Page 43 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 8 | December - January 2025

HONG’s Chinese Restaurant (11am to 5pm for afternoon tea, 6pm to The Inside Scoop
10pm for dinner) offers a culinary journey through Sichuan, Cantonese
and Taiwanese flavours. With over 80 meticulously crafted dishes Peter Pottinga,
by their master chef from Wuhan, complemented by curated wine General Manager of
pairings and traditionally prepared teas, the restaurant offers a dining InterContinental Chiang
experience steeped in elegance and authenticity. Dining here feels Mai The Mae Ping,
like stepping into artwork; I had the pleasure of savouring my meal gives Masala more of his
in a private room with views of Doi Suthep, a scene so picturesque it insight.
felt like a living painting. Guests enjoying afternoon tea can also visit
the museum dedicated to Teresa Teng, the late Taiwanese singer who Chiang Mai is
was a loyal guest of the hotel. Her legacy is woven into the space with celebrated for its blend
memorabilia and stories from her stays. of historical richness
and vibrant modernity. In your opinion, what makes Chiang Mai
stand out from other destinations in Thailand?
Chiang Mai’s charm lies in its multifaceted offerings. The city itself
is steeped in culinary and cultural history, while just outside its
borders, visitors can explore hiking trails, rafting, plantations, coffee
and tea farms and authentic elephant sanctuaries tied to the area’s
timber trade history. This diversity offers experiences ranging from
bustling street markets to serene riverside views and the old city’s
historic atmosphere.

What makes InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping stand
out from other resorts in the area?
We distinguish ourselves by deeply integrating the local community
and culture into the guest experience. The hotel doesn’t just serve
as a base for exploration but is an integral part of the Chiang Mai
experience. Every detail, from bespoke tours to curated culinary
offerings, is designed to offer a seamless transition between luxury
accommodation and meaningful cultural connections.
How do the F&B options at the hotel showcase Chiang Mai’s
culinary heritage?
Chiang Mai is known as the “vegetable garden” of Thailand, thanks
For a sky-high experience, HONG’s Sky Bar (4pm to 12am) offers to its moderate climate, which is ideal for growing high-quality
expertly crafted drinks and light bites infused with Chinois charm. As produce. The hotel partners with the Royal Project, a non-profit
I stepped out of the golden lift doors, I was greeted by the shimmer promoting sustainable farming, to source premium ingredients.
of city lights and an expansive starry sky. The bar itself, bathed in a This allows us to feature local delicacies like Khao soi, Sai aua,
warm golden glow, is as captivating as the panoramic views of Chiang and other Northern Thai specialities. We are soon opening Bélen,
Mai and Doi Suthep, making it the perfect place to toast the night. a Western restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Paulo Airaudo,
leveraging the region’s incredible produce to elevate every dish.
Activities and Locale
At InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping, there’s no shortage Indian weddings are renowned for their celebration and
of ways to keep patrons from far and wide entertained. For families, grandeur. How does InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae
the Planet Trekkers Kids Club offers a delightful haven for little Ping accommodate such events?
adventurers, open daily with activities ranging from arts and crafts InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping venues have a certain
to indoor play areas. Under the attentive care of trained staff, it’s a flexibility that allows for seamless transitions between indoor and
world of wonder designed to ignite curiosity while keeping safety at outdoor spaces. For instance, a wedding ceremony could take place
the forefront. For those seeking serenity, The ii Spa is a sanctuary of on the Lawn, while a cocktail reception or sangeet might follow
relaxation, with treatments inspired by ancient Lanna traditions. Their on the rooftop, offering panoramic views of the city. The Mae Ping
signature offerings, such as the Lanna signature massage or the Golden Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 450 guests – cocktail-style,
Lanna massage, promise a blend of cultural authenticity and modern featuring wall-to-wall LED displays for custom themes, making
luxury, leaving you feeling utterly rejuvenated. it perfect for receptions, grand dinners and ceremonies. We also
offer the option of full buy-outs and are fully equipped to host
Fitness enthusiasts can break a sweat in their 24-hour Fitness Centre, large-scale events. Recently, we hosted an Indian wedding for
complete with a well of group classes. Trainers are available from 6am approximately 300 guests, showcasing our ability to manage and
to 7pm for a more personalised approach. And for cultural explorers like deliver exceptional events of this scale.
me, the concierge team was a treasure trove of local insights. With their
guidance, we delved into Chiang Mai’s soul, visiting three breathtaking InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping
temples and exploring the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre 153 Sridonchai Rd, Chang Khlan Sub-district,
and the Lanna Folklife Museum. Each stop unravelled a new layer Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand
of the region’s rich heritage, seamlessly blending history with the Phone : +66 52 090 998
vibrancy of modern-day Chiang Mai. Email : reservations.icchiangmai@ihg.com
Instagram : @intercontinentalchiangmai