Where to Stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand →4 Best Areas & Hotels

Are you planning a trip to Chiang Mai? That’s a great choice! Located in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has so much to offer – from temples, delicious street food, cozy cafes, a fabulous night market and more! But, where to stay in Chiang Mai? Don’t worry I have the best options for you!

During the 4 months I lived in Thailand, Chiang Mai was my base city and I really enjoyed my stay there. This also means that I got to really understand how the city is structured and what are the best areas to stay in, especially for tourists.

In this post I will give you the best 4 Chiang Mai neighborhoods, as well as hand-picked hotels with fabulous reviews, divided by price range for your convenience.

The best place to stay in Chiang Mai is The Old City, where you will find not only cultural things to do, but also multiple markets, restaurants, cafes, well… the list just goes on! But in case this is not what you are looking for, don’t worry. I will also talk about the Night Bazaar, Riverside, and Nimman neighborhoods.

And if that is still not enough, I also added some bonus sections with the best apartments, hotels near the airport, family and unique hotels, so I’m sure you will find something perfect for your interests!

Either way, do not forget to book in advance as soon as you find the hotel option you like the most to secure a spot in the city. Well, enough for now, we have a lot to cover.

Are you ready? Let’s go!

Quick Picks for Your Stay…

Are you ready to book your stay in Chiang Mai? I can’t blame you, here are the best hotels in the city, check them out:

• Best luxury hotel: Phra Singh Village
• Best mid-range hotel: BED Phrasingh
• Best budget hotel: Green Sleep Hostel

Book your hotel in Chiang Mai

Which area should you choose?

First of all, here is a map of all 4 areas in Chiang Mai I will be talking about in this post, so you can easily visualize them:

And here is my list of personalized recommendations, broken down by budget and interests:

• Top area in Chiang Mai for first time: Old City
• Best area in Chiang Mai for shopping: Night Bazaar
• Top place in Chiang Mai for families: Riverside
• Where to stay in Chiang Mai for nightlife: Nimmanhaemin

1. Old City – where to stay in Chiang Mai for the first time

This walled, moated neighborhood is the cultural heart of Chiang Mai!

The most popular and best area to stay in Chiang Mai is definitely the Old City and its surroundings. The Old Town is easily spottable because it’s an (almost) perfect square, surrounded by a beautiful moat.

This is where most of the things are, from TONS of temples, museums and countless restaurants and trendy cafes, as well as markets, in fact, pieces of the ancient old city walls are still visible throughout the neighborhood!

The last time I went to the city we stayed in Chiang Mai’s Old City because we wanted to be close to everything we needed. It was a perfect choice!

Some of the best attractions in the Old City include the Tha Phae Gate, Wat Phra Temple, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang and other unmissable sights. Because the Old City is my top choice, most of my recommendations below are located there or around, within walking distance. Regardless, all of them have fabulous locations and even better reviews!

Here are my hand-picked recommendations with the best reviews and facilities in the Old City:

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• Tamarind Village Chiang Mai – This amazing 4-star hotel is another great upscale choice for your stay in the city. Tamarind Hotel in Chiang Mai is one of your best bets if you want to stay in the Old City area and you can choose from superb rooms and even suites for your stay! Truly one of the best places to stay in the most popular neighborhood out there!
• Phra Singh Village – This four star hotel in Chiang Mai awaits you with free Wi-Fi, a friendly staff and amazing facilities such as a fitness center, spa, outdoor swimming pool and more! Be prepared, as you’ll feel spoiled here during a full day of exploring the city! Perfect for all types of guests that want to stay within the old city walls and the Tha Phae Gate of the Old City!

Mid-range (from US$70 to US$150)

• Phor Liang Meun – Here’s another great hotel in Chiang Mai in the Old City area that offers a great value for money! The rooms are super comfy and clean and the hotel is calm enough so you can get a great night’s sleep.
• BED Phrasingh – This great 3-star hotel in the Old City offers great service for its price! They have free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, luggage storage, an outdoor pool, and a nice garden where you can relax. Last but not least, you will be greeted by a super friendly staff!

Budget (up to US$70)

• Green Sleep Hostel – This beautiful hostel in Chiang Mai has an awesome location, right in the heart of the Old City with easy access to the main attractions. It awaits you with comfortable rooms, bike rental (yay!), Wi-Fi in your room and more! This one’s definitely among the best places to stay on a budget!
• The Common Hostel – Last but definitely not least, this cozy and simple hostel in Chiang Mai is another great choice in the Old City and great for backpackers as well! You can choose from bunk beds and you’ll definitely enjoy the free Wi-Fi, laundromat (big plus!), shared kitchen and more!

Check the rates for the Old City

Although the Old City is the most popular choice for travelers, the area just outside it is a great choice as well. All of the 3 areas below are located not far away from the moat, which means you will be close to the city downtown and all the temples and the best attractions in the city!

