
Chiang Mai is an amazing city that you should definitely visit when you’re going to Thailand. Whether you’re looking for culture, nature or lots of cafes with excellent coffee, Chiang Mai has it all.
Like with any city, finding out the best place to stay can seem overwhelming at first. Luckily Chiang Mai offers really good accommodation options for every traveler throughout the city and in this guide, we’ll share the top four must-stay areas in Chiang Mai. We’ll also share our personal hotel recommendations for each area so you’ll know exactly where to stay in Chiang Mai.
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About Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is located in the north of Thailand and is the country’s second-largest city. Compared to Bangkok it’s very different though and for us Chiang Mai offers the perfect mix of urban excitement and laid-back charm. Its name means “New City” and it was founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. This northern city is known for its temples, bustling night markets, and incredible regional food (looking at you Khao Soi Gai). We absolutely love this city and Chiang Mai should be high on your list if you’re planning a trip to Thailand.
Pro tip: beware of the burning season in Chiang Mai. During this time the air can be heavily polluted and is best to be avoid. This happens generally from the middle of February until the end of April.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: Best Areas
To help you plan your trip, we’ve broken down the city into four key areas. Each of these areas are suitable for a first stay, all depending on your needs.
1. Old City: The cultural heart of Chiang Mai
2. Night Bazaar Area: A lively hub of nightlife and shopping
3. Riverside Area: Relaxing and scenic by the Ping River
4. Nimman Area: Trendy and hip
Let’s explore these areas in detail, including where to stay for the best experience or check-out the video we made about Chiang Mai below:
1. Old City: The Cultural Heart of Chiang Mai
The Old City is a square-shaped area surrounded by ancient walls and a moat, making it a great starting point for first-time visitors. Here, you’ll find an array of temples, museums, and the famous Sunday Night Market. The inner streets, also known as Sois, of the old city are best explored by simply walking around without a a plan.
Highlights of Chiang Mai old-town
- Wat Chedi Luang, known for its giant brick pagoda
- Wat Phra Singh, a must-see temple
- Sunday Night Walking Street, with handmade crafts, foot massages, and endless street food
For those looking for a stay in the most central and best walk-able area, the Old City is a perfect choice and there are many good hotel options.
Hotel Recommendations Old City:
Be Phrasingh Hotel
Located in a quiet part of the Old City, this hotel opened in December 2022 and offers spacious rooms. The hotel offers a rooftop that provides a beautiful sunset view, and there’s easy access to nearby restaurants and a 7-eleven mini mart.
Expected price: 1255 THB per night (€35 / US $42).

CouCou Hotel
One of our favorite Chiang Mai hotels we had to pleasure of staying at. This boutique hotel on the east side of the old-town is beautifully designed mixing local Lanna culture with French inspired design. The hotel is within walking distance of many restaurants and a mini-mart, plus it comes with a pool and a delicious breakfast.
Expected price: 2600 THB per night (€69 / US $80)

2. Night Bazaar Area: a Market Every Night
Located east of Chiang Mai’s Old City, this area comes alive every evening with the famous Night Bazaar, where you can shop for Thai souvenirs, enjoy live performances, and indulge in delicious street food. It’s also home to Muay Thai fights, drag queen shows, and a bustling bar scene.
Highlights of Night Bazaar area
- Night Bazaar, open every night
- Close to vibrant China Town where you’ll find a day market with Chinese cuisine and clothing stalls
- Food courts with live music every night
Hotel recommendations Night Bazaar
The Locals Hotel
A boutique hotel off of Loy Kroh Road. Hotel offers a stylish local inspired design, a snack buffet and spacious, comfortable rooms.
Expected price: 1435 THB per night (€40 / US$ 48).

Sleep Mai?
Located right between the Old City and the Night Bazaar, this hotel features a pool, a mini-gym, and a breakfast buffet at an affordable price point.
Expected price: 1435 THB per night (€40 / US$ 49).

MELIA Chiang Mai
5-star hotel located right next to the night-bazaar. Luxurious and large hotel that offers a quiet and relaxing refuge from the lively evening markets. Comes with an extensive breakfast buffet, good sized rooms, a pool and spa facilities.
Expected price: 4000 Thai Baht per night (€105 / US$ 123).

3. Riverside Area: Quiet and Scenic
For a more laid-back and scenic stay, head to the Riverside Area. Perfect for families or couples, this area offers upscale accommodations and beautiful views of the Ping River. While it’s quieter than other parts of the city, you’ll rely more on taxi transportation to explore beyond the area.
Highlights of Riverside Area
- Relaxing area with delicious riverside restaurants nearby
- Scenic views of the Ping River
- Cross one of the many bridges into the Night Bazaar area for a lively atmosphere
Perfect for those looking to relax outside the main hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai, yet close enough to enjoy the city the its fullest.


Hotel Recommendation Riverside area
Sala Lanna Chiang Mai
A stylish 4-star hotel with modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and an on-site restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine.
Expected price: 4000 THB per night (€110 / US$ 132).

4. Nimman Area: Trendy and Vibrant
Located west of the Old City, Nimmanhaemin (also known as Nimman) is the hippest area of Chiang Mai. It’s filled with trendy cafes, rooftop bars, and many boutique shops. It’s a favorite among young travelers and digital nomads, especially in the evenings when the nightlife buzz begins.
Highlights of Nimman area
- One Nimman Square and Maya Mall
- Rooftop bars and live music venues
- Trendy restaurants and boutique stores
Perfect it you’re looking for a stay near many hip-and-happening restaurants, a mall and love the view of the mountains.

Hotel Recommendation Nimman area
ibis Nimman Journeyhub
A modern and affordable hotel in a quiet area, just a five-minute walk from Maya Mall and central Nimmanhaemin. It features a rooftop pool, gym, and an extensive breakfast buffet.
Expected price: 1620 THB per night (€45 / US$ 34).

U Nimman Hotel
A 5-star modern hotel with many facilities and a perfect location within the Nimman area. Hotel offers large and comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool and an extensive breakfast buffet.
Expected price: 2500 THB per night (€65 / US$ 77).

More Tips for your Stay in Chiang Mai
To make the most of your visit in Chiang Mai, consider staying in at least two different areas. This way you’ll be able to experience different sides of this amazing city.
Since there are so many things to do in Chiang Mai we recommend to spend at least 4 or 5 days here.
Example of things to do in Chiang Mai:
- Visit Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s famous temple in the mountains.
- Join a Thai cooking class
- Go on a cycling tour in and around Chiang Mai’s old town
- Spend time wandering through the city, discovering hidden cafes and delicious food.
Now you know where to stay in Chiang Mai!
We hope you found this guide helpful and we’d love to see you again on our blog. If you’re arriving in Chiang Mai by plane, then don’t forget to check-out our Chiang Mai Airport Taxi Guide .
Also we have Youtube Channel where you can find lots more travel tips, inspiration and fun.
Thank you so much for reading along and enjoy Chiang Mai!
– Laurens & Laura
p.s. if you’re looking for best places to stay in Bangkok check-out our Bangkok Best Areas and Hotel Recommendations here
