Ruang Tawan Hideaway

We stayed in the blue room, which was really comfy, with great wall art painted by a local artist. Ask about the paintings, there's an interesting story behind them. The friendly staff and all the adorable dogs make the place feel relaxing and homely. You can arrange massages and day trips at reception. We took a day trip to an elephant sanctuary and loved it. Nearby, Secret Cafe is worth a visit for the Curry Noodles and delicious cakes.

The setting is peaceful, with a nice pool and a beautiful garden. The interior design is lovely, and everything feels thoughtfully done, though it isn't especially luxurious. The owners and staff were very friendly. It's about 100 Bath by Uber to the center, and I'd recommend it if you're after a place with a special atmosphere and beautiful interior.

Just know what you're booking. In relative terms, I'd give it five stars. Ruang Tawan Hideway is a lovely escape after time in Chiang Mai's old city, or a useful starting point for places outside CM. The city center feels much too loud and busy for such a small city. We used both official taxis and (illegal) Uber rides to get there and back, and the country setting felt like a fair trade-off for being a reasonable distance from the center. We liked strolling the grounds and using the pool. The hosts were warm and hospitable, one of English decent. The rooms were clean and functional. I don't think we had AC, but there were fans and a nice cross-breeze. The weather was mild even in March, which is usually hot. There were dogs, roosters and other animals nearby, though they mostly kept to themselves.

The pool is great, whether you're playing with the kids or swimming laps. The landscaping gives the place a jungle oasis feel, and the atmosphere has a lovely cozy, personal charm. Definitely recommend!