In case you are searching for an in depth information to the place to remain in Chiang Mai, Thailand, written by somebody dwelling in Chiang Mai, this weblog publish is for you.
I’ve been fortunate sufficient to stay on this fascinating metropolis in Northern Thailand, so I’ll information you thru the most effective areas and neighborhoods to remain in Chiang Mai. I’ll additionally provide you with some really useful lodging and inns in every space.
Do you know Chiang Mai isn’t just a metropolis? It’s a province of Northern Thailand and provides a lot to discover, from historic temples to jungle-covered mountains.
Most blogs solely cowl the place to remain in Chiang Mai metropolis, however as a nature lover myself I’ll additionally let you understand the place to remain within the nature and surrounding space too.
Why I Love Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second metropolis, is an enchanting and distinctive mix of historical past, conventional Thai tradition, and fashionable facilities, making it well-liked with all kinds of vacationers and digital nomads.
From admiring the traditional temples within the Previous City, snacking on avenue meals on the vigorous evening markets, or exploring the encompassing nature and mountains, there’s no scarcity of issues to do in Chiang Mai. It’s certainly one of my favourite locations in Thailand and is an important cease on any Thailand itinerary.
Chiang Mai is a various metropolis, you may admire a historic temple, store in a contemporary mall, and discover waterfalls within the jungle and benefit from the vibrant nightlife all in the identical day. And there’s loads of totally different areas to remain in all, with quite a few lodging choices and inns to go well with all budgets and preferences.
So whether or not you’re a backpacker on a finances, a digital nomad, or a luxurious traveler searching for a five-star expertise, Chiang Mai has one thing to supply everybody – you simply must know the place to remain in Chiang Mai to make sure the most effective expertise for you.
Chiang Mai Resort and Lodging Choices
There’s no scarcity of selection in the case of lodging choices and inns in Chiang Mai.
From sociable backpacker hostels to reasonably priced boutique guesthouses, digital nomad flats, family-friendly resorts, and opulent inns, there’s one thing for everybody and each finances. You simply must know the place to remain in Chiang Mai to seek out your good match.
Whether or not you need to be surrounded by historical past and temples, chill out by the riverside, or be near the evening markets, stylish cafes, nightlife and fashionable malls, there’s a various vary of areas and neighbourhoods in Chiang Mai to select from so you could find your good location.
Overview of The Finest Neighborhoods and Areas to Keep in Chiang Mai
With regards to selecting the place to remain in Chiang Mai, it’s essential to think about which neighborhood or space aligns finest together with your pursuits, journey preferences, and itinerary.
Right here’s a fast abstract of the most effective areas to remain in Chiang Mai for various kinds of traveler:
- Finest Space to Keep for First Timers, Backpackers, Historical past and Tradition: Previous Metropolis
- Finest Space to Keep for Nightlife and Foodies: Nimmanheim or Night time Bazaar
- Finest Space to Keep for Households, {Couples} and Luxurious Vacationers : Riverside
- Finest Space to Keep for Genuine Native Tradition and Digital Nomads: Santitham
- Finest Space to Keep for Nature : Suthep or Mae Rim Areas
Every space and neighborhood in Chiang Mai provides a singular allure, ambiance and points of interest, catering to various kinds of traveler. So it’s price taking the time attending to know the town’s numerous neighborhoods earlier than deciding which one is the most effective match for you and reserving your lodge.
Chiang Mai Space Map
Right here’s a map of Chiang Mai and the most effective areas and neighborhoods to remain in so you may get your bearings.
In fact there are a lot of different neighborhoods in Chiang Mai, however these are those of my curiosity to guests, vacationers, digital nomads and expats.
Right here’s a quick rundown of a number of the finest Chiang Mai neighborhoods and areas to remain:
- Previous Metropolis: That is the historic coronary heart of Chiang Mai, full of temples and cultural landmarks. It’s an ideal spot for first-time guests eager to immerse themselves within the metropolis’s wealthy historical past and tradition.
- Nimmanhaemin (Nimman): Identified for its stylish vibe, Nimman is filled with trendy cafes, eating places, and bars. It’s an awesome selection for youthful vacationers, foodies, and digital nomads.
- Riverside: For a extra relaxed and opulent expertise, contemplate the Riverside space. It’s dwelling to a number of the metropolis’s high resorts and eating places, providing gorgeous views of the Mae Ping River.
