At Niman Conceptual Home

"This intimate nine-room urban retreat from owner-designer Rachen Intawong on a residential street in downtown Chiang Mai—he also designed the nearby Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi—flaunts elements inspired by Himalayan culture, from the Indian carved arched doors to the Nepalese-Tibetan hanging lamps and singing bowls, plus a scattering of antiques from Burma. The rooms, themed after goddesses, come with elegant touches including small balconies and platform or four-poster beds, and the highly commendable staff go beyond their duties to make guests feel at home, learning names quickly and bringing Thai coconut-covered treats to visitors in the second-story alfresco café. There’s a rooftop sundeck (though it lacks any seating), and Chiang Mai’s trendiest shopping strip, Nimmanhaemin Road, is just steps from the hotel."