Location:Sansai Hotel Category: Travel Reviews:
9.0 (15 reviews)
Fern Paradise To
be in touch with the shady of nature. To live with rice culture through
authentic Lanna architecture. To meet the hundred of rare ferns.
To be away from crowded city and to stay in a peaceful oasis.
The Touch of Nature
F - friendly E - enjoyable R - relaxing N - nice people
P- peaceful A -architectural R - restful A - artistic D - delightful I - interesting S - superb surroundings E - enthusiastic
Rice Rice has
been the most valuable staple in Siam and the Lanna Kingdom since ancient
times. The Lanna people, who mostly live in the 8 Northern provinces of
the country, have a similar rice culture. They grow a glutinous type of
rice with entire families helping in planting, harvesting, and loading the
rice on to oxcarts to be stored in their home rice storage sheds called
"Lhong-Khao" or "Rice Barn".
"Lhong Khao" or "Rice Barn" The rice barn is widely known among Lanna people for it's many
uses. It has become one of the famous architectural styles which have evolved
to serve the Lanna's people lifestyle. There are various forms of rice barn
depending on the locality. Most importantly, the rice barn was designed
to show the wealth and economic stability of the owners. Size was determined
by the number of people in each house. Smaller families owned smaller rice
fields and therefore had a smaller rice barn of 4 to 6 support columns.
The bigger rice barns might have as many as 8 to12 columns.
In the
past farmers hired daily workers to harvest the crops which were then sold
in big lots to agents who would transport and resell the rice. The farmer
would retain enough rice to last the family throughout the following year.
This surplus was stored in the rice barn. Now the role of the rice barn
to store the grain has disappeared. Farmers sell their entire crops to agents
and buy rice as they need it. Many rice barns have been demolished or sold
for scrap lumber as they were no longer used by the farmers. Sadly, the
"Lhong Khao" is disappearing in the Lanna Kingdom and Chiang Mai. Fern Paradise
is proud to be able to preserve examples of this unique architectural heritage.
"Fern" The fern is one
of the oldest plants having survived for over 405 million years. People
all over the world grow ferns and there are many organizations and associations
set up to study ferns. There are numerous websites which present articles
about ferns. People who like or grow ferns exchange experiences and knowledge
about ferns regularly. In addition, there are exhibitions and fern competitions
at the local, national, and international levels.
With a strong attachment
to both the "rice barn" and the "fern", as well as a desire to preserve
and to popularize both, Baan Suan San Sai has united the two into one place.
Hopefully this combination will pass on the spirit of Lanna architecture
and the beauty of the fern from Thailand to our international visitors.
With a visit to "Baan Suan San Sai" they can share ideas, buy or trade ferns,
and relax in the comfort of our restored "rice barns" knowing that they
are connected with the timeless traditions of the past.
River Barn : The ground floor is a reception. The upper
floor has internet connections for guests.
River Sitting Area : The place
is on open area for having breakfast and dinner. It is by a stream where
you can enjoy boat padding.
Fern House : A big house of 14 x 20 meters exhibits all
kinds of ferns.
Green House
: A house of 4.50 x 9 meters for growing young ferns from
spores.
Parking :
A paved road at the front part of the compound is a 20 car parking lot under
the big mango tree.
Compound
Road : A paved road which can be used as a morning , evening
jogging or walk with the length of 500 meters.
Connecting Walking : The walkway is literate and gravels.
Different types of ferns are decorated through this walkway.
ACCOMMODATIONS
:: Standard Room::
>>> Cibotium Barometz Barn-Authentic rice barns in Lanna style with shared terrace, suitable
for 2 people. Area 35 Sq.m. Twin Bed, Television, Air-condition, Bathroom,
Hot Shower.
>>> Lycopodium Barn,
Cyathea Barn - Authentic rice barns in Lanna style with
shared terrace, suitable for 2 people. Area 35 Sq.m. Double Bed, Television,
Air-condition, Bathroom, Hot Shower.
Cibotium Barometz Barn
Lycopodium Barn
Cyathea Barn
:: Superior Room ::
>>> Adiantum Barn, Asplenium Barn,
Davalia Barn, Nephrolepis Barn, - Two Storied authentic
rice barns living area on lower floor for 2 people. Area 50 Sq.m. Double
Bed, Television, Air-condition, Mini Bar, Bathroom, Hot Shower.
>>> Platycerium Barn
- Two Storied authentic rice barns living area on lower floor for 2 people.
Area 50 Sq.m. Twin Bed, Television, Air-condition, Mini Bar, Bathroom, Hot
Shower.
Adiantum Barn
Asplenium Barn
Davalia Barn
Nephrolepis Barn
Platycerium Barn
:: Deluxe Room ::
>>>Dicksonia Barn
- Two big storey authentic rice barn and living area on lower for 2
persons. Area 85 Sq.m. Double Bed, Television, Air-condition, Mini Bar,
Bathroom, Hot Shower.
This place is amazing - it s like having a little hut in the jungle! the staff are very very helpful and the Thai breakfast is a must! The hotel is set out of town so you will need a taxi to take you places (costs about 200 bhat to Chiang Mai centre). The accomodation is set up on stilts and each hut is indiviual with it s own mini bar, tv, air con and hot shower. The only negative is that if you don;t go in peak season it can get cold at night as there is no insulation.
9/10
4th July 2009 Roslyn Tulsi
Fern Paradise was a beautiful, peaceful small family run hotel, 10 mins from the city of Chang Mai. Converted rice barns as your comfortable rooms, pool, extra friendly family who will help with tours, taxis etc.A little oasis to come back to after a day out.Lovely breakfast included and you can order dinner/lunch also, good, cheap food.