- Night time Bazaar: A terrific place to remain for procuring and nightlife. Dwelling to the well-known Chiang Mai Night time Bazaar, the place you could find a wide selection of souvenirs, avenue meals and a vigorous ambiance each evening.
- Santitham: This up-and-coming space provides an genuine native expertise, with reasonably priced lodging and a various meals scene.
- Suthep or Mae Rim Areas: In case you’re a nature lover, contemplate staying within the Suthep or Mae Rim areas for a peaceable retreat surrounded by lovely landscapes and outside actions.
Getting Round Chiang Mai
Irrespective of which neighborhood inside the metropolis you select, there are many transportation choices obtainable.
Taxis, tuk-tuks, and songthaews (crimson vehicles) are available and reasonably priced, making it straightforward to get across the metropolis. Use the Seize App to order taxis on-line (just like Uber).
Many Chiang Mai lodging provide shuttle companies and bike leases, so you’ll want to verify together with your chosen lodge or resort for the companies they will present.
In case you keep outdoors of the town you’ll profit from renting a automotive or motorcycle to have your personal transportation to discover the countryside and get into the town centre.
The Finest Locations to Keep in Chiang Mai – Areas and Motels
Now that you understand a bit extra in regards to the totally different locations the place to remain in Chiang Mai right here’s a bit extra about what points of interest you could find in every space and really useful inns.
So let’s dive extra into the most effective areas to remain in Chiang Mai, uncover what makes every one particular and the place the most effective locations to remain are.
The Previous Metropolis: Finest For Tradition, Historical past, Temples & First Time Guests
The Previous Metropolis (typically known as Chiang Mai Previous City) is the cultural and historic coronary heart of Chiang Mai. Surrounded by an historic moat and previous metropolis partitions, this space is filled with historic temples and cultural landmarks, in addition to quite a few eating places, cafes, retailers, spas, museums and vigorous evening markets
Chiang Mai Previous Metropolis is a must-visit for first-time guests, it has a laid-back and peaceable ambiance and is centrally positioned to discover every part the town has to supply. It’s the proper place to start your Chiang Mai journey!
The highest points of interest within the Previous Metropolis embrace:
- Wat Phra Singh: Probably the most revered temple in Chiang Mai that options intricate structure, sculpture and art work.
- Tha Pae Gate: A historic gate that was as soon as the primary entrance to the town of Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai Metropolis Arts and Cultural Heart: A museum that showcases the historical past and tradition of Chiang Mai by means of quite a lot of reveals and shows.
- Wat Chedi Luang: An historic temple that includes a ruined stupa and an enchanting historical past.
- Sunday Strolling Road Market: A bustling market that sells every part from native meals and crafts to clothes and souvenirs.
- The Three Kings Monument: A monument that pays tribute to the three kings who based Chiang Mai.
- Wat Pan Tao: A singular picket temple with lovely gardens.
- Wat Chiang Man: One of many oldest temples in Chiang Mai, that includes intricate structure and gorgeous art work.
- Lanna Folklife Museum: A museum that showcases the distinctive tradition and traditions of the Lanna folks.
- Buak Arduous Public Park: A good looking park inside the historic metropolis partitions.
Within the Previous Metropolis you’ll discover genuine heritage and boutique inns, some with outside swimming swimming pools, in addition to reasonably priced guesthouses and budget-friendly backpacker hostels.
Staying within the Previous Metropolis provides an immersive Chiang Mai expertise and is a good choice if you wish to discover the town on foot, because it’s straightforward to navigate and walkable. That is the most effective place to remain in Chiang Mai for first time guests, historical past buffs and tradition vultures as you’ll be surrounded by historical past and inside strolling distance of the temples, vacationer points of interest, avenue meals stalls and eating places.
Plus, the Previous Metropolis’s central location within the metropolis centre makes it straightforward to discover different neighborhoods and points of interest all through Chiang Mai.
Finest Chiang Mai Motels within the Previous Metropolis
For backpackers and finances vacationers there are many hostels and finances guesthouses. The Frequent Hostel provides a contemporary, comfy stick with a shared lounge and kitchen inside straightforward attain of all the town’s sights. Select from dormitory beds with privateness curtains in a shared rooms or go for a non-public room. The Vieng Mantra Resortis a good finances lodge choice too.
