If you’re searching for an in depth information to the place to remain in Chiang Mai, Thailand, written by somebody dwelling in Chiang Mai, this weblog submit is for you.
The place you keep could make of break your journey – so select rigorously! I’ve been fortunate sufficient to dwell on this fascinating metropolis in Northern Thailand, so I’ll information you thru one of the best areas and neighborhoods to remain in Chiang Mai. I’ll additionally provide you with some really helpful lodging and motels in every space.
Chiang Mai isn’t just Thailand’s second metropolis, it’s a province of Northern Thailand that provides a lot to discover, from historical temples to jungle-covered mountains. Most blogs solely cowl the place to remain in Chiang Mai Metropolis however, as a nature lover myself, I’ll additionally let the place to remain within the mountains and surrounding nature too.
In a rush? Click on right here to leap to my lodge suggestions. Or keep on studying if you wish to get to extra concerning the metropolis’s numerous neighborhoods and areas first.
Why I Love Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a captivating and numerous metropolis providing a novel mix of historical past, conventional Thai tradition, and fashionable facilities. It’s one in every of my favourite locations in Thailand and is widespread with all kinds of vacationers, vacationers, backpackers and digital nomads.
One of many causes I adore it right here is the massive variety of issues to do in Chiang Mai. You would go to historical temples within the Previous City, discover waterfalls within the jungle, store in a contemporary mall and snack on avenue meals on the full of life evening markets, all in in the future! That’s why Chiang Mai is a vital cease on any Thailand itinerary.
Chiang Mai’s lodging choices are additionally numerous and there’s loads of completely different areas to remain in all with quite a few motels to swimsuit all budgets and preferences. So whether or not you’re a digital nomad or backpacker searching for a funds pleasant hostel or a household or couple searching for an expensive trip, Chiang Mai has one thing to supply everybody.
You simply have to know the place to remain in Chiang Mai to make sure one of the best expertise for you – that’s the place I are available!
Chiang Mai Lodge and Lodging Choices
There’s no scarcity of alternative in relation to lodging choices and motels in Chiang Mai.
From sociable backpacker hostels to historic boutique guesthouses, digital nomad flats, family-friendly resorts, and splendid motels, there’s one thing for everybody and each funds. You simply have to know the place to remain in Chiang Mai to search out your good match.
Whether or not you wish to be surrounded by historical past and temples, chill out by the riverside, or be near the evening markets, stylish cafes, nightlife and fashionable malls, there’s a various vary of areas and neighbourhoods in Chiang Mai to select from so you could find your good location.
Right here’s My Decide of The Finest Resorts in Chiang Mai:
The Finest Neighborhoods and Areas to Keep in Chiang Mai
In relation to selecting the place to remain in Chiang Mai, it’s necessary to think about which neighborhood or space aligns greatest along with your pursuits, journey preferences, and itinerary.
Every space and neighborhood in Chiang Mai presents a novel attraction, environment and sights, catering to several types of traveler.
So it’s value taking the time attending to know town’s numerous neighborhoods earlier than deciding which one is one of the best match for you and reserving your lodge in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Space Map
Right here’s a map of Chiang Mai and one of the best areas and neighborhoods to remain in so you will get your bearings.
- The Previous Metropolis – Finest for First Timers, Historical past and Tradition
- Nimmanheim – Finest Space for Nightlife and Foodies
- Riverside – Finest for Households, {Couples} and Luxurious Vacationers
- Evening Bazaar – Finest Space for Finances Vacationers and Backpackers
- Santitham – Finest for Genuine Native Tradition and Digital Nomads
- Suthep or Mae Rim Areas – Finest Space to Keep for Nature
In fact there are various different neighborhoods in Chiang Mai, however these are those of most curiosity to guests, vacationers, digital nomads and expats.
The Finest Chiang Mai Neighborhoods and Areas to Keep are:
- Previous Metropolis: That is the historic coronary heart of Chiang Mai, full of temples and cultural landmarks. It’s one of the best space in Chiang Mai for first-time guests eager to immerse themselves within the metropolis’s wealthy historical past and tradition and there’s plentiful lodging choices for all budgets.
- Nimmanhaemin (Nimman): Recognized for its stylish vibe, Nimman is filled with trendy cafes, eating places, and bars. It’s one of the best place to remain in Chiang Mai for nightlife and an incredible alternative for youthful vacationers, foodies and digital nomads nevertheless it’s additionally one of many dearer space.
- Riverside: For a extra relaxed and splendid expertise, think about the Riverside space. It’s residence to among the metropolis’s high resorts and eating places, providing beautiful views of the Mae Ping River. This space is one of the best place to remain in Chiang Mai for households, {couples}, luxurious travellers and anybody wanting a extra tranquil keep.
