Where to Stay in Chiang Mai, For First-Time Visitors

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Chiang Mai is among my personal favorite places in the world. I’ve spent almost two years total in Chiang Mai on dozens of visits over a decade. I’ve stayed in every major area and scouted many of the city’s top hotels. Now I’m here to help you pick the perfect place to stay! 

First visit to Chiang Mai? I suggest you stay in the Old City area. The ancient part of Chiang Mai is home to the most attractions and also the most central part of the city.  

El Barrio Lanna is a great Old City hotel with a perfectly central location. 

Alternatively, luxury travelers will enjoy a stay in Riverside, which is home to my personal favorite hotel: the quintessentially-Thai RatiLanna Riverside Resort & Spa.

Chiang Mai has loads of options to consider though, so stick around and I’ll break down the pros and cons of my favorite areas. First up, though, a quick list of top-rated hotels for all you skimmers out there: 

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The Best Places to Stay in Chiang Mai

If you’re short on time, these are my top picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort
• 🗺️ Best Location – El Barrio Lanna
• 💎 Luxury Hotel – Chala Number6
• ❤️ For Couples – De Chai the Deco or Shamrock Adults-Only
• 👨‍👩‍👦  For Families – Rarin Jinda Wellness Spa Resort
• 📷 Boutique – The Inside House
• 🛕 Best Near Tha Pae Gate – De Chai the Deco 
• 🛖 Most Unique – BaanBooLoo Village
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Marigold Lanna

Click here to see all top Chiang Mai hotels or here for apartments.

Traveling around Thailand? I’ve also got guides to where to stay in Bangkok and in Phuket. Bookmark and read them next!

Ok, now let’s explore each area of Chiang Mai, one by one:

5 Best Areas to Stay in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is centered on the Old City, an area that’s unmissable on a map thanks to the stark square outline created by the ancient moat (and less ancient roads) that surround it. Extending outward in each direction is a sprawling urban area, mostly consisting of low to mid-rise buildings. 

In my opinion, most tourists to Chiang Mai should probably stay in the Old City or in Riverside. But I’ll still cover the pros and cons of the five most popular areas just so you know all your options. 

Old City / Tha Phae Gate

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Old City Hotels: Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts • El Barrio Lanna • BaanBooLoo Village • The Inside House • De Chai the Deco • Marigold Lanna

Is it your first visit to Chiang Mai? I recommend staying within the Old City walls. It’s home to many of the city’s main attractions, like Wat Phra Singh and the Sunday walking street. Compared to the modern development that surrounds it in every direction, Old City is also probably closest to the version of Chiang Mai you’re envisioning in your head. 

7 centuries old and surrounded by moat and fortress walls, the city’s narrow streets wind through temples, stylish boutiques, and bars and restaurants galore. This layout does mean getting in and out of Old City can take some time, but it’s all part of the charm.

You’ll find lots of stylish and unique boutiques inside the city walls, like the highly-rated Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts or El Barrio Lanna, which has an incredible location, practically dead-center of the Old City. Shamrock Adults-Only is also a good option for couples who don’t want to deal with noise from the kiddos. Chala Number6 also caters to the luxury couples crowd.

Want to stay in a traditional house built on stilts? Check out the rustic villas at BaanBooLoo Village, which is probably the most unique stay in Chiang Mai.

Want a swimming pool directly in your room? The Doi Suthep Pool Suite at The Inside House is an Instagram sensation and the epitome of luxury. 

For more affordable accommodation, check out Marigold Lanna Boutique or Ed Hostel.

One downside of staying in the city walls is that many hotels are showing their age. For more modern accommodation still steps from the action in Old City, you could stay near Tha Phae Gate. De Chai the Deco Chiang Mai is a great modern option here. Clara and I spent a week at the hotel and loved the modern clean rooms, stylish pool, and quiet location tucked into a soi (alley). 

Pros of Staying in Old City:

• Home to Chiang Mai’s historic sites and attractions 
• Most “walkable” part of Chiang Mai (note: that’s a relative term in Thailand, though)
• Many dining, drinking, and accommodation options 

Cons of Staying in Old City:

• Lots of tourists 
• Hotel buildings can be quite, well, old!  

Riverside

👉 Best Area For Luxury Resorts | ✨ Best Riverside Hotels: RatiLanna Riverside • Anantara Chiang Mai Resort • Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai • Rarin Jinda Wellness Spa Resort

While most first-time visitors really should stay in the Old City, if you want to stay in style, the best luxury hotels in Chiang Mai can be found along the Ping River. 

Riverside is home to my #1 overall hotel RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort. Though you’ll need to take short taxi rides to get to and from the hotel, the reward will be a peaceful riverside retreat that’s just perfect after a day out exploring the city. I love the massive pool overlooking the Ping River, the beautiful outdoor lounge area (pictured above), and the 5-star service. If you can afford it, RatiLanna is totally worth the splurge. Of all the Chiang Mai hotels I’ve personally stayed in, this one was far-and-away my favorite.

