For us in Bangkok, we know 137 Pillars as the downtown boutique property that’s both flash and traditionally stylish (as well as the vaunted host of this year’s Top Tables). But fans of the hotel might be interested to know that the brand itself was born in 2011 in Chiang Mai in a teak wood house that is still one of the northern city’s best downtown hotels.
137 Pillars House Chiang Mai is an irreplaceable piece of Chiang Mai history, built from the historic Baan Borneo house in the 19th century into a luxury hotel. Today there is perhaps no better hotel for history and service in the whole of downtown Chiang Mai—one that effuses natural grandeur with modern conveniences.
Visitors only need to look at this heritage property to know it’s all about the history of teak, a resource that defined Southeast Asia for centuries. If you find yourself in the 137 Pillars Suites and Residences Bangkok and notice a curious lack of pillars, you’re not alone. The name comes from this property’s original facets in the 1800s. In Lanna tradition, a home’s stature was reflected in the number of pillars on which it sat, hence the original brand name for when Jack Bain himself counted them: 137 in total.
It’s this connection to history that makes the 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai so extraordinary—that, and the fact that its boutique nature adds to the charm, hosting just 30 suites in total.
For dining, Palette is set in atmospheric but intimate surrounds, complete with curtains and a touch of the outdoors everywhere you look. Through June of this year, the tasting menu at Palette is a six-course culinary journey from Executive Chef Mam concentrating on Western cuisine with exceptional ingredients. Similarly, the main dining room, where you’ll be having your daily breakfast, has a dark wood charm that oozes with natural light.
Those who prefer a little tipple with their meals (or just for fun) will want to visit Jack Bain’s Bar, named for the Thai-Scotsman of the Borneo Company's teak logging operations which sold this Chiang Mai gem to its current owners. Visitors will find every kind of classic drink here, but take a chance on some of their housemade signature cocktails like the Elephant Runner and Aged Teak.
As a heritage destination, 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai is positively singular when it comes to downtown convenience. Whereas most places like this are found on the edges of the city, this green hideaway is just a few moments walk from the Tha Phae Gate. Ancient Chiang Mai may have been defined by the walls, but the modern history of this city was written by the navigable waters of the Ping River just outside this boutique hotel.
With the pool, Nitra Serenity Center treatments, and yoga activities, there are many hotels that claim to be an oasis in the calm. But there are few that can boast having done it for so long, so well.
For Thai resident rates at 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, guests can enjoy savings of up to 40% discount to price starting from THB 11,000+++ on best available rates, valid for stays until 30 September 2026. For more information or to book Thai resident rates at 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, please visit this website, or you can email stay@137pillarshouse.com or call +66 (0)53 249 339.
Learn more about 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai by following on Instagram at @137pillars_chiangmai.
[BK Magazine x 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai]
