Chiang Mai's Chedi has upped the ante in this newly posh town on the Mae Ping River. The 84 sleek rooms, protected from urban noise by two sets of thick doors, have sweeping floor-to-ceiling views of Thai river life. Daybeds indoors and out are a relaxing pleasure, as are teak chaises by the riverfront pool. The hotel wraps around the open-air restaurant, where two Indian chefs spice up an East-meets-West menu. A wrought iron staircase twists up to the rooftop bar. Plans are under way to build a traditional wooden boat for river explorations, but for now, nature lovers can set out via Land Rover for hill tribe treks and elephant tours.