Best Places to Stay in Chiang Mai

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: A Guide for Every Traveler

Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North,” offers a diverse range of accommodation options for every type of traveler, from budget backpackers to luxury seekers.

Here’s a breakdown of some popular areas:

Old City (within the moat):

  • Pros:

    • Charming & Historic: Immerse yourself in the heart of Chiang Mai’s cultural heritage with easy access to temples, markets, and traditional restaurants.
    • Plenty of Temples: Stay close to the action and experience the city’s rich history and architecture within the ancient walls.
    • Lively Atmosphere: Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of cultural attractions and events.

  • Cons:

    • Can be crowded: The Old City is a popular tourist destination, so expect crowds, especially around temples and markets.
    • Noise levels: Depending on the location within the old city, noise from traffic and nightlife can be an issue.

Nimman Road (outside the moat):

  • Trendy & Modern: Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Chiang Mai’s trendy side with cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops.
  • Hipster Haven: This is a great spot for meeting other travelers and experiencing the city’s modern, artistic side.
  • Plenty of Accommodation Options: You’ll find everything from boutique hotels to hostels in this area.

Pros:

  • Hipster Vibe: Lots of cafes, bars, restaurants with international cuisines and cafes.

  • Convenient Location: Close to many popular bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops in the city.

  • Shopping & Entertainment Hub: Known for its independent boutiques, cafes, and art scene.

Cons:

  • More expensive: Accommodation options on Nimman Road tend to be pricier than those in the Old City.
  • Less local feel: While there are some local establishments, Nimman is known more as a hub for trendy restaurants and bars.

Other Areas:

  • San Kamphaeng: A great place to stay if you want a quieter experience with access to traditional crafts and workshops.

  • Cost: Consider your budget carefully. Chiang Mai offers accommodations for every price point, but prices in popular tourist areas will be higher.

  • Location: Research the location’s proximity to your desired attractions and activities.

  • Type of Experience: Do you want a hotel with a pool? A guesthouse near a market? A resort in the mountains?

Chiang Mai Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury Hotels & Resorts: For an opulent stay, Chiang Mai has a range of luxurious hotels and resorts offering stunning views, private pools, world-class amenities, and personalized service.

    • Pros: High-end amenities, beautiful surroundings, attentive staff
    • Examples:
      • 137 Pillars Suites: Known for its elegant design, lush gardens, and private pool villas.
      • The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai: A luxurious resort with a strong focus on Lanna culture and heritage.

  • Boutique Hotels & Guesthouses: Experience the charm of boutique hotels in the Nimmanhaemin area, known for its boutiques, art galleries, and trendy restaurants.

    • Pros: Unique themes and designs, personalized service
    • Cons: Can be more expensive than budget options

  • Mid-Range Hotels: Many comfortable and affordable mid-range hotels offer a good balance of amenities and price.

    • Examples:
      • The Empress Hotel: Popular for its central location and stylish, modern rooms.
      • Dusit Princess Chiang Mai: A well-known hotel chain option with a variety of room types and amenities.

Consider these factors when choosing a hotel or guesthouse:

  • Budget:

    • Do you have a specific budget in mind?
    • Are you looking for a hostel, guesthouse, or a luxury hotel experience?

  • Location:

    • Nimman Road: This is the perfect area for those who want to be in the heart of Chiang Mai’s vibrant nightlife.

  • Amenities:

    • Mid-range hotels: Consider the location and budget options like:
      • Swimming pool: A must-have for cooling off after a long day exploring the city.
      • Free breakfast: Many guesthouses offer this, which can be helpful for saving on costs.
      • Fitness center: Great for staying active during your trip

  • Type of Accommodation:

    • Hotel: A hotel offers a more traditional experience with amenities and services.
    • Guesthouse: A guesthouse is a great option for budget-conscious travelers looking for a more local experience.

Choosing the Right Location:

  • Old City (Inside the moat):

    • Stay close to the action, near temples, markets, and cultural attractions.
    • Pros: Easier access to historical sites and cultural experiences.
    • Cons: Can be noisy and crowded depending on location & season.

  • Consider:

    • Nimman Road: For a lively atmosphere with restaurants, cafes, and shops.
    • Nimmanhaemin: For a trendy, youthful experience.

Choosing the Right Accommodation:

  • Location:

    • Near the Mountains: A stunning setting for those who want to escape the city or enjoy hiking and outdoor activities.
    • In the City Center: Many hotels are located near the airport, offering convenience for travelers.

  • Types of Accommodations:

    • Luxury Resorts:

      • Lanna-inspired: These resorts offer a luxurious stay with Lanna architecture and design.

      • Boutique Guesthouses:

      • Boutique Hotels: Opt for a boutique hotel in the Old City or Nimmanhaemin area, offering unique experiences and local charm.

    • Boutique Boutique:

      • Airport hotels: Convenient for those on early flights or with late arrivals.

