Baan Thai Lanna, Bang Saray, is a unique development consisting of both traditional wooden Thai houses in the Lanna style from the Chiang Mai region and modern Eurasian houses.
The project is a development of the Bangkok-based company, VIP Land, and will eventually feature up to 79 houses when the village estate is finished, in approximately one year’s time. Currently, 20 traditional and 17 modern houses have been built and, unlike many developments in Thailand, VIP Land is only just beginning its sales campaign.
With the traditional wooden houses, every effort was made by the architect to replicate the distinct architectural features common to the Lanna culture and though teak hasn’t been used in the construction of the houses as it was in the olden days, due to the fact that teak is a now a protected hardwood, the optional furniture in both the traditional and modern houses is teak in celebration of the craftsmanship of Chiang Mai, where the items were made.
This unique blend of ancient and modern is certainly a one-off for the region and the extremely attractive nature of the traditional wooden houses will hold great appeal to those seeking an authentic Thai lifestyle, while the alternative choice of the more contemporary style allows for modern comforts, while living in an environment of largely traditional houses.

Like in the soaps
Those who watch Thai soap operas on TV will easily recognise the distinctive features of the traditional wooden houses in the Baan Thai Lanna village estate such as the elegantly tapering high-pitched roof/roofs and various finials or ornaments on the roof apex. The single storey house on a platform with a common floor, raised off the ground by poles, traditionally allowed the inhabitants to escape the extremes of the perennial Monsoon rains and consequent flooding, which is not something the modern residents will have to be concerned about as the 24-rai property is well drained. Traditionally, the ground floor of such houses, apart from protecting against flooding, also provided shelter for animals, as well as preventing snakes, insects, predators and thieves gaining entrance to the house.
The residents here will likewise have no need to be afraid of thieves as it is a gated estate with 24-hour security, foot patrols and CCTV surveillance.
In the wooden houses of the Baan Thai Lanna, the ground floor provides garaging space for between two to four vehicles, depending on the house size, as well as an alternative open-air dining room-terrace, situated next to the modern kitchen, which is well equipped with contemporary appliances made by Teka. There is also a maid’s room, a bathroom and laundry and the larger houses have an additional terrace.
The Baan Thai Lanna wooden houses offer the perfect mix of the traditional and modern. Instead of the original single open-roomed layout, those of Baan Thai Lanna have between five and seven rooms, consisting of two bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom and a dressing room, with the largest house having a dining room and an extra bathroom.
All four types of wooden house have the distinctive porch with its covered stairs and seats as well as the large open-air veranda-balcony which served such an essential function traditionally, as the coolest place in the house where the family could gather in comfort to eat, socialise or to entertain guests.
It is also a location where the women of the house could still perform their ancient practices of weaving and embroidery if they were so inclined, or perhaps today to use as a convenient place for reading or painting, for example. The balcony could also be used as it was traditionally as a sleeping area for male family members or guests in the event they find it preferable to the air-conditioned interior.

Unobtrusive blend
One of the most appealing features of the traditional wooden Thai house is how well it blends into its environment, being made of the same material as the trees in the garden and therefore unobtrusive; a feature VIP Land well recognise, which is why the tropical greenery and trees of the garden are included in the price of the property.
Another essential feature of the traditional house is how well adapted to its particular hot and humid Asian climate it is, as wood is so much cooler and considerably more person-friendly than concrete, tiles or brick.
In addition, the high-pitched roof facilitates air circulation, whereas the wide overhanging eaves protect the residents from both sun and rain. In the traditional house, the windows were open, whereas in the modern variant, glass is used in the window panes, but they can still be opened to provide ventilation; otherwise, the built in air-conditioning can be used in the interior.
On the roof as an alternative to the traditional wood, terra cotta roof tiles are used.
The traditional wooden houses come in four styles: Phaya Pheuk, Phaya Amphai, Phaya Bordee and Phaya Putara on land plots of between 74 to 203 square wah. They are priced at between Bt7.732m to Bt11.991m, dependent on house style and plot size.
The modern Eurasian houses are typical of most contemporary house styles in Thailand, and are either single or two-storey, with between two to three bedrooms, kitchen, separate dining and living rooms and laundry facilities.
Named Rajawadee, Kanlayanee, Dusita, Chamjuree, Wanalom, Rotsukhon and Amornwadee, respectively, they all have covered car ports and terraces and come on plot sizes of between 60 to 115 square wah and range in price from between Bt4.375m to Bt6.295m, again dependent on house style and plot size.
All the properties are equipped with modern fixtures and fittings and there is an optional furniture package, including teak dining and living room furniture, beds etc. priced at Bt700,000.
The Baan Thai Lanna village estate will also have a club house, swimming pool and children’s play area, which are currently being built.

Swift access
The project is minutes away from the Bang Saray Beach, and being just off Sukhumvit Road there is swift access to Pattaya, local recreational and entertainment venues, airports and the national road network.
Mortgage facilities can be arranged for Thai nationals and loans for foreigners, dependent on status, through the Siam Commercial Bank.
There are on-site show houses open now for both the traditional wooden and the modern Eurasian houses, both fully furnished so one can get a good feel for both types of house first hand.
Being in a good location and on a very appealing estate, both types of house will make good investment opportunities and afford a comfortable and tranquil lifestyle. Ω
Contact: Baan Thai Lanna, 95/9 Moo 9, Bang Saray, Sattahip,
Chonburi 20180
T: 038 053 053
W: www.baanlannapattaya.com