Hotels in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai offers very good value, from simple guesthouses to beautiful Lanna-style resorts, and the airport is only about 15 minutes from the Old City. Choose the area that matches how you'll spend your days. In November 2026, listings started from about US$20 a night, and rates rise sharply around Yi Peng and over New Year.

Where to stay

Old City. The natural choice for a first trip, with temples, cafés and the Sunday market within walking distance. Many guesthouses are on quiet lanes, but rooms can be small. Check how far your hotel is from the gates, since the square is bigger than it looks.

Nimmanhaemin. Trendy, with cafés, malls and modern apartment-style hotels, close to the university and the road up to Doi Suthep. It's popular with younger travellers and remote workers, but it's a ride from the Old City temples.

Riverside. Quieter and often more upscale, with hotels and restaurants along the Ping River. It's a good choice for couples, and you can walk to the Night Bazaar area, though it's a bit of a stroll to the Old City.

Chang Khlan and Night Bazaar. Central and busy, with big hotels, shopping and evening stalls. It's practical and has plenty of mid-range rooms, but it's noisy and fairly commercial.

Santitham. A local neighbourhood north of the Old City, with cheap food and good-value stays. It suits longer visits more than short sightseeing trips.

Mae Rim and Doi Saket. Countryside resorts among hills and rice fields, some of them very beautiful. You'll need a car, so they work best for a few relaxing nights at the end of a trip.

How to choose

First visit or short stay. Stay in or just outside the Old City, close to Tha Phae Gate if you want easy access to restaurants and tours.

Plan for festivals. Yi Peng, Songkran and New Year fill the Old City quickly. During Songkran, hotels around the moat are loud and wet all day, which is great if that's why you came, but you might otherwise prefer a quieter area.

Think about mountain trips. Most tours pick up from Old City, Nimman and riverside hotels. Check this before booking somewhere more remote.

What to expect

Old houses. Lanna-style stays can be charming, but they may have thin walls, stairs and no lift. Read recent reviews and ask for a room away from the road.

Air quality. From about February to April, smoke can be severe. Ask whether your room has an air purifier, and keep your plans flexible.

Winter mornings. Nights can be cool from December to January, particularly in the hills, so check that there's hot water and pack a light layer.

When to book. Book months ahead for Yi Peng and Songkran. The rainy season from June to October often brings lower rates.