- Evening Bazaar: An ideal space to remain for purchasing and nightlife in between the Riverside and the Previous Metropolis. Dwelling to the well-known Chiang Mai Evening Bazaar, the place you could find a big selection of souvenirs, avenue meals and a full of life environment each evening. This space is a superb place to remain for funds vacationers and backpackers because it’s near the Previous Metropolis however cheaper.
- Santitham: This up-and-coming neighborhood presents an genuine native expertise, with inexpensive lodging and a various meals scene. It’s one of the best place to remain in Chiang Mai for expats or digital nomads on a funds.
- Suthep or Mae Rim Areas: For a peaceable retreat surrounded by lovely landscapes and outside actions, one of the best place to remain for nature close to Chiang Mai metropolis is simply north within the Suthep or Mae Rim areas.
Regardless of which neighborhood throughout the metropolis you select, there are many transportation choices out there to discover the remainder of town.
The Finest Locations to Keep in Chiang Mai – Areas and Resorts
Now that a bit extra concerning the completely different locations the place to remain in Chiang Mai right here’s a bit extra about what sights you could find in every space and really helpful motels.
So let’s dive extra into one of the best areas to remain in Chiang Mai, uncover what makes every one particular and the place one of the best locations to remain are.
The Previous Metropolis: Finest For Tradition, Historical past, Temples & First Time Guests
Chiang Mai’s Previous Metropolis (generally known as Chiang Mai Previous City) is the cultural and historic coronary heart of Chiang Mai. Surrounded by an historical moat and previous metropolis partitions, this space is stuffed with historical temples and cultural landmarks, in addition to quite a few eating places, cafes, retailers, spas, museums and full of life evening markets
Chiang Mai Previous Metropolis is a must-visit for first-time guests, it has a laid-back and peaceable environment and is centrally situated to discover every part town has to supply. It’s the proper place to start your Chiang Mai journey!
The highest sights within the Previous Metropolis embody:
- Wat Phra Singh: Probably the most revered temple in Chiang Mai that options intricate structure, sculpture and paintings.
- Tha Pae Gate: A historic gate that was as soon as the primary entrance to town of Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai Metropolis Arts and Cultural Heart: A museum that showcases the historical past and tradition of Chiang Mai by quite a lot of displays and shows.
- Wat Chedi Luang: An historical temple that incorporates a ruined stupa and a captivating historical past.
- Sunday Strolling Road Market: A bustling market that sells every part from native meals and crafts to clothes and souvenirs.
- The Three Kings Monument: A monument that pays tribute to the three kings who based Chiang Mai.
- Wat Pan Tao: A novel wood temple with lovely gardens.
- Wat Chiang Man: One of many oldest temples in Chiang Mai, that includes intricate structure and beautiful paintings.
- Lanna Folklife Museum: A museum that showcases the distinctive tradition and traditions of the Lanna folks.
- Buak Laborious Public Park: An attractive park throughout the historical metropolis partitions.

Within the Previous Metropolis you’ll discover genuine heritage and boutique motels, some with outside swimming swimming pools, in addition to inexpensive guesthouses and budget-friendly backpacker hostels.
Staying within the Previous Metropolis presents an immersive Chiang Mai expertise and is a superb choice if you wish to discover town on foot, because it’s straightforward to navigate and walkable. That is one of the best space for first time guests, historical past buffs and tradition vultures as you’ll be surrounded by historical past and inside strolling distance of the temples, vacationer sights, avenue meals stalls and eating places.
Plus, the Previous Metropolis’s central location within the metropolis centre makes it straightforward to discover different neighborhoods and sights all through Chiang Mai.

Finest Chiang Mai Resorts within the Previous Metropolis
For backpackers and funds vacationers there are many hostels and funds guesthouses. The Frequent Hostel presents a contemporary, snug stick with a shared lounge and kitchen inside straightforward attain of all town’s sights. Select from dormitory beds with privateness curtains in a shared rooms or go for a personal room. The Vieng Mantra Lodge is a superb funds lodge choice too.
In the event you’re in search of a extra upscale expertise, think about staying at one of many Previous Metropolis’s boutique motels, such because the Pingviman Lodge. This lodge presents attractive Thai fashion rooms, outside swimming pool and a very good lodge restaurant offering an ideal mix of consolation and elegance.
Households will benefit from the Bodhi Serene Chiang Mai Lodge with it’s spacious personal rooms, massive swimming swimming pools and gardens for a soothing environment inside easy accessibility of all town’s sights.
