If you need a detailed guide on where to stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from a local perspective, this post is for you.
The Old City is one of the top spots in Thailand for those interested in Thai culture and history, featuring numerous ancient temples and night markets. Chiang Mai, being Thailand’s second city and a province in Northern Thailand, offers a wealth of tropical nature to explore.
Having lived and explored Chiang Mai thoroughly, I can guide you through the best areas and neighborhoods to stay. I’ll also recommend accommodations for all budgets. Choosing the right place to stay can significantly impact your trip – so choose wisely!
While most guides focus on staying within Chiang Mai City, I’ll also include tips for staying in the jungle-covered mountains and surrounding nature.
Contents
- Why I Love Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai Hotel and Accommodation Options
- The Best Neighborhoods and Areas to Stay in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai Area Map
- The Best Places to Stay in Chiang Mai – Areas and Hotels
- The Old City: Best For Culture, History, Temples & First-Time Visitors
- Nimmanhaemin: Best For Nightlife, Modern Malls & Digital Nomads
- Riverside: Best for Luxury, Tranquillity, Families, and Couples
- Night Bazaar: Best For Shopping, Nightlife, and Budget Travelers
- Santitham: Best For an Affordable, Local Experience For Digital Nomads, Expats & Longer Stays
- Best Places to Stay in Nature near Chiang Mai
- Tips for Planning Your Trip To Chiang Mai
- So Now You Know Where to Stay in Chiang Mai!
Why I Love Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a captivating city with a mix of history, traditional Thai culture, and modern amenities. It’s a favorite destination for tourists, travelers, backpackers, and digital nomads.
One of the reasons I love Chiang Mai is the sheer variety of activities. You can visit ancient temples, explore waterfalls and elephant sanctuaries, shop in modern malls, and enjoy street food at night markets all in one day. It’s a must-visit on any Thailand itinerary.
The accommodation options in Chiang Mai are diverse, catering to different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re a digital nomad looking for a budget-friendly hostel or a family seeking a luxurious vacation, Chiang Mai has something for everyone.
Chiang Mai Hotel and Accommodation Options
Chiang Mai offers a wide range of accommodation options, from sociable backpacker hostels to budget guesthouses, digital nomad apartments, family-friendly resorts, and luxurious hotels. Knowing where to stay in Chiang Mai is key to finding your perfect fit.
Whether you want to be near history and temples, relax by the riverside, or be close to night markets, cafes, nightlife, and modern malls, there’s a neighborhood for everyone.
The Best Neighborhoods and Areas to Stay in Chiang Mai
Choosing where to stay in Chiang Mai depends on your interests, travel preferences, and itinerary. Each neighborhood offers unique charm, atmosphere, and attractions.
The Old City – Best for First Timers, History, and Culture
Nimmanhaemin – Best Area for Nightlife and Foodies
Riverside – Best for Families, Couples, and Luxury Travelers
Night Bazaar – Best Area for Budget Travelers and Backpackers
Santitham – Best for Authentic Local Culture and Digital Nomads
Suthep or Mae Rim Areas – Best for Nature
The Old City: Best For Culture, History, Temples & First-Time Visitors
Chiang Mai’s Old City, surrounded by an ancient moat and city walls, is full of temples, cultural landmarks, restaurants, cafes, shops, spas, museums, and lively night markets. It’s ideal for first-time visitors due to its central location and peaceful atmosphere.
Top attractions include Wat Phra Singh, Tha Pae Gate, Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center, Wat Chedi Luang, Sunday Walking Street Market, The Three Kings Monument, Wat Pan Tao, Wat Chiang Man, Lanna Folklife Museum, and Buak Hard Public Park.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, on a mountaintop overlooking Chiang Mai, is a must-visit. A Temple Tour by Tuk Tuk is a fun way to explore it and other hidden temples.
In the Old City, you’ll find historic boutique hotels, affordable guesthouses, and budget-friendly hostels, offering a range of accommodations for all budgets.
Best Hotels in the Old City
- $$$ – The Rachamankha Hotel: A luxury heritage hotel with shady gardens, an outdoor pool, and a spa. Ideal for couples.
- $$ – Pingviman Hotel: An upscale boutique hotel with Thai-style rooms and a pool.
- $$ – Bodhi Serene Chiang Mai Hotel: A family-friendly resort with a large pool and gardens.
- $ – Vieng Mantra Hotel: A small budget hotel with a pool and helpful staff.
- $ – The Common Hostel: A modern backpacker hostel with a sociable coffee shop and free breakfast.
Nimmanhaemin: Best For Nightlife, Modern Malls & Digital Nomads
Nimmanhaemin, or “Nimman,” is trendy, popular with young travelers and digital nomads, and known for its cafes, coworking spaces, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping malls. It offers a modern experience compared to the Old City.
Top attractions include Maya Lifestyle Shopping Mall, Nimman One, and famous bars and restaurants like Tong Tem Toh and Infinity Club.
Best Accommodation Options in Nimmanhaemin
- $$$ – Akyra Manor Chiang Mai: A luxury hotel with a minimalist design, rooftop infinity pool, and bar.
- $$ – Art Mai Gallery Nimman Hotel: A mid-range hotel with arty, modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and an on-site restaurant.
- $ – Chill Chill at Nimman: Cozy, fully furnished studio apartments for longer stays.
- $ – Bed Addict Hostel: A popular backpacker hostel with comfortable dorms and budget private rooms.
Riverside: Best for Luxury, Tranquillity, Families, and Couples
The Riverside area offers luxury resorts and charming waterside restaurants, perfect for a peaceful stay. Many resorts are near Warorot Market and the Night Bazaar, with the Old City just a short drive away.
Best Resorts and Hotels on the Riverside
- $$$ – The Anantara Chiang Mai Resort: A luxury resort with beautifully designed rooms and stunning river views.
- $$ – Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort: A midrange boutique hotel perfect for a romantic getaway.
- $ – Ban Narai River Guesthouse: A family-run homestay offering comfortable private rooms on the riverside.
