Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Leads Cultural Exploration with Chaan Baan Experiences

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Celebrated as Thailand’s “cultural capital,” Chiang Mai boasts a profound historical and cultural heritage in arts and traditions passed down through generations. Nestled among vibrant rice paddies and lush tropical landscapes, the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai embodies this heritage comprehensively, providing guests with a picturesque rural retreat and a deeply engaging cultural experience. Sean Mosher, General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and Tented Camp Golden Triangle, reflects on the nearly thirty-year relationship the Resort has cultivated with the local community, embracing the quintessential Northern Thai lifestyle.

Embracing the Local Way of Life

The term “Chaan Baan,” meaning the terrace or outdoor living area of a traditional Thai home, serves as a communal space where families come together to eat, celebrate, and socialize. According to Ashok Nair, the Resort’s Director of Rooms and Residences, the Resort replicates this cultural hallmark to enhance guest engagement with local traditions. Chaan Baan symbolizes the Thai concept of ‘sanuk,’ which represents a playful spirit and humor essential to the local culture, offering a perfect setting for family interactions and cultural immersion.

Creative Memories

In this cultural hub, guests can engage in traditional crafts such as pottery and natural dye artistry. The Resort has introduced a saa paper-making workshop, where guests can learn the detailed craft of making paper from natural materials, guided by Ashok Nair. Additionally, guests are invited to create aromatic soy wax candles inspired by the traditional Thien Ram candles historically used in royal settings since the era of King Rama V. These activities not only reconnect guests with traditional Thai crafts but also foster familial bonds through shared creative efforts.

Truly Thai Experience

At the heart of the Resort, Chaan Baan enables guests to delve into authentic Thai cultural practices, including rice cultivation. Ashok Nair emphasizes the educational aspect of these experiences, from planting rice shoots to understanding the significance of the ‘ta-laew,’ a sacred artifact believed to bring fortune and protect against spirits. These experiences provide a hands-on appreciation of Thai agricultural and spiritual traditions.

Respected Traditions

The culinary experience at the Resort is equally enriching, featuring traditional Thai cooking and local delicacies like grilled bananas and sweet potato. Executive Chef Jaeyoung Lee, alongside the farming team, showcases the importance of locally grown herbs and vegetables in Thai cuisine. Guests can also interact with the resort’s water buffaloes, adding a unique and memorable element to their visit. Chaan Baan represents a living tapestry of cultural experiences, enriched by the ongoing interactions and stories shared by those intimately involved in its creation.

Chaan Baan offers complimentary daily experiences and is open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

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