Chiang Mai is Thailand’s laid-back northern city – a place with over 300 temples, incredible street food, and a vibe that feels like a blend of cultural depth and modern cafe culture.
Chiang Mai sits surrounded by mountains in northern Thailand, and the city is surprisingly compact. But where you stay makes a huge difference to your experience. The different neighbourhoods have vastly different personalities.
Let’s get into it: where to stay in Chiang Mai?
Best Areas to Stay in Chiang Mai
Here’s a quick overview of the best areas to stay in Chiang Mai:
- Old Town – Temples, culture, and walkable historic charm ⭐️
- Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) – Trendy cafes, nightlife, and digital nomad hub 🍹
- Riverside – Peaceful, romantic, and luxurious by the Mae Ping River 💎
- Santitham – Local, affordable, and perfect for longer stays 🏛️
1. Old Town – Best Area for First-Time Visitors ⭐️
📍 Distance to city centre: You ARE the city centre
🚇 Transport: Songthaew (red minibus) everywhere for 30-40 THB
✈️ Time to airport: 15-20 minutes
💰 Price level: €€ (2/5)
👮 Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Old Town is the obvious choice if it’s your first time in Chiang Mai. The area is surrounded by an ancient moat and old city walls dating back to the 13th century, and behind those walls lies a network of quiet streets, hundreds of temples, and countless small cafes and restaurants. Everything can be done on foot or by bicycle – the area is only about 1.5 x 1.5 kilometres.
On Sundays, Ratchadamnoen Road transforms into the Sunday Walking Street, a massive street market with street food, crafts, and live music. It’s one of the best experiences in all of Chiang Mai.
See the best hotels in Old Town here.
The most important temples are located here – Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Chiang Man – and you can visit all of them on a single walk. Tha Phae Gate at the eastern end is the city’s unofficial meeting point, and from there it’s a short distance to the Night Bazaar area.
Prices for hotels and food are surprisingly low compared to Bangkok or the Thai islands. The area is safe and friendly, and it’s easy to arrange trips to Doi Suthep Temple from here.
The only downside? There isn’t much nightlife in the evenings – that happens in the Nimman neighbourhood.
Places to Stay in Old Town
A beautiful boutique hotel built in traditional Lanna style with teakwood, open courtyards, and an atmosphere that feels like a peaceful monastery – just with a pool and air conditioning. The hotel is a few minutes’ walk from Wat Phra Singh and Sunday Walking Street. Rooms feature high ceilings, dark woodwork, and handmade details. The restaurant serves excellent northern Thai food.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “An absolute gem of luxury – the hotel displays a wonderful Thai architecture with patios, gardens and pool.”
One of Chiang Mai’s most beloved hotels, built around an enormous tamarind tree that’s over 200 years old. The atmosphere is calm and beautiful – almost like an oasis in the middle of the city. The pool is surrounded by tropical plants, the breakfast is fantastic, and the staff organise daily activities like bamboo weaving and umbrella painting. Sunday Walking Street literally takes place right outside the hotel’s door. Score on Booking.com: 9.0.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “A paradise in the middle of the old city. The architecture, the calmness, the restaurant and its fantastic and attentive staff.”
If you want to stay centrally in Old Town without spending a fortune, POR Thapae Gate is a really solid pick. The hotel has a nice outdoor pool, free bicycles for guests, air conditioning, and free WiFi. The location is hard to beat – you’re literally at Tha Phae Gate, just minutes from the temples and markets. The breakfast with fresh fruit and coffee is a lovely bonus at this price.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “The friendly staff and great location. The fresh fruits, coffee and unlimited supply of water was a blessing.”
2. Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) – Best Area for Nightlife and Cafes 🍹
📍 Distance to city centre: 2 km west of Old Town
🚇 Transport: Songthaew or Grab, 10 min to Old Town
✈️ Time to airport: 15 minutes
💰 Price level: €€€ (3/5)
👮 Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Nimman is Chiang Mai’s hip neighbourhood – think Shoreditch in London, but with cheaper coffee and better weather. The area stretches along Nimmanhaemin Road and the side streets (sois), and it’s bursting with trendy cafes, cocktail bars, boutique shops, and international restaurants.
Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center is located here, and One Nimman is a cosy outdoor shopping complex in a European style. The proximity to Chiang Mai University gives the area a young and energetic vibe, especially in the evenings.
See the best hotels in Nimman here.
