Lanna Mantra, Chiang Mai

Lanna Mantra hotel is on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. With 30 large rooms spread across four two-storey buildings, the resort is peaceful, charming and exceptional value.

The rooms are split into several categories depending on the size and location; those with river view are slightly more than those overlooking the water garden. Each room has somewhat different decoration with a Lanna theme and is equipped to a very high standard, with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies. Spacious four-person rooms make the Lanna Mantra ideal for families.

The Lanna Mantra has an excellent swimming pool overlooking the Ping River, which meanders into Chiang Mai. The hotel offers a selection of boat trips to nearby villages as well as rides into town. Other facilities include a small fitness centre, Thai massage and a great restaurant in a large thatched building.

The hotel is a twenty-minute drive from Chiang Mai centre, and there is a shuttle service to ferry guests between the town and the hotel. Taxis are inexpensive and easy to organise at any time of day.

The peaceful atmosphere is perhaps the hotel's main selling point, along with the value of the rooms and the excellent service. It's a laid back and relaxing place to stay, and many travellers will prefer to stay outside the city.