2. Night Bazaar – best area in Chiang Mai for shopping

Known for its handicrafts and portrait paintings. There are also jewelry, toys, clothing, and high tech items such as CDs and DVDs, I’m sure you will find something for your interests!

The Night Bazaar is another one of the best places for tourists traveling to Chiang Mai. It’s located very close to the Old City and it’s the perfect place if you’re looking for shopping places!

Also, there are many upscale hotels in the Night Bazaar (but not only, you’ll find options for all budgets here) and it’s a great place for party people looking for nightlife as well.

That being said, if you want to stay near Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, here are the hotels I can recommend:

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• De Chai The Deco – If you are looking for a great luxury hotel in Chiang Mai located very close to the Night Bazaar, this is your choice! This hotel has incredible staff, modern rooms, a large swimming pool, and a restaurant where you will be served delicious Thai cuisine breakfast! Of course, it’s super close to Chiang Mai Night Bazaar!
• Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort – This is another great upscale choice located close to Chiang Mai Night Bazaar! You’ll have everything you need for a pleasant stay in this boutique hotel and you’ll definitely feel spoiled. This one’s definitely among the top hotels in the city!

Mid-range (US$50 – US$150)

• Rimping Village – The service is on point and the room spotless clean! The location is one of its best advantages, as it’s one of the best Chiang Mai Hotels within walking distance from the Night Bazaar. This is among the most beautiful hotels and they have gorgeous rooms and a swimming pool.
• Chedi Home Chiang Mai – This Chiang Mai hotel in the Night Bazaar area has so many great facilities! Some of them include free parking, a great location right outside the Old City, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center as well.

Budget (up to US$50)

• Thapae Twins Hotel – This great hotel is located very close to Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and it awaits you with a delicious Asian style breakfast buffet each morning, nice and cozy rooms, room service, tour desk, free Wi-Fi and more! Truly one of the best places to stay near the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai on a budget!
• The Park Society – This is another amazing choice for any budget traveler that wants to be close to the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai. This hotel has clean private rooms, a bar, a shared lounge where you can relax, a terrace and, of course, free Wi-Fi! If you want to relax a little bit more, you have to visit the beautifully decorated spa.

Check the rates for Night Bazaar area

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3. Riverside – where to stay in Chiang Mai with family

If you’re looking for a more relaxed stay, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, the Chiang Mai Riverside is your perfect choice! This area is located right next to the Mae Ping River (you can expect a beautiful view from your window!) and it’s a great choice for laid-back travelers, as well as families.

Here you’ll find beautiful streets full of old, authentic charm, a calm atmosphere, and tons of hotel options! You’ll find my hand-picked recommendations below in Chiang Mai Riverside:

Luxury (US$170 and up)

• Anantara Chiang Mai Resort – If you’re looking for 5-star luxury hotels close to Ping River, you’re in luck, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is one of the best Chiang Mai hotels! This gorgeous luxurious resort is perfect for laid-back travelers, as it’s located in the Riverside area, surrounded by great restaurants and cafes.
• Empress Premier Hotel Chiang Mai – I’m continuing my list of recommendations with one of the best Chiang Mai resorts! Empress Hotel in Chiang Mai is a very popular choice for tourists and it’s located in Chang Khlan area, right outside of the Old City. I’m sure you’ll like it, as it is among the top hotels in the city! The rooms are spacious and you can visit the 2 pools or the rooftop terrace!

Mid-range (US$90 – US$170)

• The Empress Hotel – This accommodation is decorated in an authentic Thai style in Chiang Mai! It has an excellent location with easy access to all the attractions in the city and it offers a great service for its price. They have a sauna, a fitness center, a nice garden and more!
• CHU Hotel Chiangmai – This 3-star hotel in Chiang Mai has different types of rooms that you can choose from, all of them super nicely decorated, clean, and with air conditioning! During your stay, you’ll have free Wi-Fi, housekeeping, complimentary tea and coffee, a welcome drink and much more!

Budget (up to US$30)

• Mapping Hostel – If you’re traveling to Chiang Mai and want to stay on the Riverside on a budget, look no further! This 2-star hotel has amazing prices and great service and some of its facilities include a garden, an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi and more! The rooms are rather small but the atmosphere is very peaceful and quiet!
• Saithong House – This is another great choice, located very close to the river in Chiang Mai. They have an on-site golf course, tennis court, a relaxing garden, free Wi-Fi in the rooms and in the common area and more! A beautiful property and a top place to stay if you’re on a tight budget and want to enjoy a comfy night’s sleep!

Check the rates for Riverside

4. Nimman (Nimmanhemin) – where to stay for nightlife

Trendy Nimmanhaemin is known for a buzzing dining and nightlife scene with casual Thai eateries alongside hip cafes and live-music lounges.

