The central square (old town)

Why stay 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 and its neighbor, Wat Phan Tao, all in wood or even, Wat Phra Singh (if you are interested, I speak of all these temples in detail in this article).

It's the neighborhood to favor if you are here for a short stay and enjoy cultural visits. It is also in this part of the city, more particularly from the Thapae gate and along the Ratchadamnoen Street what is going on every Sunday evening a night market open air. The opportunity to buy souvenirs, clothes, typical food from Northern Thailand, it's the time to get a massage, to admire the work of the artists exhibiting there, a must for any visit to Chiang Mai.

This is a bit of a default area to stay in Chiang Mai because it ticks all the boxes in terms of amenities, the airport is less than 10 minutes away, the train station too, and you will have everything you need to spend your days/evenings there without having to walk too far.

Examples of hotels in this area, tried and tested:

— Cozy Inn Chiang Mai

— I Lanna House

— Gord Chiangmai

— The Rodman Hotel

— Le Naview@Prasingh (the most expensive on this list)

Chang Moi District (Night Bazaar)

Why stay in this area of ​​Chiang Mai:

Probably the most famous district of Chiang Mai outside of the old town, the latter is bisected by the Ping River to the east. Generally very lively in the evening, it includes the night market (Night Bazaar), which is its main attraction. It is a bit like Ali Baba's cave for souvenirs, you will find many objects in the unique style of Northern Thailand but also something to eat (for all tastes because you really can find everything) and even attend traditional dance performances.

You will find the flower market just by the river a little further north and the Wararot market as well as a small Chinatown (there is a nice walk to do in the area including I'm talking here). This area is also home to many bars (and Chiang Mai's red light district, along Loi Kroh) and a Thai boxing stadium (CM Entertainment Complex, also on Loi Kroh Road). In short, it's a neighborhood to choose if you like things to be lively and are looking for entertainment.

On the other side of the Ping River, this will suit those seeking a bit of peace and quiet during their stay in Chiang Mai while remaining close to all amenities. It's also not far from the train station, making it ideal if you plan to leave Chiang Mai by train or not go far upon arrival.

Examples of hotels in this area that I recommend:

— The Locals Chiang Mai

— Hotel Montha (the only hotel on this list that I personally tested)

— Sridonchai Heritage Night Bazaar

— Melia Chiang Mai (luxury)

Nimmanhaemin and Chang Phuak districts

Why stay in this area of ​​Chiang Mai:

Situated west of Chiang MaiThese two districts are located along Huay Kaew Road, which is the main road leading to Doi Suthep.

Nimmanhaemin has become in recent years a trendy place, trendy. It's a lively neighborhood, due to its proximity to the CMU university, a real institution here, it's clearly a student neighborhood, so frequented by young people and it's happening! Moreover, it's possible to enter the university park to sit at the foot of the lake, go jogging or simply admire the mountain at the foot of which it is located.

There are many chic boutiques, a department store, cafes, and restaurants here, enough to keep you occupied during the evenings and days. It's also a neighborhood renowned for its supermarkets offering fresh, organic produce.

The alternative to the Nimmanhaemin district is that of Chang Phuak, north of the old town. You will then be closer (even if it's the same) to the temple with the 7 chedis (Wat Jet Yot), the Chiang Mai National Museum and the Tribal Museum (Hilltribe Museum), newly renovated and located in a park surrounded by an artificial lake, itself surrounded by local restaurants.

You'll also find a local market and a more "typical" atmosphere while remaining close to the city center. One point I want to emphasize is that the area is under the flight path due to its proximity to the airport, but this isn't a problem at night since there are no planes.

Examples of hotels in this area that I recommend:

— The Core Gallery Hotel (personally tested)

— BED Nimman – Adult Only (personally tested)

— iRoom

— Nimano Suites

Doi Suthep District

Why stay 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 the west of Chiang Mai. It stretches along the foot of the mountain of the same name, all the way behind the airport.

Doi Suthep is primarily known for its temple, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, as well as for the palace and the royal gardens at the summit. 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 templesI am thinking particularly of Wat Suan Dok and Wat Umong, hidden in the forest and with a unique character (these two temples that I mention among others, in this article).

