Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Our Favorite Hotels in Chiang Mai

– A 5-star property is Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai.
• 4-The 4-star Maladee Rendezvous hotel • 3-star: JARITT NyMMANH
• New: Maladee Rendezvous
• Boutique: Inside House
• Inexpensive: BED
• For families: Shangri-La
• Couples: Ping Nakara
• Pool: Na Nirand
• Near airport: Smile Lanna

a large swimming pool surrounded by palm trees

The Best Areas to Stay in Chiang Mai

See Also

Top Accommodations in Chiang Mai
• ◦ Prime Accommodations for Family Vacations in Chiang Mai

Located about 700 km northwest of Thailand`s capital city Bangkok, Chiang Mai sits among hills. It is a popular destination among both foreign and Thai travelers due to its rich culture, particularly within the Old City. Others visit for outdoor activities, breathtaking scenery, traditional villages, palaces, temples, elephant parks and butterfly farms.

Chiang Mai Neighborhoods

a lake filled with lots of green grass next to a river

Most visitors explore within the one square kilometer of Old City. This small area contains remarkable attractions and facilities. Due to constraints, many Old City hotels have compact, boutique styles. Ironically, Chiang Mai translates to “new city” in Thai.

The areas South of the Old City are more spacious and peaceful. A few low-key guesthouses and trendy boutique hotels with a village-like atmosphere line the narrow streets there. East of the Old City, the accommodations are modest and inexpensive, but still comfortable and convenient to stay at.

About 1km from the eastern edge of the Old City are tall buildings providing lodging around the renowned Night Markets for their inviting cafes, food stalls, and shops. The tranquil area along Ping River is worth considering, where many hotels are charming, luxurious, and colonial-style. Across the bridge from Ping River are additional accommodations. It’s still convenient to the Night Markets but a longer walk to the Old City (2km or more).

Often overlooked but strongly recommended is Nimmanhaemin (more generally known as Nimman). It’s only 2km from the northwest corner of the Old City. The primarily new and boutique-style hotels are along the area’s leafy streets. It’s stylish and spirited yet tranquil.

Outside Chiang Mai, numerous resorts and guesthouses scatter the spectacular hills in nearby villages and towns. These resorts offer abundant space, views, serenity, and fresh air. But they are about an hour from the airport or Old City.

Getting Around Chiang Mai

Given its popularity with visitors, public transportation is relatively poor in the city center. The quickest, most hassle-free, and affordable way to navigate downtown is by ordering a car or motorcycle using the ride-sharing app Bolt, which operates similarly to Uber.

a man standing in front of a red truck

To secure transportation on a songthaew taxi truck with bench seating that accommodates 10-12 passengers, familiarity with Thai is necessary. Costs are negotiable (oftentimes overestimated) for sizable groups. But don’t charter them on the bumpy roads beyond the city limits.

a small motor scooter is parked in a parking lot

Three-wheeled tuk-tuks are difficult to find in Chiang Mai`s Old City. They can be found at the MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center in the Nimmanhaemin district and the higher-end hotels near the Night Markets. Taxis are so scarce they must be booked ahead of time and won`t use a meter. The best chance of locating various modes of transportation is outside the Chiang Mai Gate Market.

Many visitors explore the Old City during daylight hours and go to the Night Markets after dark. Both locations are within walking distance of most hotels in the Old City. Cycling around the historic center is pleasant and safe, as bikes can easily be rented from shops within. Lodgings there regularly offer complimentary bike loans for guests. Nonetheless, avoid venturing outside the Old City walls or Night Markets region because traffic is truly problematic elsewhere. Steer clear of the thoroughfares parallel to the defenses and moats encircling the Old City.

Also ideal for exploration by two wheels or on two feet are the narrow lanes just south of the Old City and along both sides of the Ping River. However, getting to the Ping River area involves negotiating heavy vehicle movements.

