Chiang Rai’s Famous White Temple Artist Designs New Luxury Vessel for Guests at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
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Dibba Yana Chitta, New Luxury Vessel at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is launching one of northern Thailand’s most spectacular vessels, taking guests on an unforgettable culinary experience. Blending unique Thai design with the beauty of the historic Mae Ping River the ‘Dibba Yana Chitta’, or ‘Heavenly Boat’ is designed by acclaimed Thai National Artist, Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat, known worldwide for his famous ‘White Temple’ in Chiang Rai, which draws over a million visitors from around the globe each year.
One of Thailand’s most popular contemporary artists, Ajarn Chalermchai was named Thailand’s National Artist of the Year in 2011 in lifelong recognition of his work. His latest design is inspired by series of paintings named ‘Dibba Yana Chitta’. The boat’s design depicts the journey from this world to the next and the vessel’s figurehead has been hand-carved into a mythical creature, symbolising 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.
Ajarn Chalernchai Kositpipat
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Highly exclusive, with only 18 seats, guests on board can indulge in the finest Thai dining experience. Each season, a new tasting menu is to be curated by the kingdom’s top Michelin-starred chefs, with the inaugural menu by Chef Piyachart Phudtawong (nicknamed Boy) of Saneh Jaan restaurant in Bangkok.
Born into a family of chefs, Chef Boy first rose to fame as a contestant on Iron Chef. His specialty lies in traditional Thai desserts, inspired by rare royal recipes he has collected over the years. Guests aboard the Dibba Yana Chitta now can enjoy his seven-course menu of classic Thai cuisine, perfectly paired with wines from Thailand’s leading vineyard, Monsoon Valley, from December 2024 until the end of March 2025.
“At Anantara Chiang Mai, river life is an integral part of the resort experience, “said Pitak Norathepkitti, General Manager of Anantara Chiang Mai Resort. “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 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 be serenaded by classical Thai music, and they may also borrow traditional Thai costumes to have their photos taken and fully immerse themselves in the experience.
Dinner is priced at THB 6,999++ per person, with an additional THB 1,999++ for wine pairing. Dibba Yanna Chitta will welcome its first dinner guest from 24 December onwards. For more information and reservations, call +66 (0) 53 253 333, email chiangmai@anantara.com or LINE @Anantarachiangmai
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About Anantara Hotels & Resorts
A luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, Anantara has connected guests to genuine places, people and stories in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations since 2001. Each Anantara embraces the surroundings and culture of its destination to create unforgettable memories for every guest. From city to sea and desert to jungle, Anantara delivers heartfelt, Thai-inspired hospitality at its over 50 hotels and resorts across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
Anantara is partof global hospitality group Minor Hotels and a member of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme.
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