Golf & Spa
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 and recognised as the third best course in Thailand, it shares the same stunning scenery as our house. It also boasts a fine restaurant and excellent Spa that are both open to the public. For golfers keen to secure a tee time prior to their arrival we will be happy to arrange this.
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 and have a number of private tours exclusively for our guests
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.
Other activities
We would encourage our guests to cook with our staff, if they so wish. Alternatively we can arrange for Thai cookery lessons at the house or in town. 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.
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.
The magical village of Mae Kampong at 1300m feels more Tibetan than Thai. A mere 25 minute drive away, the village now boasts a high wire jungle tour which has become one of the most prestigious tourist attractions in Thailand, as well as forest walks, fresh coffee and even traditional Thai massage. Even closer to Lanna Hill House is Muang Cave, Sankampaeng Hot Springs and for those interested in rock climbing, there is Crazy Horse buttress.
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