In the serene mountains of Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, Visama Mae Chan, a luxury tented camp, is set to open its doors on 1 November. This exquisite property, featuring 10 opulent tents, marks the debut of Visama Hospitality Group (VHG) Asia in the realm of high-end lodges.
Visama Mae Chan is not just a symbol of luxury but also a beacon of hope and empowerment. It operates on not-for-profit principles, with its proceeds benefiting the neighboring Friends of Thai Daughters foundation, a U.S. registered non-profit organization striving to combat child trafficking by empowering girls from hill tribe communities.
A Partnership for Empowerment
The foundation’s directors, Patty Zinkowski and Jane McBride, expressed their gratitude towards Visama Mae Chan, emphasizing the sustainable income and employment opportunities it will provide to the girls, fostering a long and fruitful partnership with Visama.
Details of this noble venture were unveiled to a select group of travel trade representatives at the Siam Hotel in Bangkok on 27 September. VHG Asia’s co-founders, Willem Niemeijer of YAANA Ventures and Christopher Stafford, highlighted the uniqueness of Visama in northern Thailand and announced plans to augment the property with an additional 12 luxury tents in 2024.
A Journey of Luxury and Culture
Visama Mae Chan offers guests a range of two- to four-day “journeys”, each meticulously crafted around themes like farm-to-table dining, Lanna cultural appreciation, artistic engagement, outdoor adventure, and sightseeing experiences. The luxury tents, named after hill tribes like “Akha”, “Lahu”, “Yao”, and “Hmong”, are equipped with a plethora of amenities including air conditioning, espresso machines, WiFi, rain showers, and a 24-hour concierge service, ensuring a seamless blend of comfort and tradition.
A notable feature is The Ambalama, a communal space for storytelling and discussions by guest speakers including authors and historians. The Reu Doo Gaan restaurant offers guests a culinary journey through Lanna cuisine, local organic options, and international delicacies.
Immersive Experiences and Sustainable Luxury
Chris Stafford, Chief Operating Officer of VHG, emphasized the diverse activity options and immersive experiences that set the lodge apart from its competitors. Guests can indulge in private picnics, personalized arts and craft sessions, meditation tutorials, and archery, all while absorbing the richness of Lanna culture against the breathtaking backdrop of the Golden Triangle’s mythical mountains.
Visama Mae Chan is more than just a luxury lodge; it is a sanctuary where luxury meets purpose, offering guests not just world-class service and modern amenities but also a chance to connect with nature and contribute to a noble cause. The bookings for Visama Mae Chan opened on 27 September, with stays commencing from 1 November 2023 onwards.
