Where to stay in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai as the capital of the Lanna kingdom, and its moated Old City is still packed with temples behind sections of old brick wall. Northern Thailand's largest city is far more relaxed than Bangkok, with cooler evenings for much of the year, mountains on the western skyline and a food scene built around dishes such as khao soi.

Distances are short. The airport is just south-west of the Old City, and most of the areas worth staying in are a few minutes apart by red songthaew or ride-hailing car. The question is mostly what you want on your doorstep: temples, cafés or markets. The places we list are small, independent hotels and guesthouses, so filter them below or read the area guide first.

Nearest airport
Chiang Mai International (CNX), a short drive south-west of the Old City
From Bangkok
Flights of a little over an hour, or an overnight sleeper train
Getting around
Red songthaews, tuk-tuks, ride-hailing apps, bicycles and scooters
Most comfortable months
Usually November to February

Places to stay in Chiang Mai

4 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai, area by area

Most visitors stay inside or just outside the Old City square. Nimman lies to the west towards the university and Doi Suthep, the Night Bazaar and the Ping River to the east, and Chang Phueak to the north.

Old City

Best for temples and first visits

The square inside the moat, roughly a kilometre and a half on each side, is the historic heart of the city. Wat Phra Singh stands at the western end of Ratchadamnoen Road and the ruined chedi of Wat Chedi Luang near the centre, with quiet lanes of guesthouses, cafés and massage shops in between. On Sundays, Ratchadamnoen Road becomes a long walking-street market from Tha Phae Gate, and the Saturday market runs along Wua Lai Road just south of the walls. The western side, around Wat Phra Singh, tends to be calmer than the backpacker streets near Tha Phae Gate.

Nimmanhaemin

Best for cafés and digital nomads

Nimmanhaemin Road and its numbered sois, west of the Old City near Chiang Mai University, are the city's modern side: speciality coffee, co-working spaces, small bars and the Maya and One Nimman shopping centres. It's popular with longer-stay visitors and remote workers, and it's the closest area to the road up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on the mountain above the city.

Night Bazaar & the Ping River

Best for shopping and riverside dinners

East of Tha Phae Gate, Chang Khlan Road hosts the Night Bazaar, a sprawl of handicraft stalls and food markets that opens every evening. Warorot Market, the city's big local market, is a few streets north near the river, and the banks of the Ping have some of Chiang Mai's more atmospheric restaurants. It's busier and more commercial than the Old City, but very central.

Chang Phueak & Santitham

Best for local life and street food

Just north of the Old City's Chang Phueak Gate, these residential neighbourhoods have a well-known evening food market by the gate, everyday shops and apartments popular with long-stayers. Rooms are usually cheaper than inside the walls, and you're still a short walk or ride from the temples.

Questions about staying in Chiang Mai

Which area of Chiang Mai is best for a first visit?

The Old City. Most of the famous temples are inside the moat, the Sunday walking street runs through it, and it's easy to get anywhere else from there. The west side near Wat Phra Singh is usually quieter than the streets around Tha Phae Gate.

Should I stay in the Old City or Nimman?

Choose the Old City for temples, markets and a traditional feel; choose Nimman for cafés, co-working spaces and a more modern, younger atmosphere. They're only a short ride apart.

How far is Chiang Mai Airport from the Old City?

Only a few kilometres. A taxi or ride-hailing car usually takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

How do I get around Chiang Mai?

The Old City is walkable, and bicycles work well on its quieter lanes. For longer hops, flag down a red songthaew, which runs like a shared taxi (agree the fare first), or use a ride-hailing app.

When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?

November to February is usually cool and dry, and November often brings the Yi Peng lantern festival alongside Loy Krathong. From about February to April, smoke from agricultural burning can cause poor air quality, and the rainy season runs roughly from June to October.

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