang Mai list. The resort boasts a contemporary design with a touch of Thai charm, featuring lush tropical gardens and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
This resort is closer to downtown Chiang Mai, located in Hang Dong, but the entrance fee to the infinity pool is a bit pricier. Nevertheless, the views are still worth the price. At 500 baht, visitors will have access to the modern pool and choose a complimentary drink ranging from smoothies to cocktails to order for their stay.
The infinity pool is positioned on the roof terrace and overlooks Chiang Mai’s northern forests and valleys. With both shallow and deep ends, the pool area is family-friendly. Many tourists come by the resort just capture the views on their devices without being required to pay, but what’s the point of traveling all the way down there and leaving without taking a classic overlooking-the-infinity-pool photo right?
Belle Villa Resort
This pretty villa and its charming essence surely won’t disappoint visitors who stop by. At a pool entrance fee of only 100 baht, you can get a sweet taste of paradise for such a small price. If you are planning to check-in, there is a spa room available with a huge selection of spa treatments, a fitness center, as well as a restaurant and mini bar which sits on a large terrace by the pool.
And if you want to roam outside and do a little tourist trip, you can visit some elephants at the Patara Elephant Camp nearby the resort.
Lanna Resort
Not far from Veranda High Resort is one of these amazing places we discovered by accident. Just driving down the road we decided to stop for a coffee. Not realizing it was a bit of paradise in the middle of nowhere. Turns out there was one of the best hotels as well.
When you pull in to the resort, it opens up in this jungle valley with a large creek running through the property, and next to the restaurant and coffee shop. There are beautiful patios, and you can walk through the creek and relax on the rope swing. The hotel features beautiful suites.
Lanna Resort is also a great place to celebrate Loy Krathong/ Yi Peng Festival in November. Each year of the beautiful grounds they put on a spectacular event.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially Chiang Mai. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a cooking class to tours outside the city to places like Doi Inthanon National Park to see some incredible waterfalls.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
