Little Shelter Hotel is one of the newest boutique hotels to open in Chiang Mai, and it is certainly the most exciting. Opened in 2019, this 14-room riverside Chiang Mai boutique hotel was designed and built by the multi-award-winning architects, Department of Architecture Co. Ltd. Known for their cutting edge yet respectful approach to design, their architectural statements are as wonderful to look at as they are to live within – an often all too rare combination where exciting architecture is concerned – and this philosophy is perfectly exemplified in the Little Shelter Hotel. This exciting team of young architects, lead by Amata Luphaiboon and Twitee Vajrabhaya Teparkum, have looked to Chiang Mai’s vernacular architecture to inspire their design for Little Shelter. Traditional design motifs of this ancient city can be seen in the textured tile-like wall finishes that echo the wooden shingles that have adorned traditional Chiang Mai homes for centuries and have been seamlessly brought into the 21st century in the clean and bright contemporary design of Little Shelter.

Each of the 14 guestrooms at Little Shelter has its own unique character, with the ceilings of each room decorated with images of Chiang Mai, historical and contemporary, the traditions of this fascinating city reflected in the mirrored tiles that decorate the walls. All rooms have private en-suite bathrooms, offer a choice of twin beds and king beds, and all rooms enjoy a balcony and river views. Little Shelter also features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service, WiFi, restaurant and bar, café and lobby lounge, riverside garden and a lap pool.

The location of Little Shelter is perfect. Set beside the Ping River that runs through the heart of the city and which the city developed around over the past 7-centuries, Little Shelter is convenient for all of the city’s major highlights, including the city markets, temples, the old walled city and weekend market, restaurants and bars, and both the airport and train station. Hit the town, explore the city and discover Lanna’s ancient culture, enjoy the myriad of dining options and then head back to your very own oasis of serenity at Little Shelter and take a cool refreshing drink on the east bank of the Ping River where its gentle movement will relax you as it flows past.