Whether you love history and Lanna architecture or are looking for a romantic getaway, there are so many great choices when deciding where to stay in Chiang Mai. From enjoying pristine nature to immersing in iconic Northern-Thai culture, I’ve created this guide to help you pick the perfect hotel.
Best areas to stay in Chiang Mai.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai? Chiang Mai’s Old Town gives you access to temples, markets and history. The hip neighborhood of Nimman is lively with cafés, nightlife and creativity. Along the Riverside, resorts have a calm, romantic feel. For great views and cooler air, escape to boutique retreats and luxury stays in the mountains outside the city.
Chiang Mai Old Town is the city’s historic heart. It’s encircled by ancient walls and filled with temples, street food and markets. Just northwest, Nimmanhaemin (or Nimman) is more modern and is great for those who want to be close to the coolest coffee shops, boutiques and nightlife.
Along the Ping River, the Riverside area moves at a slower pace. Boutique hotels and resorts look out over the water, so it’s ideal for relaxation or a quieter romantic stay.
The surrounding mountains are a breath of fresh air. You’ll find boutique retreats and five-star resorts set among rice fields and in lush forests.
Tips for your Chiang Mai stay & how to get around.
Chiang Mai is well-connected with the rest of Thailand as well as other Asian countries. You can catch inexpensive direct flights from most Thai hubs like Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket and Koh Samui, as well as some smaller airports.
There are also direct connections to/ from China, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and many more. That said, if you are coming from the US, your first port of entry will be Bangkok, where you will clear immigration before heading north.
The Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is only about 3 miles southeast of the Old City. If you are not pressed for time and already in Thailand, taking a train or a bus can be an even cheaper option. The bus terminal and the train station are both located east of the Ping River.
How to get around Chiang Mai? You have a few different options:
- Chiang Mai has public transport, which consists of an intricate Songthaew network. Songthaews are covered pick-up trucks with two rows of benches that drive on set routes, picking up passengers along the way. Taking a Songthaew is fun, though not the safest or most straightforward option.
- Alternatively, you can take the RTC Smart City Bus, which runs on an actual schedule and has a flat fee.
I prefer booking Grabs, Asia’s version of an Uber. They are inexpensive, and you can either pay in cash or with the credit card on your account. There is even a dedicated Grab pick-up point at Chiang Mai’s airport, so you can forgo an expensive hotel shuttle.
Tips from Annika Ziehen, travel expert living in Thailand
- Chiang Mai’s Old City is very walkable and not only in the Walking Streets, a typical phrase for a Thai night market. There is also a sidewalk next to the moat surrounding the city walls – a nice place for a stroll in the early morning or for sunset.
- For shorter distances, I prefer to book an ojek with Grab, which is basically a motorcycle taxi. Obviously, wearing a helmet is a must, but most drivers will provide one for you.
- Similar to Bangkok, tuk-tuks are more of a tourist experience than a mode of transport in Chiang Mai. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it, but be prepared for higher prices and for haggling.
The best hotels in Chiang Mai Old Town.
A winding maze of temples, cafés and markets tucked inside ancient walls, Old Town is great for history lovers and first-timers. Find walkable streets, boutique hotels, hostels and lively night markets. There are plenty of spots to grab authentic northern Thai eats without having to venture too far from your accommodation.
Cozytel Chiangmai
- Best for: Exploring The Three Kings Monument
- Double rooms from $52 per night
The Inside House
- Best for: A secluded escape close to the action
- Double rooms from $485 per night
Chiang Mai Old Town
- Best for: Families who want extra luxury
- Double rooms from $191 per night
The Commonroom Cnx
- Best for: Its proximity to Old City center
- Double rooms from $38 per night
The best hotels in Nimman.
Chiang Mai’s trendy and creative hub, Nimmanhaemin (“Nimman” for short) is more modern. Think craft coffee shops, rooftop cocktail bars, boutique shopping and more alternative nightlife. It’s great for digital nomads, design lovers and anyone who prefers stylish boutique hotels or mid-range resorts in a more modern setting.
Art Mai Gallery Nimman Hotel Chiang Mai
- Best for: Art lovers
- Double rooms from $102 per night
Chino@nimman Luxury Boutique Hotel
- Best for: Glam and luxury in a boutique setting
- Double rooms from $137 per night
Tolani Nimman Villa Chiang Mai
- Best for: Families
- Double rooms from $644 per night
The Loft Room Nimman
- Best for: Budget-friendly stays
- Double rooms from $31 per night
The best hotels on the Riverside.
Calmer and more romantic than central Chiang Mai, the Riverside is lined with leafy cafés, live-music venues and fine dining overlooking the Ping. Ideal for couples or travelers who want nature-inspired hotels and resorts with scenic views, a gentler pace and a chance to unwind away from the city hype.
Cross Chiang Mai Riverside
- Best for: Foodies
- Double rooms from $195 per night
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
- Best for: Nature-forward design
- Double rooms from $436 per night
Lanna Dusita Riverside Boutique Resort
- Best for: A boutique feel on a budget
- Double rooms from $42 per night
Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort
- Best for: Couples and honeymooners
- Double rooms from $172 per night
The best hotels outside of Chiang Mai.
Escape Chiang Mai’s urban bustle by staying in hillside resorts or eco-lodges surrounded by nature. The mountains offer trekking, waterfalls and fresh air. Stay here if your ideal holiday features wellness retreats, lush nature and panoramic views. Just be sure to avoid February and March’s smoky Burning Season when air quality drops.
Four Seasons Chiang Mai
- Best for: Unparalleled luxury
- Double rooms from $1,168 per night
CR Farm Stay
- Best for: Families on a budget
- Dorm beds from $79 per night
Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai – MGallery
- Best for: All-inclusive boutique
- Double rooms from $200 per night
Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort
- Best for: A wellness retreat
- Double rooms from $101 per night
Chiang Mai hotel prices are based on hotel searches made on KAYAK & associated brands in the period between 13.08.2023 and 13.08.2025 for travel days between 01.01.2024 and 31.12.2025. All prices are average for 1 night in a double room. Prices may vary and savings cannot be guaranteed.
Individual hotel prices were sourced on 25.08.2024 for one night 01.12.2025 to 02.12.2025 and are correct at time of publishing, but are subject to change.
