I am thinking of staying at the Anatara outside of Chang Mai in Chang Saen for a week. Please correct me if I am wrong --it's relaxing and luxurious, close to silk and celadon shopping in Chang Mail, and there are treks in the jungle and with elaphants. I hope there is also river rafting? We will be there in May/June - is that a good time to go? Is there a luxury train there from Bangkok? Thanks!

Try a search on this board for "Anantara". This may help.

Yes, do a search on this board for reviews, there have been a number, starting with the review I did of my stay right after it opened in Nov., 2004. It is relaxing and luxurious, but it is NOT close to Chaing Mai. I know of no luxury train from Bangkok. You'll want to fly into Chaing Rai, then it's an hour drive north. It's located right at the tip of the Golden Triangle.

Kathie did you mean Nov 03

Isn't chaeng Saen nearer Chiang Rai? which is quite a way from Chiang Mai

I thought the Anatara was the old Le Meridien at Baan Boran, if so I don't remember much river rafting, the Mekong (i think thats the river was a bit fast flowing) but elephants, hill tribes, river cruises abound.

john, yes I did mean Nov. 2003.

Walter, yes, you are right, the Anantara is not close to CM. It is the old Baan Boran totally re-done. When I was there, it was possible to arrange river rafting on the Mekong as well as the other activities you mention.

anantara is a 3 hour drive from chiang mai where most of the shopping is, expecially for celedon....

it is a fantastic hotel...it has a great spa and pool....for me a week would be too long but 4 days were not quite enough....depends on what you want to do...spa, rest and relax--it would be great....the food outlets are very limited however--only the hotel really...it is isolated...nothing within walking distance except the opium museum, across the street, which is fantastic also..