Baan Thip Chang

Baan Thip Chang is a private estate of traditional Thai teak houses on the banks of the Ping River in Hang Dong, on the south-western side of Chiang Mai. Ancient trees shade the gardens, koi ponds and stone sculptures line the chequered paths between the pavilions, and a river terrace looks out over the water. With six king bedrooms for up to twelve guests, it is a superb choice for large families and groups of friends who want room to spread out in a setting full of Thai craftsmanship.

The thirteen-metre pool, deep enough for proper laps, is the centrepiece of the garden, with a timber deck lined with sun chairs and rattan beds and colourful parasols overhead. Around it are shaded salas for an afternoon nap, a massage pavilion for treatments by the water, and an alfresco dining terrace that comes into its own as the garden lights glow at dusk. Wide lawns give children plenty of space to run about while the grown-ups relax.

The houses are a showcase of carved teak, with solid wood ceilings and floors, chandeliers, wall tapestries and Thai artwork, and three separate living rooms with deep sofas to sink into. A formal dining room seats ten to twelve around one long table beneath shelves of books, and the guest kitchen is fully equipped for anyone who likes to cook, though a chef can be arranged on request. The six air-conditioned bedrooms all have en-suite bathrooms, several with four-poster beds and their own lounges, one with an extra-large custom bed, and the sixth sits in its own pavilion beside the pool. Five staff look after the house, and an air-conditioned gym pavilion completes the picture.