Four Seasons Chiang Mai 2023 - Family Review

Four Seasons Chiang Mai felt like stepping into a chapter from the Jungle Book—except, instead of Bagheera the panther, we were welcomed by three water buffaloes who call the property home. Surrounded by lush, verdant landscapes that seemed straight out of a storybook, it quickly became the perfect escape after our move to Singapore. This hidden gem is a top recommendation for families seeking a unique holiday in Thailand, away from the usual tourist hotspots.

Fun times as a family - getting to wash the water buffalo after rolling in the mud

Name: Four Seasons Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Address: 502 MOO 1, MAE RIM, OLD ROAD, Samoeng District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand

Accommodates: We stayed at their Pavillion

Type: Pavillion

Minimum stay: None but we recommend minimum 3 nights.

Best for: Large families, groups of friends, couples who need a getaway far from the hustle and bustle and into the serene

Kids activities: They have their own kids club called La’On which was great for our kids during our stay. They offer activities and plenty of toys, including Nintendo for older kids.

Visited: 2024

If you’re planning a family getaway to Thailand, the Four Seasons Chiang Mai offers an unforgettable experience nestled in the serene Mae Rim Valley of Northern Thailand. This luxury retreat invites families to slow down, immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, and explore local traditions in a stunning, verdant landscape. With lush rice fields, towering mountains, and a commitment to cultural immersion, it’s an ideal destination for families seeking both relaxation and adventure.

The Room

The Four Seasons Chiang Mai provides spacious accommodations that cater perfectly to families. The pavilions, with their expansive layouts and charming Thai-inspired design, are perfect for couples or small families. The resort also offers private residences ranging from one to four bedrooms, complete with their own pool, dedicated butler service, and breathtaking natural vistas. The secluded location offers privacy while still allowing you to be immersed in the stunning surroundings. For our family, the experience of waking up to panoramic views of the rice paddies, watching local farmers and water buffaloes at work, was simply magical.

Our Room overlooking the rice paddies below.

The team prepared a lovingly put-together welcome platter full of local delights. I’ve always lived sticky rice and mango, so that was a real treat!

Sharing a moment with our daughter outside our Pavillion

The Pavillion during the early evening - so beautiful.

Admiring the lush landscapes of Four Seasons Chiang Mai

Activities

The Four Seasons Chiang Mai is designed with families in mind, offering an abundance of activities that everyone will enjoy. For younger guests, the La-On Kids Club is a fantastic space with daily cultural activities. Here, children can learn about traditional Thai crafts, participate in interactive workshops, and enjoy fun experiences like making local art or even helping with the daily care of the resident water buffaloes. The Kids Club is a great place for parents to drop off their children for a few hours of play while they enjoy some quiet time at the spa or a meal.

Parents will also appreciate the resort's Wara Cheewa Spa, where families can unwind together. We indulged in the Rose of the North – Kularb Lanna Ritual, a 90-minute treatment that incorporated soothing rose-scented scrubs and a relaxing massage using locally made shea butter candles. It was the perfect way to start our day, fully relaxed and ready to explore the resort's offerings.

The La-On kids club with many wooden toys, which we loved

Our son was thrilled to know that the kids club also had nintendo

Dining

Dining at Four Seasons Chiang Mai is a highlight, blending the flavors of northern Thai cuisine with international influences. For breakfast, KHAO serves an exceptional spread of local dishes and fresh tropical fruits with stunning views over the rice paddies. Our kids loved the traditional Thai dishes on offer, while we indulged in a selection of regional delicacies.

For a truly memorable dinner, North offers a farm-to-table experience with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. For families with a taste for adventure, KHAO is also where you can savor traditional street food dishes that you won’t easily find elsewhere, like authentic northern-style curries and spicy papaya salad.

Experiences

One of the highlights of our stay was participating in the Chaan Baan cultural experiences. These hands-on activities allowed us to connect with the local culture in a fun and meaningful way. We especially loved bathing the resort’s friendly water buffaloes—an experience that delighted our kids and gave us a chance to connect with the animals. For a more creative experience, we tried our hand at natural dyeing using indigo, learning the art of binding and stitching fabric to create intricate patterns.

The resort offers other cultural activities, such as exploring ancient tools for rice cultivation and participating in a pottery class. Kids will enjoy helping local farmers plant rice shoots or getting their hands dirty in the herb and vegetable garden.

The beautiful Chaan Baan - where arts and local craft activities are held

Our son. learning the process of tie dying

Ladies at the Chaan Baan grill bananas and sweet potatoes for guests to snack on - we discovered that Thai bananas have such a distinct flavour that’s unlike your usual bananas. We kept coming back for more.

Meanwhile, I was shown the hotel’s herb garden and picked a couple of various spices and herbs to use for my cooking class

A few of the delightful locally grown herbs - each so fragrant.

Have you ever heard of Hot Basil? It has a fragrant smell to it and more pungent then your typical basil leaves.

Beginning my authentic Thai private cooking class together with the hotel’s Head Chef

I had the opportunity to cook an entire meal including a starter, main and dessert. I was given the full recipe during my session and another copy to take home with me.

Greeting one of the three water buffalos

Our final thoughts

The Four Seasons Chiang Mai will always hold a special place in our hearts. It's an underrated gem that truly deserves more recognition. Tucked away in a stunning corner of Northern Thailand, this property exudes a unique charm that can't quite be captured in photos—it has to be experienced in person. From the lush landscapes to the serene ambiance, every corner of the resort offers something magical.

I highly recommend this retreat not just for families, but also for couples seeking a peaceful escape or a romantic setting for a special celebration. With its private and secluded atmosphere, the Four Seasons Chiang Mai is the perfect getaway for a rejuvenating 3-night stay.