Where to stay in Chiang Mai: guide to the best neighborhoods

Chiang Mai, Northern Provinces, Travel to Thailand

After the success with the article on where to sleep in bangkok, I propose an article in the same vein on the city nicknamed "the rose of the North", a logical continuation, Chiang Mai being the most popular destination in the north of Thailand. Here too, according to the reason for your stay in Chiang Mai , some neighborhoods will be more suitable depending on what you are looking for.

If you have any suggestions for other destinations, please let me know!

- - To choose your neighborhood in Bangkok: In which district to sleep in Bangkok
  - To choose your beach in Phuket: Which beach to stay in Phuket
  - To choose your beach in Ko Samui: Which beach to stay in Ko Samui
  - To choose your beach in Ko Chang: Which beach to stay in Ko Chang

Summary hide

Old Town District

Night Bazaar District

Huay Kaew Road

Doi Suthep District

Charoen Muang and Narawat districts

Mae Rim District (Northern Suburbs)

Hang Dong District (Southern Suburbs)

Near Chiang Mai Airport

2023 EDITION

With the two consecutive years of Covid, an update was not too much. Indeed, many hotels had to close their doors, some temporarily, others permanently. This also led to changes of owners and therefore often, of name. In short, the proposed list had become too obsolete. It made me think about the construction of these articles and I greatly simplified the proposed hotels. The update by making a selection by district being far too time-consuming for a usefulness difficult to quantify, I have suddenly gathered for you, and it is more logical, a list of hotels where I usually stay when going to Chiang Mai, I said to myself, as much to put places tested and approved, it is more meaningful!

I didn't put them all, because going several times a year (in normal times) to Chiang Mai, I tried a bunch of hotels. But most, for practical reasons, are in the old city and south of it. On a few occasions, I tested two hotels rather to the north and more rarely, towards Tha Pae Gate (outside the old city) but always close to the central square, which remains the best option.

Otherwise, as usual, the formula is there to familiarize you with the different sectors and help you choose which neighborhood to sleep in Chiang Mai and its surroundings. It seems like nothing, choosing a hotel can take time and become a headache when you don't know the place. And beyond choosing where to sleep, the article also serves as a reminder of the different attractions, places of interest concerning each district and the reasons to stay there and/or incidentally take a tour!

If you can't find what you're looking for in the list below, you can always search directly here:

Click to see my Chiang Mai hotel suggestions

The Voyager Guesthouse

Note: 8,7 / 10

Budget: from 15€

Location: Old Town

Learn more and book the Voyager Guesthouse

Nuan Boutique Hotel

Note: 8,9 / 10

Budget: from 29€

Location: Wua Lai (South Old Town)

Learn more and book the Nuan Boutique Hotel

Crew Hotel

Note: 9,2 / 10

Budget: from 40€

Location: Haiya Sub-district (south old town)

Learn more and book the Crew Hotel

Le Naview@Prasingh

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 40€

Location: Old Town

Learn more and book Naview @ Prasingh

I Lanna House Chiangmai

Note: 9,2 / 10

Budget: from 42€

Location: Old Town

Learn more and book I Lanna House Chiangmai

Cozy Inn Chiang Mai

Note: 8,4 / 10

Budget: from 13€

Location: Old Town

Learn more and book Cozy Inn Chiang Mai

Asa Hotel

Note: 9,1 / 10

Budget: from 31€

Location: Haiya Sub-district (south old town)

Learn more and book the Asa Hotel

The Wing Boutique Hotel

Note: 8,8 / 10

Budget: from 45€

Location: Old Town

Learn more and book Wing Boutique Hotel Chaing Mai

Gord Chiangmai

Note: 8,7 / 10

Budget: from 45€

Location: Old Town

Learn more and book the Gord Chiangmai

Spice Garden

Note: 8,9 / 10

Budget: from 54€

Location: Old Town

Learn more and book the Spice Garden

The links pointing to Agoda and Booking are affiliated, meaning that I will be paid a commission if you book a hotel. However, I myself regularly use these sites, and more particularly Agoda, to book my hotels in Thailand and throughout Asia and I have never had any complaints. I therefore recommend them to you with full knowledge of the facts.

Old Town District

Why sleep in this area of Chiang Mai:

It is within the walls of the old city, inside the moat, that most of the main temples to visit in Chiang MaiAmong these I will mention the oldest, Wat Chiang Man, the temple of the great stupa, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh or the little-known Wat Phan Tao, all in wood.

It is therefore the neighborhood to favor if you are first and foremost there for cultural visits. It is also in this part of the city, more particularly from the Thapae gate and along Ratchadamnoen street that an open-air night market takes place every Sunday evening. The opportunity to buy souvenirs, clothes, typical food from the North of Thailand, it is the moment to have a massage, to admire the work of the artists exhibiting there, a must for any visit to Chiang Mai.

