Where to stay in Chiang Mai for every budget and traveller type.

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.

Wondering where to stay in Chiang Mai? Chiang Mai’s Old Town gives you access to temples, markets, and history. The trendy neighbourhood 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 5-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 to 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 destinations. That said, if you are coming from the UK, your first port of entry will probably be Bangkok, where you will go through immigration before heading north.

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is only about 3 miles southeast of the Old Town. 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.

Wondering 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 pickups 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 fare.

• Chiang Mai’s Old Town is very walkable and not only in the ‘Walking Streets’, a typical phrase for a Thai night market. There is also a path next to the moat surrounding the city walls, which is a nice place for a stroll in the early morning or at sunset.

• For shorter distances, I prefer to book an ojek with Grab, which is basically a motorbike 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 them, but be prepared for higher prices and having to haggle.

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-time visitors. 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 £37 per night

Cozytel Chiangmai sits on a quiet Old Town street within walking distance of The Three Kings Monument. Expect friendly, Northern Thai-style hospitality, and enjoy the pool and garden terrace.

Book Cozytel Chiangmai

The Inside House

• Best for: a secluded escape close to the action
• Double rooms from £199 per night

Tucked inside Chiang Mai’s Old Town, The Inside House blends heritage charm with modern comforts. Expect whitewashed design aesthetics, leafy courtyards, and even private plunge pools.

Book The Inside House

Chiang Mai Old Town

• Best for: families who want extra luxury
• Double rooms from £146 per night

The Chiang Mai Old Town immerses guests in refined Lanna design and offers spacious family rooms. Retreat to the pool and spa while staying steps from temples and markets

Book Chiang Mai Old Town

The Commonroom Cnx

• Best for: its proximity to Old Town centre
• Double rooms from £31 per night

Less than 100 metres from the Old Town centre, the Commonroom Cnx is the perfect budget option for easy access to the Chang Puak Market, Tha Pae Gate, and more.

Book Commonroom Cnx

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 £81 per night

Art Mai Gallery mixes Art Deco design with comfort in Nimman. Guests enjoy stylish spaces, a peaceful courtyard, and a central location close to cafés and galleries in Chiang Mai’s trendiest neighbourhood.

Book Art Mai Gallery Nimman

Chino@nimman Luxury Boutique Hotel

• Best for: glam and luxury in a boutique setting
• Double rooms from £110 per night

At Chino@Nimman, guests will find an intimate ambience with a touch of glamour. This luxury boutique hotel spares no detail, from valet parking to Egyptian cotton sheets.

Book Chino@nimman

Tolani Nimman Villa Chiang Mai

• Best for: families
• Double rooms from £349 per night

Tolani Nimman Villa Chiang Mai is a perfect escape for the entire family. They offer on-site babysitting, family rooms, kids’ meals, and a child-friendly pool. Each villa also includes a private hot tub and full kitchen.

Book Tolani Nimman Villa

The Loft Room Nimman

• Best for: budget-friendly stays
• Double rooms from £25 per night

At The Loft Room Nimman, travellers will find spacious rooms, full spa services, and tour assistance for a great price. It’s also just a short drive from the Huay Keaw Waterfall.

Book The Loft Room Nimman

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 travellers 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 £183 per night

Set on the Ping River, Cross Chiang Mai Riverside is a peaceful oasis surrounded by ancient tamarind trees. Expect Lanna architectural opulence and acclaimed French cuisine in the restaurant.

Book Cross Chiang Mai Riverside

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

• Best for: nature-forward design
• Double rooms from £290 per night

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort blends luxury with natural aesthetics. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river and an ornamental pond surrounds the hotel pool. They also offer Muay Thai lessons, cooking classes, and a full spa.

Book Anantara Chiang Mai

Lanna Dusita Riverside Boutique Resort

• Best for: a boutique feel on a budget
• Double rooms from £34 per night

Lanna Dusita Riverside Boutique Resort offers a boutique experience to guests on a budget. Guests can relax in beautifully designed rooms that open onto private balconies. Unwind at the poolside bar or sip tea perched over the river.

Book Lanna Dusita

Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort

• Best for: couples and honeymooners
• Double rooms from £144 per night

The site of its own lasting love story, this stunning design gem is the perfect peaceful getaway for couples. Enjoy serene gardens and honeymoon suites with private terraces.

Book Na Nirand

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 £889 per night

Four Seasons Chiang Mai sits among lush emerald rice fields. It’s a sanctuary designed to pamper guests with experiences inspired by Northern Thailand’s nature. Find these influences in its spa services, fine dining menu, and more.

Book Four Seasons Chiang Mai

CR Farm Stay

• Best for: families on a budget
• Double rooms from £64 per night

Perched on a mountainside, the CR Farm Stay is ideal for families travelling on a budget. They offer large rooms and space to play in the surrounding gardens. Plus, the views are truly breath-taking.

Book CR Farm Stay

Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai – MGallery

• Best for: all-inclusive boutique
• Double rooms from £171 per night

Set within the secluded mountains, Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai – MGallery is an all-inclusive oasis complete with an acclaimed spa, infinity pool, and two restaurants. Plus, there’s a colourful kids’ room on-site.

Book Veranda High Resort

Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort

• Best for: a wellness retreat
• Double rooms from £102 per night

Set deep within the mountains, this resort is geared towards guests seeking a full wellness retreat away from the hustle and bustle. The Lanna architecture, panoramic views, and relaxing spa services make it the perfect escape.

Book Panviman