In case you’re looking for a extra upscale expertise, contemplate staying at one of many Previous Metropolis’s boutique inns, such because the Pingviman Resort. This lodge provides attractive Thai fashion rooms, outside swimming pool and a very good lodge restaurant offering an ideal mix of consolation and elegance.
Households will benefit from the Bodhi Serene Chiang Mai Resort with it’s spacious non-public rooms, massive swimming swimming pools and gardens for a soothing ambiance inside quick access of all the town’s points of interest.
For {couples} searching for a romantic keep within the coronary heart of the Previous Metropolis contemplate Phra Singh Village or Tamarind Village, atmospheric Lanna fashion heritage resorts each with an out of doors swimming pool, spa, restaurant and tropical gardens.
In case you’re searching for a 5 star keep the Rachamankha Resort is the most effective luxurious lodge within the Previous Metropolis.
Nimmanhaemin: Finest For Nightlife, Trendy Malls & Digital Nomads
In case you’re questioning the place to remain in Chiang Mai for nightlife then Nimmanhaemin is the most effective neighborhood for you.
Nimmanhaemin, or just “Nimman,” is a stylish space well-liked amongst hip Thais, younger vacationers, and digital nomads. Being near Chiang Mai College, the realm has a youthful, vigorous ambiance a vibrant nightlife.
With its stylish cafes, coworking areas, bars, eating places providing each worldwide and thai delicacies, nightclubs and procuring malls, Nimman provides a extra fashionable expertise in comparison with the Previous Metropolis.
The highest points of interest in Nimman space embrace:
- Maya Life-style Purchasing Mall – large shopping center with worldwide manufacturers.
- Nimman One – a European-style procuring plaza providing boutique items.
- Well-known bars and eating places – like Tong Tem Toh, Warmup Cafe and Infinity Membership.
Nimman is a good selection if you wish to be near the nightlife and leisure, but only a 10-minute experience from the Previous Metropolis so you’ll be able to get pleasure from the most effective of each worlds.
Staying in Nimmanhaemin means you’ll have quick access to every part the town has to supply, in addition to a big number of lodging, eating places, bars, and retailers. It’s additionally the closest space to Chiang Mai Zoo and Chiang Mai College.
It’s one of many dearer areas to remain in Chiang Mai however there’s a vast choice of hostels, finances and mid vary inns and flats obtainable to go well with all budgets.
Prime Lodging Choices in Nimmanhaemin
For finances vacationers, contemplate staying at one of many space’s well-liked hostels, equivalent to Mattress Addict Hostel which provides dormitories and finances non-public rooms that make a snug and reasonably priced base for exploring the neighborhood’s vigorous cafe and nightlife scene.
In case you’re searching for one thing a bit extra upscale, contemplate staying at certainly one of Nimmanhaemin’s boutique inns or serviced flats. A well-liked selection is the Artwork Mai Gallery Nimman Resort, which provides fashionable rooms, a rooftop pool, and an on-site restaurant.
One other nice choice is the Akyra Manor Chiang Mai, a stylish fashionable lodge recognized for its clear, minimalist design and rooftop infinity swimming pool and bar, offering gorgeous views of the town.
In case you desire an condo try Chill Chill at Nimman and ARMO Nimman. These cozy, absolutely furnished flats are positioned proper on Nimman highway and have every part you want for an extended keep.
Riverside: Finest for Luxurious, Tranquillity, Households and {Couples}
In case you’re searching for a extra peaceable keep in Chiang Mai, the Riverside is a wonderful selection. Located alongside the Mae Ping River, this space provides luxurious resorts and charming waterside eating places, good for {couples} and households looking for a soothing or romantic keep.
Many Riverside resorts are conveniently positioned close to the genuine native Warorot Market and the vigorous Night time Bazaar, whereas the cultural points of interest of the Previous Metropolis are solely 5 minute’s drive away. It’s an awesome selection for travellers looking for a tranquil, luxurious stick with quick access to every part the town has to supply.
You can too take tranquil cruises down the Mae Ping River on this space, providing the possibility to expertise the town from a distinct perspective and escape into the character.
Finest Resorts and Motels on the Riverside
The Riverside space provides an awesome number of lodging choices, from pleasant homestays to luxurious resorts.
For an reasonably priced keep, contemplate guesthouses and household run homestays just like the Ban Narai River Guesthouse which provides pleasant service and cozy non-public rooms proper on the riverside. Additionally try Gategaa Village, a contemporary, boutique lodge which is conveniently positioned and nice worth for cash.
