Anantara Chiang Mai's New Floating Haven

Designer Vessel for Anantara Chiang Mai

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is introducing one of northern Thailand’s vessels, offering guests a culinary experience. The ‘Dibba Yana Chitta,’ or ‘Heavenly Boat,’ blends Thai design with the scenic beauty of the Mae Ping River. It was designed by the acclaimed Thai National Artist Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat, best known for his iconic ‘White Temple’ in Chiang Rai, which attracts over a million visitors each year.

Ajarn Chalermchai, one of Thailand’s most celebrated contemporary artists and named the National Artist of the Year in 2011, inspired the boat's design from his series of paintings titled ‘Dibba Yana Chitta.’ The vessel symbolizes the journey from this world to the next, featuring a figurehead carved into a mythical creature that represents the transportation of souls along the river to paradise.

“I have always been fascinated by the boats of Ayutthaya from ancient times, especially those with unique and special designs. Much of my work explores the theme of paradise, so the inspiration for Dibba Yana Chitta comes from the concept of the 'Divine Vessel’—a boat inspired by Ayutthayan designs but reimagined in my own style. It is intended to carry people to a divine realm,” said Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat.

This exclusive experience accommodates only 18 guests at a time, who can indulge in the finest Thai dining. Each season, a new tasting menu will be curated by the kingdom’s top Michelin-starred chefs, with the inaugural menu crafted by Chef Piyachart Phudtawong (nicknamed Chef Boy) from the Saneh Jaan restaurant in Bangkok. 

Chef Boy, born into a family of chefs, gained fame as a contestant on Iron Chef. His expertise lies in traditional Thai desserts inspired by rare royal recipes he has collected over the years. Guests aboard the Dibba Yana Chitta will have the opportunity to savour a seven-course menu of classic Thai cuisine paired perfectly with wines from Thailand’s leading vineyard, Monsoon Valley, from December 2024 to 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 served as the lifeline of the city since ancient times. Observing life unfold along its banks allows one to feel the very soul of the destination. We are truly honoured to have collaborated with a world-renowned artist like Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat to offer this unique and special experience to our guests.”

The Dibba Yana Chitta will depart daily at 5:30 PM from Anantara Chiang Mai Resort’s private pier, perfectly timed for sunset and cocktails. During dinner, guests will enjoy classical Thai music and have the option to borrow traditional Thai costumes for photos, fully immersing themselves in the experience. Dinner is priced at THB 6,999++ per person, with an additional THB 1,999++ for wine pairing. The Dibba Yana Chitta welcomes its first dinner guests starting December 24.