Last Updated on March 27, 2025

A contemporary hotel escape in the heart of Chiang Mai’s historic district

For travellers seeking luxury and sophistication in the bustling heart of Chiang Mai, look no further than InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping, an IHG Hotel nestled in Northern Thailand’s enchanting cityscape. This luxurious 5-star Hotel, formerly the Imperial Mae Ping, opened in November 2023. Having welcomed generations of travellers over its 30-year history, it stands as a beacon of contemporary escape, seamlessly weaving together the threads of tradition and modernity to craft a guest experience suffused with elegance. Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes that define Chiang Mai, InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping offers a unique juxtaposition of urban connectivity and natural serenity.

Location is everything in a big city, InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping is located on a leafy street in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Historic District, offering stunning views of Doi Suthep mountain and sitting adjacent to Wat Chang Kong temple, which was crafted by the local gong community over 600 years ago.

Nearby you can discover the vibrant Warorot Market, Walking Streets, the bustling Night Bazaar, the iconic 13th-century Tha-Pae Gate, and the Old Town, just a short stroll away.

The city is known for its arts and crafts, coffee, and temples, we spent hours losing ourselves in the maze of alleys, exploring sacred temples, discovering local eateries, artisan workshops, and galleries and pausing for coffee breaks.

The most convenient and fastest way to travel to Chiang Mai is by air, with direct flights from major cities in Thailand and international destinations. It’s a 70-minute direct flight from Bangkok. Alternatively, for a scenic and adventurous journey, the train offers a leisurely option from Bangkok, allowing travellers to soak in the countryside views along the way.

The hotel is just a 10-minute drive from Chiang Mai Airport, and they can arrange transfers. We were picked up by our charming driver Sak in a Mercedes four-by-four and seamlessly driven to the hotel, where we were greeted with customary Thai warmth and decorum and invited to bang the gong once for good luck, a lovely start to our stay.

About InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping

Entering the grand lobby of the hotel with its dramatic high ceilings, there’s an immediate wow factor and an air of sophistication. Crafted with unwavering dedication, the hotel captures the essence of Chiang Mai’s rich artistic heritage and storied past, with every meticulous detail thoughtfully infused by the design team at PIA Interior Company Limited to honour and reflect the vibrant Lanna culture and its Burmese influences.

Throughout the space, stunning black lacquered wood furniture and exquisite pottery catch the eye, a scrupulous touch is evident in every small detail, from thematic design elements to the strategic use of natural materials, which provide an intriguing texture to the overall ambience.

Since its opening, the hotel has quickly become a hive of activity, drawing in a discerning clientele. Yet, while the initial buzz is palpable, the ambitious vision for the establishment is still taking shape, with a new area under construction to house a distinct club lounge, pool, and spa area with additional rooms and villas reserved exclusively for Club International guests. Here, luxury will reach new heights, allowing guests to immerse themselves in an elevated realm of elegance and sophistication.

Accommodation at the Hotel

InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping has 240 stately rooms and suites offering views of either the old town or the misty slopes of Doi Suthep mountain. Room options include Classic, Premium, and Suite categories. During our stay, we enjoyed the comfort of a Twin Premium Room on the 17th floor, which granted us access to Club Intercontinental benefits, these include a range of privileges, including all-day access to soft drinks and snacks, indulgent afternoon tea, and a nightly cocktail hour from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Kam Lobby Lounge, among other offerings.

Our room was meticulously designed, blending modern luxury with local craftsmanship. Decorated in soothing shades of grey and gold, it featured textural accents inspired by the region’s arts and crafts. The spacious twin beds were adorned with high-quality linen, complemented by dark hardwood furnishings, a graphic rug, a plush sofa, two chairs and a coffee table with a delightful assortment of treats. The two large windows gave us enchanting views of Chiang Mai.

