Anantara Chiang Mai Resort expands its luxury cruise offering, with two boats and four different itineraries. Each departs daily from the resort’s private pier on the banks of the Mae Ping River
At Anantara Chiang Mai in Thailand, the Mae Ping River is very much part of the resort experience: morning yoga, breakfast under the bodhi trees, lazing by the pool, sunset cocktails on the rooftop – all take place overlooking the city’s ancient lifeline. Now, with the addition of its private pier, signature Anantara experiences extend to the river itself.
JAO Ping, meaning “king of the river”, offers daily cruises for both individuals and groups, guests and visitors. Its fleet consists of two hand-carved teak boats, the Nam Jai, a scorpion-tail for up to eight passengers, and the Nam Jit, a larger pontoon complete with a bar, dining area and dedicated facilities on board to host up to 24 seated passengers or 40 passengers on a private charter.
Nam Jai Cruises
As part of the Anantara brand promise to immerse its guests in the real destination, the JAO Ping morning cruise visits the nearby Wat Ket Karam, one of Chiang Mai’s oldest communities. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the unique neighbourhood of Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs living side by side, as well as make merit. They can then refuel at what was once the city’s best kept secret, but now is in the Michelin Thailand guide – the roadside Lung Kajohn with its delicious bite-sized dumplings.
The Nam Jai also drifts through the city at twilight, under iconic bridges, past small temples and into lush green. As the sky stills, the river glitters gold, and the banks come to life with thousands of lights, guests enjoy free-flow canapés and cocktails.
Nam Jit Cruises
The deck of Nam Jit is the setting for a regal tradition – daily afternoon tea. The signature Anantara experience takes classic English and adds a hint of the tropics, with every pastry, scone and cake seasonal, freshly baked and artfully presented. Guests may enjoy each bite paired with their choice of tea or coffee, or even sparkling wine.
The dinner cruise is a sumptuous affair, with four courses of royal Thai cuisine served by starlight. Free-flow drinks enhance the experience, with champagne toasts to a magical night. The boat’s bar is also manned by a mixologist shaking up signature crafted cocktails.
Pitak Norathepkitti, General Manager of the resort said, “Not only does a cruise along the Mae Ping allow our guests to go behind the scenes of daily Chiang Mai life, but with the added luxuries of fine dining and superior comfort, the experience promises to be most memorable, one that our guests can cherish long after they leave us.“
The JAO Ping River Cruise departs at 9.00 am, 2.30 pm, 5.00 pm and 6.00 pm daily, depending on weather conditions and advance reservation, from the resort’s Long Muan Pier.
As the capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom, Chiang Mai overflows with cultural discoveries, from traditional Buddhist temples and handicraft collectives to a decidedly contemporary art and cafe scene. Surrounding the city, adventure awaits, whether trekking through the mountains to elephant sanctuaries and hilltribe villages or soaring over them in a hot-air balloon.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort offers boutique contemporary luxury on the banks of the Mae Ping River, just five minutes from the Night Bazaar and 15 minutes from the airport. Eighty-four rooms and suites are located on the main grounds, with 26 serviced suites designed for long stays and families just across the road. The central 100-year-old heritage house, formerly the British consulate, plays host to elegant evenings of wining and dining. Leisure facilities include the award-winning Anantara Spa, a 34 m swimming pool by the river, and a fitness centre offering yoga, tai chi and muay Thai classes.
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