Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Chiang Mai? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Chiang Mai very well, I have created this guide of:

• Chiang Mai’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
• For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Chiang Mai

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Chiang Mai, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

• Where to stay in Chiang Mai for sightseeing: El Barrio Lanna- SHA Extra Plus, right in the heart of the Old Town
• The best 5-star hotel in Chiang Mai: Smile Lanna Hotel, for its pool and perfect blend of modernity and tradition
• Where to stay in Chiang Mai on a budget: Lee Chiang Hotel
• Where to stay in Chiang Mai with family: Chedi Home – SHA Extra Plus
• My favorite hotel in Chiang Mai for a romantic getaway: Thai Akara – Lanna Boutique Hotel – SHA Extra Plus, for its romantic decor

In Chiang Mai’s Old Town

To easily discover most attractions and tourist sites, you should stay in Chiang Mai’s Old Town.

It’s the most touristic district, featuring many beautiful temples to visit.

There, you’ll also find museums, plenty of bars and restaurants, as well as agencies offering tours and various activities.

It’s for sure the most iconic district to stay in for your first visit to Chiang Mai!

I recommend this area for your stay in Chiang Mai:

• To explore the heart of the city and be close to all tourist sites
• To fully immerse yourself in the local culture and history
• To enjoy the numerous restaurants and cafes.

The historic center is the perfect place to discover:

• Wat Phra Sing, one of the most famous temples in the city.
• Wat Chedi Luang, which originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha. You can now see it at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
• Wat Inthakhin Saduemang, a small teak temple located near the Three Kings Monument.
• Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple, founded by the city’s founder in the 13th century. It houses 2 Buddha statues: one in marble and the other in crystal.
• Wat Si Suphan, also known as the Silver Temple, built primarily with this metal symbolizing purity.
• The Sunday Night Market, happening, as the name suggests, on Sunday evenings.
• The Chiang Mai Arts and Culture Center, about the city’s history
• The Lanna Folklife Museum, to learn more about this ethnicity from Northern Thailand.

The Best Hotels in the Historic Center of Chiang Mai

• Makkachiva: Located in the heart of the Old Town. Spacious and bright double room from 90$, breakfast included. Strong Points: the kindness of the staff, ideally located to explore Chiang Mai on foot, delicious breakfast, quiet.
  
• El Barrio Lanna- SHA Extra Plus: Located 200 meters from Wat Chedi Luang. Charming and comfortable double room from 100$, breakfast at 8$. Strong Points: the pool, the lush setting, the quality of the welcome. My favorite in the old town for its excellent value for money.
• Thai Akara – Lanna Boutique Hotel – SHA Extra Plus: Just 2 minutes’ walk from the Three Kings Monument. Tastefully decorated double room with colonial-style wooden furniture, from 135$. Strong Points: the beauty of the hotel, the central location, the lovely pool, the attentive staff. The perfect hotel for a romantic stay in Chiang Mai!
• Chala Number6: 5-star hotel located 200 meters from Wat Chedi Luang, in the historic center. This luxury hotel offers spacious and very comfortable rooms starting at 190$, breakfast included. Strong Points: the pool and garden, the adorable staff, the hotel’s charm, the daily complimentary afternoon tea.
• Smile Lanna Hotel: This magnificent luxury hotel offers very spacious traditional-style rooms, just a few minutes’ walk from the main temples. From 210$, breakfast included. Strong Points: attentive staff, the pool area, hearty and varied breakfast, the shuttle to the center or airport. One of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Chiang Mai!

In Night Bazaar District

The Night Bazaar district is located east of the old city, just a 15-minute walk away.

As its name suggests, this is where you will find the night market, which opens every day from 6 PM. It’s located on Chang Klan Road.

It’s one of the most popular spots in the city. There, you will find handicrafts made by hill tribe communities, along with other classic tourist souvenirs.

You can also treat yourself to delicious Thai dishes at one of the street food stalls.

The district is also great to visit during the day as it houses some of the city’s must-see attractions.

This district is perfect for your stay in Chiang Mai if you want to:

• Try delicious food every evening
• Enjoy a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

In the Night Bazaar district, you will discover:

• Wat Bupparam, one of my favorite temples in Chiang Mai!
• Wat Mahawan, a temple blending Lanna and Burmese style, with numerous sculptures of creatures.
• Wat Saen Fang, both ancient and unique, with two guardian snake statues
• Warorot Market, which takes place during the day. It’s the largest in the city, offering everything from food stalls to clothing.
• The Flower Market, located by the river. Florists create splendid offerings and floral garlands for cars.
• Attend a Thai boxing match.

Where to Stay in Night Bazaar District, Chiang Mai

• De Chai the Deco Chiang Mai – SHA Plus: Located just outside the old town, a 10-minute walk from the night market. Spacious and comfortable double room starting at 90$, breakfast included. Strong points: good breakfast, great location, lovely decor, quiet environment. A great choice for your stay in Chiang Mai!
• Melia Chiang Mai: Situated 400 meters from the Night Bazaar. Contemporary double room tastefully decorated starting at 120$, breakfast at 20$. Strong points: excellent location, outstanding breakfast buffet, rooftop bar, pool. My favorite for its exceptional value for money near the Night Bazaar!
• Hotel Loy Chiang Mai: Ideally situated halfway between the historic center and the Night Bazaar. Very nice double room with quality bedding, starting at 150$, breakfast included. Strong points: friendly staff, excellent breakfast, convenient location.
• Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai: This 5* hotel is just a stone’s throw from the night market. Stay in elegant rooms with a balcony, starting at 220$, breakfast included. Strong points: stunning premises including the pool area, gym, quality services. Simply the best hotel for a luxury stay in Night Bazaar district!

