The Visama Mae Chan luxury tented camp, nestled in the picturesque mountains of Chiang Rai in northern Thailand, is set to open its doors on November 1st. This unique property, boasting 10 exquisitely furnished tents, marks a significant milestone as the inaugural upscale lodge under the Visama Hospitality Group (VHG) Asia banner.
What makes Visama Mae Chan truly special is its profound commitment to a purpose-driven mission. Operating on a not-for-profit basis, the camp aims to support the neighboring Friends of Thai Daughters foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering girls from hill tribe communities and preventing child trafficking. The foundation, officially registered as a not-for-profit entity in the United States and founded by Patty Zinkowski and Jane McBride, expressed their gratitude for this collaboration. In their statement, they affirmed that Visama Mae Chan would provide sustainable income for their foundation and valuable employment opportunities for the girls they support. A promising and enduring partnership with Visama is eagerly anticipated.
Details of this remarkable property were unveiled to an exclusive gathering of travel trade representatives at the Siam Hotel in Bangkok on September 27th.
Willem Niemeijer, co-founder of YAANA Ventures, and Christopher Stafford, founder of The Occident & Orient Company, a luxury boutique hotel management firm, passionately shared their vision for Visama Mae Chan with the audience. They emphasized that there is no other destination quite like Visama in northern Thailand. Moreover, they disclosed plans to expand the camp by adding an additional 12 luxury tents in 2024, enhancing its appeal.
Visama Mae Chan will offer guests a range of captivating experiences during their stay. These experiences, spanning two to four days, will revolve around themes such as farm-to-table dining, cultural immersion in Lanna traditions, artistic engagement, outdoor adventures, and enriching sightseeing expeditions.
The luxury tents, each bearing names from hill tribes like “Akha,” “Lahu,” “Yao,” and “Hmong,” vary in size from 48 to 80 square meters, inclusive of a 12 to 20 square meter veranda. Standard amenities include air conditioning, a phone, espresso machine, French press coffee pots, WiFi, invigorating rain showers, a safety deposit box, refrigerator, plush his and her bathrobes, slippers, a bathtub, and round-the-clock concierge service, among other conveniences.
One of the highlights of the camp is “The Ambalama,” a communal space where captivating stories and talks by guest speakers, including esteemed authors and historians, will unfold. At the “Reu Doo Gaan” restaurant, guests can savor a diverse culinary journey encompassing the best of Lanna cuisine, locally-sourced organic delicacies, and international favorites.
Chris Stafford, Chief Operating Officer of VHG and formerly associated with 137 Pillars Hotels, emphasized that the range of activities available at Visama Mae Chan would distinguish it from any competitors. Guests can expect personalized services such as private picnics, foraging adventures, bespoke arts and crafts sessions, curated dining experiences, meditation guidance, and even archery. Visama Mae Chan will also host guest speakers who will share insights on topics spanning wellness, sustainability, and community engagement.
Looking ahead to future projects beyond the inaugural Mae Chan venture, Niemeijer conveyed Visama’s commitment to meticulously designing their camps to seamlessly blend with their natural surroundings. This approach will provide guests with unparalleled opportunities to connect with nature while enjoying modern amenities and world-class service.
Bookings and sales for Visama Mae Chan officially commenced on September 27th, with stays available from November 1st, 2023, onward.
