My friend and I ended a 4-day road trip from Bangkok to Chiang Rai at Le Méridien and honestly, we saved the best for last. After nights in Korat and Sukhothai, pulling into this property on the banks of the Kok River felt like a proper reward.
We had a private balcony overlooking the garden. I spent a good chunk of the morning just lying on the daybed out there, feet up, watching the trees sway.
Now the breakfast,which we almost didn’t have. We hadn’t booked breakfast but the front desk offered us a deal at check-in. We said yes without thinking too hard about it. Best spontaneous decision of the entire road trip. The restaurant, Latest Recipe, serves what I’d comfortably call the best hotel breakfast I’ve had in Southeast Asia. The centrepiece is their signature Khao Soi Gai, a rich, deeply fragrant broth made with freshly pressed coconut milk and Chiang Rai spices, topped with crispy noodles and served with pickled mustard greens, shallots and lime. I’ve had Khao Soi all the way up the north in Chiang Mai, on the road and this held its own against all of them. Alongside that came a stunning northern Thai sharing platter served on a banana leaf-lined bamboo tray, sticky rice wrapped in banana leaf, bitter melon, blanched vegetables, boiled eggs, crispy pork crackling and two house-made dips including a seriously good green chilli relish. All of this with mountain and river views through floor-to-ceiling windows and a proper cup of coffee in hand. The rest of the buffet — egg station, fresh fruit, smoothies, Western and Asian options was extensive and well executed.
Staff throughout were warm and attentive without being intrusive. The property is immaculate. Free parking was easy right in the main courtyard, a genuine bonus when you’re on a road trip.
If you’re driving through northern Thailand and ending in Chiang Rai, this is where you want to finish. And when they offer you the breakfast deal at check-in, say yes immediately. Le Méridien Chiang Rai meets my expectation.
