Nestled into the northern mountains of Thailand, you’ll find the CHILLEST city I’ve ever visited in my life. Chiang Mai has effortlessly found that sweet spot between tranquillity and the excitement of city life. It’s like the city itself has mastered the art of living.
Chiang Mai has become my base, my home away from home, when travelling through Southeast Asia. Sometimes I perch up for a few nights, sometimes I’ll stay for weeks at a time! There is just something about it that keeps me coming back.
I know that deciding where to stay in Chiang Mai can be a little overwhelming; the city is multifaceted, and deciding which area suits you and what you’re after can make a huge difference. Whether you are travelling as a couple, a family, a backpacker, or anything in between, this guide will shed some light on what each neighbourhood has to offer, and which one will be best for you.
Let’s dive into the best places to stay in Chiang Mai.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Old City
The Old City is often the cheapest place to stay in Chiang Mai, with a plethora of backpackers’ hostels and budget guesthouses making it one of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai for broke backpackers.
Nimmanheamin
The best area to stay in Chiang Mai for nightlife and the digital nomad expat scene, you’ll also find plentiful restaurants and terrific places to shop.
Santitham
Get a taste of Thai life and escape some of the tourist crowds while still being within easy reach of Nimman’s night scene and the Old City’s attractions.
Mountainside
Within easy reach of the city centre, Mountainside offers a more peaceful place to stay and closer access to Chiang Mai’s countryside and natural attractions. It’s one of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai for families.
Chiang Mai’s Four Best Neighbourhoods to Stay In
Travelling in Thailand is a first stop for many a backpacker, many hit the likes of Koh Phi Phi and Phuket, but not everyone ventures up to the north. And boy oh boy, are they missing out!
My recommendations for your trip to Chiang Mai cater for every type of traveller on every kind of budget. Whether you are looking for affordable hostels with a fun backpacker vibe, a relaxing hotel, or an authentic guesthouse, I’ve got you covered.
Here are the best neighbourhoods to stay at in Chiang Mai.
1. Chiang Mai’s Old City – Where to Stay for Your First Time
If you are wondering where to stay in Chiang Mai -this is the most popular option. It’s perfect for checking off the itinerary attractions on a first-time visit to Chiang Mai.
The Old City is often the most affordable place to stay in Chiang Mai, with backpackers’ hostels aplenty and budget guesthouses, so this is also my pick for where to stay in Chiang Mai on a budget. With limited room, however, if you’re looking for luxury hotels with an outdoor swimming pool, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
It’s also one of the most convenient places to stay because you can walk to the many places of interest, (including the amazing Wat Chedi Luang) thus saving on transportation costs too. Heaps of street food push costs down even further.
The fact that the Old City is a major starting point for people exploring the northern Thai city also makes it the ideal base for first-time visitors to Chiang Mai. There is a fantastic option from the Chiang Mai riverside to jump on a cruise down the Mekong river, all the way to Luang Probang in Laos. If this appeals to you, definitely check it out!
It’s easy to arrange trips to other parts of the province at the many travel agencies and there are plenty of facilities and amenities to make you feel at home.
- Best For: Temple-hopping, culture lovers, foodies, digital nomads.
- The Vibe: Relaxed, cultural, local, backpacker.
- Proximity to Airport: Close to Airport. About 10-15 minutes from Chiang Mai International Airport by taxi or Grab.
- Transport Level: Easy to navigate on foot, with plenty of tuk-tuks, songthaews, and grabs!
- Budget: Low to mid with affordable street food, cafés, and guesthouses, plus some pricier boutique stays, if that’s more up your alley.
- Crowds: Popular, especially around major temples and markets, but still manageable on most days.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Top Things to Do in the Old City
- Visit the scenic remains of Wat Chedi Luang, an ancient temple that dates back to the late 1300s / early 1400s and once housed the revered Emerald Buddha (now located in Bangkok).
- See contemporary religious art and admire traditional Lanna architecture at Wat Bupparam.
- Marvel at the gleaming Wat Phra Sing, one of the city’s most revered temples.
- Learn more about local life from the past and the present at the Lanna Folklife Museum and Chiang Mai Historical Centre.
