Lanna Hill House is the ideal location to relax. The stunning scenery, climate and in house facilities are reason enough to stay at our house. However, we would encourage everyone to explore the local region. We have designed activities that will both benefit local people and prove very rewarding to our guests. This part of Thailand is an undiscovered gem, away from the maddening crowds and mass tourism. Our inside track journal provides reviews and recommendations for all that’s best to do and see in the Chiang Mai region. Once more, only as a guest of Lanna Hill House will you be able to experience all of these hidden gems. We want them to remain unspoiled, not to become honey traps for mass tourism. 1. Swimming The house is equipped with a 10m salt water swimming pool. A children’s pool is annexed to the main pool and also doubles as a Jacuzzi. The water is sourced from a spring that provides swimmers with a cool dip all year round. 2. Mountain Biking There are five mountain bikes available for guest use at no additional cost. The local area is a great place to discover by mountain bike. There are 4 local villages within 2km of the house, connected by quiet country lanes and small roads, nestled in picturesque countryside. Alternatively, there are more adventurous locations within a short drive of the house. Cycle route maps are provided by Lanna Hill House. For serious cyclists, the rental of more advanced mountain bikes can be arranged. 3. Bespoke Tailoring Chiang Mai boasts many fine tailors, capable of fashioning more or less anything you request at a comparable quality to anywhere else in the world - at a fraction of the price. The local village next to Lanna Hill House also hosts several dressmakers with experience in producing high quality garments (including for the ex-prime minister's wife). We stock a selection of fine locally made fabrics that guests can purchase. We strongly recommend that you bring your own cloth if you would like. We will assist with introductions and translations. 4. Dancing and Music shows Imagine being able to invite a local dance troupe with accompanying musicians to your own house, while you enjoy an evening meal. This can be arranged at Lanna Hill House at a very reasonable rate. Traditional Thai dance is a joy to watch and there are a number of groups in the locality that come and perform at our villa. Routines might include sword and fire dancing (depending on which group is available) as well as elegant traditional dance. Although the dancing is unshameably amateur, you are sure to enjoy this rare treat.

5. Local temple visits
Chiang Mai is blessed with hundreds of temples. However, the experience of visiting them can often be rather sterile. Huddled together with other tourists and a tour guide reading from a script, it can feel like tick list tourism. We offer guests the opportunity to visit local temples and engage in traditional Thai rituals such as offering food to the monks and to personally meet and talk with them. You are guaranteed not to see another tourist too!

6. Golf
Lanna Hill House is located immediately behind one of Asia’s top Golf courses, Chiang Mai Highlands. Recently voted the third best new course in Asia, it shares the same stunning scenery as our house. It also boasts a fine restaurant that is open to the public and will shortly open a spa. For golfers keen to secure a booking prior to their arrival we will be happy to accommodate this.

7. Driving and Guiding
There is no better way to experience the real Thailand than by car. The roads are very good and outside of the cities they tend to be quiet. We can arrange for car hire and would recommend 4WD for those wishing to explore the national parks. We can also arrange for your own driver and English speaking guide if you would prefer. We stock good maps for those wishing to self drive. For those that would like to hire a private guide for a week or more, we ask you to book in advance. For day trips, we can arrange for guides after your arrival.

8. Nature trails and volunteer work
Lanna Hill House is fortunate to be located a mere 20 minutes from perhaps the best private nature trail in Thailand. Pang Soong Lodge is the base for a 4km nature trail with over 17 waterfalls on its route. It also hosts volunteers who wish to work with local villagers helping to maintain the trail, teach English and assist with tree planting. This can be arranged for guests wishing to have a rewarding hands on experience.

9. Other activities
We would encourage our guests to cook with our staff, if they so wish. Alternatively we can arrange for Thai cookery lessons in-house. There are also opportunities for private meditation classes and to secure private audiences with some of Chiang Mai’s top professors. For example, Lanna Hill House is a perfect location for astronomy and we can arrange (depending on availability) for a professor to come and practice in-house one evening. Within a 25 minute drive of our villa, there is a small airfield www.nokaviation.com which offers flying lessons, scenic flights and even the opportunity to go gliding. Run by expatriates, they offer very good value and an excellent way to see more of  beautiful northern Thailand.

10. Gateway to the undiscovered eastern hills
Chiang Mai is located on the western side of the Ping River valley. 35km east of Chiang Mai are the eastern mountains. Although largely untouched by development, the area still boasts a treasure chest of locations and experiences that will appeal to discerning travellers (See our map). There are two national parks, Mae Takrai being right on the door step and Chai Son on the other side of the mountains. They are both perfect to explore either with your own rental car or with a car and driver (we can arrange for car rental and a driver in advance). There are hidden villages where we can arrange for local people to prepare traditional meals, countless waterfalls, hot springs and nature trails. There are many perfect spots for picnics. According to officials the parks still support a tiger population. So watch what’s in your sandwiches!