Safety in Chiang Mai

The just real likely hazard is obtaining hit by a car while cycling or crossing the street. Take added care than you likely would at home. Additionally, make two presumptions: everybody will disregard road policies, and pedestrians will have no rights at all. Additionally, take the general precautions around crowded streets, markets, and shrines where bag-snatching and pick-pocketing are not odd. And be aware of potential political unrest that may result in mass demonstrations, specially in Chiang Mai, home to thousands of university students. With less traffic and fewer people, the area along Ping River is safer.

The Best Places to Stay in Chiang Mai

tables with umbrellas on top of them

Best Areas in Chiang Mai for…

  • The best neighborhood to stay for first timers is Nimmanhaemin in Chiang Mai.
  • The inevitable crowds, traffic, noise, heat, and transportation difficulties can be discouraging for some. In stark contrast is the shaded streets of Nimmanhaemin, more commonly known as Nimman. This middle-income suburban region just 2km northwest of the Old City offers cozy boutique-style lodgings. There are welcoming bars and eateries. At the top of the main road sits the world-class MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center. It’s a spacious and air-conditioned respite providing familiar fast-food outlets and coffee shops.

  • Best Region for Scenic Views: East of the Old City
    The two primary attractions in Chiang Mai are the Old City and the Night Markets. The old city offers history, culture, and charm, while the Night Markets are a winding collection of stalls, bars, and cafes. Remaining just east of the Old City allows guests to easily visit both areas on foot at different times of the day or evening. The main road that borders the eastern side of the Old City is handy to the Chiang Mai Zoo within the city boundaries and traditional villages and elephant parks outside Chiang Mai. However, public transportation is perplexing and somewhat expensive
  • Best Area for Culture: Old City
    The best region possessing a cultural spirit lies within the walls and moats constructed 750 years ago in Old City. With a bonus of modern conveniences and tourist amenities. The history, culture, and religion of Thailand and Chiang Mai are all interwoven. The numerous temples around the Old City provide insight into the culture.
  • Best district for Nightlife: Nimmanhaemin (Nimman).
  • a bar that has a lot of drinks on it

    Chiang Mai does not offer the kind of nightlife found in Bangkok or beach regions like Pattaya and Phuket. The Night Markets area sells some alcohol along the streets and food stalls, but live music is unusual. The best choice for after-dusk action is at Nimmanhaemin (also known as Nimman). It’s 2km northwest of the Old City. The narrow, leafy roads are packed with vibrant and inexpensive coffee shops and bars, often frequented by students from nearby Chiang Mai University. And it’s easy to find, especially on weekends, with live music at places like The Sax Music House opposite the U Nimman Hotel.

  • The best areas to find food markets are around the Night Markets.

a restaurant with tables, chairs, tables and umbrellasa buffet filled with lots of different types of food

The best option is Kalare Night Bazaar, where costs are affordable, but the quality is usually first-class. Other parts of the Old City and surrounding inner urban area also transform into markets with food stalls at certain times of the week. The most popular is the Sunday evening Tha Phae Walking Street, which lies opposite the eponymous gate along the eastern wall of the Old City.

  • Top neighborhood for eateries: Nimmanhaemin (Nimman)
    For a tranquil meal at a reasonable cost, head to the serene, vibrant, and almost traffic-free backstreets of Nimmanhaemin (Nimman). Students from the nearby university and an increasing number of middle-class Thais dine at most cafés here.
  • Best Areas with Views: Around the Night Markets and Outside of Chiang Mai
    There are no substantial lodging with numerous floors within the Historical Center and just a few in nearby regions, such as the Night Markets. However, hotels rendering the highest standard of accommodation such as the Meliá and Le Méridien offer expansive perspectives of the Old City, Night Markets, Ping River, and pristine hills not too far away. Within an hour’s drive of the Historical Center, numerous resorts nested in the highlands provide immense, uninterrupted panoramas of misty valleys, dense woodlands, and traditional villages. The sceneries are one great reason to lodge outside of Chiang Mai
  • Best Areas for Peace and Quiet: Outside of Chiang Mai and Nimmanhaemin (Nimman)a row of fire hydrants sitting on top of a table

    Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city and a popular tourist attraction. It`s often very busy with people and vehicles. To escape the persistent crowds, traffic, and noise, stay at a resort located among the hills just outside of Chiang Mai or at a low-key but comfortable guesthouse in a nearby village. The most peaceful area within Chiang Mai is the tree-lined backstreets of Nimmanhaemin (Nimman). This stylish suburb features many appealing cafes, bars, and hotels. Thankfully, traffic is negligible there, although airplanes sometimes fly at low altitudes as they approach the nearby airport.

  • Best Area to book Outdoor Activities: Old City
    a store with a neon sign on the front of it
  • Premier toured area: Old City
    The variety of activities available around Chiang Mai’s countryside is extraordinary. There is a waterborne tour through the infamous Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos intersect. Pai village is renowned for its marketplace, hot springs, and distinctive customs. The Bhubing Palace provides tours of the royal winter residence. Numerous national parks offer lovely hikes. Some tours are a little overstated, and a few involve matters of questionable ethics, like certain venues housing tigers, elephants, and gibbons. Arrange tours at travel bureaus located around the streets of the Old City where included in the cost, buses pick up and drop off customers.
  • Best Area for Shopping: Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) Area

a fruit stand filled with lots of fruits and vegetablescars parked in front of a building

Around 2km from the northwest corner of the Old City is MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center. It’s known for its pleasant air-conditioning, selection of boutiques and stalls, low-cost food court, and (modest) games arcade.

  • Best Area for Families: Along Ping River
    The most family-friendly region for lodging is along or near the Ping River. Some hotels offer a tranquil, quaint atmosphere. Others are expansive resorts with lush gardens, an enormous pool, and amenities for children. Leisurely boat excursions along the waterway are easy to organize, and bicycling or strolling through the back alleyways provides pleasant pastimes. The remainder of the city is crowded with significant traffic and noise levels.
  • Most Romantic area: Along Ping River
    Several charming boutique hotels beautifully sit along (or near) the western banks of the Ping River. It’s on the other side of the Night Markets area from the Old City. Some hotels feature a colonial-style vibe, and all offer a tranquility not possible elsewhere in Chiang Mai. The walking paths, boat trips, and riverside cafes add greatly to the appeal of a romantic getaway.

a pool filled with lots of plants next to a building

The 8 Best Areas in Chiang Mai for Tourists

1. Old City

a row of stone steps leading to a stone wall

Most visitors prefer staying in or at minimum near the Old City. It’s a magnificent metropolis initially constructed over 750 years ago but has been restored many times since. Surrounded by crumbling walls, attractive moats, and, more recently, major roads, the Old City is densely packed with tourist amenities and cultural attractions. It’s renowned for its temples and markets. This delightfully compact area is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. Many hotels offer free bike rentals. Otherwise, rent one at a nearby shop.

The Old City offers a wealth of ancient places of worship, traditional marketplace, and cultural attractions to explore. The City Heritage Centre provides an outstanding experience, while the Treasury Museum offers an informative lesson on the history of Thai currency.

a woman standing in front of a christmas tree

Along every main road and nearly every major intersection of the Old City is a wat temple. Within the expansive and often shaded temple grounds is at minimum one golden stupa (a domed Buddhist shrine) and often a monastery too. Visitors are freely welcome to enter the temple areas and roam throughout the day and evening if they behave respectfully, respecting the rights of monks and staff, and dress modestly. Regulations concerning not wearing shorts and sleeveless clothing appear more relaxed presently. But don’t rush. Temples are places to savor. Maybe stop for a beverage or meal at a food stand under a banyan tree within the grounds. Some favorite temples in the Old City include Wat Chiang Man (the oldest) and Wat Phra Singh (the most popular).

