The Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel impresses from the first with its incredible architecture and design. The white building features superb carvings and gingerbread architecture. Inside, colonial style blends with northern Thai design influences. The lobby has gorgeous antique furniture, beautiful patterned floor tiling, arched entranceways with intricate white wood carving, and a dramatic glass chandelier. The floor-to-ceiling tapestry on display is distinctly Thai, while the seating area with dark wood blinds and period chairs looks like it could be a 19th-century British gentleman's parlor.

The wide veranda facing the pool has similar decor, with wood beams on the ceiling, historic black-and-white photos on display, a Thai chess set, a giant old-fashioned map, and beautifully carved dark wood furniture. There's also a small library with a Persian rug, cookie jar, and a couple computers for guest use. The small, chic pool with an infinity edge is the centerpiece of the property, and is surrounded on three sides by the white carved hotel building.

As the hotel is small and intimate, it is perfect for couples seeking peace and quiet in an elegant setting. This isn't a place to run around and make noise, so families and partiers are in the minority here.

The Ping Nakara occupies a space near the Ping River, slightly away from the touristed and bustling area of downtown and the Night Bazaar. It's about a 15-minute walk to the action downtown, and guests can also get driven in the hotel Mercedes. While the hotel is itself an oasis away from the crowds and is a charming spot to while away an afternoon, the street it is on does get a lot of daytime traffic. There are no river views from this property; for a riverside setting farther from downtown, consider the less luxurious Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel.

The individually designed rooms here are charming and decked out in beautiful colonial style. All feature high ceilings, hardwood floors, period furniture, writing desks, and Persian carpets. Many have poster beds, floor-to-ceiling curtains over the French doors leading to the balconiess, and the hotel's characteristic white wood carvings above the bathroom doorway. The bathrooms are lovely, with marble accents, and those in Royal Grand Deluxe rooms have large jetted bathtubs and separate rain showers. Most rooms have balconies overlooking the pool and terrace below, and all rooms feature free Wi-Fi. Free minibars are stocked with drinks. Families can stay in connecting rooms (one with twin beds, one with a king).

The Ping Nakara is a small boutique resort. The sunny, courtyard pool is the main feature, and sits adjacent to the well-stocked library, where there are books, games, and comfy armchairs. The Nakara Spa offers pampering spa treatments including Ayurvedic treatments (that can be hard to find in Thailand), but there is no fitness center.

The restaurant serves a free breakfast with a mix of buffet and cooked-to-order items. Later in the day, guests can enjoy Thai meals and even an afternoon tea. Room service is available until late at night. Nakara Jardin, affiliated with and situated behind the hotel, has a lovely riverside location and serves gourmet French cuisine.

Chauffeur service in a classic Mercedes is on offer, and the hotel organizes tours. An elevator serves three floors of the hotel. For business guests, a meeting room is available.