Night Bazaar District

Why sleep in this area of Chiang Mai:

Probably the most famous part of Chiang Mai outside the old city, this area, adjoining the Ping River at its eastern end, is very lively in the evenings. The night market is an Ali Baba's cave for souvenirs, with many items in the unique style of Northern Thailand (Lanna culture) to be found, as well as food and traditional dance performances.

You will find the flower market right on the river. This area is also home to many bars, a Thai boxing stadium (CM Entertainment Complex on Loi Kroh Road) and is therefore a great area to visit if you like liveliness.

Huay Kaew Road

Why sleep in this area of Chiang Mai:

Situated west of Chiang Mai. This is the main road leading to Doi Suthep and including the areas of Nimmanhaemin and Chang Phuak.

Nimmanhaemin has become a trendy, fashionable place in recent years. It is a lively area, due to its proximity to the university it is clearly a student area, so frequented by young people and it's happening!

There are many chic boutiques, a department store, cafes and restaurants, enough to occupy these evenings or days. It is also a district renowned for its supermarkets offering fresh organic quality products. Right next to Nimmanhaemin, on the other side of the road that serves as a ring road in Chiang Mai you have Chiang Mai University. It is possible to enter its park to rest at the foot of the lake, go jogging or simply admire the mountain opposite.

The alternative to the Nimmanhaemin district is Chang Phuak, north of the old city. You will then be closer (although it is similar) to the temple with the 7 chedis (Wat Jet Yot), the Chiang Mai National Museum as well as the Hilltribe Museum, newly renovated and located in a park surrounded by an artificial lake, itself surrounded by local restaurants.

You can also find a local market and a more “typical” atmosphere there while remaining close to the city center.

Doi Suthep District

Wat Umong.

Why sleep in this area of Chiang Mai:

The area I call "Doi Suthep" is the one starting right next to Nimmanhaemin, on the other side of the road that serves as a ring road to Chiang Mai and which runs along the foot of the mountain of the same name to behind the airport.

Doi Suthep is best known for its temple, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and the royal palace and gardens at the top. But there are also beautiful forest walks possible, with streams and waterfalls and views of the valley and the city.

There is also some notable temples, I am thinking especially of Wat Sri Suphan and Wat Umong, hidden in the forest and with a unique character. Near the latter, I recommend you try a dinner at Benjarong Khantoke, a unique meal served on wooden trays (khantokes) accompanied by a show of graceful dances in the purest Lanna style

Charoen Muang and Narawat districts

Why sleep in this area of Chiang Mai:

These two areas are located on the other side of the Ping River, which runs through the modern part of Chiang Mai city, east of the old city. Charoen Muang is suitable for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet during their stay in Chiang Mai while still being close to all amenities. This is where the train station is located, so it is ideal if you are planning to travel to or from Chiang Mai by train.

There is also a small public park and a pleasant setting along the river with several cafes where you can enjoy delicious cakes and ice creams by the river. Not far from the San Pa Koy Market, there is the Kawila Provincial Boxing Stadium where you can watch Muay Thai matches.

On Narawat you can go to the Lang Prince Market, a famous flea market with a wide selection of second-hand goods. There is also the flower market just across the river.

Mae Rim District (Northern Suburbs)

Why sleep in this area of Chiang Mai:

This is the northern suburbs of Chiang Mai. Convenient if you want to be in in the heart of nature while remaining close to Chiang Mai.

There are several elephant camps in the area although I don't particularly recommend them (prefer a real center that takes care of these pachyderms, rather than Elephant nature park from Mae Taeng for example)

Relax at Huay Tung Tao Lake, see the rice fields, the butterfly farm, the snake farm and gardens created under the patronage of the royal family.

Hang Dong District (Southern Suburbs)

Why sleep in this area of Chiang Mai:

To have a little peace and quiet, it is to be in the countryside while remaining close to the city center, the airport and for some hotels, even to be at the foot of the Doi Suthep mountain in an enchanting setting.

Hang Dong is an ignored district because it is unknown, it is true that it is not the ideal district if you are looking for entertainment but as said in the first sentence, it is here the calm that prevails and it is the opportunity to try hotels that are sometimes unique. The only downside is that it is better to have your own means of transport to move around, unless you think you can get by using the famous local taxis (songthaew, the red pick-ups).

However, you will be close to attractions such as the popular Chiang Mai Night Safari, the ruins of the first attempted capital in the region, Wiang Kum Kam, the famous Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai or the superb gardens of Royal Park Rajapruek among others.

Near Chiang Mai Airport

Why sleep in this area of Chiang Mai:

For those in a hurry, you can stay not far from Chiang Mai International Airport. In addition to being ready to take your plane or disembark as quickly as possible, you will be not far from the department store of the "Central" chain (Central Airport Plaza), and close to immigration services if necessary.

For me, the area includes the whole of Haiya Sub-district, that is, the part just south of the old city. On Wua Lai Street, adjoining the southern moat, there is Every Saturday a night market, similar to the one on Sunday (which takes place inside the old town square), see the relevant chapter at the beginning of the article).

Further south you can go on a family outing by visiting the Chiang Mai Night Safari, an original excursion which offers you the chance to discover the life of wild animals at night!