- Visit Chiang Mai’s oldest temple: Wat Chiang Man.
- Stroll around the outer defensive walls and enter the city through Thapae Gate.
- Snap a picture of the Three Kings Monument, depicting (surprisingly) the three kings who were prominent in the founding of Chiang Mai.
- See how Chiang Mai has grown and developed over the years at the Chiang Mai City Art and Cultural Centre.
- Learn how to replicate your favourite dishes from an epic cooking school.
- Be pampered in a spa or have an invigorating traditional Thai massage.
- Shop like a local at Somboon Market.
Pingviman Hotel – Best Hotel
If you want to treat yourself to a luxury Chiang Mai hotel in the Old City, Pingviman is ideal. There’s a buffet breakfast, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Wi-Fi is free in what is one of the most stunning of all the Chiang Mai hotels on offer. All rooms are en-suite and have a TV, toiletries and air conditioning. Luggage storage and laundry services are available.
99 The Heritage Hotel – Another Brilliant Hotel
In the heart of the Old City, this is a beautiful luxury hotel decorated in a traditional Thai style. All rooms come with a private bathroom, cable TV, and a fridge. The garden is a pleasant place to relax with a stunning outdoor pool. Laundry services are available, and there’s a buffet breakfast available from the on-site restaurant.
Hostel Lullaby | Best “Chill” Hostel
This sleepy hostel, located near the Chiang Mai night bazaar area, is a perfect place to meet other travellers and take part in some wholesome tourism. Whilst definitely not a party hostel (with no alcohol allowed onsite), it has a great atmosphere and runs daily yoga, meditation and boxing classes. Free breakfast, lockers, and a washing machine are all available, so this makes a perfect spot to slow down after (or before) some messier travelling.
Give Me 5 Hostel | Best Social Hostel
Just a few minutes from the Tha Pae gate, the Give Me 5 Hostel gets fantastic reviews. Friendly staff, super clean spaces, and a nice hangout space make this one of the best hostels in Chiang Mai. Beds come with lockers, reading lights, and air conditioning, meaning you will be able to get a great night of sleep!
Garden Yard Inn Chiang Mai | Best Airbnb
This gorgeous attic overlooking a private pool has a great location in the centre of the old city, and close to the action. With a stunning garden and great relaxation spaces, this Airbnb will provide a brilliant refuge in the heart of Chiang Mai. Forget staying in one of the Chiang Mai hotels, this Thai Airbnb offers so much more!
2. Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) – Where to Stay for Nightlife
Offering a complete contrast to Chiang Mai’s Old City, Nimmanhaemin (AKA Nimman) is modern, youthful, trendy, and upbeat. It’s the best area to stay in Chiang Mai for nightlife and the digital nomad ex-pat scene, and you’ll also find plentiful restaurants and terrific places to shop. There are several quirky attractions and cultural sites, too.
The nightlife in the Old City is good too. You’ll find more of a backpacker vibe there, whereas Thais go out in the Nimman area.
- Best For: Digital nomads, café lovers, nightlife
- The Vibe: Stylish, social, creative. It has endless cafés, co-working spots, boutiques, and bars.
- Proximity to Airport: Close to the airport. Around 10–15 minutes from Chiang Mai International Airport by taxi or Grab.
- Transport Level: Easy to navigate on foot, with plenty of tuk-tuks, songthaews, and grabs!
- Budget: Mid-range with affordable cafés and restaurants, plus some pricier boutique hotels and bars if you want to splash out.
- Crowds: Popular and lively, especially in the evenings and around café hotspots. But that’s what gives Nimman its vibe!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Top Things to Do in Nimman
- Browse bargain fashions, catch a movie and chill in a rooftop bar at the hip Maya mall.
- Discover more about some of the animal kingdom’s smallest and most misunderstood creatures at the offbeat Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders.
- Chat with a monk and tour the amazing Wat Suan Dok, join free meditation classes, and stroll through the pretty gardens.
- Enjoy a sense of tranquillity, nice views, lots of greenery, and rare flowers at the scenic Huay Kaew Arboretum.
- Stroll through the Princess Mother’s Health Garden.
- Take a peek at the beautifully landscaped grounds of Chiang Mai University; bicycles are available to rent for easier exploration. Don’t miss the picturesque Ang Kaew Reservoir within the university complex.