In Nimmanhaemin District

Nimmanhaemin is a district located west of Chiang Mai’s historic center.

This area has developed significantly in recent years to become Chiang Mai’s trendy district. Due to its proximity to Chiang Mai University, the atmosphere is youthful and lively, with numerous bars.

Nimmanhaemin is also home to designer boutiques, art galleries, and trendy cafes, giving it a very modern and rather chic vibe.

This district is perfect for your stay in Chiang Mai:

• If you want to enjoy the atmosphere of a youthful district,
• If you’re looking to go out in the evening,
• For a stay with friends.

Best Things to Do in Nimmanhaemin:

• Experience Thai student life
• Go shopping on the main avenue: Nimmanhaemin Road
• More shopping at Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center, a very large modern mall. It features a panoramic terrace offering views of the entire Chiang Mai.
• Take a collective taxi to reach Doi Suthep National Park and visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (departures are from here).

Here is My Selection of the Best Hotels in Nimmanhaemin

• G Nimman Chiang Mai: Located just 2 minutes away from the main avenue. Double rooms with a minimalist and futuristic design from 75$. Strong points: the unique architecture and pool design, prime location in an upscale area, and free happy hour every evening. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation in Nimmanhaemin district.
• U Nimman Chiang Mai: A 5* hotel located next to Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center. Very spacious and well-equipped double rooms from 120$, breakfast included. Strong points: the rooftop infinity pool, attentive staff, and great breakfast. One of the best choices for a luxury stay in Chiang Mai!
• Hotel Sensai Nimman Chiang Mai – Adults Only: This luxury hotel is nestled in the heart of Nimmanhaemin district. Rooms with large bay windows from 150$. Strong points: the delicious à la carte breakfast, professional staff, and thoughtful touches. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in this trendy district of Chiang Mai!

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai on a Budget

If you’re on a tighter budget, here’s a selection of affordable hotels to stay in Chiang Mai:

• The Common Hostel: Located in the old town. Dorm beds from 20$, breakfast included. Strong points: hearty and varied breakfast, cleanliness, and comfort.
• Lee Chiang Hotel: Situated in the center, next to Wat Phra Sing. Traditional Thai double rooms from 60$, including breakfast. Strong points: warm hospitality, great location, and tranquility. A very good choice for budget-friendly accommodation in Chiang Mai.
• Hotel De Sripoom -SHA Extra Plus: Located beside the historical center’s walls. Comfortable double rooms from 65$, breakfast included. Strong points: the pool and modern bathroom. Another great option for budget accommodation in Chiang Mai!
• Vieng Mantra Hotel: Close to the main temples. Traditional double rooms with balconies from 70$. Strong points: prime location, breakfast included, the very cozy hotel ambiance.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai with Family

• Chedi Home – SHA Extra Plus: Situated just at the entrance of the historic center. Family rooms with 2 large double beds from 70$, breakfast available for 5$. Strong points: the pool, spacious rooms, central location. It’s one of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai with family!
• Le Naview @Prasingh: Located in the old town. Quadruple rooms from 100$, including breakfast. Strong points: great breakfast, very welcoming staff, and the pool.
• De Chai the Deco Chiang Mai – SHA Plus: Located in the Night Bazaar district. Apartments with 2 bedrooms from 150$, breakfast included. Strong points: the pool, location, and breakfast. I highly recommend this place for a family stay in Chiang Mai.

What is the best hotel in Chiang Mai?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Chiang Mai, I recommend you the Smile Lanna Hotel or the Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai.

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you shoud book a night or more at the Thai Akara – Lanna Boutique Hotel -SHA Extra Plus.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Chiang Mai, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by district!

Hotel	District	Price (from)
Makkachhiva	Chiang Mai Old Town	90$
El Barrio Lanna	Chiang Mai Old Town	100$
Thai Akara - Lanna Boutique Hotel	Chiang Mai Old Town	135$
Chala Number6	Chiang Mai Old Town	190$
Smile Lanna Hotel	Chiang Mai Old Town	210$
De Chai the Deco Chiang Mai	Night Bazaar	90$
Melia Chiang Mai	Night Bazaar	120$
Hotel Loy Chiang Mai	Night Bazaar	150$
Maladee Rendezvous Hotel	Night Bazaar	220$
G Nimman Chiang Mai	Nimmanhaemin	75$
U Nimman Chiang Mai	Nimmanhaemin	120$
Hotel Sensai Nimman	Nimmanhaemin	150$
The Common Hostel	Cheap Hotel	20$
Lee Chiang Hotel	Cheap Hotel	60$
Hotel de Sripoom	Cheap Hotel	65$
Vieng Mantra Hotel	Cheap Hotel	70$
Chedi Home	Hotel for families	70$
Le Naview @Prasingh	Hotel for families	100$
De Chai the Deco	Hotel for families	150$

Thailand travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Thailand guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Thailand guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

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