Chiang Mai's stylish hotels

Four luxury properties showcase Thai architecture and design. Landscaping includes terraced rice paddies and pools.

-Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi. 51/4 Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Road, 011-66-53-888-888, http://www.mandarinoriental.com, is an extraordinary theme park of a resort on 60 landscaped acres about 20 minutes east of town that re-creates a range of Thai architectural styles -- from gilded Buddhist temple to wooden rice barn. It has swimming pools, tennis courts, four restaurants, a cooking academy and spa. Doubles from $450.

-Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Mae Rim, 011-66-53-298-181, http://www.fourseasons.com, is a showcase for updated Lanna architecture, designed to suggest a village in the northern Thai foothills. Pavilion doubles start at $450.

-Rachamankha. 6 Rachamankha 9, 011-66-53-904-111, http:// www.rachamankha.com, is a small, stunningly designed hotel on the quiet, west side of old Chiang Mai. Its courtyard layout was based on the chapel of a famous Thai temple in Lampang province and the decor is an Oriental-minimalist blend. Doubles from $171.

-The Chedi Chiang Mai. 123 Charoen Prathet Road, T. Chang Klan, A. Muang, Chiang Mai; 011-66-53-253-333, http://www.ghmhotels.com, is a striking new hotel on the Ping River near the Night Market. Doubles from $295.

-- Susan Spano

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