Chiang Mai wasn’t on my original itinerary. I’d planned to spend longer in Bangkok, then head south to the islands. But a week of madness, noise, and heat had left me exhausted. I wanted a break. Somewhere slower. Somewhere quieter. So I booked an economy flight north, planning to spend only a few days in Chiang Mai before continuing on. I stayed for a week.
That change of plans had a great deal to do with one special location: Green Tiger House, a vegan boutique hotel hidden away in the Old City of Chiang Mai.
Honestly, I discovered it by chance. I was browsing venues on a booking website, seeking something intimate and within walking distance. Not a hostel, nor some faceless chain, mind you. The pictures seemed pleasant. The reviews were adequate. And it wasn’t too pricey. That was sufficient.
But as soon as I stepped inside, I realized I had found something more than I had hoped for.
A Quiet First Impression
Green Tiger House appears quite ordinary from the outside. A white building with a simple, minimalist look and a small reception area. No gaudy signs. No gigantic entrance. But the moment I stepped inside the gate, everything was. tranquil. There was an aura of peace that I hadn’t experienced in weeks.
The check-in was speedy, and the staff was really friendly. Not in that superscripted fashion, though. It was personal. As if they were glad I was there.
The apartment itself was plain. It had white walls, wood furniture, large windows, and a bed I still find myself thinking about. It was extremely comfortable, with fresh-smelling sheets. There was also a small balcony looking over some trees and a small side street where you could hear the occasional motorbike rush by, but otherwise, mostly birds.
The Unexpected Joy of Vegan Food
Alright, I admit it. I am not vegan. Not even remotely. But the restaurant at Green Tiger House only offers plant-based food, and because I was too bored to go out on the first night, I thought I’d take a bite.
That was the most I had ever enjoyed jackfruit curry. And the pumpkin coconut soup? I got it three times while I was there. Even breakfast, which I typically forgo when I’m on the road, was something I anticipated arriving to every morning. They had fresh fruit, homemade granola, and bold coffee.
What amazed me wasn’t the taste alone. It was that everything felt so satisfying and not heavy at all. I didn’t even miss the meat. Not once.
Location That Allows You to Breathe
The location of this hotel is probably one of its best aspects. It’s within the Old City, which means I could walk virtually everywhere, such as temples, cafes, markets, and even a couple of local massage parlors I discovered by getting lost.
Wat Phra Singh was within a ten-minute walk. Wat Chedi Luang was a little further, but easy enough. On one lazy afternoon, I stumbled upon this little temple hidden behind a school, where a monk smiled at me as I quietly did a little exploration. I don’t even know the name of the place. It wasn’t marked on any map.
That’s what Chiang Mai provides: peaceful discoveries. Things that you do not plan for.
And returning to Green Tiger House from a day in the sun, having a cool shower, and perhaps reading a bit behind the rooftop lounge, it just improved everything. I wasn’t in a hurry any longer. I had no place to be.
The Moment That Stuck With Me
There’s one morning I find myself thinking about a lot. I woke up naturally before dawn. About 6:30 AM. The city was sleeping. I brewed myself a cup of tea and brought it up to the roof. There was no one else up there. The sky was this lovely mixture of pale blue and pink. You could hear sweeping. There was someone somewhere beginning the day.
I just sat there. Breathing. Watching. And I recall thinking, this is why I travel.
Not for the big sites. Not for the pictures. But for this sense of being completely still in a location that isn’t your own.
Should You Stay Here?
If you’re in the mood for a party hostel, this isn’t it. If you’re after something super-luxurious, with marble tubs and rooftop pools, keep looking.
But if you’re exhausted. Or perhaps just a bit overwhelmed. And you need somewhere to stop, catch your breath, and experience genuine hospitality, Green Tiger House is a consideration.
It’s not ideal. There are no TVs in the rooms. The Wi-Fi’s patchy on the roof. And the area around gets a bit sleepy at night.
But perhaps that’s the idea. Chiang Mai itself is a matter of slowing down. And this resort fits perfectly into that pace.
Final Thoughts
Occasionally, the highlight of a vacation isn’t a monument or an outing. It’s a hushed room. A satisfying meal. A warm smile upon arrival. A sunrise you weren’t prepared for.
That’s what Green Tiger House provided. Not simply a place to stay the night, but a small enclave of tranquility when you need it most.
And quite frankly, I’d return simply for the soup.