About Chiang Mai

Nestled in the Himalayan foothills of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a gateway to lush rainforest reserves, peaceful villages, and remote Buddhist wát (temples). The Old City, with its peaceful, walkable streets and close-knit temples, is ideal for families, offering cosy mid-range hotels and guesthouses with spacious rooms and pools. For those seeking luxury, the riverside area along the Ping River boasts five-star resorts and upscale boutique hotels set amidst lush gardens and traditional Lanna-style villas, complete with spas and fine dining. 

Budget travellers are well catered to in areas like the Old City and the Night Bazaar, where affordable guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels abound, offering comfort without sacrificing convenience. Meanwhile, the trendy Nimmanhaemin district—known simply as Nimman—is perfect for visitors who want a modern, cosmopolitan vibe, with chic design hotels, rooftop bars, and easy access to cafes, galleries, and nightlife. Whether you're looking for cultural immersion, contemporary flair, or cost-effective comfort, Chiang Mai has the perfect hotel in just the right location.

The city itself, once the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, is rich in history and renowned for its unique cuisine and vibrant cultural life. Within the compact old city, visitors can explore around thirty beautifully preserved temples, including the revered Wat Phra Singh, the historic Wat Phan Tao, and the towering Wat Chedi Luang. Beyond the city walls lie over 250 more temples, with Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep—featuring a gold-plated chedi and sweeping views—being a standout, along with the nearby Royal Palace Gardens.

Chiang Mai also boasts excellent museums, galleries, and serene parks, offering a deeper look into the region’s heritage. Shoppers flock to the famous Night Bazaar and the riverside Warorot Market, a maze of converted walkways and traditional charm. Adventurous visitors can enjoy elephant tours or explore a variety of unique excursions throughout the surrounding countryside, making Chiang Mai a diverse and compelling destination for all types of travellers.

The city is a fascinating destination and our pick of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai are all perfect bases from which to start exploring.

Some of our Chiang Mai Collections:

The Best Places to Stay in Chiang Mai

For Resort Charm

  • Step into 60 acres of pure magic at The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai. Expect ornate Thai-colonial suites, serene pools, a world-class spa, and cultural experiences that bring Northern Thailand’s rich heritage to life in a truly unforgettable resort setting.
  • Tucked in lush Mae Rim gardens, Four Seasons Chiang Mai pairs colonial charm with elegance—think teak, rattan, and antiques—with modern indulgence. With a serene spa, in-house yogi, and stunning rural views, it’s the perfect place to truly switch off and unwind.
  • Na Nirand is romantic riverside resort blending Lanna tradition with modern flair. With teakwood charm, beamed ceilings, and serene gardens—it's perfect for spa days, weddings, or quiet retreats just steps from Chiang Mai’s buzzing night market and old town.
  • Nestled around a centuries-old Tamarind tree, Tamarind Village is a leafy resort blending sleek comfort with traditional design. Enjoy superb breakfast, delicious dinners, and a peaceful escape from Chiang Mai's vibrant city life.

For modern chic

  • Sleek, bold, and beautifully moody, Akyra Manor Chiang Mai delivers boutique luxury with rooftop vibes, a stunning pool, and standout Italian dining. With just 30 edgy suites, it’s perfect for style-savvy city breakers wanting a five-star splash without the price hike.
  • A serene escape just outside Chiang Mai, North Hill City Resort blends lush scenery with chic, modern design. Think spa days, smart interiors, and fine dining—ideal for travellers who crave calm, comfort, and sophistication away from the tourist-packed centre.

For a central location

  • Tucked inside Chiang Mai’s Old City walls, Rachamankha is a peaceful, art-filled hideaway with just 24 elegant rooms. Shady courtyards, refined fusion cuisine, and a child-free vibe make it perfect for a serene stay right in the heart of town.
  • Villa Mahabhirom is a stylish retreat in Chiang Mai’s heart, blending ancient Thai charm with luxe modern comforts. Antique-filled villas, private pools, and jaw-dropping views make this a standout spot just minutes from historic temples and markets. 

