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

Nicknamed "the rose of the North," Chiang Mai remains the most popular destination in northern Thailand. Depending on the main 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 the 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

This guide is here to familiarize you with the different areas of the city and help you choose which neighborhood to stay in Chiang Mai and its surroundings. It may seem like a no-brainer, but choosing a hotel can be time-consuming and a headache when you're unfamiliar with the area. Beyond choosing where to stay, this article also serves as a reminder of the various attractions and places of interest in each neighborhood, and the reasons to stay there and/or, incidentally, to visit!

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

The different districts of Chiang Mai on a map

An addition that seemed important to me, here is a map to visualize the location of the different districts mentioned in this article.

The central square of the 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 first and foremost there for 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.

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.

Located on the other side of the Ping River, this is ideal for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet during their stay in Chiang Mai while still being close to all amenities. It's also not far from the train station, making it ideal if you're traveling to or from Chiang Mai by train.

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 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 stay in this area of ​​Chiang Mai:

The area I call "Doi Suthep" is the one that starts just off Nimmanhaemin, on the other side of the ring road west of Chiang Mai. It runs along the foot of the mountain of the same name to 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 temples, I am thinking especially of Wat Sri Suphan and Wat Umong (temples that I mention with others, in this article), 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.

Wua Lai District (near the airport)

Why sleep in this part of Chiang Mai:

Especially for those in a hurry, you can stay near Chiang Mai International Airport. In addition to being ready to catch your flight or disembark as quickly as possible, you'll be close to the "Central" chain department store (Central Airport Plaza) and close to immigration services if needed.

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.

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 Canal, especially lively in the late afternoon, evening. You will also be quite close to the small Wiang Kum Kam Historical Park, a set of ruins forming a sort of proto Chiang Mai.

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, this is not an area I would recommend by default for a first stay in Chiang Mai.

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.

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