- Check out Minimal Gallery and Jojo Kobe Art Gallery for interesting collections of artwork.
- Take a break in one of the area’s cute cafes.
- Buy unusual fashions in quirky boutiques.
- Feast on an array of fares from around the world and step down the small side streets for authentic Thai cuisine in small family-run restaurants.
- Spend fun evenings hopping from bar to bar and enjoying the local nightlife.
Yesterday Hotel | Best Hotel
With an enchanting combination of Thai and European styles, the charming Yesterday Hotel has rooms for two and four, suites, and a luxurious penthouse. It’s no doubt one of the best hotels in Chiang Mai!
All rooms at this boutique hotel are en-suite, and each has air conditioning, a TV, a fridge, tea and coffee-making facilities, a safe, a wardrobe, free Wi-Fi, and free toiletries. Start each day with an included breakfast and the on-site restaurant, and rent a bike to get out and discover the area.
Alexa Hostel | Best Hostel
A top place for travellers who want to meet other cool folks, socialise, and enjoy a comfortable Chiang Mai base, Alexa Hostel has mixed and female-only dorms and private doubles with shared bathrooms.
Freebies include breakfast, drinking water and fast Wi-Fi, and facilities include an on-site restaurant bar, comfy common areas, a terrace, laundry facilities, a book exchange, a tour desk, and bike rentals.
Flat with Mountain View and Rooftop Pool | Best Airbnb
A rooftop pool with stunning views of the Khun Tan mountains, this epic Chiang Mai Airbnb does not lose too much. Smack in the middle of Nimman, this offers a top-tier spot to relax after a day of exploring.
Great area, great apartment, great time. It has a kitchen, queen sized bed, fast, free wi fi, and a TV with Netflix. Enough said.
3. Santitham Neighbourhood – The Coolest Place to Stay
If you want a taste of Thai life and to escape some of the tourist crowds, whilst still being within easy reach of Nimman’s night scene and the Old City’s attractions, Santitham is the coolest neighbourhood in Chiang Mai.
The large student population imparts a somewhat youthful vibe, and there’s enough in the way of local nightlife and dining spots to keep anyone happy. This, combined with its proximity to Chiang Mai’s attractions, makes Santitham undeniably one of Thailand’s most attractive destinations.
- Best For: Long-stay travellers, digital nomads, and anyone who wants a local, less “touristy” base but still be close to Nimman and the Old City.
- The Vibe: Quiet, lived-in, authentic, and residential with a growing café scene and a more local feel.
- Proximity to Airport: Around 10-15 minutes from Chiang Mai International Airport by taxi or Grab.
- Transport Level: Easy to get around with plenty of grabs around. The area itself is also very walkable.
- Budget: Low-to-mid range with cheap apartments, affordable eateries, and low-cost cafés.
- Crowds: Low-key and chill, mostly locals and long-term stayers.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Top Things to Do in Santitham
- Have a night out in Chiang Mai’s main gay area (classic, right?)
- Visit Wat Santitham Temple, a lesser-visited temple with more of a local feel.
- Peruse the artworks in Three Owls Gallery.
- Pick up fresh goods and a range of meals cooked in front of you at the bustling Thanin Market.
- Find your own favourite street stalls—there are many!
- Relax in one of the area’s chilled-out cafes.
- Stroll through Chiang Mai’s red-light district.
- Take a trip to the nearby Chiang Mai National Museum, where you can learn more about Northern Thailand’s history, heritage, and culture.
- Train hard and do various sports at Muang Chiang Mai Stadium.
Book Design Hotel | Best Hotel
With a spectacular outdoor pool, this hotel in Chiang Mai is a great place to relax. Free parking, wake-up service and flat-screen TVs come with any booking, so your stay will be easy and convenient. This stylish new hotel comes with fantastic reviews and, of course, air conditioning.
Lemonap Hostel | Best Hostel
This hostel is centrally located between the Santitham area and the old town. With all the essential travelling amenities, including washing facilities, free wifi, and a great kitchen, Lemonap also offers Motorbike hire. Female-only dorm rooms are also available.