For a riverside location

  • Set by the river yet blissfully tranquil, 137 Pillars House is a 30-suite gem blending colonial charm with five-star flair. Expect dreamy baths, oversized beds, lush gardens, and top-tier service—plus interconnecting rooms that make it a stylish pick for families, too.
  • Ping Nakara Hotel & Spa is a serene riverside escape with hand-carved teak, private hot tubs, and old-world charm—just minutes from Chiang Mai’s buzz. A refined blend of tradition and modern luxury.
  • Raya Heritage is a stylish riverside sanctuary that blends traditional Thai artistry with serene modern design. With only 33 spacious suites, each decorated with hand-crafted local materials, it’s intimate, elegant, and deeply connected to northern Thailand’s cultural roots.

For an Apartment or private Villa

  • If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Chiang Mai International Airport is just 10minutes drive from the centre of town, and a 70 minute flight from Bangkok. But many airlines fly here direct, or at least with a Bangkok stopover. You can also arrive by train from Bangkok or by bus.
  • If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
  • Peak season for visitors to Chiang Mai coincides with the region’s best weather, which is between October and April. Cooler, with light breezes, this is also when the town and region holds some of its most spectacular festivals.

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The best hotels in Chiang Mai

North Hill City Resort

Chiang Mai (Baanwan, Hangdong)

A sophisticated quiet retreat on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Perfect for a couple or family looking to counter-balance their holiday with golf, archery, cooking classes and a trip to the spa! Contemporary rooms are as sophisticated as they are functional.

  • Golf - Play a round on the 18-hole course with spectacular views of panoramic view of Doi Suthep.
  • Local exploring - A luxury base to explore the temples and countryside of Chiang Mai and its surrounds.
  • Spa - Traditional Thai massages, special facials and body treatments
  • Cooking classes - Take a 'farm to table' cooking class.
from $121 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Akyra Manor Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai (Mueang Chiang Mai District, )

Deserving of its five-star rating for the bathtub feature alone, akyra Manor Chiang Mai brings edge to Chiang Mai’s hotel scene. Stylish suites decorated in moody tones feature all the mod cons. Plus there is a rooftop bar and pool with city views. Gourmet Italian dishes can be enjoyed at Italics.

  • Swimming Pool - Stylish rooftop pool
  • Restaurant
  • Boutique
  • 5* Luxury
from $178 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Rachamankha

Chiang Mai

The elegance of Rachamankha is underpinned by the architectural vision of its owner. Expect simplicity, style and serenity. Surrounding a series of cool courtyards you could be forgiven for getting lost amidst the property's art strewn walls. A fusion of Thai and Western dishes is served.

  • Sights nearby - Just a three minute walk from Wat Phra Singh temple
  • Restrictions on children - Over 12s only
  • Spa
  • Restaurant
from $184 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Tamarind Village

Chiang Mai (Tambon Sri Pum)

A leafy and charming hotel built around an ancient Tamarind tree in Chiang Mai. The comfortable and sleek rooms offer laid back elegance and splashes of traditional design. The breakfast is excellent and the dinner menu doesn't disappoint. In the heart of a buzzing city but the vibe is almost rural.

  • Local exploring - A quiet haven from which to explore the buzzing city of Chiang Mai- within easy reach of nightmarkets, temples and bazaars
  • Hotel Entertainment - A gentleman plays his ranad ek (1-string fiddle) by the pool every evening, well worth a listen
  • Cooking classes - Learn to cook your favoutire Thai dishes from the excellent on site cookery school
  • Local markets - The nearby night market is a good spot to pick up all the usual tourist gear
from $185 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Ping Nakara Hotel & Spa

Chiang Mai (T. Changklan)

A stunning new boutique hotel on the peaceful end of the Ping River, yet just minutes from the Chiang Mai old town. Each detail, both architectural and design, has been carefully crafted to represent an eclectic mix of tradition and modernity. Think hand carved teak and private hot tubs. Sublime.