Two other newer 5-star Riverside resorts to consider are the Maladee Rendezvous Hotel and the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort.

Rarin Jinda Wellness Spa Resort is another solid option, perfect for families or couples.

Pros of Staying in Riverside:

• Beautiful luxury resorts 
• Peaceful and quiet (unlike the rest of Chiang Mai) 
• Lots of nature 

Cons of Staying in Riverside:

• Not especially walkable
• Somewhat far from the city’s main attractions 

Nimmananhemin

👉 Best Area For Digital Nomads | ✨ Best Nimmananhemin Hotels: Eastin Tan Hotel • Moose Hotel Nimman • Art Mai Gallery Nimman Hotel Chiang Mai

Nimmananhemin (often referred to as just “Nimman” by foreigners) is the place to be if you’re a digital nomad or a younger traveler planning a longer stay in Chiang Mai.

The neighborhood centers on Nimman Road and is the most modern part of Chiang Mai. In addition to the city’s large community of digital nomads and younger expats, you’ll also encounter many local students from the nearby Chiang Mai University.

In terms of hotels, the largest here is the Eastin Tan Hotel, conveniently located on the main intersection across from Maya Mall. For a quieter location, check out the stylish art-themed Art Mai Gallery Nimman Hotel.

Nimmananhemin has many apartment complexes that cater to the digital nomad crowd, as well as loads of cafes, bars, and restaurants. You’ll find a much wider variety of cuisines, including vegan and vegetarian establishments. 

Looking to rent an apartment in Nimmananhemin for a few months as a remote worker? Many nomads choose to book a hotel for their first few days, then walk around the area and inquire about availability at the many apartment complexes. 

Some popular condo complexes to check out are The Nimmana, Palm Springs, and Play Condo. Note most complexes require a 3-month minimum lease (sometimes 6 months). 

Years ago, I spent two months living in Nimman. I will say that I did enjoy my time there (especially the abundance of cafes and restaurants). 

But, if I’m being honest, I really did not enjoy waking up to the sounds of jet engines overhead. The airport is just too close, and the district sits right in the takeoff path. For this reason, I personally don’t stay in Nimman anymore and suggest most tourists stay elsewhere. You’ve been warned.

Pros of Staying in Nimman:

• The most modern part of the city
• Lots of remote workers and digital nomads live here (also a con!)
• The highest concentration of restaurants, cafes, and bars

Cons of Staying in Nimman:

• Loud airplane sounds (on the plus side, the airport is so close that some backpackers even walk to their accommodation!) 

Night Bazaar / Chang Khlan Area 

👉 Best Area For Night Markets | ✨ Best Night Bazaar / Chang Khlan Hotels: Shangri-La Chiang Mai • Intercontinental Chiang Mai • Chiang Mai Marriott • Melia Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar area is a neighborhood that extends from the Tha Phae gate area towards the Ping River. Along with the adjacent Chang Klan area to the south, it’s home to many larger big brand hotels, like the newer Intercontinental Chiang Mai, the recently updated Chiang Mai Marriott, and the classic Shangri-La (which has a massive pool slide for the kids).

Honestly, I’m kinda torn about what to say about this area. On the one hand, there is an abundance of accommodation options, restaurants, and proximity to the night markets (which really are a must-see when visiting Chiang Mai). It’s a good area to visit and explore, no doubt.

However, after spending months living nearby and walking around the area for my nightly walks, I honestly don’t think most tourists should stay here. 

The area is chaotic and loud, traffic is bad, and the many red-light establishments and bars might be a put-off for families (don’t say I didn’t warn you!). But it is a popular area, so I gotta include it and then you can make your own choice. If you really want to stay here, I’d say go for the Shangri La or the Melia Chiang Mai, as they are located furthest away from those issues. 

Pros of Staying in the Night Bazaar / Chang Khlan Area:

• Walking distance to Old City, Night Bazaar, and many attractions 
• The most “walkable” part of Chiang Mai
• Many dining, drinking, and accommodation options 

Cons of Staying in the Night Bazaar / Chang Khlan Area:

• Traffic noise 
• Parts of it are a red light area 

Santitham

👉 Best Area For Budget Hotels | ✨ Best Santitham Hotels: Seven Senses Guesthouse • ISTY Hotel • Book Design Hotel

Santitham is a lesser-known residential area north of Old City and adjacent to Nimman. It’s becoming more popular as an alternative to neighboring Nimman, thanks to the local vibe, cheaper accommodations, and distance from airplane take-off routes. 

