Chiang Rai, Thailand – Nestled on the banks of the Kok River, an area that was once home to an old family’s Thai merchant house in Chiang Rai, has been transformed into Kahavadi Chiang Rai, Curio Collection by Hilton. Marking Hilton’s grand debut in Northern Thailand, the property officially invites everyone to experience a new dimension of Chiang Rai under the concept of “Beyond the Frame.” This opening not only elevates the region’s hospitality landscape but also signals Chaing Rai’s readiness to emerge as a premier global destination for luxury travelers. Inspired by the story of a historic riverside Lanna merchant house, the design transforms its rich heritage into contemporary architecture, weaving local craftsmanship and traditional artistry into every detail. This is delivered under the world-class service standards of Hilton and Curio Collection by Hilton, globally renowned for celebrating local distinctiveness to curate incomparable guest experiences.
Ms. Alexandra Murray, area vice president and head of South East Asia, Hilton, said: “Beyond Hilton’s continued growth in Thailand and Southeast Asia, selecting Chiang Rai as the home for Curio Collection by Hilton aligns perfectly with the current trajectory of the global travel industry, which increasingly seeks meaningful experiences deeply rooted in the authentic narrative of the locality.” Research by Oxford Economics indicates that over 72% of travelers choose to spend on local activities rather than traditional sightseeing. This trend is particularly pronounced among Millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize purpose-driven journeys, distinctive experiences, and tangible local cultures. Consequently, secondary cities that were once overlooked are increasingly becoming focal points for global hospitality brands. Kahavadi Chiang Rai is perfectly positioned to capture this market opportunity. Ms. Terryn Schlenther, General Manager of Kahavadi Chiang Rai, Curio Collection by Hilton, added: “We have received an overwhelmingly positive response since our soft opening on 1 July. We have already welcomed over 2,000 guests, and our rooms are fully booked almost every weekend. This clearly demonstrates the strong demand for an upper-upscale lifestyle hotel in Chiang Rai. We are excited to welcome even more travelers from around the world and look forward to sharing authentic experiences that connect our guests with the rich stories, history, and culture of Chiang Rai.”
Behind the successful transformation of the story of a historic riverside “Lanna Merchant House” into a luxury lifestyle resort is the creative vision of P49 Deesign, a leading Thai architectural and design studio. The design seamlessly weaves Lanna wisdom and craftsmanship into every detail from the traditional wooden structures and thoughtfully planned spaces that embrace the surrounding landscape and the Kok River, to the curation of local materials and traditional handicrafts. The resort features 167 guest rooms, where visitors can awaken to the morning light shimmering over the Kok River, immersed in an atmosphere that evokes the feeling of returning to the cherished home of Lanna merchant family. Ms. Aungkana Jitsakul, Project director for the owners of Kahavadi Chiang Rai, Curio Collection by Hilton, believes this launch signifies much more than just a new hotel opening: “Kahavadi Chiang Rai is an opportunity to contribute to the local economy from creating employment opportunities for the community to collaborating with local artisans and artists. It elevates and provides a platform for Lanna art and craftsmanship to shine before a global audience. Furthermore, we hope that partnering with a world-class hospitality brand like Hilton will play a pivotal role in elevating Chiang Rai’s rich beauty onto the international stage.”
At Kahavadi Chiang Rai, culinary excellence serves as the primary gateway to the local lifestyles and culture. This vision is brought to life through the dining experiences offered at the hotel’s three distinct dining venues: Larderley, a dining international restaurant inspired by the cultural tradition of sharing meals through “Pinto” (tiffin boxes); Tasabiang, a riverside restaurant offering authentic Northern Thai cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients and time-honored heritage recipes; and The Ledger, the hotel’s signature bar, which draws inspiration form the books of Lanna merchants, presenting a cocktail menu inspired by the journeys of flavors, ingredients, and the cultural exchanges that have shaped the region over centuries. Beyond dining, guests can also indulge in eforea Spa, featuring the traditional Lanna “Tok Sen” therapy—a time-honored technique passed down through generations to relieve muscle tension. Wellness activities include morning yoga and sound healing sessions by the river, as well as Lanna cooking classes that offer a Market-to-Table experience using ingredients from the resort’s organic kitchen garden and local markets. Hotel located just 10 minutes from Chaing Rai city center, serving as a seamless gateway connecting guests to key surrounding attractions. This includes Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple), Doi Mae Salong tea plantations, Phu Chi Fa, and the Golden Triangle. This prime location ensures that every stay at Kahavadi offers a profound immersion into the Chiang Rai way of life, fulfilling diverse travel desires in a single journey. “Beyond providing an exceptional stay, our vision for Kahavadi Chiang Rai is to become a bridge that connects travelers with the authentic spirit of Chiang Rai as it is known by the local community. From its cuisine and traditional craftsmanship to its historic riverside lifestyle, all while relaxing under Hilton’s world-class service standards,” concluded Ms. Terryn Schlenther, General Manager.
Kahavadi Chiang Rai, Curio Collection by Hilton is located at 6 Moo 4, Rim Kok Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province. For reservations or more information, please visit the resort’s official website at www.kahavadichiangrai.com, contact via Hilton’s official channel, or call 053-798-555.
