(November 1, 2025) I stood in the Plaii Ballroom of the Marriott Chiang Mai in the centre of the world’s first 360-degree immersive LED ballroom. I know you’ve seen big screens before, but none where every wall in the room comes alive with colour, movement, images and scenes. Sounds. From Vegas flashing neon signs to cool forest with cascading waterfalls streaming into lush growth. You can create whatever mood you would like for your event.

While innovation takes center stage in the newly launched Plaii Ballroom, tradition and symbolism are also a part of the 383-room Marriott Chiang Mai’s identity. This hotel is both old and new. It is East and West – where the twain do meet. The bars and restaurant offer Western and Eastern food. Having been rebranded from Le Méridien Chiang Mai after a complete renovation and refurbishment, the hotel was transformed into a flagship Marriott property in the heart of Chiang Mai’s tourist and business district.  

After an uncomfortable Scoot flight from Singapore (two yowling kids right behind me and brutally cramped seat with no pockets to put the book I was reading in it was mostly relief when our plane touched down in northern Thailand. The book disappeared under my seat and it was sometime before it was retrieved. Relief came a bit later as on landing I had to fill out Thailand’s new Digital Arrival Card. Unfortunately, there are scam sites that I wasted my time on, but not my money. I knew I didn’t have to pay so when they asked for credit card information, I shut it down and started over. I was working on yet another bogus site when I got to the Immigration Officer. He directed me to the side of the room where another officer scanned a QR code which took me to the legitimate site. Then all was fine. Once again I filled in all the required information.

When I had retrieved my suitcase, I was greeted by Marriott staff and directed to the Marriott limousine. I enjoyed cool air, cold water and a damp towel during the brief 15-minute drive to the hotel. Comfort had returned to my life. Luxurious comfort.

I only had moments to enjoy my well-appointed room with its queen size bed as the Scoot flight was an hour late and so I was late for dinner in The Ping Cuisine and Bar. I met so many Marriott staff, the hotel’s external PR company and media people from Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and China that I can’t name them all here. They were a great group to mingle with and get to know.

The effervescent General Manager Rajat Chatterjee came by for a quick hello. I did a double take when I read his name in our agenda. I was reading a Paul Theroux travel book, (the one temporarily lost beneath the seat) in which Paul was being shown around Calcutta by Rajat Chatterjee. “I am a West Bengali too,” the GM informed me. 

Dinner in the Ping was excellent. There is a variety of dishes, from Western to Thai. And the Thai can be very hot. Northern Thai is the focus, with local products providing fresh, rich flavours. 

The Breakfast Buffet is also served in The Ping Cuisine & Bar. It caters to every taste with quality. At breakfast I don’t sample everything. Often, I have one thing one day, and something different the next. It would take a very long stay to tire of the Indian cuisine, the eggs offered in many styles, bread, sliced meats, juices, cereal, coffee, tea or the friendly efficient staff.

Lunch was at Han The Chinese Cuisine, which I think is a delightful name for a restaurant. And it is a delightful restaurant – sharing space with The Ping Cuisine & Bar as it doesn’t need it all once breakfast is finished. The food was excellent, such as the Wok-Fried Prawns Lychee Sauce. I wrote in my notebook ‘incredible!!’ Which it was.  

During the afternoon we were engaged in seeing all aspects of the hotel.  Much of what I would write about you can find in an earlier posted story HERE.

When we visited the palatial Royal Suite, it was mentioned that Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn had occasionally stayed there. Despite the work it would take to host her, Mr Chatterjee said they liked it when she visited. Her brother, the King, has yet to pop by.

Throughout the hotel you can see elephant motifs. The story of the Lanna Kingdom (1296 to 1775) and the elephant are important to the hotel’s persona. The elephant was a very important part of Thailand, particularly Northern Thailand’s, economy and its society. Throughout the hotel, images of elephants are everywhere.

Later, when we had the opportunity to interview him, the man from West Bengal chronicled his stops on the way to Chiang Mai.  “I have been in the hospitality industry since 1990. I started my career as a Management Trainee with Oberoi Hotels and worked with them until 2002 before joining Marriott Mumbai. After a very successful stint in Goa, he was moved to Bangkok. He was 3 ½ years in the capital before being promoted to GM at Chiang Mai Marriott where he is now in his eighth year. 