The plunge bath and shower room, embellished with stone and marble, boasted stylish black and white tiles and provided a range of aromatic bath products and convenient travel accessories. Essential amenities such as luxurious bathrobes, a secure safe, a hairdryer, an ironing board, TV, Wi-Fi, international plug sockets, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a well-stocked minibar ensured a comfortable and convenient stay.

Dining at InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping

The Gad Lanna, situated on the ground floor, is the hotel’s main restaurant. It has a traditional market feel, serving seasonal food made with organic ingredients sourced from the Royal Projects and local farms. It opens onto the expansive terrace and lawn with scenic views of Wat Chang Kong temple and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Here they specialise in northern Thai dishes, I enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Denwers, featuring several of his signature dishes providing a great introduction to the region’s food. My favourites – are the Pomelo Salad, which features an Asian fruit reminiscent of a milder and sweeter version of a grapefruit, a rich and creamy lamb shank Southern Style Yellow Curry and a traditional Thai dessert, sweet and scrumptious Mango Sticky Rice.

Breakfast is a feast for the eyes, offering an array of tempting choices including fresh fruits and juices, Asian and Western dishes, cool buffet food and cooking stations. I acquired a bit of a taste for Kanom Krok, moreish bite-sized sweet and savoury Thai coconut rice pancakes, which are among the most popular street foods in Thailand.

The Kam Lobby Lounge provides a serene retreat overlooking the hotel’s main pool, offering light meals and freshly brewed coffee and organic Monsoon Tea sourced from the verdant mountains of Northern Thailand. From March they’ll be serving a Mango Melange Afternoon Tea.

By night it transforms into a jazz lounge with live music, where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails. One evening before dinner I experienced a personal cocktail-making class with the head barman and mixologist, I now have the skills to knock up a fine Wiangping and a Rum Lantern!

During my recent visit, they were just about to open Hong’s Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar on the 16th floor, this establishment promises to tantalise taste buds with a fusion of fiery Sichuan, Cantonese, and Taiwanese dishes. Notably, the signature Teresa Teng tea ceremony pays homage to the legendary Taiwanese singer, who graced the hotel as a regular guest in times past.

Facilities At the Hotel

The service at the hotel is exceptional, with every staff member – from the lobby to the restaurant, bar, and room service – adding a personal touch and providing impeccable hospitality. The knowledgeable concierge went above and beyond, not only providing invaluable assistance but also personally guiding us to the night market and offering insightful tips on must-see attractions in the city.

The outdoor pool is an elegant retreat, furnished with chic black and white wicker chairs, sun loungers, and cabanas, all shaded by airy white sunshades. The bar, nestled beneath a weeping Banyan Tree and surrounded by palm trees, offers a refreshing escape. We spent as much time here as possible, first swimming my morning lengths, then later, just lazing, soaking up its tranquil vibes. There is also a separate children’s pool from where we could hear yelps of joy.

The ii Spa – here, we immersed ourselves in a haven of relaxation indulging in a luxurious 120-minute full-body Thai massage accompanied by an additional foot massage, expertly administered by our lovely skilled masseurs. What a treat! Our journey began with fragrant hot tea and refreshing cool face towels, and then a soothing foot bath in warm water, infused with a gentle salt scrub and delicate rose petals—the perfect antidote after a long flight. The Spa offers a diverse array of treatments tailored to meet individual needs. For fitness fans, there’s a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness centre.

There are many beautifully designed function spaces at the hotel with options ranging from the grand ballroom to a secluded central lawn set within the temple grounds, which is also used for the local community and guests to see rotating art exhibitions and music events.

Summary

This striking Chiang Mai hotel pays exceptional attention to detail, harmoniously merging modern comforts with timeless tranquillity. Whether exploring the city’s cultural riches or seeking relaxation in its serene surroundings, it’s an ideal place to stay in the heart of the city for solo travellers, business guests, friends, couples, and families alike. I would love to return on my next visit to Thailand (and there will be one!) and to see the exciting new developments.

153 Sridonchai Rd, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping