8D Northern Thailand (self-drive)

Built in 1889 to accommodate the manager of the British East Borneo Company, 137 Pillars House has been restored into a 30-suite boutique hotel. The hotel's white-washed buildings are laid out in a traditional 'lanna' style and of which the former house is the centre piece, are set around a beautiful lawn on which High Tea is served every day. The original house takes centre stage and features the Parlour Lounge and a comprehensive library.

All of the the suites combine elements of a colonial era with rattan furniture, free-standing Victorian-style baths and black and white photographs of Thailand at the turn of the 20th century, along with a full complement of modern amenities. Dinner is served in the hotel's dining room, or al fresco in the courtyard and Thai cooking classes are available for anyone wanting to hone their culinary skills. There is also a swimming pool, spa and small gymnasium.

In a tranquil forest filled valley along the Mae Taeng River, this sophisticated resort is a short walk from the Zipline Chiangmai. Polished villas and suites feature wooden furnishings and provide complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screens, and DVD players. All offer terraces, tea and coffee making facilities, and minifridges. Upgraded quarters have living rooms and outdoor daybeds. There's an on-site riverside bar/cafe with a library, plus an international restaurant with a terrace. Other resort amenities include bike rentals, a spa, and a gym, as well as an outdoor pool and a hot tub. Activities such as bamboo rafting and white water rafting are available for a fee.

Maekok River Village Resort is idyllically located on the banks of the Mae Kok River, with sweeping views across the valley to the distant forested mountains. All rooms are comfortably designed with air conditioning, TVs, private bathrooms, and minibars. After a relaxing night, guests can start each morning with a delicious breakfast. Other services and facilities include a swimming pool, massage services, parking, and a bar. For leisure, guests can enjoy a range of activities such as trekking, biking, and cooking classes.

Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa Chiang Rai is located in the hills of Northern Thailand. The resort features comfortably furnished guest rooms that are equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi access, an electronic safe, coffee-making facilities, and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy Thai, Western and Italian cuisine at the onsite restaurant. Additional facilities include a bar, a spa and wellness centre, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and meeting facilities.

The Legend Chiang Rai is ideally located on the banks of the Mae Kok River, just outside of the main city centre of Chiang Rai in Thailand. The resort features 76 contemporary-style rooms, including pool villas offering breathtaking views of the river or the lush gardens. In-room amenities include air conditioning, tea/coffeemakers, kettles, writing desks, fans, heaters, mini-fridges, safes, TVs, minibars, hairdryers, and toiletries. Facilities and services include restaurants, a spa, swimming pools, an exercise room, a reading room, Thai cooking classes, and Wi-Fi.

Built in 1889 to accommodate the manager of the British East Borneo Company, 137 Pillars House has been restored into a 30-suite boutique hotel. The hotel's white-washed buildings are laid out in a traditional 'lanna' style and of which the former house is the centre piece, are set around a beautiful lawn on which High Tea is served every day. The original house takes centre stage and features the Parlour Lounge and a comprehensive library.

All of the the suites combine elements of a colonial era with rattan furniture, free-standing Victorian-style baths and black and white photographs of Thailand at the turn of the 20th century, along with a full complement of modern amenities. Dinner is served in the hotel's dining room, or al fresco in the courtyard and Thai cooking classes are available for anyone wanting to hone their culinary skills. There is also a swimming pool, spa and small gymnasium.