For most first-timers, I probably wouldn’t recommend staying here, but Santitham is a good option if you’re on a tight budget or if you’re planning a long-term visit. For digital nomads, expats, or retirees, it’s a nice quiet alternative to Nimman.

You can find many boutiques here, sometimes for less than $50/night. Check out Seven Senses Guesthouse for a local vibe or ISTY Hotel for a more modern feel. Both are quite affordable and well-rated. 

Pros of Staying in Santitham :

• Close to Nimman Road, but out of airplane takeoff path 
• More locals compared to other areas 
• Accommodation tends to be more affordable  

Cons of Staying in Santitham:

• Not the most convenient location 
• Not many attractions or sites 

Tips for Staying in Chiang Mai

Avoid Travel to Chiang Mai During “Burning Season” (February to April) 

I cannot emphasize this enough: if you can, avoid coming to Chiang Mai between February and April.

This is the “burning season,” when smoke fills the sky, sometimes blocking out the sun and view of the mountains for weeks at a time. It is not a pleasant time to visit in my opinion. You are better off visiting Thailand’s southern islands (where the air is much clearer) during these months. 

Plan Ahead if Visiting for a Festival

Many tourists visit Chiang Mai for festivals, especially:

• Songkran (April) – Also known as “Thai New Year,” the entire city turns into a giant water fight for several days during this festival. If visiting during this time, avoid staying near Tha Phae gate, and also be cautious about arriving or departing during the festival (as your luggage could get soaked).
• Yi Peng and Loy Krathong (November) – Two festivals that take place concurrently, typically in November. You may know Yi Peng as the “lantern festival” from social media, though note that in recent years the city has limited lantern releases to specified areas only. 

If visiting during these festivals, be sure to book well in advance! 

If Visiting in Summer, Stay Somewhere with a Pool

Summer in Chiang Mai is actually my personal favorite season. The burning season has passed, the air is clear, and the tourists have all cleared out. The streets are less busy, the attractions and restaurants are uncrowded, and accommodation is at the cheapest prices of the year.

Of course, the big downside to visiting Chiang Mai in summer is obvious: it gets super hot and humid! If you can’t stand the heat, stay away during these months. But if you’re like me and actually enjoy the tropical weather, just be sure to book a hotel with a pool. 

Search for Chiang Mai hotels with pools on Booking now.

Most Apartment Buildings Prohibit Short Term Rentals

Yes, you’ll find some apartments listed on peer-to-peer accommodation apps. But usually, those buildings actually prohibit short-term rentals in their condo agreements. So you may end up in this situation where the host is kinda trying to sneak you in. It doesn’t make for a comfortable experience in my opinion.

If you do want apartment-style accommodation, you can find aparthotels on Booking that are actually licensed to provide such accommodations. 

Don’t Rent a Scooter Unless You Can Truly Drive One

Scooters are a convenient and popular way to get around Chiang Mai, but be careful – this is not the place to learn how to ride! Many foreigners think they are saving a few baht by renting a scooter, only to end up leaving Thailand with a medical bill and a pair of crutches. 

Also, do not drive a scooter unless you are actually licensed to ride motorbikes! While many shops do not check licenses, the police do set up checkpoints and fine foreigners who are not properly licensed. 

Instead of riding yourself, you can use the Grab application to order a car or scooter taxi around town. It’s fast, convenient, and affordable. 

Only Visit Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries 

Elephants are one of the big tourist attractions in Northern Thailand, but unfortunately, many elephant companies mistreat their animals. In particular, experts especially recommend against riding elephants, as this often results in mistreatment of the animals in order to get them to comply. 

You can still view these magnificent creatures, though, at one of Chiang Mai’s ethical elephant sanctuaries.

Personally, I only recommend visiting Elephant Nature Park. The park provides sanctuary for rescued elephants, as well as other animals, and the elephants live as natural a life as possible in a massive park in the middle of the mountains.

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FAQs about Chiang Mai Hotels

What are the best areas to stay in Chiang Mai for first-timers?

Most first-timers should stay in Chiang Mai’s Old City for their first visit, as it’s home to most of the city’s historical sites and attractions. Alternatively, luxury travelers may enjoy a stay at one of the 5-star resorts in Riverside, running along the Ping River that bisects Chiang Mai.

What areas of Chiang Mai should I avoid staying in?

In general, Chiang Mai is a very safe city. All of the above-mentioned areas are safe to stay in. With that said, families should be aware that there are red light districts around the Night Bazaar area.

What are the best parts of Chiang Mai to stay for temples? 

The highest concentration of temples in Chiang Mai can be found in the Old City. But actually the entire city is dotted with hundreds of temples, and no matter where you are staying you are likely to be near one. 

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Thanks for reading!

Keep planning your Thailand trip with my guides to Where to Stay in Bangkok and Where to Stay in Phuket.