Phu Jaya Mini Resort in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Sometimes I'm nosy .. actually, that's most of the time. So when Khun Thapakorn offered to show us his rooms, after we had finished a great meal, we obliged.

Some Thai friends and I were staying in a relative's house out on the Samoeng Loop in the mountains above Chiang Mai and they knew about the food at Phu Jaya. What they knew is that the food and service is great.

This neighborhood is one of the best suburban areas of Chiang Mai. Plush and well-known resorts like Krisda Doi share the hillsides with million-dollar weekend getaways and personal estates.

We had a fried whole freshwater fish that was excellent .. and I'm not even a fish person. What really rang my bell was the Northern food .. especially the gang hang lay. It is something you will want to try. Actually, they have lots of Northern food you should try.

If Khun Thapakorn runs his resort the same way he runs his restaurant, it will be a good experience.

Each of t he rooms we looked at had different decor. We saw two different Thai style rooms and one with an art deco look. They all looked as if a professional had done them.

My first impressions were "newly decorated", "clean" and "neat". And at somewhere around THB 1,500, including breakfast, it seems like a reasonable deal.

Phu Jaya is about 20 km from the Chiang Mai Airport out Chiang Mai - Hod Road. A taxi will get you there pretty quickly and for THB 200. The resort is very appealing for nature lovers. It has lots of flowers and mature trees all around. Decor is a nice blend of Lanna and Balinese.

Dining is alfresco in some nicely done 3-tiered salas.

One warning. You are 20+ km from the night market and the clubs of Chiang Mai town. Renting a car or motorbike might be a good idea .. especially since the Samoeng-Mae Rim loop is a great drive.

Khun Thapakorn speaks english very well .. Thai even better .. and can be reached at 081 862 5924. His web site is www.phujaya.com.

Northern Hotels