Popular Accommodation Options (Examples):

  • The Empress Hotel: Located on the outskirts of the city, this hotel offers a luxurious experience with a focus on Lanna culture and heritage.
  • Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai: This is a great choice for families who want to enjoy a comfortable stay in a beautiful setting.

Things to Consider When Booking:

  • Location: Are you looking for a quiet retreat or a bustling city experience?

  • Reviews: Read reviews from other guests to get an idea of the quality of the accommodation and service.

  • Price:

    • Budget: Set your budget upfront, and remember that prices can vary greatly by season.

      • Location: Consider the location’s accessibility and proximity to attractions.**

  • Location: Check for reviews on the cleanliness, safety, and overall experience of staying in a specific area (e.g., “quiet” vs. “trendy”).

  • Lanna-inspired design and ambiance:

To make it easier for a traveler to choose, consider providing information about:

  • Specific location: Are you looking for a central hotel, or something near the mountains?
  • Price range: What is the price per night for a room in your budget accommodation?
  • Lanna-inspired amenities and activities:

Types of Amenities & Accommodation:

  • Location:

    • Location:

      • Look for hotels with

      • L33: A boutique hotel with a pool and a focus on a “local” experience.

      • Consider the following factors:

  • Price:

  • Budget-friendly options: Are you looking for hostels, guesthouses, or homestays?

  • Location: Do you want to be close to specific attractions or have a quiet location with easy access to nature and transportation.

Things to consider when choosing:

  • Location:

  • L: This is a place:**

    • For the adventurous: Explore the nearby mountains with hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views.

  • Reviews: Read reviews on websites like Booking.com or Agoda.com for insights into other travelers’ experiences.

  • L: Consider:

  • Location:

  • Reviews:

    • Check online reviews for “Nimman-style” accommodations in the city.

  • Hotel Type: Look for a hotel with a pool and a convenient location, such as close to public transportation or a popular area like Nimmanhaemin.

Remember:

  • Consider offering diverse options: Offer a variety of room types and amenities to cater to different budgets and preferences.

  • Highlight local experiences: Consider the unique charm and features of your hotel that align with the type of traveler you are trying to attract.

    • Offer amenities for all types:

  • Think about amenities:**

  • For families:

Focus on specific details:

  • Location: “Located near the vibrant Nimman Road, known for its cafes and restaurants, our hotel is perfect for…”

  • Price Point:

    • Consider: Offering a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts.

  • Lanna-style amenities:

  • Offerings for the discerning traveler: Consider the following:

  • “Location:

  • Activities: Mention if your hotel caters to families with children by offering kid-friendly facilities, activities, or services.

  • Location:

  • Guest Experiences:

  • Amenities:

Consider providing information on:

  • Local attractions: Offer a list of nearby attractions and their distance from the hotel.**

  • Value-added amenities: Mention any unique features that might appeal to travelers:

    • “We offer a range of rooms to suit your needs and budget.”

  • Location:

  • For Families:

  • Standard Rooms: Describe what makes the location near Chiang Mai’s nightlife attractive for families.

  • Lanna-style experiences:

  • Amenities: Consider the following: *

Think about:

  • Local amenities: (e.g., family-friendly restaurants, cafes with outdoor play areas)

  • Family-friendly amenities: Highlight any amenities that cater to families (e.g., swimming pools, playgrounds, childcare options).

  • Location:

  • Accessibility: Mention the accessibility of the location for those who want a more “local” experience.

  • Consider highlighting:

    • “For tourists who want to immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy Chiang Mai’s nightlife.”

  • Safety and Security:

  • “We recommend looking for a guesthouse that is well-lit and secure, especially if you have young children.”

  • Lanna Style: Consider the location’s “location”

  • Amenities:

  • For families: Mention any “family-friendly” amenities (play areas, kids’ menus) and

  • Lanna-style options:

  • Family-friendly experiences:

  • Consider what makes the hotel unique and appealing for families.

Think about:

  • Offering a range of activities: (family-friendly cooking classes, cultural tours, etc.)

  • Lanna-style experiences:

  • Consider:

  • “The hotel offers a variety of amenities for families, such as:

    • Connecting rooms:

  • Family-Friendly Amenities:

  • A range of:

  • Activities:

    • “We offer family-friendly tours and excursions to explore the beauty and culture of Chiang Mai.”

  • Local attractions:

  • Cultural tours:

  • For a variety of:

  • Lanna-style experiences:

  • Family-friendly amenities:

  • “For example, swimming pools with dedicated areas for kids, or kid’s friendly activities and amenities like:

    • Cooking classes: Featuring traditional Thai cuisine

  • Activities:

  • Cultural immersion:

  • Experiences:

  • Lanna Culture:

    • For a stay in a comfortable environment:

  • “Consider:

    • A family-friendly:

  • Family-Friendly Experience:

  • Consider highlighting the unique features of your hotel.

  • What to consider:

    • Location:

  • Room types and amenities: *

  • Connecting rooms:

  • Activities:

  • Think about:

  • For example, a pool in a serene setting with views of the mountains.