General Manager Rajat Chatterjee

“I love it here. There is a reason that they call Chiang Mai, ‘Rose of the North’.  It is a family destination and has something for everyone. It is different from other Thai tourist destinations as the focus is not just on the beach or nightlife. Here, you don’t have to deal with all that. The people here are terrific. We have a great, very hard-working, intelligent team. Their hospitality really      comes from their heart, from their culture and who they are as people. They are very warm,” he stated.                                   

Talking about the Plaii Ballroom the GM said, “We have theme parties and can recreate anywhere in the world.  For weddings Lake Como is very popular. The images are all done in-house. The team is very talented. We never rest on our laurels. We keep pushing the boundaries to see where we can go. We are constantly innovating. Our first core value is from Richard Branson of ‘putting people first’.  

The result is quality in every aspect of the hotel, which was reinforced at dinner at Favola – A MICHELIN-Selected Gem that presents authentic Italian cuisine. Homemade pasta and ravioli is crafted by the Italian head chef, Sicilian Gianluca Tidona. 

After dinner we were given free time to explore the Night Market, which is just steps from the hotel’s entrance. Nearby are spas, foot massage, a variety of restaurants and bars and shopping malls. If you want to shop until you drop, this place offers you that opportunity. Once you pick yourself up the health workers can put you back in shape.

The morning started with a buzz of excitement as a Tak Bat a, morning alms giving ritual with Buddhist monks, had been organized by the Marriott. In the hotel’s driveway tables had been set up with gift baskets at each place. A group of monks sat quietly, holding enormous silver bowls. We took a spot at the table and when the Monks came by, we presented a basket to them. They were put in their bowls and when the bowls were full there were people behind them who took them so the monks could receive more. It was an impressive bounty. There was joy amongst those giving the offerings, even though it was the hotel that picked up the tab.

GM Chatterjee and his team had organized a Brahma Shrine Blessing, which is a fruit offering ritual. Fruit is not just food, it is messages. Each fruit has a meaning such as the Pineapple that symbolizes prosperity is coming. We were given small bundles of joss sticks that we lit. With smoke curling around us we bowed, and showing respect, moved around the shrine sticking the joss sticks into various fruit. My choice as of fruit depended more on whether I could pierce its skin, rather than its symbolic meaning. The orange looked like a porcupine as most of us wanted luck and prosperity. 

Once we had deployed our joss sticks, we moved to the shade of the trees in a green space next to the driveway. Here a Lanna dance was performed gracefully by ladies in beautiful period dresses who tossed petals. It was a wonderful performance that set the mood for the day as we boarded buses for Wat Ton Kwen – a temple from the Lanna period.

A half hour drive took us the 14km outside the city to one of the finest and best-preserved examples of traditional Lanna architecture in Northern Thailand. We were let loose to wander the grounds and view the temple and photograph it at our leisure. Many locals were there, dressed in period costume, to have their pictures taken.  

Built in 1858, Wat Ton Kwen is a small temple and is one of the few Lanna style temples with an original wooden wihaan (ordination hall). On the ramps of the small staircase leading to the interior of the vihaan are stone Naga (a mythological serpent or dragon-like being).  It is a beautiful and peaceful space that is well worth seeing.

We were soon back in the city and pulling into the parking lot at Ekkachan Restaurant. We went from one historic building to another. Built in 1867, the restaurant is designated an Ancient House Chaing Mai. It is popular not just because of its history, but for their excellent food and service. You can try dishes such as Fried Rice with Sweet Shrimp. It is cooked with shrimp paste and served with fresh chili, shallots, and mango. It is beautifully balanced in that it is both savory and refreshing.

I was fortunate to be sitting next to Nathaphat Wirsching, (Kaye) Global Brand Team Marketing Communications, at KOHLER Kitchen & Bath, the Marriotts external PR company. Kaye provided valuable information and made sure we were in the right place at the right time. She filled me in on history, culture and cuisine.

It was on to Jing Jai Market (JJ Market), a vibrant, colourful weekend destination known for its organic farmers’ market, handmade crafts and relaxed, community-focused atmosphere. It’s a favorite among those seeking authentic, eco-conscious experiences. A great place to shop for gifts as many unique items are available. Clothing seems to predominate so if you are looking to update your wardrobe, this is the place to go.

