Where to Stay in Chiang Mai? A Guide to Choosing the Right Neighborhood

After the success of the dedicated article to the districts of Bangkok, I propose the logical continuation with an article in the same vein on the capital of Lanna; Chiang Mai. Nicknamed "the rose of the North", it is 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 are in the process of looking for accommodation in Thailand, I have listed here the other destinations covered on the blog to date on this subject:

• 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

NEW 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:

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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