Hilton enters Northern Thailand with Kahavadi Chiang Rai opening

Hilton opened Kahavadi Chiang Rai, Curio Collection by Hilton on 1 July 2026, establishing its first property in Northern Thailand. The 167-room hotel stands beside the Mae Kok River and marks Curio Collection’s entry into Chiang Rai.

The opening extends Hilton’s lifestyle portfolio in South East Asia, adding accommodation, dining and event capacity in a destination beyond Thailand’s traditional gateway cities. According to the company, the property combines a locally influenced design and cultural activities with access to Hilton’s hospitality network and loyalty programme.

Rooms and event capacity on the Mae Kok River

The hotel has 1,980 square metres of event space across six venues, including a riverside lawn and ballroom described by Hilton as covering 1,762 square metres. Smaller meeting rooms and dedicated event support complete facilities intended for corporate gatherings, celebrations and destination events.

Accommodation spans seven room types, with garden terrace, pool access and accessible options alongside 22 One Bedroom Suites. The 225-square-metre Two Bedroom Kahavadi Family Suite provides a larger option for groups, while connecting rooms offer additional flexibility for families travelling together.

The property is a 10-minute drive from Chiang Rai’s city centre, with access to the Blue Temple and White Temple. Hilton also identifies Doi Mae Salong, Phu Chi Fa, the Golden Triangle and Doi Tung among the wider region’s attractions.

Lanna heritage shapes the operating offer

The design draws on Northern Thailand’s historic Lanna merchant houses and riverside trading residences. Timber shutters, rattan furniture, carved wood and woven details feature alongside work by artists based in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, with ceramics supplied by Huenpatima Ceramics in Phayao.

The three dining outlets take different approaches to the region’s food and trading heritage. All-day restaurant Larderley serves Thai, Asian and international dishes, riverside Tasabiang focuses on Northern Thai cooking and seasonal ingredients, and lounge and bar The Ledger offers cocktails, drinks and small plates.

Leisure facilities include outdoor pools, a 24/7 fitness centre and an eForea spa offering Tok Sen, a traditional treatment involving rhythmic tapping with wooden tools. The hotel’s activity programme also includes guided bicycle trips to temples, alms-giving experiences and Lanna cooking classes incorporating visits to its garden and a local market.

Thailand growth and opening terms

Alexandra Murray, Hilton’s area vice president and head of South East Asia, said the opening reflected the company’s confidence in Northern Thailand’s long-term appeal. She linked the expansion to travellers seeking cultural and nature-based experiences beyond established gateway cities.

The launch follows the opening of KROMO Bangkok, Curio Collection by Hilton, adding another Thai location for the collection. Aungkana Jitsakul, project director for Kahavadi Chiang Rai’s owners, said the family behind the property had welcomed visitors to the city for three generations and described the Hilton affiliation as a new stage in that history.

Kahavadi Chiang Rai participates in Hilton Honors, giving eligible direct-booking members access to benefits including member discounts, points-and-money bookings and standard Wi-Fi. The company also lists app-based check-in, room selection and Digital Key access among the available services.

Room-only nightly rates start at THB 4,400, with flexible booking options allowing free changes or cancellations up to 24 hours before arrival. Hilton Honors members booking through preferred Hilton channels can earn 1,000 bonus points per night for stays from 1 July to 31 December 2026.