For {couples} looking for a singular keep, the Aruntara Riverside Boutique Resort or the Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort are the proper selection for a contemporary romantic getaway. Rooms function hardwood flooring, air con, and a non-public balcony overlooking the river. In case you desire a heritage property contemplate the Buri Sriping Riverside Resort & Spa.
If a luxurious lodge is what you’re after, Riverside is the most effective place to remain in Chiang Mai. The Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and the Maladee Rendezvous Resort Chiang Mai are two glorious 5 star luxurious resort choices with superbly designed rooms, upscale facilities, spacious grounds and gorgeous views of the Mae Ping River.
Night time Bazaar: Finest For Purchasing, Nightlife and Price range Travellers
One other good choice for the place to remain in Chiang Mai is the Night time Bazaar space. Open each night, this bustling space is dwelling to the well-known Chiang Mai Night time Bazaar, a vigorous evening market that stretches over a kilometer lengthy on Chang Khlan Highway.
On the evening markets you’ll discover every part from artwork and handicrafts to clothes and electronics. There’s quite a few avenue meals stalls, stay music and you may even watch a Muay Thai combat occasion.
The Night time Bazaar space is barely quarter-hour stroll from the Previous Metropolis and provides lodging to go well with all budgets, from backpacker hostels to luxurious inns. It’s an awesome place to remain for finances vacationers, tradition seekers, foodies and shopaholics.
Finest Motels within the Night time Bazaar Space
Discovering the proper lodging within the Night time Bazaar space is a breeze, with choices to go well with each finances and choice.
For finances vacationers, contemplate staying at one of many space’s finances guesthouses and hostels, such because the Night time Bazaar Inn or, for a extra sociable keep, The Park Society. For a extra upscale expertise, try the Dusit D2 Chiang Mai for an awesome worth keep.
For a luxurious keep contemplate the Le Méridien Chiang Mai or the Shangri-La Chiang Mai. These luxurious inns provide an awesome vary of facilities, together with on-site eating places, swimming swimming pools, and health facilities, making certain a snug and trendy keep.
With their central location, these Chiang Mai inns present quick access to the Night time Bazaar and different close by points of interest, making them a superb selection for these trying to discover Chiang Mai’s vigorous procuring and nightlife scene.
Santitham: Finest For an Inexpensive, Native Expertise For Digital Nomads, Expats & Longer Stays
In case you’re looking for a extra genuine native expertise, the up-and-coming neighborhood of Santitham is a implausible selection.
With it’s handy location, simply north of the Previous Metropolis earlier than the favored Nimmanahaeminda space, Santitham provides a much less touristy and extra relaxed ambiance with reasonably priced lodging and a rising cafe and avenue meals scene. It’s a best choice for digital nomads and expats or anybody staying for an extended time.
I select to stay in Santitham as a result of it’s near each Nimman’s nightlife and coworking areas and the Previous Metropolis’s points of interest. It’s a extra reasonably priced, laid-back and real Chiang Mai expertise with pleasant locals and the chance to immerse your self within the native tradition.
Lodging Choices in Santitham
Santitham provides a good selection of reasonably priced lodging, from finances guesthouses to mid-range inns and month-to-month flats.
The most effective finances choices embrace the Ban Kong Rao Guesthouse with it’s good roof terrace and tremendous clear non-public rooms, or Tangmo Home for those who desire a hostel surroundings with sociable shared dorms.
For a extra trendy expertise, The BOOK Design Resort is among the finest boutique inns in Santitham with a contemporary design, outside pool, and on-site restaurant. Or The Opium Serviced Residence & Resort provides quite a lot of rooms and suites with work desks nicely fitted to digital nomads, a stunning pool in tropical gardens and a gymnasium,
For an extended keep there are many studio rooms and flats obtainable like The Grand Wipanan Residence and Viangbua Mansion which provide absolutely furnished studios, suites and one bed room flats.
Finest Locations to Keep in Nature close to Chiang Mai
Suthep
In case you’re searching for locations to remain in Chiang Mai in nature, the Suthep space, on the base of Doi Suthep close to the sprawling Chiang Mai College Campus and Angkaew Reservoir, is the closest choice to the town.
You’ll be surrounded by mountains and jungle but solely 20 minutes drive to the Previous Metropolis. There’s simply a few peaceable boutique resorts on this space just like the Service provider Villa and Kireethara Boutique Resort.