Rooftop Apartment | Best Airbnb
This rooftop apartment is on the right side of Santitham Road, near Ninman and the old town. Expect fantastic balcony views, a comfortable sleeping area, and a lovely living room space. The added benefit of this little Airbnb is that it is also cheap! That’s why this is a great spot to stay, even for slightly less broke backpackers.
4. Mountainside – Where to Stay for Families
Mountainside offers more peace and closer access to Chiang Mai’s beautiful countryside and natural attractions.
The Mountainside area includes several neighbourhoods between the city and the mountains, such as Siwari Village, Iceland View Place, Su Thep, and Chang Phueak. The calm atmosphere makes Mountainside a top choice for many families, and there are plenty of places for kids to run, play, and have fun in the great outdoors.
While you won’t find as many dining options as you would in the Old City, there are still enough choices to keep everyone happy.
- Best For: Nature lovers, hikers, and anyone who wants to be based close to Doi Suthep.
- The Vibe: Quiet, scenic, and retreat-like with a strong connection to nature and insane mountain views.
- Proximity to Airport: Moderate distance. Around 20-30 minutes from Chiang Mai International Airport by taxi or Grab.
- Transport Level: Best with taxis, grabs or scooters. Public transport is limited here, and areas are more spread out than in the city centre.
- Budget: Mid-range to higher with guesthouses, boutique stays, and a handful of higher-end retreats.
- Crowds: Low-key and calm, mostly nature-focused travellers and locals.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Top Things to Do in Mountainside
- Soak up the historical vibe at the ancient temple of Wat Umong.
- Go for a full day of kayaking, caving and jungling at the Chiang Dao cave system. This is an unbelievable natural site, and definitely worth the effort!
- Play a round of golf at Lanna Golf Course.
- Visit Doi Inthanon, which is home to the highest point in Thailand.
- Enjoy the nature and architecture of Royal Park Rajapruek.
- Soak up the views from the hillside Wat Phra That Doi Kham and see the large seated Buddha image.
- Climb the steps to Doi Suthep Temple, one of the most beautiful temples in Northern Thailand.
- Explore national parks and waterfalls, and see an assortment of flora and fauna.
Doi Kham Resort and Spa Chiang Mai | Best Hotel
A top-class boutique hotel in peaceful surroundings, you’ll find an outdoor pool, a spa, and a restaurant here. There are double and twin rooms and family suites for four or six.
All rooms have a private bathroom, beautiful teak furnishings, cable TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are free.
Insight Hostel | Best Hostel in Mountainside
Insight Hostel is located within one of Thailand’s meditation retreat centres. A bit of a wilder hostel choice, this hostel offers access to the Chiang Mai countryside, as well as proximity to the town’s main attractions. The hostel offers parking, wifi, a common room, air conditioning, and most importantly, a microwave.
Bungalow with Private Pool | Best Airbnb
This accommodation makes for a unique stay family during your Chiang Mai visit. Sleep surrounded by nature in a shaded bungalow with heaps of incredible facilities.
There are two king-sized beds, a large bathroom, a kitchenette, and a terrace with mountain views. To make things even better, it’s got an outdoor pool, trampoline and ping pong table!
FAQs About Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Here’s what people usually ask me about where to stay in Chiang Mai.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Chiang Mai
Don’t forget some reliable Thailand travel insurance before heading to Chiang Mai.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Which Part of Chiang Mai Should You Choose?
Chiang Mai has so much to offer, both within the city limits and on the outskirts. From visiting elephant sanctuaries and Buddhist temples to hiking and eating street food at the night markets, there is plenty to keep you busy in Chiang Mai.
Although Thailand’s province of Chiang Mai is pretty big, the downtown area is fairly small and easy to move around in. A big advantage of this city is its closeness to some of the most amazing national parks in Thailand, so it can be a good base to use when travelling between multiple places in Thailand.
To recap, the Old City is my pick for where to stay in Chiang Mai on a budget and for your first time. There is plenty to do, eat, and see to keep you busy for weeks, and Chinda Boutique Hotel is my top pick for the best Chiang Mai accommodation.
AND my top pick for the best hostel in Chiang Mai is the Thai Thai Hostel for its lovely atmosphere!
So… see you there? 😉