When I lived in Chiang Mai, we rented a place in Nimmanhaemin (also known as Nimman Road or simply “Nimman”) and I really enjoyed it there, it’s truly the perfect place for young people. If you want to read more about the time I lived in Thailand and why I moved there, I recommend checking out this post. You’ll find great restaurants and coffee places everywhere you look, it’s trendy, modern and you’ll find plenty of malls and boutique shops there.

If you’re looking for a hip area perfect for youngsters in Chiang Mai, Nimmanhemin (or Nimman Road) is THE place to be! The area is also known as “Coffee Street”, so you can expect to find tons of cafes and restaurants there, as well as boutique stores, I assure you!

It’s a vibrant cool area that doesn’t lack great accommodation options for all budgets. Here is what I can recommend:

Luxury (US$120 and up)

• Kantary Hills Hotel – This gorgeous 5-star hotel in Chiang Mai has large, cozy rooms, beautiful furniture, air conditioning, a delicious breakfast served each morning and more. Plus, you’ll find many cool places and restaurants within walking distance to this hotel! Trust me, this is among the best places to stay for a luxurious experience!
• Art Mai Gallery – This is my second recommendation for travelers looking for a place to stay in the Nimman area and enjoy a spoiled experience! They have very cool, uniquely artist-designed rooms, free bike hire service, helpful and friendly staff, 24-hour front desk and more! Perfect for a comfortable night’s sleep – plus all rooms have air conditioning!

Mid-range (US$70 – US$120)

• BED Nimman – For those looking for a great value for the price, no worries, I got you! This great hotel awaits you with a great outdoor swimming pool, a sun deck, free Wi-Fi, a garden, beautiful rooms with air conditioning and a great location, close to many restaurants and trendy cafes in Chiang Mai!
• Sanae’ Hotel Chiang Mai – You can also book a room at this amazing 4-star hotel! They have free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, clean rooms with air conditioning, a pool and a garden. You’ll definitely have everything you need here!

Budget (up to US$70)

• POR Santitham Chiang Mai – This one’s located less than 1 km from the Chiang Mai’s center and close to Nimman road, so you can easily walk anywhere you want and take in the sights of the city. During your stay here you will have free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, clean rooms with air conditioning, daily housekeeping – what more can you wish for?
• Vieng Mantra Hotel – Wondering where to stay in Chiang Mai for a great budget experience and cheap prices? Located in Nimmanhemin, this hotel has a top location, not very far from Chiang Mai center. The staff is super friendly, the rooms have air conditioning, are clean, and they even have luggage storage and a convenience store there!

Check the rates for Nimman

Best apartments in Chiang Mai, Thailand

If you would rather spend your nights in the city in a cozy apartment that will help you feel right at home, no worries, I got you!

I have researched the top apartments in the city and I have selected 3 fabulous choices that will make you feel you just moved to Chiang Mai!

Here is what I can recommend for you:

• (Luxury) The Golden Wells Residence – This is really an amazing serviced apartment that will make your stay unforgettable, I promise! This 3-star accommodation in Chiang Mai combines a luxury treatment with the coziness of having your own space. Some of the top facilities include a central location near the Night Bazaar, airport transfers, restaurant on-site, yummy breakfast and more!
• (Mid-range) Glory Boutique Suites Condo – For those looking for a mid-range boutique hotel in Chiang Mai, you’re in luck! This fab apartment is located very close to the Night Bazaar and some of its biggest pluses include a spacious and clean space for you to stay, free Wi-Fi, kitchen and more! Perfect for a comfortable night’s sleep within walking distance to the heart of the city!
• (Budget) The Grand Wipanan Residence – No worries, I have an excellent recommendation for budget travelers in Chiang Mai! This cozy homestay in Chiang Mai is located in the north of the Old City, really close to the Night Bazaar, the ideal area for young people (and party people as well). They have free Wi-Fi, a fireplace, 24-hour security and more!

Check the rates for Chiang Mai

👑 Luxury price:	$180
💵 Mid Range:	$90
🛏️ Budget:	$40
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Phra Singh Village
🧳 Mid-range hotel:	BED Phrasingh
👛 Best budget hotel:	Green Sleep Hostel

BONUS 1: Best hotels for families in Chiang Mai, Thailand

In case you are traveling to the city with your family and kids, know that Chiang Mai doesn’t lack great family hotels! All the hotels below have child-friendly facilities that will make your stay unforgettable. Some of them are in the city center, while others are located a bit more far away, in calm, relaxed areas.

I’ve broken them down into price categories as well, so you can easily choose the ideal fit for you:

Luxury (US$100 and up)

• 99 The Heritage Hotel – This is truly one of the most gorgeous and iconic hotels in the city! If you want to choose a boutique hotel in Chiang Mai to stay with your kids, they’ll be happy to splash in the on-site pool, but they also have baby cots available, and a nice garden where you can relax.
• Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai – Their luxury hotel in Chiang Mai awaits you with a super cool outdoor pool with waterslides (great for the kids to enjoy), a playground, a kids club and babysitting service. Parents will be happy to enjoy the hot tub and sauna for sure!