The Old City is full of quality dining establishments providing a variety of cuisines at reasonable prices. Most locations along the main streets will be loud and, regularly, busy. But there are plenty along quiet alleys. The food stalls at the night markets are even louder and more busy.

a crowd of people standing around a food stand

Not remarkably, the majority of fresh produce or “wet” markets were constructed within the Old City well before urbanization and tourism. Site visitors wandering along the narrow alleyways of the Old City may unintentionally come across small and overcrowded markets. Larger and simpler to locate is the busy Chiang Mai Gate Market. It’s along the eastern portion of the southern road that parallels the Old City walls. Opposite a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights, this market is also convenient to anybody remaining just south of the Old City. The Old City is also the best area to organize tours and outdoor activities from the numerous travel agencies.

a room that has a bunch of plants in ita garden filled with lots of plants next to a building

A few hotels are spacious, beautifully vintage-style, and upscale, but most are small and boutique. There are a few simple yet comfortable guesthouses along quiet alleyways. However, there are no resorts and few family-friendly options.

2. South of the Old City

people sitting at tables in a restaurant

The area just south of the southern border of the Old City is tranquil yet convenient. With narrow lanes lined with (generally) middle-class homes, the district, typically known as Hai Ya, has a sense of inner urban village life. Facilities cater more to locals than tourists, adding to the appeal.

a man standing in front of a counter filled with food

All lodging are pleasant family-operated lodgings and hip boutique hotels. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from all the attractions in the Old City. This area is convenient to the airport (but rarely affected by plane noise) and to public transportation, which, as explained earlier, is disappointingly inadequate).

a dining room filled with tables and chairs

  • The Best Hotel South of the Old City:
    The Smile Lanna can be reached at +66 53 282 899
  • Best Boutique Hotels:
    Nampiangdin Hotel contact number: +66 53 275 751
    C Hotel contact number: +66 61 629 5856
    Nuan Hotel phone: +66 62 924 6544
    At Ease Bijou The hotel can be reached at +66 53 279 152
  • Best Family Hotels:
    Nanta Glam CM Hotel contact number: +66 81 830 2635
    Nuan” Hotel contact phone: +66 62 924 6544
    Baan Sang Singh Contact number: +66 86 566 5659
  • Best Cheap Hotels:
    A hotel Hotel phone: +66 53 277 707
    The Rinn Hotel can be reached by telephone at +66 62 262 5468
    The Villa Oranje Hotel contact number: +66 53 281 338
    Best Western Fino Tokyo Akihabara • Hotel phone: +81 3-5816-3151
    Norn-Nanta The hotel contact number is +66 53 272 241
    Baan Ratchiangsaen Hotel contact number: +66 53 274 755

3. East of the Old City

a city street filled with lots of tall buildings

Most lodging options just east of the Old City provide more space and greenery. Some hotels are contemporary and high-rise, offering decent perspectives. Others are quaint, trendy, and nearly hidden along tranquil side streets. Roadways require some sweeping and repairs, and it tends to be noisier than south of the Old City.

But this inner-eastern region is conveniently situated near Chiang Mai’s two primary attractions: the Old City and Night Markets. It is also within walking distance of the comparatively tranquil areas on both sides of Ping River. Private, chartered, or public transportation is excellent for promptly escaping the inner city).

a building with a sign on the side of it

  • The Best Hotels East of the Old City:
  • Selina Baños (Baños)
  • Away Contact them at: +66 53 904 974
    Amora Tapae Hotel phone: +66 53 251 531
    MiLa Hotel phone: +66 80 142 8605

  • Best Boutique Hotels:
    The Himku contact number is +66 81 444 0207 Pao Come Hotel contact number: +66 88 253 6030
    My Chiangmai Contact number: +66 53 232 344
    At Gate Thaphae Contact number: +66 92 694 9798
    Nine Smiths Phone number: +66 53 276 869
    The Lanna Hotel contact number: +66 53 281 234
  • Best Family Hotel:
    The Nidhra Lanna Hotel can be reached by telephone at +66 52 005 575.
  • Best Cheap Hotels:
    Bed and Terrace Hotel contact number: +66 53 449 708
    Makkachiva Contact number: +66 53 285 196
    An accommodation Hotel phone: +66 98 649 4996
    The imm Hotel contact number: +66 53 283 999

