Art and astrology make for an inspired—and unexpected—pairing at MoRooms, spearheaded by Chiang Mai contemporary artist Mit Jai Inn. The deconstructed, angular exterior may look like something out of a sci-fi movie, but the interior is warmly inviting, with the mantra art lives welcoming guests at the door. The twelve rooms take their cues from the Chinese zodiac, with an artist born under each sign taking charge of their design. Take Udom Udomsrianan’s Monkey room, playful and dramatic with protruding steel-colored boulders, a giant bulbous wicker bed, and wall pieces made from fragments of petrified wood. The artistry extends to the restaurant: standout dishes include the MoPenne, a soul-warming take on pasta made with northern sausage, Thai herbs and tomato-cream sauce finished with a baked parmesan crisp. Love people watching? Stop for a drink at Toru’s Bar and order the MoSunset, a rum-based cocktail with lychee juice and hints of lemongrass. Sundays are especially lively, when the night market is in full swing.
263/1-2 Thapae Road, Chang Klan, Muang; +66(0) 53 280 789; morooms.com; doubles from 2,500 baht, including breakfast.