  • Local exploring - Perfectly located- just far enough out of the hustle and bustle to allow one to unwind, yet just a few blocks from the action
  • City Style - The handcarved teak details in this new build hotel are a tasteful nod to traditional methods, as are the wooden furnishings
  • Other Activities - The hotels central pool is a lovely spot to spend the morning catching up on your emails or relaxing with a book
  • Hotel Entertainment - The on site spa is a total winner, run by two Indian ayurvedic doctors trained in every art of pampering
from $238 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Na Nirand

Chiang Mai (Tambon Changklan, Amphoe Muang, )

A peaceful haven in the heart of downtown Chiang Mai, right on the river. Contemporary and traditional styles have been merged with teak furniture and beamed ceilings set alongside modern art. Featuring a pampering spa and lovely tranquil gardens. A romantic spot to come and unwind.

  • Local exploring - The night market is a five-minute walk away and the old city centre can be reached by a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride
  • Hideaway - On the banks of the Ping River, this is a tranquil, quiet garden property right in the heart of the city
  • Weddings - A small amphitheatre used for weddings and other events spreads by the water’s edge
  • Sights nearby - Art in Paradise Chiang Mai is a 15-minute walk from the property, while Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is just a 12-minute walk away
from $206 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Raya Heritage

Chiang Mai (Tambol Donkaew)

A peaceful hideaway on the Ping river, 20 minutes from the city centre. Leafy gardens, chic interiors and fantastic authentic food. A magnificent example of how a modern Thai hotel should look- proper emphasis on traditional crafts by local people and none of the over-the-top kitsch tat. Faultless.

  • City Style - A suave boutique that epitomises Chiang Mai’s rich heritage in craft and artisan design- from ceramic tiles to hand-dyed fabrics
  • Hotel Entertainment - The hotel spa is top notch- they use traditional Lanna techniques to massage you back to your more sprightly self
  • Close to nightlife - For those looking for some nightime action head down to the vibrant Think Park- filled with bars and cafes
  • Hideaway - Just twenty minutes from the city centre, yet it feels like a remote riverside retreat
from $335 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Villa Mahabhirom

Chiang Mai

A superb 5 star, breaming with charm in the ancient city of Chiang Mai. The remarkable and unique villas are filled with antiques and Jim Thompson silks, and many offer fabulous views and private pools. The home-cooked Thai fusion food is aromatic and unforgettable, as are the poolside cocktails.

  • Romantic Break - The Villa Doi Suthep offers a deep enough for two copper bath and picturesque views of the gold-domed Doi Suthep temple
  • Antiques - Each room has been individually decorated with the owners extensive range of antiques and artworks
  • Groups - For groups travelling together rent the two or three bed villas each with their own private pool
  • Sights nearby - Check out Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham, a series of 13th-century tunnels just five minutes down the road
from $356 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

137 Pillars House

Chiang Mai

Centrally located yet a world away from Chiang Mai’s busy streets. This boutique hotel promises first-class facilities and old-world charm for a discerning crowd. Suites are simply made for couples with big baths and bigger beds but interconnecting rooms mean it's great for families too.

  • Local markets - Just across the river Warorot Market sells clothing and homewares.
  • Great walks - Embark on a walking tour of The Old City.
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor.
  • Spa
from $389 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai (T. Tasala, A. Muang, )

Inspired by the region’s cultural and architectural heritage, Dhara Dhevi is a magical 60 acre sanctuary complete with spa, swimming pools and an agenda of activities to entertain guests each day. Rooms are decorated in a blend of colonial and Thai decor, plus some feature private pools.

  • Sights nearby - The sights of Chiang Mai are within easy reach. Even more so thanks to a daily shuttle service.
  • Tennis - There are tennis courts available on site.
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor.
  • Spa
from $521 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Four Seasons Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Set amongst lush leafy gardens in the pretty Mae Rim Valley. The design has a colonial air with teak and rattan furniture and antiques; but modern luxuries are also abound. Featuring a well equipped spa and an in-house yogi. A spoiling spot ideal for unwinding in stunning rural surrounds.

  • Back to Nature - Set in landscaped gardens with romantic views of terraced rice paddies, lakes, lily ponds and mountains in Mae Rim Valley
  • Hideaway - A magical bolthole best suited for honeymooning couples and guests looking to escape
  • Sights nearby - There are many temples to visit in the surrounding area, and tours can be organised by the resort
  • Cooking classes - On-site cooking academy where guests can learn how to cook Thai cuisine
from $838 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees