Where to stay in Chiang Mai? The best places for any budget

If you’re going to Chiang Mai anytime soon, you might be looking for accommodation. The city has lots to offer from hostels to luxury apartments and everyone can find something for themselves. In this article you’ll find recommendations of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai attracts travellers from all around the world. People come here to get to know the culture, go on a hike in the mountains and try to most delicious food. Visiting the city is exciting. If you want to make your holidays even better, find the best place to stay in Chiang Mai before you go, book it and enjoy your break in the North of Thailand.

If you’re looking for something suitable to your budget, check these spots out. I’m sure you’ll be able to find the prefect one for yourself.

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The best areas to stay in Chiang Mai for visitors

Tourists like to stay in Chiang Mai in central places. Below you will find a couple of options and my suggestions of accommodation.

The centre – The Old Town

When you look at the map of Chiang Mai, you will see a clear square in the middle. That’s the centre, something that locals call ‘inside the moat’ because the square is surrounded by water.

Inside of the square you will find a lot of hotels, hostels, shops, massage salons. This is also the place where they hold Saturday and Sunday markets.

It’s probably the most convenient place to stay for tourists. The main streets are a bit chaotic and loud, but there are a lot of smaller alleys that are quiet and are perfect places to stay.

My suggestions of places to stay in the Old Town:

• Parasol Inn Chiang Mai Old City Hotel – From 20 Euros per night
• La Pillow 8 – From 20 Euros per night
• Buri Gallery House – From 40 Euros per night
• Nine Hotel Chiangmai – From 40-50 Euros per night
• Gord ChiangMai – SHA Extra Plus – From 50 Euros per night
• El Barrio Lanna – From 100 Euros per night
• Estia Chiangmai – From 110 Euros per night
• Rimping Village – From 150 Euros per night

My TOP choice:

Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts is a gorgeous 4-star hotel in the centre of Chiang Mai. It used to be a gallery, but was recently turned into a beautiful hotel.
The rooms are very spacious and clean. The staff is very helpful and really nice and the breakfast will satisfy every foodie.
The hotel has a small swimming pool and a garden.

Nimmenhaemida Road (Nimmen)

A bit further away from the Old Town, you’ll find a long street called Nimmen. Nowadays this street is turning into a shopping area, targeting Chinese tourists. It’s full of expensive boutiques and spa centres. However, in the smaller streets, you’ll find quiet areas. There are a lot of small coffee shops and local restaurants, making Nimmenhaemida the perfect place to stay in Chiang Mai.

My suggestions of accommodation in this area:

• Chocolove hostel @cnx – From 20 Euros per night
• Mayflower Grande Hotel Chiang Mai – From 30 Euros per night
• Dream Nimman – From 30 Euros per night
• The Empire Nimman – From 50 Euros per night
• The Nimman Hotel – From 50 Euros per night
• Yantarasri Resort – From 70 Euros per night
• Buri Siri Boutique Hotel – From 100 Euros per night

My TOP choice:

G Nimman is a stylish, beautiful hotel with modern rooms and an amazing swimming pool. It’s located in a quiet alley, from which you can make trips to the city very easily.

Riverside

The river area is a nice place, too. Here the hotels are located in older buildings. There are a lot of restaurants with great views and it’s a bit further away from the noise of the Old Town.

My suggestions of hotels and hostels around Riverside:

• We Briza Hotel – From 20 Euros per night
• Iron 32 Hotel – From 20 Euros per night
• Kittawan Home&Gallery – From 30 Euros per night
• Riverside House Hotel -From 40 Euros per night
• K Maison Lanna Boutique Hotel -From 60 Euros per night
• Rarin Jinda Wellness Spa Resort – From 70 Euros per night

My TOP choice:

Amata Lanna Village – traditional, Lanna-style hotel with a friendly owner. It’s a bit further away from the centre, but this guarantees a peaceful night. You can catch a taxi, or order Grab from there.

The Night Bazaar

If you’re wondering where to stay in Chiang Mai and looking for something central, but still a bit away from the main streets, consider The Night Baazar area.

The market operates at night and closes around 11 or so. It’s located at a very busy street, but around it there are plenty of quiet and peaceful hotels and hostels.

My suggestions of places to stay near Night Baazar:

• Night Bazaar Inn – From 30 Euros per night
• Royal Lanna Hotel – From 30 Euros per night
• Melia Chiang Mai – From 50 Euros per night
• DusitD2 Chiang Mai – From 50 Euros per night

My TOP Choice:

Ama’s Boutique Hotel – it’s very clean and the room are spacious. There is a small swimming pool, offering a great view over the area.

Accommodation in Chiang Mai – Useful Information

Here’s some additional information that might be useful when staying in Chiang Mai.

• The city is popular among tourists, so it might be a bit crowded. During the high season (from December until March) a lot of places get booked up quickly. So, don’t forget to book in advance.
• When you arrive, getting to your hotel is easy. From the airport and bus/train stations there are plenty of taxis. You can also catch a red truck, which is much cheaper, or order Grab if you don’t want to overpay.

• When booking your accommodation, check the payment method. Sometimes, Booking.com asks you to put your card details, but doesn’t take the money. You pay only when you arrive. In most places you can pay with a card. I recommend having Revolut, which makes payments abroad cheaper and more convenient.
• Have your insurance with you, in case you get delayed, or something else happens and you lose your booking. I recommend SafetyWing or World Nomads.

Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, vibrant nightlife, tranquil riverside views, or a mix of it all, Chiang Mai has a wide range of neighborhoods to suit every traveler’s taste. The Old City stands as a testament to the city’s rich history, while Nimmanhaemin exudes a trendy and youthful vibe. For those yearning for serenity, the Riverside area offers a peaceful escape, and the Night Bazaar provides a bustling and lively atmosphere. Whichever area you choose, Chiang Mai’s charm, warm hospitality, and captivating attractions are sure to create unforgettable memories of your stay in the “Rose of the North.”

Do you have any questions about where to stay in Chiang Mai? Leave a comment!