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Created by two of Thailand’s most
renowned designers and architects, Rachmankha is more a
treasury of old Lanna culture than simply a hotel. Lanna
artwork and Chinese antiquities abound in every room and
space, along with unique pieces from Burma and Laos.
No expense was spared, nor was any
detail ignored, in constructing and decorating
Rachamankha. For architect Ong-ard Satrabandhu and
designer Rooj Changtrakul, this labour of love
transcends the bottom line.
Modeled after the viharn or ‘chapel’ of one of
Thailand’s most beautiful temples — the Wat Phra That
Lampang Luang in Lampang province—this 24-room, single
storey inn is a neat assemblage of white plaster – it is
a burnt lime, an old technique that was employed in the
construction of Lanna period temples to fully utilize
the design vocabulary of the Lanna period.
At its heart are two manicured
courtyards, rich with flowering trees and an open-air
pavilion decorated with plush white couches, pots of
vibrant flowers, and antique Thai artwork. Peace reigns
here despite Rachamanhka’s location just off Chiang
Mai’s main thoroughfare.
Thick walls covered with white
limestone plaster keep the rooms invitingly cool. Large
and comfortable, the rooms. each differ slightly in
décor, thanks to the antique furnishings: old Lanna-style
doors with ornate handles, table lamps of delicate
Chinese porcelain, and charming lanterns with dangling
tassels.
A teal-tiled pool inspires
contemplation, while a handsome library of art and
history books could keep Rachamankha’s guests
entertained for days. A huge cloth painting depicting
the life of Lord Buddha presides over The Restaurant.
Here, traditional Thai cuisine is served alongside a
selection of dishes that combine the flavours of
Vietnam, Japan and Europe. After your meal, adjourn to
the Bar, decorated with a rare Chinese antique liqueur
screen and lithographs by early 20th century painters.
So chic and well-designed is this
hotel that it made the Conde Nast Traveller 2005 Hot
List—less than a year after it opened. It certainly is
no mean feat, yet one would expect nothing less of an
establishment that was created through a passion for
culture and excellent design. |