      4. Around the Night Markets

      a store filled with lots of different types of wares

      The region around 1km east of Tha Phae Gate along the edge of the Old City may seem unappealing. There are deserted malls, burnt shops, and closed lodgings. But every day around 4 pm, it comes alive. Changklan Road quickly transforms into crowded stalls selling clothes, souvenirs, and other items. Some areas have signs promising “beer garden,” “night bazaar,” and “food street,” but they are empty. Head directly to Kalare Night Bazaar, where stalls sell lots of tasty food at low prices. Go to Anusan Market for clothes and souvenirs. Both places are opposite Le Méridien lodging.

a patio area with tables, chairs and umbrellas

Towering high-rise hotels provide expanded views of the Old City and Ping River. They are large, with spacious gardens, big pools, and other facilities not found in the Old City. However, there’s not much for affordable lodging.

  • The Best Hotels Around the Night Markets:
    Le Méridien Hotel contact number: +666 53 603 333
    InterContinental Hotel contact number: +66 52 090 998
    The dusitD2 Hotel contact number: +66 53 999 999
    Aksara Heritage Hotel contact number: +66 53 279 224
  • Best Boutique Hotels:
    De Thaphae Contact number: +66 97 106 1940
    Yaang Come Village Hotel contact number: +66 53 237 222
  • Anax Resort and Spa – Agios Ioannis
  • Best Family Hotel:
    InterContinental Hotel contact number: +66 52 090 998
  • Best Cheap Hotels:
    The Boonnark Hotel contact number: +66 61 861 4884
    Night Bazaar Inn Hotel contact information: +66 64 495 5080
    The Star Hotel phone number is +66 53 270 361.
  • 5. Along Ping River

    a small boat in the middle of a river

    The expansive, brown Ping River is located just east of the Night Markets and about 2 kilometers east of the Old City. The area alongside the western bank of the river is comparatively tranquil and safe. It`s ideal for walking, cycling, and boat excursions, which are available departing from the rear of Wat Chai Mongkhon temple.

    a man sitting on top of an elephant statue

    A couple of charming boutique lodgings make the most of the peace and riverside setting and are ideal for a romantic escape. Several major resorts are a brief walk west of the river. They offer a pool, gardens, and family-welcoming amenities rarely possible so near the Old City. A few spacious and family-centered resorts are scattered along the western side of the river but are not within walking distance of the Old City).

a car that is parked in front of a building

6. Across the Bridge from Ping River

a bridge over a river with tall buildings

Additional lodging are being constructed along the eastern flank of Ping Stream. This area is easily accessible via several bridges to the Night Markets (about 750m) and Old City walls (about 2km) on foot and, still reasonably safely, by bicycle. A major bonus for some is proximity to the excellent Rimping Supermarket (Nawarat Branch), which sells fresh produce in air-conditioned comfort).

a living room filled with furniture and a window

Some accommodations feature river outlooks, though most are found along quiet side streets. Most hotels offer mid-range pricing, and there is little excitement for travelers accompanied by children. Scattered resorts can be discovered further north and south along this side of the waterway but are not within walking distance of the Old City.

7. Nimmanhaemin (Nimman)

a man riding a bike down the middle of a street

Nimmanhaemin is a bustling, growing area located only 2km northwest of Old City in Chiang Mai. Also known simply as Nimman. The road that gives the district its name separates Chiang Mai University from upscale family homes. Ideal for first-time visitors and travelers with children.

a market filled with lots of fruits and vegetables

This wonderfully tranquil slice of middle-class suburbs and off-campus life offers art galleries, nightlife, trendy cafés, and restaurants. It’s also close to the cultural attractions at the university. Several museums are on or near the Chiang Mai University campus, including the Chiang Mai University Art Center. The Art Mai Gallery Hotel and the One Nimman shopping mall also host art exhibits on their walls. The excellent MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center is at the top of Nimmanhaemin Road, with a games arcade, food court, and welcome air-conditioning).

a large swimming pool with a large mirror

Accommodations are boutique-style hotels—some with peculiar designs.

