Village people

Tai-Lue architecture. Nationphoto/Ekkarat Sukpetch

An easy walk from Chiang Mai's bustling night bazaar along Sridonchai Road, Yaang Come Village has been earning rave reviews from tourists for its serenity, simplicity and convenience. The boutique hotel combines with traditional warmth of rural Lanna with an exotic atmosphere and a charming TaiLue décor.

The resort is the brainchild of Chiang Mai born Chitapong Kuawong, who fell in love with TaiLue architecture while travelling in China a few years back. On his return home, Chitapong got to work, transforming the swampy land that his family owned into the fourstar Yaang Come Village.

Opened in 2005, the fourrai resort is modelled on Yang Kham village in southern Yunnan, which is home to hundreds of TaiLue families. And just like in the village, visitors to the resort hotel are greeted by friendly folk in traditional TaiLue dress though in the kham muang dialect heard all over Lanna.

"My hotel is a time machine that will take you back to the old days. My staff are your friends; they will take care of you as if you were at home," says Chitapong.

TaiLue culture is represented throughout the village - from the colourful stupalike ponds to the red brick buildings with gables adorned with eyecatching sculpted peacocks.

Bamboo shades the roofs and walls boast a collection of Lannastyle paintings depicting to lifestyles of the TaiLue. Even the redgold lobby is inspired by a rural temple in Yunnan and furnished with curvy wooden furniture and comfy pillows in vibrant hues. A long table is stacked with computers with free Internet, plus assorted magazines and newspapers.

The tropical gardens are green and shady and in 2006, Yaang Come walked off with the Big Tree and Green Area Awards from Chiang Mai Municipality.

And while the influences are Thai Lue, the name is Lanna - "yaang: comes from the 40yearold towering Indian rubber tree in the middle of courtyard, while "come" is a propitious word referring to wealth and happiness.

There are 40 luxury rooms, ranging from Superior to Deluxe and Family room to Junior Suite. Every room has a TaiLue style terrace with plain concrete benches adorned with red cushions. Families will enjoy the swimming pool and Jacuzzi, plus library corner. The Lanna Come spa provides a variety of treatments and Thai massage.

We stay overnight in a spacious twin bed Superior room that's beautifully furnished and equipped with all the standard appliances like LCD television, DVD player and refrigerator.

The bathroom is large and in keeping with current trends, the shower may be a little too transparent for some tastes.

Free wireless Internet is offered but we're unable to take advantage, as our computer battery has run low and we can't find a spare electric outlet into which to plug the charger. We decide to sleep instead.

Breakfast is served at the international restaurant and is more than adequate, featuring both local and western buffet items.

AT A GLANCE

High point: Shady and peaceful with a sylvan garden. 

Low point: There are too few plugs in the room.    

Find it: 90/3 on Sridonchai Road, 100 metres from the night bazaar.   

Pay for it: Until October 30, a Superior room is Bt4,800, Deluxe room costs Bt5,800, Family room is priced at Bt7,800 and Junior Suite at Bt9,800.

Phone it: (053) 237 222; email info@yaangcome.com

Browse it: www.YaangCome.com,