11th June 2009 Bethany Peterson
Fern Paradise was absolutely spectacular! We were amazed at how beautiful the property was, and our barn was perfect, very cosy. Mr. Ohm and the rest of his family were extremely helpful, and we have truly never received better hospitality. I would not hesitate to recommend Fern Paradise to anyone coming to Chiang Mai.
19th April 2009 Susan Stewart
Fern Paradise is an exceptional hotel, built with a love of architecture, the city of Chiang Mai and of course Ferns. The owners take the term personal touch very seriously. I cannot recommend this hotel enough and will most certainly return there soon.
26th January 2009 MENDES Lucia
Super hotel très bien situé, calme et très beau, reposant et un accueil personnalisé très sympathique. Idéal pour se reposer.
18th October 2008 Derek Wing Man CHAN
Very affordable and unique spot out of the main city but still very accessible. Om was fantastic at accommodating our needs. Would definitely return
13th October 2008 Andrew Halford
A beautiful retreat just outside Chiang Mai City Centre. An oasis of calm with all the mod-cons you d expect from a top hotel. Service was impeccable, the rooms well appointed and quite spacious. You cannot walk to town from here, so be prepared for taxi trips to and fro.
3rd August 2008 Kate in London
Fern Paradise was the most spectacular, romantic and friendly hotel we stayed in during our trip to Thailand. The owner and his family were all so incredibly helpful and friendly --> they surpassed all our expectations! We will definitely recommend it to our friends and family! (And go back ourselves if we are ever near by!)
18th July 2008 Ida ROULET
This hotel has a very suitable name : it is a paradise... We were 6 in two rooms at Fern Paradise and it was juste marvellous : everything was great actually: the rooms, the environment, the owner and his family... everything. We can only recommend it ! Only one little thing : it is quite far from the city... but this is a very little thing compared with the beautifulness of the place !
15th July 2008 Janne Maggs
Our friend picked Fern Paradise for our group and I was a little hesitant about staying in a converted rice barn, until we drove down the beautiful driveway into paradise. It is an absolute haven hidden away from the real world. Om and his family looked after our group of 14 and were absolutely fantastic. Om provided every service possible including finding an esky full of ice for our drinks under the barn before dinner each evening and then arranging dinner for us all. Newat gave us the “talk and tour”, providing us with the history of Chiang Mai and in particular the history of Fern Paradise and a tour of his fernery and nursery. He shared with us his passion for both Chiang Mai, Thailand and his ferns. A very interesting, delightful and passionate man. I would recommend all travellers who have the opportunity to stay at Fern Paradise program the talk and tour into their stay. The rice barns are very charming, quite basic, but everything you need is provided. I strongly recommend you take tropical strength insect repellent with you as there are mosquitoes around. Usually they love me but I was not bitten because I was diligent in applying repellent. Fern Paradise is a little out of town, but Om arranged transport for our large group whenever we needed it. The tuk-tuk ride back is great fun. Om will provide you with the address written in Thai to show to the drivers so it is not a problem getting back there.Fern Paradise is unique and is indeed a hidden paradise. I would not stay anywhere else in Chiang Mai. It is run by a delightful family who are passionate about their home, their land, their ferns and their visitors. Thank you Om, Newat, Ad and the family for a wonderful, unique and memorable stay.
6th February 2008 Melanie Pollard
There is nothing that I can say to adequately describe the beauty of this place...it is truly a paradise! The personal touches inherent in a family business are apparent throughout from the landscaping to the room decor. The owners take time to walk you through the history of their culture, their business, and their love of ferns and how all three have come together to create Fern Paradise. We were so glad we stayed here; it was our favourite hotel of our entire 3 week Thailand tour.
21st January 2008 Elizabeth Weinberger
Can t say enough good things about Fern Paradise. Although about 20 mins. from town, Chiang Mai can be a good place to get away from at night. The Fern Paradise is truly unique-- a beautiful sanctuary run by a delightful, very helpful family. It was built by an architect with loving attention to details, and the ferns are incredible. It is a bit rustic, so if you are looking for the Four Seasons, it isn t for you. However, it has everything you need, and what a treat to be there.
23rd December 2007 Sebastian Mair
Very beautiful place and run by an extremely warm, friendly family. Little bit in the middle of nowhere, so takes lots of planning going in and out of town as taxis don t have a clue even with a map or business card.
Standard rooms a little too simple as no drawers for clothes and not much in terms of warm water. Was bloody freezing a few nights/mornings (could see your breath) and when we asked for blankets, we received a couple musky ones that must have been in storage for some time.
Breakfasts were a bit boring a repetitive though the rest of the meals were excellent.
20th December 2007 M Watson
Lovely little oasis on the outskirts of ChaingMai. We spent 3 nights at Fern Paradise just enjoying the living area under our converted rice barn (bedroom, TV and bathroom upstairs in the barn, seating, hammock and table in the shade underneath the barn). Bed was comfy and rice barn nicely converted to living quarters - small but cosy. No bathtub but a good shower. Free internet and wifi connection a bonus. Food was good, service very hospitable and personal - many thanks to Om and Niwat for their attention to detail and interesting stories. We would stay again in a flash as we liked being outside of the busy centre of ChaingMai.
5th July 2007 Amro
iwas very happy in fern pradaise there is good sarvice, nice meeting and very putifule room its clean and comfort
9.0 (15 reviews)