Mid-range (US$40 – US$100)

• The Echo Hotel Chiang Mai – This amazing hotel is located just a bit outside of the Old City, so you’ll be able to enjoy a calm atmosphere while also being close to the main landmarks of the city. During your stay you can enjoy the pool, clean and spacious rooms with air conditioning and perfect service!
• Villa Sanpakoi – This is a super cool 3-star hotel located in a calm area, away from the noisy downtown. It offers an amazing service for an accessible price. They offer a delicious breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi and cozy rooms. They also have a super spacious room called “Family Trio”, perfect for a family of three!

Budget (up to US$40)

• Sleep Guesthouse – Staying with your family on a budget is definitely doable, especially in this city! This is one of the best budget guesthouses in Chiang Mai is a great option, for example. First of all, it has an incredible price. Then come the advantages – convenient location in the Old City near Wat Chiang Man, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, new facilities, spacious and clean rooms, and more!
• Paapu House – This is one of the best hostels in Chiang Mai! It’s located right in the heart of the city and, besides this great bonus, the staff is super-duper friendly and nice!

Check the rates for Chiang Mai

BONUS 2: Unique stays in Chiang Mai

Are you looking for an incredible stay in Chiang Mai? There are a couple of unique options for you! From farm stays to amazing villas that will make you want to extend your stay in this incredible city!

If you feel like having a unique experience, check these options below:

• Buri Gallery House – Located a short walk from Wat Phra Singh and the famous Sunday Walking Street, this is an incredible resort with facilities that include an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant located in the garden that serves breakfast, lunch, and various kinds of Thai herbal drinks.
  
  If that is not enough, there is a convenient souvenir shop on-site that features handmade goods from the local community all over Thailand and a mini library that you can visit during your stay! This is a uniquely calming hotel where you will almost certainly leave feeling 100X lighter than when you arrived!

• HEYUAN – This beautiful country house has everything you need during your stay. With a beautiful garden, this hotel boasts a small but refreshing pool, and it is decorated in a  unique style, making it a one-of-a-kind stay with a unique homely vibe. The rooms are spacious and some even have a dining area and/or a balcony.

BONUS 3: Best hotels near Chiang Mai Airport

If you’re traveling for business or have a super early/late flight, staying close to the airport might be a better solution you than going to Chiang Mai downtown. Chiang Mai International Airport is close to the city, though – less than 6 km to the Old City, which is a great advantage.

Here are three of the best airport hotels in Chiang Mai (one for each budget category):

• (Luxury) Parc Borough City Resort – If an upscale place is what you’re looking for, then search no more! This accommodation has air conditioning, a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, airport transfer options, and more! By the way, If you want to sweat all the calories from the delicious Thai street food, there is a fitness center on-site to do so!
• (Mid-range) VC@SUANPAAK Hotel – This is one recommendation with a pool for all middle-priced travelers – if it offers excellent value for money! During your stay, you’ll have breakfast included, and you’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, and 4-star service!
• (Budget) The Connect Chiang Mai – There are also plenty of options for budget travelers who want to stay close to the airport, such as this one! They have different types of rooms that you can choose from, free Wi-Fi, laundry service, a coffee shop, and more!

Book your stay near the airport

FAQs about Chiang Mai hotels

Conclusion

You have reached the end of this complete guide about Chiang Mai accommodation, congrats!

I hope that by now you already found your best place to stay in Chiang Mai, regardless if you are visiting the city for a weekend or for a week.

In the text I have described in detail the best areas in the city and some useful things to keep in mind when choosing your hotel. I also gave you hand-picked hotel recommendations based on my experience in the city and I compared the prices for them on different websites.

In case you are still wondering what is the best hotel option for you, let me give you my top 2 choices, maybe it will help:

• Anantara Chiang Mai Resort – if you want to have a luxury experience in Chiang Mai this 5 star resort with an incredible pool is the best option for you!
• Sanae’ Hotel Chiang Mai – traveling on a budget? I recommend this amazing 4 star hotel which is priced much lower!

PRO TIP: Do not forget that Chiang Mai is a beautiful destination visited by many travelers throughout the whole year, and booking in advance will make your life easier… well at least it will secure a spot in the city for your vacations!

If you need help planning your vacation to Chiang Mai, I recommend you read my article about adventurous things to do in Chiang Mai, it might give you a bit of inspiration! You can also find all my articles about Thailand here for even more inspiration!

As usual, if you have any questions or concerns, let me know in the comments below and I’ll be happy to help!

Have a great vacation in Thailand!

Yulia

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