For {couples} searching for a romantic keep within the coronary heart of the Previous Metropolis think about Phra Singh Village or Tamarind Village, atmospheric Lanna fashion heritage resorts each with an outside swimming pool, spa, restaurant and tropical gardens.
In the event you’re searching for a 5 star keep the Rachamankha Lodge is one of the best luxurious lodge within the Previous Metropolis.
Nimmanhaemin: Finest For Nightlife, Trendy Malls & Digital Nomads
In the event you’re questioning the place to remain in Chiang Mai for nightlife then Nimmanhaemin is one of the best neighborhood for you.
Nimmanhaemin, or just “Nimman,” is a classy space widespread amongst hip Thais, younger vacationers, and digital nomads. Being near Chiang Mai College, the world has a youthful, full of life environment a vibrant nightlife.
With its stylish cafes, coworking areas, bars, eating places providing each worldwide and thai delicacies, nightclubs and purchasing malls, Nimman presents a extra fashionable expertise in comparison with the Previous Metropolis.
The highest sights in Nimman space embody:
- Maya Life-style Purchasing Mall – large shopping center with worldwide manufacturers.
- Nimman One – a European-style purchasing plaza providing boutique items.
- Well-known bars and eating places – like Tong Tem Toh, Warmup Cafe and Infinity Membership.
Nimman is a superb alternative if you wish to be near the nightlife and leisure, but only a 10-minute journey from the Previous Metropolis so you possibly can take pleasure in one of the best of each worlds.
Staying in Nimmanhaemin means you’ll have easy accessibility to every part town has to supply, in addition to a big number of lodging, eating places, bars, and retailers. It’s additionally the closest space to Chiang Mai Zoo and Chiang Mai College.
It’s one of many dearer areas to remain in Chiang Mai however there’s a vast choice of hostels, funds and mid vary motels and flats out there to swimsuit all budgets.
High Lodging Choices in Nimmanhaemin
For funds vacationers, think about staying at one of many space’s widespread hostels, resembling Mattress Addict Hostel which presents dormitories and funds personal rooms that make a snug and inexpensive base for exploring the neighborhood’s full of life cafe and nightlife scene.
In the event you’re searching for one thing a bit extra upscale, think about staying at one in every of Nimmanhaemin’s boutique motels or serviced flats. A well-liked alternative is the Artwork Mai Gallery Nimman Lodge, which presents fashionable rooms, a rooftop pool, and an on-site restaurant.
One other nice choice is the Akyra Manor Chiang Mai, a classy fashionable lodge recognized for its clear, minimalist design and rooftop infinity swimming pool and bar, offering beautiful views of town.
In the event you want an condo try Chill Chill at Nimman and ARMO Nimman. These cozy, absolutely furnished flats are situated proper on Nimman street and have every part you want for an extended keep.
Riverside: Finest for Luxurious, Tranquillity, Households and {Couples}

In the event you’re searching for a extra peaceable keep or a luxurious lodge in Chiang Mai, the Riverside is a superb alternative. Located alongside the Mae Ping River, this space presents luxurious resorts and charming waterside eating places, good for {couples} and households in search of a soothing or romantic keep.
Many Riverside resorts are conveniently situated close to the genuine native Warorot Market and the full of life Evening Bazaar, whereas the cultural sights of the Previous Metropolis are solely 5 minute’s drive away. It’s an incredible alternative for travellers in search of a tranquil, luxurious stick with easy accessibility to every part town has to supply.
You may also take tranquil cruises down the Mae Ping River on this space, providing the prospect to expertise town from a distinct perspective and escape into the character.
Finest Resorts and Resorts on the Riverside

The Riverside space presents an incredible number of lodging choices, from pleasant homestays to luxurious resorts.
For an inexpensive keep, think about guesthouses and household run homestays just like the Ban Narai River Guesthouse which presents pleasant service and comfy personal rooms proper on the riverside. Additionally try Gategaa Village, a contemporary, boutique lodge which is conveniently situated and nice worth for cash.
For {couples} in search of a novel keep, the Aruntara Riverside Boutique Lodge or the Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort are the proper alternative for a contemporary romantic getaway. Rooms characteristic hardwood flooring, air con, and a personal balcony overlooking the river. In the event you want a heritage property think about the Buri Sriping Riverside Resort & Spa.
If a luxurious lodge is what you’re after, Riverside is one of the best place to remain in Chiang Mai. The Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and the Maladee Rendezvous Lodge Chiang Mai are two glorious 5 star luxurious resort choices with superbly designed rooms, upscale facilities, spacious grounds and beautiful views of the Mae Ping River.