  • Top-Rated Hotels Across the Bridge from Ping River:
    Chala Number 6 Hotel contact number: +66 52 010 466
    The Sanae’ contact number is +66 53 222 299 Kantary Hills Hotel phone: +66 53 222 111
    Eastin Tan Hotel contact number: +66 52 001 999
    Peak Nimman Hotel contact number: +66 53 218 265
  • Best Boutique Hotels:
    JARITT Hotel telephone: +66 88 651 4393
    BED Hotel phone number: +66 53 217 100
    The G Hotel can be reached at +66 52 010 111
    The Art Mai Gallery Hotel in Chiang Mai, located at Art Mai Gallery. Contact: +66 53 894 888
  • Best Family Hotels:
    Kantary Hills Hotel phone: +66 53 222 111
    The Yantarasri Hotel can be contacted at +66 53 214 368
    Na Nirand Hotel contact number: +66 53 280 988
  • Best Cheap Hotels:
    A Hotel in Chiang Mai Hotel contact number: +66 64 351 7007
    NORN Hotel phone: +66 52 000 609
    The Empire The telephone number for The Empire Hotel is +66 53 289 288
    The Samantan Hotel contact number: +66 94 759 9619

8. Outside of Chiang Mai

a large bed with a canopy on top of it

Those seeking more time and financial means could potentially remain at one of the expansive resorts scattering the surrounding hills, approximately a 15-20 minute drive from the Old City sometimes extending up to an hour by vehicle. These hotels offer space, fresh air, vistas and serenity impossible to find within the Old City walls and rarely elsewhere in Chiang Mai. Many are designed with families in mind, featuring discounted rates, special family rooms and entertaining activities for children.

Some towns and villages like Hang Dong and Mae Rim have charming family-run guesthouses requiring an understanding of the public transportation system.

One benefit to staying outside Chiang Mai is the proximity to extraordinary outdoor activities, tourist attractions, stunning landscapes, and traditional villages. The major downside is the distance to the Old City, restaurants, shops, and public transportation. Isolation may be offset by shuttle bus and taxi services offered at some resorts.”>.

a green lawn chair sitting in the middle of a pool

  • The Best Hotels Outside of Chiang Mai:
    Novotel Hotel contact number: +66 52 012 777
  • Panviman Resort Hotel phone: +66 53 879 540
    The Veranda Hotel can be reached by telephone at +66 53 365 007
    Flora Creek Hotel contact information: +66 52 001 400

  • Best Boutique Hotels:
    Papai Country Lodge Hotel contact number: +66 81 882 7100
    Hillsborough Hotel phone: +66 92 458 2999
  • Best Family Hotels:
    K Maison Phone number: +66 52 088 818
  • Horizon Village The telephone number for the Horizon Village Hotel is +66 53 292 381
    Inside House Hotel phone number: +66 53 904 699

  • Best Cheap Hotels:
    Bantunglom Hotel contact number: +66 81 885 0934
    The Baan Ping Kan Longstay Hotel has a phone number of +66 24 304 464 Baan 88 Hotel contact number: +66 61 642 5982
    The accommodations titled ” Rice Barn & Rooms” can be contacted at +66 81 960 3997
    U Nimman Hotel contact number: +66 52 005 111

Chiang Mai Travel Tips

  • The Chiang Mai International Airport for domestic and foreign flights is so near to Old City that airplanes can sometimes be seen though rarely heard. A taxi ride to/from the airport from most hotels in or around the Old City should only take approximately 10-15 minutes. It may take up to an hour if staying at a remote resort in the hills. If so, arrange airport transfers with the resort. Taxis, which never utilize meters, charge a fixed rate of 150-200 baht (US$5-6) from the airport to an inner-city hotel. Rates for a trip to the airport are usually lower but still negotiable. The best choice is the ride-sharing app called Bolt. The closest region to the airport is just south of the Old City.

Read More

Leave a Comment

about me

ComfyUI_00005_

Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!

Search