After an hour of exploring the market a fleet of tuk tuks took us on a scenic, breezy ride through the streets of the Riverside district, to the iconic Tha Phae Gate. I’ve enjoyed a number of tuk tuk rides in Chiang Mai but probably none more memorable than on my first visit to the city – when its population was much less than it is now. Five of us poured out of a club, some more inebriated than others. At the late hour there were not many taxis or tuk tuks around. 

“Get in,” the driver urged.

“There’s too many of us.” 

“You can squeeze in.”

And we did. All five of us in a small tuk tuk. Some larger than others. And I think we all paid the driver, so he was well compensated for the trip.

I’ve been to Chiang Mai a number of times and always enjoy the old-town charm with its many shops that offer art, collectibles, jewelry and clothes. There are antique stores and cafes and restaurants where you can indulge in a variety of cuisines, a variety of ambiances, indoors and out. 

The Gate, restored in the 1980s, is a popular place for photo taking with its ancient red bricks providing a textured backdrop. Built in the 13th century, during the Lanna Kingdom, Tha Phae Gate was one of five main gates in the city’s square-shaped moat and wall system. 

While it was built for security, today it is the scene of a vibrant Sunday Market. Festivals and events are often held in its shadow. The wall extends for 4.7 miles, and the adjacent space, accompanied by the 60ft wide moat, is popular with walkers, bikers and joggers.

In the morning, as we drove to Wat Ton Kwen, we were told that Thailand’s Queen Mother, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, had passed away during the night at the age of 93. A period of mourning was declared, and parties and celebrations were to be cancelled or at least muted. This affected the plans for a Celebration Dinner, “Plaii 360° Lights Up” at the Plaii Ballroom. The Marriott staff adjusted to circumstance. A smaller group was invited and a sit-down dinner was replaced by the hotel’s restaurants creating food stations around the ballroom.  

While the evening’s celebrations were toned down, Mr Chatterjee’s effusive speech about the city, the hotel and its staff was not. Much of this has already been covered. His message included: “Chiang Mai Marriott reimagines hospitality through culture, cuisine, and creativity – where every moment connects tradition with the future.

“The hotel celebrates the rich tradition of the Lanna Kingdom, blending history, artistry and modern sophistication in every detail. From the moment you step into the lobby, the centrepiece honors the “Jiang,” the currency once vital to Lanna trade, while the chandelier evokes the warm, golden glow of Chiang Mai’s beloved lantern festival. 

“Throughout the hotel, design elements reflect the distinctive ‘Ma Tan Mai’ gable style, a tribute to the silk-laden horses that once travelled across the ancient kingdom, carrying prosperity and culture along their path. The hotel also honours the elephant, a revered symbol of strength, spirituality and prosperity in Thai culture.”

During dinner I was introduced to Phimonphun Ruchangkun Head of Hospitality Partnerships and Strategic Development at Asset World Corporation (AWC) – the Thai owners of the property.

I suggested, “You must have a lot of confidence in Chiang Mai, and the world economy, to invest so much into this hotel.”

Phim replied, “We do have confidence in Chiang Mai. It has been a thriving commercial centre for generations and we believe it will continue to be. As for the global economy, it goes through cycles. We may take hits, but it always bounces back. International tourism will only continue to grow.”

To wrap up the evening we went to the Golf Simulator. Some just enjoyed drinks and watched the few of us who took swings at the ball. Mostly we hit the ball, a few whiffs and some people were more enthusiastic than others. Though it had been a few years since I’d swung a club I got into it. My first round was the best, then I deteriorated from there. I finished second or third, or 100th. I don’t remember exactly. 

The Chiang Mai Marriott is a polished gem in the centre of a radiant rose and a place I could unreservedly recommend.

Chiang Mai Food & Beverage Outlets 

Han The Chinese Cuisine
Specializes in Chinese culinary traditions with refined presentation.

Favola Italian Restaurant
Offers classic Italian fare in a stylish setting.

Ping’s Bar
A cocktail bar known for creative mixology and relaxed ambiance.

Pool House Bar
Casual drinks and light bites with views of Doi Suthep.

Ping Cuisine and Bar

All-day dining with authentic Northern Thai and international dishes

Chiang Mai Marriott

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