Evening Bazaar: Finest For Purchasing, Nightlife and Finances Travellers
One other good choice for the place to remain in Chiang Mai is the Evening Bazaar space. Open each night, this bustling space is residence to the well-known Chiang Mai Evening Bazaar, a full of life evening market that stretches over a kilometer lengthy on Chang Khlan Street.
On the evening markets you’ll discover every part from artwork and handicrafts to clothes and electronics. There’s quite a few avenue meals stalls, dwell music and you may even watch a Muay Thai struggle occasion.
The Evening Bazaar space is barely quarter-hour stroll from the Previous Metropolis and presents lodging to swimsuit all budgets, from backpacker hostels to luxurious motels. It’s an incredible place to remain for funds vacationers, tradition seekers, foodies and shopaholics.
Finest Resorts within the Evening Bazaar Space
Discovering the proper lodging within the Chiang Mai Evening Bazaar space is a breeze, with choices to swimsuit each funds and choice.
For funds vacationers, think about staying at one of many space’s funds guesthouses and hostels, such because the Evening Bazaar Inn or, for a extra sociable keep, The Park Society. For a extra upscale expertise, try the Dusit D2 Chiang Mai for an incredible worth keep.
For a luxurious keep think about the Le Méridien Chiang Mai or the Shangri-La Chiang Mai. These luxurious motels supply an incredible vary of facilities, together with on-site eating places, swimming swimming pools, and health facilities, guaranteeing a snug and classy keep.
With their central location, these Chiang Mai motels present easy accessibility to the Evening Bazaar and different close by sights, making them a wonderful alternative for these seeking to discover Chiang Mai’s full of life purchasing and nightlife scene.
Santitham: Finest For an Reasonably priced, Native Expertise For Digital Nomads, Expats & Longer Stays
In the event you’re in search of a extra genuine native expertise, the up-and-coming neighborhood of Santitham is a incredible alternative.
With it’s handy location, simply north of the Previous Metropolis earlier than the favored Nimmanahaeminda space, Santitham presents a much less touristy and extra relaxed environment with inexpensive lodging and a rising cafe and avenue meals scene. It’s a best choice for digital nomads and expats or anybody staying for an extended time.
I select to dwell in Santitham as a result of it’s near each Nimman’s nightlife and coworking areas and the Previous Metropolis’s sights. It’s a extra inexpensive, laid-back and real Chiang Mai expertise with pleasant locals and the chance to immerse your self within the native tradition.
Lodging Choices in Santitham

Santitham presents a sensible choice of inexpensive lodging, from funds guesthouses to mid-range motels and month-to-month flats.
The most effective funds choices embody the Ban Kong Rao Guesthouse with it’s good roof terrace and tremendous clear personal rooms, or Tangmo Home if you happen to want a hostel surroundings with sociable shared dorms.
For a extra trendy expertise, The BOOK Design Lodge is among the greatest boutique motels in Santitham with a contemporary design, outside pool, and on-site restaurant. Or The Opium Serviced House & Lodge presents quite a lot of rooms and suites with work desks effectively fitted to digital nomads, a beautiful pool in tropical gardens and a fitness center,
For an extended keep there are many studio rooms and flats out there like The Grand Wipanan Residence and Viangbua Mansion which supply absolutely furnished studios, suites and one bed room flats.
Finest Locations to Keep in Nature close to Chiang Mai

Suthep
In the event you’re searching for locations to remain in Chiang Mai in nature, the Suthep space, on the base of Doi Suthep close to the sprawling Chiang Mai College Campus and Angkaew Reservoir, is the closest choice to town.
You’ll be surrounded by mountains and jungle but solely 20 minutes drive to the Previous Metropolis. There’s simply a few peaceable boutique resorts on this space just like the Service provider Villa and Kireethara Boutique Resort.
Mae Rim
For a real nature escape the Mae Rim space is an efficient alternative. This space is situated additional north of town and is understood for lush greenery, lovely waterfalls, mountain views and elephant sanctuaries. It’s a preferred place for nature and wellness retreats and residential to Amaravati Wellness Heart. It’s additionally the place you’ll discover hill view villas with personal swimming pools.
The most suitable choice is undoubtedly the fantastic 5 star 4 Seasons Resort which presents beautiful views, impeccable service and all of the facilities you might ever want for. It’s about half-hour drive from town however the resort presents a free shuttle service so you possibly can have one of the best of each worlds.
There’s additionally the wonderful Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort for an expensive keep within the lap of nature with out breaking the financial institution. Or, for an much more inexpensive choice think about the lovable Gudi Boutique Lodge.
