I’m always surprised by how quickly things appear and disappear in Thailand. You’ll go to a busy noodle shop for years and all of the sudden, one day, it will be gone with no trace that a restaurant even existed or you’ll be walking along a road you often drive down and suddenly realize there’s a beautiful boutique hotel you’ve never noticed before.

Like, really beautiful.

The back garden at Hotel des Artists Ping Silhouette

The inner courtyard

Out off all the different accommodations I’ve stayed around the world, my favorites are always those that are small, thoughtfully designed, and bring in elements of the location’s history and unique feel. Hotel des Artists Ping Silhouette in Chiang Mai hits all those points.

Situated on the east side of the river, the boutique hotel is unlike any of the other properties I’ve been to in Chiang Mai. It’s new and fresh but still has features nods to the past. The Wat Ket neighborhood where the hotel is located used to be a lively, multi-cultural merchant area and still has a unique feel with Chinese-influenced buildings and serval shops, cafes, riverside restaurants and galleries. The hotel in turn has incorporated a minimalist designed with both Thai and “modern Chinoiserie” details.

Little details everywhere

Along with the hotel, there’s a coffee shop, Café des Artists, inspired by old merchant alleys that traditionally connected the river to the street where people could gather in cafes and shops.

Complimentary afternoon tea – rose tea and a special snack of toast with a slightly sweet egg custard topping

The impressive breakfast (not including the full plate of eggs benedict!)

Inside the restaurant

Simple and stylish, the rooms are a little tight but comfortable with many featuring views of the back gardens and river.

One of the cooler bathrooms I’ve seen

Serene room at Hotel des Artists Ping Silhouette

If you’re coming through Chiang Mai and looking for a special, but still affordable, place to stay, or living here and in need of a staycation, Hotel des Artists Ping Silhouette is definitely worth a look. It’s completely charming without being kitschy, stylish without feeling stiff or too trendy.

Hotel des Artists Ping Silhouette Details and Contact

The hotel is situated on the east side of the river on Charoenrat Road. It’s within walking distance of a number of cafes and eateries but its about a 20-minute walk to the east side of the Old City. Right now during the summer/low season there are rooms starting at 3,100 baht or about $88 USD on Agoda including breakfast.

Note: I was a guest of Hotel des Artists Ping Silhouette for another story but all opinions and recommendations are my own.