Anantara Chiang Mai launches river dining experience

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Visitors to Anantara Chiang Mai Resort in Thailand can now enjoy a culinary experience aboard a vessel designed by the artist behind the White Temple in Chiang Rai. Set on the Mae Ping River, the “Dibba Yana Chitta” or “Heavenly Boat” is the work of Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat who was named Thailand’s National Artist of the Year in 2011. “At Anantara Chiang Mai, river life is an integral part of the resort experience,“ Anantara Chiang Mai Resort General Manager Pitak Norathepkitti said.

“The Mae Ping River has been the lifeline of the city since ancient times and to observe life unfolding along its banks today is to feel the very soul of the destination and we are truly honoured to have collaborated with a world-renowned artist such as Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat to bring this unique and special experience to all our guests.”

The boat’s design depicts the journey from this world to the next, with the vessel’s figurehead hand-carved into a mythical creature. It symbolises the transport of humans along the river to heaven. “I have always been fascinated by the boats of Ayutthaya from ancient times, especially those with unique and special designs. Since much my work already explores the theme of paradise, the inspiration for Dibba Yana Chitta is the depiction of the ‘Divine Vessel’—a boat inspired by Ayutthayan designs but reimagined in my own (Chalermchai’s) style. It is a vessel meant to carry people to a divine realm,” Kositpipat explained. The Dibba Yana Chitta departs daily at 5:30 pm from Anantara Chiang Mai Resort’s private pier, just in time for sunset and cocktails. During dinner, guests will listen to classical Thai music, and they may also borrow traditional Thai costumes to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

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