Chiang Mai Wine and Rejuvenation Trip

Chiang Mai is in the heart of an area once known as the Lanna Kingdom, meaning the land of a million rice fields. While its vibrant blend of cultures gives the area a distinctive charm, the landscape is still covered with vivid green rice fields. Chiang Mai is often fondly called the Rose of the North for its beauty and spirit.

The place invariably finds itself at the top of travel magazines’ international surveys, and is no longer the sleepy northern Thai village it was a few decades ago. Although the city still retains its cultural charm, it has developed into a modern, fully-developed destination in its own right, complete with many excellent hospitals and treatment facilities, resorts, spas, wellness centers, alternative healing retreats with a distinctively northern Thai flavor.

Medical tourists are increasingly choosing Chiang Mai as their destination of choice for all types of procedures and treatments, including medical, dental, and cosmetic procedures. Aside from the pre and post-treatment tourism options, the costs are generally lower, the weather is milder, and the overall stress factor is ratcheted down a few notches, perfect for rest and recovery.

Just outside of Chiang Mai city lies a lovely little place nestled in the mountains, Mae Rim and beyond. Only a 30-40 minute motorbike ride away into a breathtaking jungle will cool you down from the heat of Chiang Mai city.

First you arrive in Mae Rim, but then you venture up the mountain beyond the typical touristy traps and resorts into the true taste of Thailand you have been looking for. There are more tucked away resorts and guest houses than you can imagine. You don’t need a reservation and I encourage you to check at least two or more places.

Pongyang Angdoi was exactly what we were looking for. Set on the river and facing a wonderful waterfall. It is a bit aged, but classic in its typical Lanna style construction with rooms spread out perfectly across the property.

Lovely people to greet you and a well deserved afternoon drink next to the waterfall. Nice choice of food for dinner and even an international wine selection to chose from. I suggest you try the local Thai wine. Relax and sleep well to the river flowing through the resort. Don’t forget to wander around the property and see the gardens.

On the Mae Sae Loop, this is on the same way to the attractions Tiger Kingdom, Botanical Gardens, Maesa elephant camp, orchid farms and strawberry farms.

The restaurant is positioned with on high grounds with clear view of the waterfall so the climate is a little cold. The food is plentiful and cheap but very presentable for having guests. Most of the greens are planted in the grounds of this resort.

If it is the noise, pollution and hustle and bustle of the city centre that attracts you, then Pongyang Angdoi is probably not the resort for you. The place is a relaxing, boutique, garden resort situated in the beautiful and tranquil Mae Rim Valley, a 30 minute drive from Chiang Mai International Airport and in the centre of the wide range of Chiang Mai’s attractions.

The Spa at Pongyang Angdoi is truly beautiful, set in a tranquil location with views of the mountains and surrounded by resort nature gardens. It features spacious rooms with wood carvings and antique furniture in a fresh Thai style. The spa signature features the magnificent mineral or aromatic bath experience, in a huge round Jacuzzi sunken bath.