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Our tip Practical advice Where to stay

Roman

06/11/2014

Comments:

Charlotte
17/03/2015
Thanks for the info, I'm leaving with my man in 5 days and these elements will be of great help to us for our 4 days 😉
Roman
17/03/2015
But you're welcome 😉 It's always nice to see that it's useful!
Lea
16/10/2015
Thank you very much! Whether for Bangkok or Chiang Mai, your advice helped me prepare the trip 🙂
Roman
21/10/2015
Thank you very much for your message, always a pleasure to see the usefulness of the blog!
Christine 777
18/10/2016
also check out the NOK RESORT HOTEL, a rare gem in Chiang Mai
Francois Desjardins
19/02/2019
Hello Romain,
Congratulations on your blog, very interesting, I found several pieces of information there that I knew during my first trip to Asia in February 2018.
And I'm going back again in April 2019 with my wife for her first trip to Asia. We're going to Thailand for 17 days, then Hanoi for 9 days via Singapore. I'd like to buy a SIM card to stay connected, could you suggest what to buy in Thailand?
I have 5 nights left to book in Chiang Mai. I have looked at the hotels you suggested; TJR Boutique and Montha Hotel and others. I am interested in Imperial Mae Ping, a large hotel with over 300 rooms for my wife. Do you know of another hotel like this near the Thapae gates or not so far?
I also wonder if we should split our stay there between two hotels for example in Doi Suthep to be closer to nature or away from the city center. What do you think?
Thank you very much for your suggestions and ideas!
Francois
FRANCOIS DESJARDINS
19/02/2019
PS: You can if you wish publish my request and your answer also on your blog, thank you.
Hello Romain,
Congratulations on your blog and your practical and very interesting Guide, I found several pieces of information there that I knew during my first trip to Asia in February 2018.
And I'm going back again in April 2019 with my wife for her first trip to Asia. We're going to Thailand for 17 days, then Hanoi for 9 days via Singapore. I'd like to buy a SIM card to stay connected, could you suggest what to buy in Thailand?
I have 5 nights left to book in Chiang Mai. I have looked at the hotels you suggested; TJR Boutique and Montha Hotel and others. I am interested in Imperial Mae Ping, a large hotel with over 300 rooms for my wife. Do you know of another hotel like this near the Thapae gates or not so far?
I also wonder if we should split our stay there between two hotels for example in Doi Suthep to be closer to nature or away from the city center. What do you think?
Thank you very much for your suggestions and ideas!
Francois
PS: You can if you wish publish my request and your answer also on your blog, thank you.
FRANCOIS DESJARDINS
19/02/2019
Hello again Romain,
My wife and I just reviewed the hotels mentioned and we are about to rent Deluxe at TJR BOUTIQUE House for our 5 nights so as not to miss a good opportunity.
However, we want to make sure that you will receive a commission with Agoda. Agoda prompts me to go to my mobile app every time. If I go to my app to make the purchase, will you lose your commission?
Finally, I also remain with a doubt if we should not rent in 2 places for example in Doi Suthep or elsewhere more in nature…?
Please reply to me for the hotel as soon as possible, it would be greatly appreciated.
Have a good day,
Francois Desjardins
Roman
20/02/2019
Hello, sorry for my late reply but I was traveling. Normally any operator is equal in Thailand, the 2 most popular being True Move and AIS, the latter being my operator and supposedly has a better network.
TJR remains a good choice normally, even if it's been a few years since I've been back.
Taking 2 hotels to test different areas is an option, not at Doi Suthep because there are no hotels but I would say look at the Mae Rim side, north of Chiang Mai.
Roman
20/02/2019
Hello,
Thank you for this thoughtful attention (again sorry for the delay in response), try to book via this link directly:
https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1646414&hl=fr&hid=267185
Mario
03/06/2019
Hello Romain,
I am Canadian and I am going or rather intend to stay in Mae Ai in the province of Chiang Mai, can you tell me if it is a good place for a tourist who is visiting Thailand for the first time and the distance between this place and the city of Chiang Mai.
The information you give is most valuable to me, good work and above all don't give up.
Mario
Roman
03/06/2019
Hello,
Thank you for your support! To answer your question, Mae Ai is the northernmost district of the province, 185km from Chiang Mai city so not the best for a first time… If you are going to be out of the city, look towards Mae Rim, the northern suburbs.
Mario
03/06/2019
Thank you Romain,
For responding so quickly………..to really take a good bath of Mae Rim culture is your suggestion.
Ouang it's nice to have the choice and you are a big weight in the balance.
Thailand here I come
Mario
Roman
03/06/2019
Hello,
It depends on what you want to do in and near Chiang Mai. In theory Mae Rim is next to the rice fields while remaining close to the center of Chiang Mai but if you want to experience contact with the locals "off the beaten track" you can even consider staying in Chiang Dao, it is 70 km from Chiang Mai and clearly less touristy, even if there are also things to see (notably its cave).

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