Curio Collection by Hilton Debuts in Northern Thailand with the Opening of Kahavadi Chiang Rai

• Kahavadi Chiang Rai, Curio Collection by Hilton opens on 1 July 2026 as Hilton's first property in Northern Thailand and Curio Collection's debut in Chiang Rai, marking a significant expansion of Hilton's lifestyle portfolio in South East Asia. 
• Set along the Mae Kok River, the 167-room hotel is designed as a contemporary reimagining of a Lanna merchant residence, featuring works by Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai-based artists, three distinctly themed dining venues, an eForea spa offering traditional Tok Sen treatments, and curated cultural experiences rooted in the traditions of the North. 
• The property offers 1,980 square meters of versatile event space across six venues, including a 1,762-square-metre riverside lawn and ballroom suited for conferences, celebrations, and destination events, with nightly rates starting from THB 4,400 and a location 10 minutes from Chiang Rai city center with easy access to landmark destinations including the White Temple, the Blue Temple, and the Golden Triangle.

CHIANG RAI, THAILAND — Hilton today announced the opening of Kahavadi Chiang Rai, Curio Collection by Hilton, marking the brand’s first foray into Northern Thailand. Part of Curio Collection by Hilton, a global portfolio of individually remarkable hotels hand-picked for their distinct character and deep connection to place, the property brings one-of-a-kind local discovery to guests while delivering the service standards and benefits of Hilton's worldwide hospitality network.

Set along the banks of the Mae Kok River, the 167-room hotel introduces a distinctive new stay experience to one of Thailand’s most culturally rich provinces. Inspired by the heritage of Northern Thai merchant houses, Kahavadi Chiang Rai combines Lanna-influenced design, riverside dining and locally rooted experiences for travelers seeking a deeper connection to the destination.

“Chiang Rai represents an important next chapter in Hilton’s growth across Thailand and South East Asia, as travelers increasingly seek meaningful experiences in destinations rich in culture, nature, and discovery beyond traditional gateway cities,” says Alexandra Murray, area vice president and head of South East Asia, Hilton. “The opening of Kahavadi Chiang Rai marks our first presence in the city and underscores our confidence in Northern Thailand’s longterm appeal. Through Curio Collection, we’re bringing together Hilton’s global hospitality expertise and award-winning loyalty platform with a hotel that tells a story deeply connected to its destination.”

Located a 10-minute drive away from Chiang Rai’s city center, Kahavadi Chiang Rai offers convenient access to some of the province’s best-known cultural landmarks, including Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as the Blue Temple, and Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple. Guests can also explore the wider region, from the tea-covered hills of Doi Mae Salong and sunrise viewpoints at Phu Chi Fa to the Golden Triangle and the royal heritage of Doi Tung.

Design Rooted in Lanna Merchant Heritage

The hotel’s design is a contemporary reimagining of a refined Lanna merchant residence, inspired by the historic river trading houses that once lined the banks of Northern Thailand. Defined by a palette of soft white tones and arched architecture, the property seamlessly blends subtle historic architectural influences, seen in the classic moldings, rattan furnishings, and timber shutters, with modern Lanna craft. This heritage is brought to life through tactile details, including hand-carved wood textures, woven accents, and natural stone, creating a sophisticated riverside sanctuary rooted in the city’s trading history.

Kahavadi Chiang Rai also highlights the region’s creative identity through art. Works by Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai-based artists are featured across the hotel, while ceramics from Huenpatima Ceramics in Phayao add a local touch. 

The hotel offers 167 guest rooms and suites across seven distinct room types, each space furnished in a modern Thai style with natural materials and handcrafted details that reflect the locale's artisanal heritage. The majority of the rooms comprise 144 Deluxe rooms and suites, expressed across four configurations: 110 Deluxe rooms designed for ease and understated comfort, the Deluxe with Garden Terrace, where 24 rooms open directly onto private outdoor greenery, eight Deluxe Pool Access rooms and two Deluxe Accessible rooms. For guests seeking a more residential feel, 22 One Bedroom Suites offer distinct living and sleeping areas. Twenty-six of these rooms are configured as connecting options, offering multi-generational families and groups the flexibility of shared proximity with private retreat. At the pinnacle sits the singular 225-square-metre Two Bedroom Kahavadi Family Suite, a property unto itself, designed as a sophisticated sanctuary for larger groups. All rooms overlook the hotel’s gardens, pools or partial views of the Mae Kok River. In-room touches, including a specially blended tea from Wa Wee Hill served in locally crafted ceramics, further connect the stay experience to Northern Thailand.