For a novel expertise there are a number of farm stays close to Chiang Mai the place you possibly can expertise life on a farm, take pleasure in cooking lessons and farm excursions, and immerse your self in the area people. Kowit Farmstay offers a novel alternative to attach with nature and expertise the genuine Thai countryside.
Suggestions for Planning Your Journey To Chiang Mai
Earlier than you ebook your lodging and embark in your Chiang Mai journey, it’s important to maintain just a few journey ideas in thoughts like when to go to, how lengthy to remain and easy methods to get to Chiang Mai. Right here’s what it is advisable to know:
How To Get To Chiang Mai
There are a number of choices in relation to touring to Chiang Mai. You possibly can take a flight or an in a single day prepare journey or bus from Bangkok. The best place to ebook tickets is on 12 Go Asia.
Chiang Mai Worldwide Airport (CNX) receives flights from Bangkok, and different locations in Thailand, and another Asian cities. In the event you’re are touring from additional afield you’ll seemingly must fly into Bangkok first and switch to a brief 1 hour home flight as much as Chiang Mai.
Observe that there are two airports in Bangkok so test which airport your connecting flight is leaving from. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) receives principally lengthy haul worldwide flights, whereas Don Mueang (DMK) is the place you’ll discover many of the home and regional funds airline flights.
There’s a shuttle bus between the 2 airports, however make sure you permit sufficient time to journey throughout the usually congested capital metropolis, or you possibly can take the BTS skytrain.
Most nationalities obtain both a Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival that are legitimate for 30 days. You possibly can lengthen this as soon as by one other 30 days for 1,900 Thai Baht on the Immigration Workplace.
Common taxis or songthaew are your greatest choices for getting from Chiang Mai Airport to town middle. You possibly can simply discover each of those choices exterior the airport arrivals gate for a set payment.
Getting Round Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Previous Metropolis is kind of walkable, however for longer journeys, or if you happen to keep in a distinct neighborhood, the available taxis, tuk tuks and songthaews (crimson vehicles) make getting round Chiang Mai straightforward and inexpensive.
Probably the most handy strategy to organize transportation is utilizing the Seize App to order taxis on-line. Seize is a ride-hailing app just like Uber, whereas songthaews are shared crimson vehicles that run on routes (like a bus) which you can flag down.
Many Chiang Mai lodging supply shuttle providers and bike leases, so make sure you test along with your chosen lodge or resort for the providers they’ll present.
For these snug with driving a scooter or bike, renting one may be an environment friendly and inexpensive strategy to discover town and its environment.
In the event you keep exterior of town you’ll profit from renting a automotive or bike to have your personal transportation to discover the countryside and get into town centre.
The Finest Time to Go to Chiang Mai
November by February are one of the best months to go to Chiang Mai, when the climate is cool, dry and comfy.
Throughout this era the temperature is delicate and the humidity is low, making it the proper time to get out and discover town and its environment. The times are sunny and dry and the nights are cool, making this the best time to go to.
The worst time to go to in the course of the scorching and dry months of March to Might, and in the course of the burning season which may begin in February and may improve air air pollution within the metropolis for a few months.
In the course of the wet season from June until October cloud cowl and rain showers deliver reduction from the recent, humid summer season climate, however the rain shouldn’t wreck your plans an excessive amount of so it’s not a foul time to go to.
How Many Days to Spend in Chiang Mai
5 days / 4 nights is the best period of time to go to Chiang Mai for the primary time. Staying for 4 nights provides you with sufficient time to expertise all of the highlights of town and likewise provide you with time to do some day journeys to discover the encircling space. With a lot to see and do, it’s necessary to plan your itinerary properly to benefit from your time on this enchanting metropolis.
So Now You Know The place to Keep in Chiang Mai!
As you possibly can see, Chiang Mai is a various metropolis with an equally numerous vary of lodging choices and areas to remain in.
From the historic attraction of the Previous Metropolis, to modern and buzzing Nimmanhaemin, and the relaxed Riverside, Chiang Mai’s neighborhoods cater to completely different budgets and pursuits.
In the event you nonetheless can’t resolve the place to remain, then the Previous Metropolis is at all times one of the best guess – particularly if it’s your first time visiting Chiang Mai and also you wish to go to the temples and be centrally situated.
I hope you’ve discovered this text on the place to remain in Chiang Mai helpful and that it’s helped you discover the proper lodging for you. Whichever space you select, it’s straightforward to discover all town has to supply.
I hope you take pleasure in your time in Chiang Mai and fall in love with town as a lot as I’ve. Don’t neglect to take a look at my different blogs on Chiang Mai and far more on superb Thailand!
Learn Extra Thailand Blogs:
Pin me for later!