Maerim Hostel

The room had a kitchenette, but there was no dish soap or sponge, and no food room service. They also don’t provide toothbrushes or toothpaste. There wasn’t much for kids, and staff didn’t tell us much about the area, including where to walk or that there was a farm on site. In the morning, either another guest or the cleaning crew played bass-heavy music loudly, which was unpleasant and unsettling. The pool was nice, though not especially clean. It’s an older hotel, and the two-bedroom place was lovely and worked well for our family. Rain kept us from using the balcony. At check-in the room hadn’t been cleaned well: moving the sofa revealed dust and trash. They came back for a quick clean, but dust remained.

There’s plenty to wander around, with meditation spots, a temple, animals, and lots of space to enjoy. It’s a huge, beautiful place for getting away from crowds and relaxing. The staff are friendly and ready to help with anything. Some small details in the rooms may not be spotless every time, but the beds and toilets were clean. I’d absolutely recommend it.

The mountain huts are lovely and have what you need for a comfortable stay. The gardens, pool, and neighboring farm are a real treat. Service was top class, and the whole place has a relaxed feel. A beautiful spot to stay.

The restaurant serves fresh, affordable, very authentic food, Aroi Mak. There’s also an animal farm with horses, rabbits, water buffaloes, and more, plus an infinity pool, covered parking, fountains, and lotuses. From the temple and restaurant level, the mountain views and morning fog are breathtaking. The resort spreads across hills and valleys, with a feeling of safety and serenity. It has a temple, themed Egyptian pyramids, a Zen garden, streams, waterfalls, lakes, and plenty more to find. I’d visited Mae RIM many times before I discovered Jirung, and I fell in love. First I stayed in a real bamboo hut for a local experience, with modern amenities and a clean room, then I moved to the luxurious Water villa. Both are surrounded by trees and birdsong. From the Water villa by the waterfall, I even heard what sounded like roaring tigers from neighboring Tiger Kingdom. So wild. They have villas themed around Water, Earth, Fire, and Wind. There’s lots to see in the area, but I decided to enjoy the place itself. It’s a magical forest in the mountains, about a 30-minute drive from Chiang Mai Old Town, designed for rejuvenation, retreats, spiritual fulfillment, joy, walking, and meditation. The people working there are so kind, with dedicated, smiling service and real comfort. Fairy and Spiritual Land! The place left me happy and refreshed, and I find the harmony of the designed and wild nature with the resort’s food, service, help, and comfort priceless. For me, it’s better than most five-star resorts.