Dining Along the Mae Kok

Dining at Kahavadi Chiang Rai is shaped by the region’s culinary heritage and historic trade routes. Larderley, the hotel’s allday dining venue, is inspired by the Thai pinto tradition of shared meals, offering Thai, Asian and international dishes in a relaxed setting. Along the river, Tasabiang presents refined Northern Thai cuisine that draws on local ingredients, seasonal produce and time-honored recipes. The Ledger, the hotel’s lounge and bar, takes its cue from the merchants’ ledger, with crafted cocktails, curated beverages and small plates inspired by the movement of flavors, ingredients and influences through the region.

Wellness and Discovery

Beyond dining, the hotel offers a range of facilities and experiences designed for both relaxation and discovery. Guests can unwind by the outdoor pools, maintain their routine at the 24/7 fitness center, or rejuvenate at the eForea spa. Here, treatments are anchored in authentic Northern Thai healing traditions, most notably Tok Sen - an ancient therapeutic technique that uses rhythmic wooden tapping to relieve muscular tension while encouraging natural circulation and ease. 

These restorative experiences are balanced by a curated discovery program designed to immerse guests in the local rhythm of Chiang Rai. Guests can explore the surrounding landscape via guided bicycle tours to nearby temples for traditional alms-giving experiences that offer insight into local customs and community life. This journey of discovery extends to the resort’s culinary program, where hands-on Lanna cooking classes begin with a guided tour of the hotel garden and a local market, offering a market-to-table experience that celebrates the seasonal herbs and spices of the North.

Meetings and Events

Kahavadi Chiang Rai offers versatile meeting and event spaces designed to accommodate both corporate and social gatherings. The hotel features a total of 1,980 square meters of event space across six venues, including a 1,762-square-metre riverside lawn and ballroom, and flexible meeting rooms for smaller gatherings. With natural light, contemporary Thai elements and dedicated event support, the hotel is well positioned for conferences, celebrations and destination events in the region.

“Curio Collection celebrates each hotel’s individual story and deeply connects guests to their surroundings,” said Tal Shefer, senior vice president, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton.“Kahavadi Chiang Rai captures the spirit of Northern Thailand through its riverside setting, design inspired by historic merchant houses and experiences that invite guests to discover the culture and traditions of the destination in meaningful ways. As travelers increasingly seek stays that feel authentic and memorable, this opening represents an exciting addition to our growing lifestyle portfolio in the region.”

“For the past three generations, as Chiang Rai’s oldest operating hotelier family, we have been dedicating ourselves to welcoming visitors to Chiang Rai. Now, Kahavadi Chiang Rai represents an exciting new chapter in that legacy,” said Aungkana Jitsakul, project director for the owners of Kahavadi Chiang Rai. “We are honored to be home to Hilton’s first property in Northern Thailand, and together, we hope to further elevate Chiang Rai on the global stage as a world-class destination where travelers can discover rich cultural heritage, immersive experiences rooted in the nature and traditions of the North, and the distinctive warmth of Northern Thai hospitality. We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to experience all that makes Chiang Rai truly special.”

The opening of Kahavadi Chiang Rai reflects Hilton’s continued growth in Thailand and its focus on expanding into high-potential destinations across South East Asia. It also builds on recent momentum for Curio Collection in the country, following the opening of KROMO Bangkok, Curio Collection by Hilton, and underscores the brand’s presence in Thailand with hotels that are distinctive in character and deeply connected to place.

Kahavadi Chiang Rai is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton's 28 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels receive access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.

Nightly room rates start at THB 4,400 for room only, with fully flexible booking options and free changes or cancellations up to 24 hours before arrival. To celebrate the opening, Hilton Honors members will earn 1,000 bonus points per night for stays from 1 July to 31 December 2026.

Kahavadi Chiang Rai, Curio Collection by Hilton is located at 6 Moo 4, Tambon Rimkok, Muang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai 57100. For more information, or to make a reservation, travelers may visit kahavadichiangrai.com or call 053-798-555.