Mae Rim
For a real nature escape the Mae Rim space is an efficient selection. This space is positioned additional north of the town and is thought for lush greenery, lovely waterfalls, mountain views and elephant sanctuaries. It’s a preferred place for nature and wellness retreats and residential to Amaravati Wellness Heart. It’s additionally the place you’ll discover hill view villas with non-public swimming pools.
The most effective place to remain is undoubtedly the fantastic 5 star 4 Seasons Resort which provides gorgeous views, impeccable service and all of the facilities you may ever want for. It’s about half-hour drive from the town however the resort provides a free shuttle service so you’ll be able to have the most effective of each worlds.
There’s additionally the wonderful Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort for an opulent keep within the lap of nature with out breaking the financial institution. Or, for an much more reasonably priced choice contemplate the lovable Gudi Boutique Resort.
For a singular expertise there are a number of farm stays close to Chiang Mai the place you’ll be able to expertise life on a farm, get pleasure from cooking lessons and farm excursions, and immerse your self in the area people. Kowit Farmstay gives a singular alternative to attach with nature and expertise the genuine Thai countryside.
Suggestions for Planning Your Journey To Chiang Mai
Earlier than you e book your lodging and embark in your Chiang Mai journey, it’s important to maintain a number of journey suggestions in thoughts like when to go to, how lengthy to remain and easy methods to get to Chiang Mai. Right here’s what it’s essential to know:
When is the most effective time to go to Chiang Mai?
November by means of February are the most effective months to go to Chiang Mai, when the climate is cool and cozy. Throughout this era the temperature is delicate and the humidity is low, making it the proper time to get out and discover the town and its environment. The times are sunny and dry and the nights are cool, making this the perfect time to go to.
It’s much less splendid to go to in the course of the scorching and dry months of March to Could, or in the course of the burning season which begins in February and may improve air air pollution within the metropolis.
What number of days is good for a Chiang Mai go to?
5 days / 4 nights is the perfect period of time to go to Chiang Mai for the primary time. Staying for 4 nights offers you sufficient time to expertise all of the highlights of the town and likewise provide you with time to do some day journeys to discover the encompassing space. With a lot to see and do, it’s essential to plan your itinerary correctly to benefit from your time on this enchanting metropolis.
How can I get from Chiang Mai Airport to the town middle?
Seize taxis or songthaew are your finest choices for getting from Chiang Mai Airport to the town middle. You’ll be able to simply discover each of those choices outdoors the airport arrivals gate.
What’s the easiest way to get round Chiang Mai
The Previous Metropolis is kind of walkable, however for longer journeys there are tuk tuks, Seize taxis and songthaew which make getting round Chiang Mai straightforward and reasonably priced. Seize is a ride-hailing app just like Uber, whereas songthaews are shared crimson vehicles you can flag down like a taxi. For these comfy with driving a scooter or motorcycle, renting one will be an environment friendly and reasonably priced approach to discover the town and its environment.
What space in Chiang Mai is the most effective to remain?
The Previous Metropolis is the most effective space to remain in Chiang Mai for first time guests and anybody taken with exploring the historical past, temples, tradition and evening markets. The realm has loads of cafes, eating places and lodging choices for all budgets. It’s additionally centrally positioned to discover the remainder of the town.
The place do expats keep in Chiang Mai?
Expat life in Chiang Mai sometimes centres round areas like Nimmanhaemin for nightlife and Santhitham for a extra genuine Chiang Mai expertise. So for those who’re searching for an awesome place to remain for an extended time these are your finest areas to have a look at!
Last Ideas on The place to Keep in Chiang Mai
As you’ll be able to see, Chiang Mai is a various metropolis with an equally numerous vary of lodging choices and areas to remain in.
From the historic allure of the Previous Metropolis to the stylish and vigorous ambiance of Nimmanhaemin and the relaxed atmosphere of the Riverside, Chiang Mai’s distinctive neighborhoods cater to most pursuits and budgets.
I hope you’ve discovered this text on the place to remain in Chiang Mai helpful and that it’s helped you discover the perfect place to remain. Whichever space you select, it’s straightforward to discover all the town has to supply.
I hope you get pleasure from your time in Chiang Mai and fall in love with the town as a lot as I’ve. Don’t overlook to take a look at my different blogs on the most effective issues to do in Chiang Mai and far more on superb Thailand!