Examples:

  • Lanna-style activities:

  • Suggest:

    • Exploring ancient temples near the hotel.

    • Exploring the city: “We are located just minutes away from the bustling

  • Activities and experiences:

  • Consider:

    • “For a unique: Experience (e.g., cooking class featuring local Lanna cuisine)

  • Family-Friendly Activities:

    • Think about:

“Staying close to nature:

  • Family-friendly amenities:

    • Access to:

  • Specifics:

(e.g., the guesthouse is located near Doi Suthep Temple, which offers stunning views of Chiang Mai and a rich cultural experience)

Remember:

  • “For families, we offer:

  • Family-friendly rooms with comfortable amenities.

  • A family-friendly atmosphere with safety as a priority.

  • Lanna Culture:

    • Mention: "

  • Activities and excursions:

  • Consider offering a list of local attractions that are accessible and appealing to families and your target audience.

Note: This is a fictional example. You’ll need to research specific

  • “Our hotel:

(e.g., “Lanna-inspired design elements in the rooms)

  • “Located in a safe and friendly neighborhood:

  • Guest experiences:

(e.g., “with a focus on local cuisine and culture”)

  • For families: (

Example:

“For Families:

  • We offer:

  • Family-friendly rooms:

  • Connecting rooms for larger families.

  • Family-friendly amenities like a pool, a playground, and a list of kid-friendly restaurants and cafes in the area.

  • Kid-friendly experiences:

  • Kid’s cooking classes with chefs who can teach them about traditional Thai cuisine.”

  • **For “family-friendly”

options:

  • A focus on:

  • Local Culture:

  • Family-friendly accommodation:

  • We offer a variety of:

  • Family-friendly rooms:

with extra beds and space for family activities.

  • Activities and excursions:

  • Lanna culture:

  • Examples:

  • Examples:

“For families:

  • Lanna Culture: We offer a variety of cultural experiences, including:

  • Traditional Lanna cooking classes: Learn to cook delicious dishes like Khao Soi and sticky rice.

  • Family-friendly excursions:

  • Guided tours:

Explore the unique aspects of

  • Kid-Friendly:

  • Location:

  • Lanna Culture:

We offer a variety of family-friendly activities and excursions to experience Chiang Mai’s vibrant culture and history.

  • Family-friendly rooms:

A focus on local cuisine:

  • “Think about:

  • “Our rooms feature comfortable amenities for families, such as:

(e.g., connecting rooms, cribs, and high chairs)

  • Lanna Culture:

  • We offer:

  • Lanna-inspired:

Examples:

  • Lanna culture:

    • Family-friendly cooking classes with a chef who specializes in

  • “Our hotel offers a variety of:

    • “Family-Friendly” Accommodations:

  • A focus on local culture and experiences.

  • We offer a range of:

(e.g., “Family-friendly rooms”:

  • Traditional Thai dishes:

Learn the art of making delicious curries, noodles, and rice dishes.

  • Cooking class options:

  • For families:

Family-Friendly Cooking Classes:

  • Participants can enjoy a variety of hands-on experiences preparing traditional Lanna cuisine (e.g., “Khao Soi” cooking class, with recipes and instructions tailored for family participation).

  • Family-friendly atmosphere: *

To make it easier for travelers to understand your offerings:

  • We offer a variety of:

(e.g., Lanna cultural experiences:

  • Exploring the local culture through guided tours and excursions.

  • Focus on:

  • Lanna-style:

(e.g., “Cooking demonstrations:

  • Family-friendly rooms:

  • **“We offer a variety of”:

(e.g., “family-friendly” activities)

Examples:

  • Family-Friendly:

  • Activities and excursions:

(e.g.,:

  • Options for families:

  • Cooking classes:

  • Lanna-inspired experiences:

  • (e.g., a tour of the local market to sample fresh ingredients, a family-friendly cooking class)

  • **“For travelers”:

  • Seeking:

  • A variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and need, including:

A list of activities:

  • Family-friendly:

  • Lanna Culture:

  • Local culture:

(e.g., “Learn the traditional art of Lanna weaving on a day trip to a local village.”)

  • Accommodation:

  • A range of:

    • Lanna Boutique:

**“Lanna-inspired”:

  • Examples:

(e.g., a guesthouse with a pool and a restaurant that offers cooking demonstrations)

  • Rooms:

(e.g., featuring traditional Lanna decor and furnishings).

  • Options:

  • Family-friendly options:

(e.g., for families, we offer a variety of room types, including:**

  • “family-friendly”: rooms with connecting doors or extra beds)

  • A focus on local excursions:

(e.g., Activities:

  • For travelers seeking:

Lanna Culture:

  • We offer a variety of “Lanna culture”:

  • Experiences:

    • Lanna-style tours:

  • Explore: (Think about:

  • A selection of:

(e.g., family-friendly options for travelers seeking an authentic experience).**

  • Lanna:

  • Family-Friendly:

(e.g., “cooking”:

  • “Family-Friendly”:

  • Rooms:

  • **For