Chiang Mai isn’t the first place that comes to mind when thinking about renting a villa. Instead, holiday hotspots like Koh Samui, Phuket and Bali offer more villa options. That said, Thailand’s Rose of the North still boasts a select handful of extra-special properties, made even more exclusive and unique due to their rarity. If you’re looking for an indulgent villa from which to base your Chiang Mai journey, look no further than Chandra Residence, a private pool villa in Chiang Mai (and a client of mine – how’d I get so lucky?).

Chandra Residence – Private Pool Villa in Chiang Mai 

What started as a family home (a fact that blows my mind) has organically grown into a holiday escape that showcases an eclectic mix of art, architecture and culture. While the pool villa offers total privacy, complete with its own entrance and driveway, staying at Chandra Residence is more like being welcomed into a much-loved vacation house rather than a hotel with the generous hosts, who still live in another section of the property, going out of their way to prepare special details to make every stay comfortable, memorable and personable. From airport pickup to receiving a Thai mobile phone for your stay, gorgeously-appointed kitchen to fresh flowers…staying at the property is a special experience.

Of course, Chandra Residence’s main appeal is its impressive size and pool. The 4-bedroom pool villa covers 800 square meters of living space built around a sparkling pool and can house up to eight guests. My favorite parts are the upstairs loft room with outdoor bathroom and the pool terrace. Dreamy.

Unsurprisingly, staying at Chandra Residence is a splurge – you’re getting the entire property! That said, renting it with a group of friends, family or for a private special event is still doable…especially when compared to what a property experience in another holiday location would cost.

A separate four rooms are planned to open up by the end of the year which will be able to be rented out individually allowing guests to experience another side of the property at a more couple-friendly rate.

Around Chandra Residence 

While it’s hard to pull yourself away from the pool (a stay at Chandra Residence could be completely satisfying simply by relaxing in the villa and lounging by the pool all day), there are several other places nearby worth exploring.

Though Chandra Residence is still conveniently close to the city, about 30 minutes from the center of the Old City, it’s a more convenient jumping off point to visit some unique tourist and off the beaten path attractions. Royal Park Rajapruek (picture above), for example, is just a couple minutes walk from the property. The flower-filled gardens and grounds are not only picturesque but also home to several agro-tourism and research initiatives.

Wat Doi Kham is then just up the road from the gardens. The hilltop temple is popular with Thai locals and tourists but you won’t find many foreigners. Along with two towering Buddha images, the temple is also home to a golden chedi and panorama views looking out over Chiang Mai…without the crowds or entrance fees of Wat Doi Suthep!

Another nearby temple, about 10 minutes away by car, is the wooden Wat Ton Kwen (below). Chances are you’ll be the only visitors at this traditional Lanna-style spot.

Breakfasts are included in all stays at the villa and you can also opt for additional private meals where the Chandra Residence team will bring in a private chef to cook to your preference. For a range of other nearby dining options, check out Danissa Bakery & Cafe, Daddy’s Antique Cafe & Restaurant, Garden de Cuisine, and the food stalls at Mae Hia Market.

For even more information on the surrounding area and other suggestions for what to do and see, check out some of Chandra Residence’s recent blog posts (written by yours truly) at https://chandraresidence.com/explore-chiangmai/.

Chandra Residence – Private Pool Villa in Chiang Mai – Rates and Contact

Chandra’s Residence’s 4-room pool villa is rented out as a whole with rates starting at 26,500 baht in the low season (which is typically around March – October). It’s best to book the property directly through the website www.chandraresidence.com so you can start planning your stay in direct contact with the owner. The villa is just southwest of Chiang Mai proper, about a 20-minute drive from Chiang Mai International Airport and 30 minutes from the Old City (pick-up included).

Note: I work for Chandra Residence helping with their social media but the property is so dreamy I wanted to share it here. (You’ve probably already seen shots of the place on my Instagram account!)