It’s the preferred neighbourhood for digital nomads and expats. Here you’ll find coworking spaces, western comfort food alongside fantastic Thai food, and a nightlife scene ranging from rooftop bars to nightclubs. Warmup Cafe is legendary for live music, and Rise Rooftop Bar at Akyra Manor has one of the city’s best views.
The downside is that you’ll need transport to get to Old Town and the temples – but a Grab taxi takes only 10 minutes and costs next to nothing. If you’re planning a longer stay or you’re under 40 and want to have fun in the evenings, Nimman is your neighbourhood.
Places to Stay in Nimman
Chiang Mai’s most stylish boutique hotel. Akyra Manor is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and sits on Nimman Soi 9, also known as “coffee street”. All 30 suites are enormous (60-100 m²) with designer furniture, private jacuzzi, and espresso machine. Rise Rooftop Bar on the 8th floor has 360-degree panoramic views over the city and mountains. The Italian restaurant Italics is one of Chiang Mai’s finest.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “The rooftop pool and bar makes an excellent place for happy hour cocktails as you watch the sunset.”
Art Mai Gallery Nimman Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
An art hotel in the heart of Nimman, where each floor is decorated by a renowned Thai artist. This gives the hotel a unique personality that the big chain hotels can never match. An outdoor pool, fitness centre, and a nice restaurant are included. The location is perfect – walk out the door, and you’re right in the middle of Nimman’s cafe and bar scene. Rooms are modern and comfortable, and the staff are helpful with tour bookings. Score: 9.4 for couples on Booking.com.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Great hotel, beautifully designed. Great breakfast and very nice and helpful staff.”
A solid budget option in Nimman with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and a clean, modern style. The hotel is close to Maya Mall and the buzzing Nimman Road, so you have cafes and restaurants just around the corner. It’s popular among digital nomads and younger travellers who want the Nimman experience without paying luxury prices. Simple, clean, and central – what more do you need?
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV. Great value for money.”
Thinking about a round trip in Thailand? Check out my guides on where to stay in Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, and Koh Samui as well – there are plenty of destinations to choose from in Thailand.
3. Riverside – Best Area for Luxury and Couples 💎
📍 Distance to city centre: 1-2 km east of Old Town
🚇 Transport: Grab/Bolt, 5-10 min to Old Town
✈️ Time to airport: 10-15 minutes
💰 Price level: €€€€ (4/5)
👮 Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
The Riverside area along the Mae Ping River is Chiang Mai’s most peaceful and romantic neighbourhood. Here you’ll find some of the city’s finest hotels and resorts, many with direct river views and private gardens. The atmosphere is relaxed and sophisticated – a welcome break from the bustle of Old Town and Nimman.
In the evenings, the riverbank lights up with cosy restaurants and cocktail bars, and a sunset river cruise is one of the most beautiful experiences in the city.
See the best hotels at Riverside here.
The area is ideal for couples on a romantic holiday, older travellers who prefer peace and quiet, and anyone who wants a luxurious base. You’re still close to everything – Night Bazaar is within walking distance, and Old Town is 5-10 minutes away by Grab.
Warorot Market, Chiang Mai’s local market (far more authentic than Night Bazaar), is also in this area. The downside is that you’re dependent on transport to get around, and prices are generally higher than elsewhere in the city. In return, you get a quality that’s hard to match.
Places to Stay at Riverside
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chiang Mai’s most famous luxury resort, built on the grounds of the former British consulate directly on the Mae Ping River. Designed by the legendary architect Kerry Hill. Rooms are minimalist yet luxurious with private terraces and views over the river or garden. Breakfast at Bodhi Terrace overlooking the river is magical. The spa has ten treatment rooms, and cooking classes with the hotel’s chefs are a popular experience. Score on Booking.com: 9.0.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “It felt like a 5-star resort from the moment you enter. Room with all possible amenities, location, service, breakfast – all was perfect.”
One of Southeast Asia’s most special boutique hotels. 137 Pillars House is built around a teakwood building from 1889 that once served as the headquarters for the East Borneo Trading Company. Only 30 suites, each with personal butler service, Victorian bathtub, and private terraces. Everything is thought through down to the smallest detail. The hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and the atmosphere feels like staying in a wealthy plantation owner’s residence from the colonial era – but with all modern comforts.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “One of my favorite hotels I have ever stayed in. The team was absolutely incredible.”
Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A charming boutique hotel in colonial style with white facades, wrought-iron balconies, and a beautiful pool surrounded by tropical plants. Ping Nakara is located close to the river and Warorot Market, combining Old World charm with modern comfort. Breakfast is excellent and served in an elegant dining room. It’s a really good mid-range alternative to the pricier resorts, with plenty of personality and one of the city’s best spa experiences.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Beautiful hotel with colonial charm. Breakfast was superb and the spa treatments were wonderful.”
4. Santitham – Best Area for Local Life and Longer Stays 🏛️
📍 Distance to city centre: 1 km north of Old Town
🚇 Transport: Bicycle or Grab, 5-10 min to Old Town
✈️ Time to airport: 20 minutes
💰 Price level: € (1/5)
👮 Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Santitham is Chiang Mai’s best-kept secret. The neighbourhood sits just north of Old Town and west of Nimman, but it has an entirely different vibe. Local Thai families live here, and the streets are full of street food stalls, local markets, and small cafes that aren’t designed for tourists.
It’s Chiang Mai as it looked before Nimman got hipsterified. Prices are significantly lower than in the other neighbourhoods – both for food and accommodation.
See the best hotels in Santitham here.
For digital nomads and expats on a tighter budget, Santitham is a brilliant alternative to Nimman. You get a more authentic experience of northern Thai everyday life, and you’re still only 5-10 minutes from everything.
Chang Puak Gate, the entrance to Old Town from the north, is within walking distance, and here you’ll also find the famous Chang Puak Night Market with some of Chiang Mai’s best street food – try the khao kha moo (stewed pork leg) from the famous Michelin-recognised stall.
The downside is a limited selection of hotels compared to the other neighbourhoods, and you’re a bit further away from the main attractions.
Places to Stay in Santitham
A modern boutique hotel with spacious suites that include kitchen facilities – perfect for longer stays. The location in Santitham gives you local Chiang Mai life right on your doorstep, while you’re still close to everything. The hotel has a clean, modern style and friendly staff who know the neighbourhood and can recommend the best local eateries. Great value for money in a neighbourhood that’s generally cheaper than the rest of the city.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Great location in a quiet area with easy access to the Old Town. Modern rooms and helpful staff.”
A trendy, newer hotel in Santitham with a stylish design drawing on northern Thai aesthetics. Rooms are compact but well thought out, with good beds and fast WiFi – important for digital nomads. There’s a cosy communal lounge, and the hotel is close to local cafes and food stalls. It’s the perfect base for those who want to experience the local Chiang Mai without tourism’s polished surface.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Stylish and modern hotel in a great local neighborhood. Perfect for exploring the real Chiang Mai.”
A charming design hotel with a beautiful outdoor pool surrounded by green plants and a relaxed bar and restaurant area. BOOK Design Hotel has a unique personality – it feels more like a private villa than a hotel. The location in Santitham is perfect for those who want peace and local life without being in the middle of the tourist chaos. Free bicycles make it easy to reach Old Town in 5-10 minutes.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Well located within the Santitham neighbourhood, this chic hotel sits on a unique property with a gorgeous outdoor pool.”
Where Not to Stay in Chiang Mai? ❗️
Chiang Mai is generally a safe and friendly city, but there are a couple of things you should know. Avoid staying too far out of the centre – areas like Chang Phueak (north) or Hang Dong (south) may look cheap, but you’ll end up spending money and time on transport that eats into your savings.
The area along the busy superhighway (ring road) isn’t particularly pleasant to stay near either – there’s noise, traffic, and nothing walkable. If you spot a hotel at a suspiciously low price far from the moat, think twice.
You’ll have a much better experience staying in one of the four areas above, even if it means a slightly pricier room. Chiang Mai is still cheap compared to most of Europe, so don’t scrimp on the wrong things.
- Remember that Chiang Mai is a compact city. No matter where you stay, you’re never more than 15-20 minutes from everything by Grab or songthaew. So pick the area that suits your style, and enjoy Thailand’s most beautiful city.
- The best time to visit is November to February, when the weather is cool and dry. Avoid March-April, when smoke from regional burning can make the air quality poor.
And no matter when you travel – remember to book your hotels well in advance, especially during peak season and around the Loy Krathong festival in November.
Also read my guide on where to go in Thailand if you’re unsure about where to head after Chiang Mai.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
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