Examples of hotels in this area that I recommend:

— Paiyannois Guesthome

— Fullrich Lanna Suite (large family room)

Wua Lai District (near the airport)

Why sleep in this part of Chiang Mai:

For those in a hurry, and even for those who aren't, you can stay near Chiang Mai International Airport. Besides being ready to catch your flight or disembark as quickly as possible, you'll be close to the "Central" department store (Central Airport Plaza) and near immigration services should you need them.

For me, the zone encompasses everything Haiya Sub-district, that is, the entire part just south of the old town. Along Wua Lai Road, from the southern moat (Chiang Mai Gate), there is Every Saturday a night market, similar to the one on Sunday which takes place inside the old town square.

In the immediate vicinity, you'll find the Silver Temple (Wat Sri Suphan), which is well worth a visit. It's in this area that you can try a traditional northern dinner called Khantoke, at the Old Chiangmai Cultural Center. This consists of a unique meal including several appetizers, sauces and northern dishes, served on wooden trays (khantokes). All of this is accompanied by a performance of traditional and folk dances in the purest Lanna style (reservation possible here).

Further south, you can enjoy a family outing by visiting the popular Chiang Mai Night Safari, an original excursion that offers you the chance to discover the life of wild animals, at night! It is also not far from a more recent attraction with the redevelopment of a canal, Mae Kha CanalIt's especially lively in the late afternoon and evening. Finally, you'll also be quite close to the small Wiang Kum Kam Historical Park, a set of ruins forming a sort of proto Chiang Mai.

Apart from the central square, this is usually my second choice of location in Chiang Mai, as it offers a good compromise between the surrounding amenities and choice of establishments, while still remaining close to the center.

Examples of hotels, all tested, in this area:

— Isilver Hotel

— Goldenbell Hotel Chiangmai

— iWualai Hotel (same vibe and chain as the iSilver)

— Nuan Boutique Hotel

— BED Chiangmai Gate – Adult Only (BEDs are always a safe bet)

Mae Rim area (northern suburbs)

Why stay in this part of Chiang Mai:

We're going a little outside the city itself. Mae Rim is the northern suburb of Chiang Mai. Convenient if you want to be in in the heart of nature while remaining close to Chiang Mai.

This is an area known for hosting a lot of activities that you will typically find on excursions offered by local agencies. There is notably a river for water activities like bamboo rafting or white rafting and several elephant camps (be careful with the latter because not all are equal, prefer a safe bet that takes care of these pachyderms like the Elephant nature park and these days in “Saddle Off”)

Otherwise you can relax at Huay Tueng Thao Lake, go see rice paddies if it's the right season, or if you have an interest in botany, see the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, created under the patronage of the royal family. Overall, it makes sense if you are staying in Chiang Mai long enough, you can do the first part of your stay in a more central location to familiarize yourself, then "go green" for a few days in Mae Rim afterwards.

Otherwise, given its distance from the centre, it is not an area I would recommend by default for a first stay in Chiang Mai.

Examples of hotels in this area that I recommend:

— Stay At Lantana Mae Rim

— Ban Tung Lom

— The Willoughby Maerim Hotel

Hang Dong Area (Southern Suburbs)

Why stay in this part of Chiang Mai:

Similar to Mae Rim, moving to the south of the city offers the benefit of a bit of peace and quiet. It's like being in the countryside while remaining close to the city center or even the airport. Some accommodations will be located at the foot of Doi Suthep mountain in a beautiful natural setting.

Hang Dong is an overlooked neighborhood because it is unknown. Well, it is true that it is not the ideal neighborhood if you are looking for entertainment, but as said in the first sentence, it is here that the calm prevails and the opportunity to try hotels offering good value for money experiences like the renowned Mrs. Su or Bamboo Garden Resort & Restaurant.

Afterwards, due to its location, it is better to have your own means of transport to move around, but either via the services of your hotel, or by using the famous local taxis (songthaew, the red pick-ups), you can always get by.

You will be close to attractions like the famous Chiang Mai Grand Canyon, Wat Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen) or the superb gardens of the Royal Park Rajapruek among others. Like Mae Rim, this is more suitable for a longer stay or those already familiar with Chiang Mai.

Examples of hotels in this area that I recommend:

— Rice Barn and Rooms

— Naraya Homestay

— Foresta Villa