137 Pillars House

Where Anna Leonowens' son ran Siam's teak trade since 1889

🇹🇭 Chiang Mai, Thailand·Est. 1889·Lanna / British Colonial Teak·$$

83 HHI Distinguished

Heritage Distinguished

Transparency

Why This Score

How each of the nine Heritage Hotel Index dimensions was evaluated.

Heritage & Authenticity

40% of HHI

85.4/100

Historical Significance85.0

15%

Review pending

Architectural Integrity88.0

15%

Review pending

Cultural Immersion82.0

10%

Review pending

Guest Experience

35% of HHI

84.0/100

Authentic Experience85.0

15%

Review pending

Reputation Score84.0

12%

Review pending

Service Quality82.0

Review pending

Operational Excellence

25% of HHI

77.2/100

Conservation Commitment80.0

10%

Review pending

Modern Comforts80.0

Review pending

Value Positioning70.0

Review pending

About the Property

Built in 1889 as the headquarters of the East Borneo Company, this teak house served as home to Louis Leonowens — son of Anna Leonowens of "The King and I" fame — during his years managing the Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation's teak concession. The original raised teak structure, supported by its namesake 137 pillars, has been meticulously preserved while 30 suites were added in a sympathetic contemporary Lanna style.

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Original Purpose

East Borneo Company trading house

Highlights

Original 1889 teak house preservedHome of Louis Leonowens (son of Anna)137 original teak pillarsBombay Burmah Trading Corporation heritageLanna-colonial architectural fusionJack Bain's Bar in the original house

History Timeline

1889

Built as East Borneo Company headquarters on the Mae Ping River

1895

Louis Leonowens takes residence while managing Bombay Burmah teak operations

1920

Teak concession era ends; house passes to local families

2011

Restored and opened as a luxury heritage hotel

2015

Named Southeast Asia's Leading Boutique Hotel by World Travel Awards

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