The Long Road Back to Chiang Mai
After spending several peaceful days in the mountain village of Ban Rak Thai, it was time to make the long journey back to Chiang Mai. The drive covered nearly six hours and took us through countless mountain curves before eventually giving way to wider highways and the familiar sights of northern Thailand’s largest city.
It was one of those travel days where you appreciate having a wonderful destination waiting at the end.
Arriving at Amanor Hotel Chiang Mai
That destination was Amanor Hotel Chiang Mai, a stylish luxury hotel that immediately felt like a reward after the demanding drive. From the elegant lobby to the warm welcome from the staff, everything about the hotel reflected the kind of service that makes you want to extend your stay.
After settling into our room, one feature immediately caught our attention—our own private outdoor soaking tub. Tucked away on a secluded terrace accessible only from our room, it offered a peaceful retreat where we could relax under the open sky after days of driving and sightseeing. Whether soaking in the afternoon or unwinding in the evening, it became one of our favorite parts of the stay.
Relaxing at the Rooftop Pool
Of course, no luxury hotel is complete without a great pool, and Amanor certainly delivered. We spent time at the Arise Rooftop Pool Lounge Bar, where the infinity-style pool and comfortable seating created the perfect place to unwind.
From the rooftop, we enjoyed sweeping views across Chiang Mai while sipping refreshing drinks and escaping the afternoon heat. It was easy to lose track of time lounging by the pool and simply appreciating the slower pace after several busy days on the road.
Dinner at Lumi
That evening, we decided to stay at the hotel for dinner and reserved a table at Lumi, Amanor’s Italian restaurant.
The meal exceeded our expectations. Every dish was beautifully presented, the service was attentive without being intrusive, and the elegant atmosphere made dinner feel like a special occasion. It was a welcome change of pace after enjoying so much wonderful Thai cuisine throughout our road trip. Sometimes a perfectly prepared Italian meal is exactly what you didn’t realize you were craving.
A Breakfast Worth Lingering Over
The following morning, breakfast quickly became another highlight of our stay. Amanor’s breakfast spread offered an impressive selection of both Western and Asian dishes, fresh fruit, pastries, made-to-order eggs, and excellent coffee. It was the kind of breakfast that encourages you to linger a little longer before heading out to explore the city.
Exploring Chiang Mai by Bicycle
One of the things we appreciated most about Amanor was that guests could borrow bicycles free of charge.
Instead of relying on taxis or ride-sharing services, we spent part of the day pedaling through the streets of Chiang Mai’s Old City. Exploring by bicycle allowed us to experience the city at a relaxed pace, discovering quiet side streets, neighborhood cafés, historic temples, and shaded lanes that are often missed when traveling by car.
Chiang Mai’s Sunday Night Market
As Sunday evening approached, we headed toward one of Chiang Mai’s biggest weekly events – the famous Sunday Night Market.
Stretching through the heart of the Old City, for one night every week, the market transforms the streets into a vibrant festival of food, music, shopping, and local craftsmanship. Hundreds of vendors line the streets selling everything from handmade souvenirs and artwork to clothing and locally produced goods.
The biggest challenge wasn’t deciding what to buy—it was deciding what to eat. Every few steps brought another tempting food stall offering grilled meats, fresh fruit smoothies, curries, desserts, seafood, and countless Thai specialties. The incredible variety is one of the reasons the Sunday Night Market has become one of Chiang Mai’s most popular attractions, and it’s easy to spend hours wandering through the endless rows of vendors.
Evening at Tha Phae Gate
After exploring much of the market, we made our way to Tha Phae Gate, one of Chiang Mai’s best-known landmarks and the historic eastern entrance to the old walled city. As evening settled in, the gate became a gathering place where visitors relaxed, musicians entertained the crowds, and the energy of the city came alive.
Rather than walking all the way back after such a full evening, we flagged down a tuk-tuk for the ride back to Amanor. Cruising through Chiang Mai’s lively streets with the cool evening air and the sounds of the city all around us was the perfect way to end another memorable day.
The Perfect Balance of Luxury and Exploration
Looking back, our stay at Amanor Hotel offered the perfect balance of luxury and exploration. We enjoyed outstanding dining, a rooftop pool, a private soaking tub, leisurely bike rides through the Old City, and one of Thailand’s best night markets—all without ever feeling rushed.
A Perfect Finale
After winding mountain roads, quiet lakeside villages, and days of adventure, Chiang Mai gave us the perfect finale. Amanor Hotel combined luxury, outstanding dining, and a fantastic location with easy access to the city’s best attractions, making it one of the most enjoyable stays of our northern Thailand road trip.
Backpack Benji’s Best Bets
- If you’re driving from Ban Rak Thai, allow most of the day for the journey. The mountain roads are beautiful but slow, with countless curves along the route.
- Cycling is one of the best ways to discover its hidden corners.
- Plan your visit around Sunday if possible. The Sunday Night Market is one of the best street markets in Thailand, with incredible food and shopping.
- Enjoy a tuk-tuk ride. It’s a fun, classic Chiang Mai experience.
Where I Stayed:
Amanor Hotel
Sometimes a great hotel isn’t simply a place to sleep. It becomes part of the destination itself, and Amanor was exactly that.