Travel Guide: 北城山度假酒店-SHA Extra Plus, Northern Thailand

Introduction

Tucked into the rolling green hills outside Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, 北城山度假酒店-SHA Extra Plus delivers a peaceful mountain escape just a short drive from Chiang Mai’s busy city center. Certified under Thailand’s strict SHA Extra Plus health and safety scheme, this retreat balances rustic Northern Thai charm with modern comfort, making it ideal for romantic getaways, family vacations, and wellness-focused trips alike.

Hotel Overview

Located at 188 Moo 9 Chiang Mai-Hangdong Rd., Baanwan, Hangdong, Chiang Mai 50230, the property sits on sprawling grounds framed by lush forest and valley views. Accommodations range from cozy hillview rooms to spacious family suites, all fitted with air conditioning, hypoallergenic bedding, private en-suite bathrooms with deep soaking bathtubs, free toiletries, bathrobes, and complimentary WiFi. Public spaces are designed for relaxation: guests can spend afternoons at the year-round outdoor swimming pool (complete with a kid-friendly children’s pool and poolside bar), unwind in the spa and wellness center with everything from couples massages to facials and sauna sessions, or keep up with their fitness routine at the on-site gym with daily yoga classes.

Food and activities cater to every interest: start your day with a hearty included breakfast with fresh local fruit, then sign up for a Northern Thai cooking class, try your hand at archery, rent a bike to explore nearby villages, or join a paid local cultural tour to learn about Lanna traditions. For families, there’s a paid children’s play area and outdoor playground, plus kid’s meals available on request. Practical perks include free private parking, 24-hour front desk service, multilingual staff that speak English, Thai, and Mandarin, and paid airport shuttle service to and from Chiang Mai International Airport.

Nearby Local Attractions

Three standout attractions are all within a 20-minute drive of the hotel:

• Wat Phra That Doi Kham: Perched on a nearby hillside, this 7th-century Buddhist temple is famous for its 17-meter golden sitting Buddha that overlooks the entire Chiang Mai valley. The quiet temple grounds are lined with old banyan trees, and visitors can feed tame fish at the entrance pond for a small donation.
• Mae Wang National Park: A lush protected area with cascading waterfalls, hiking trails through evergreen forest, and scenic viewpoints perfect for picnics. It’s a popular spot for birdwatching and wild swimming, and entry costs just 100 THB for foreign visitors.
• Hangdong Handicraft Village: A charming local village where you can watch master artisans weave traditional Lanna cotton textiles and carve wooden teak decor. Many workshops offer short hands-on sessions for visitors to try their hand at crafting their own souvenir.

Travel Tips

Book your spa treatment at least 24 hours in advance, as popular services like Thai massages and Lanna herbal compresses fill up quickly during peak season (November to February). If you plan to explore local attractions on two wheels, the hotel offers paid bike rental, but ask the front desk for a map of quiet backroads to avoid busy main highways. For guests arriving without a car, arrange the hotel’s paid airport shuttle in advance to avoid overcharging from local taxi stands. Finally, don’t miss the hotel’s occasional paid themed dinner nights, which feature traditional Lanna khantoke dining with folk dance performances – it’s one of the most immersive cultural experiences you’ll find outside central Chiang Mai.