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’Home’ is one of the first memories of warmth and security in one’s life. ’Home’ is our nurturing place since childhood and it is the place that understands us the most.
With the image of a beloved home in mind, the trip to Chiangdao in Chiang Mai province provoked many images and stories that warmed me during the cold weather.
As we turned into our destination, the wide fields stands to the left of us while to the right is the magnificent Chiangdao Luang mountain, so beautiful that we could hardly avert our gaze. The homestead belongs to the Chutiwat family - a retired couple. Paa Sriputra and Loong Suwit lives the life that many can only dream of - to live in a secluded farm in the country after retirement. The couple is a native of Chiang Mai province and had bought the land they are currently living in since the time that the cost of land was merely a few hundred baths per rai. In their orchard they grow mangoes, rambutans, lychee, tuptimchan rose apples, oranges and limes.
Not so long ago, Loong Suwat built a small and adorable cottage in his land and that is the beginning of the Rai Yang Ton resort with Paa Sriputra being the resort’s keeper.
Each day, Loong Suwat drives his jeep to work in the field while Paa Sriputra busies herself in the garden, welcome guests and runs her country-styled restaurant cooking up delicious meals, making jams and preserved fruits.
The cottages, near the Mae Ga ravine, ranges from small ones to larger ones and each one with their own different decorations. Only the toilets are the same unique style. The open roof, local brick wall, sand stone floor scattered with pebbles and the clay watch basin is Loong Suwat’s very own design.
The interior is modest with the walls decorated with bamboo mat alternating with battered bamboo bark making the room look clean and comfortable. The furniture is all antique giving the visitor a very warm feeling.
What "Pae Daeng" likes the most is the two small cottages that is being economically built. Looking at it, one gets the feeling that it should turn out very pretty and comfortable.
Already in the beautiful fields of Loong Suwat and Paa Sriputra, it would be a pity to be cooped up all day in the cottage without experiencing the country’s pleasing atmosphere. Sitting outside the cottage gazing at the Luang Chiang Dao mountain is a pleasant way to pass the time. Paa Sriputra usually asks us to join her for a walk and it is especially pleasant when the fruits are ripe and ready for picking.
Before we left, Paa Sriputra picked oranges for us to be eaten on the way back home. She even put in her famous mango jam and lychee jam. As our car sped on, we could see her waving continually at us until we were out of sight.
After Rai Yang Tone, we move on to another equally interesting resort called Chiang Dao Nest 1. It is the love nest of Mrs. Kamolwan Lomchaovakarn and Mr. Stuart Cavaliro with their 4 year old son, Joseph Athikorn Cavaliro being the official owner.
"We bought this land as present for our son on his first birthday," claimed Mrs. Kamolwan who graduated as a chef from Norwich University, England. So it is no question that French food here is superb.
Chiang Dao Nest 1 started when Mr. Stuart asked Mrs. Kamonwan to draft the plans for a new 6-room mini-resort overlooking the Doi Luang Chiangdao mountain. "We value simplicity and comfort. Our bedrooms are simple. We believe that a bedroom should not have more than a television set, newspaper and a clock. Other than that, we don’t mess the room up with anything else," explained Mrs. Kamonwan. "We don’t even turn on the music," she says laughing, "because the sound of people talking, birds singing and insects humming is much more beautiful."
The rooms are unique with a strange-looking roof, the walls are lined with bamboo mats and a single large bed with white sheets stands alone. There is also a balcony overlooking a magnificent view
"Pae Deang" asked about the child owner and Mrs. Kamonwan said that he is playing over at Chiang Dao nest 2. We then realized that other than this sweet little escape from the city there is also another sweet little place.
On our way back, we stopped by at Chiang Dao nest 2. This resort has 5 rooms facing away from the mountain. The rooms are unique and the resort’s trendy restaurant serves only Thai food.
After a few comfortable nights, Pae Daeng left Chiang Dao district with the warmest feelings in his heart.
Baan Rai Yang Tone
208 Soi 9 Moo Baan Rong Wua Tambon Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao district Chiangmai 50170
Tel: 0 1952 7728, 0 1287 9397
Rages: 500- 4500 baht
Chiang Dao Nest 1
144/4 Moo 5 Baan Tum Chiang Dao Dristict, Chiangmai 50170
Tel: 0-6017-975, 0-5345-6242
Rates: Chiang Dao Nest 1 - 495 Baht
Chiang Dao Nest 2 - 395 Baht
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