WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY IN CHIANG MAI?
If you’ve ever wondered where you should stay when coming to Thailand’s gem of the north, look no further. After living in Chiang Mai for 5 years staying in hostels and hotels from budgets of all sizes I’ve become very familiar with the different areas of Chiang Mai.
Because the city itself is so diverse, it can be overwhelming knowing which part of town would suit you best. Lucky for you, I’ve spent the past several years exploring the different areas and parts just for you!
In this guide, you’ll learn about the most popular areas to stay in and get some of my personal recommendations on the best places to stay.
Chiang Mai as a whole is broken up into many different neighborhoods. These act like little suburbs. They are all a part of Chiang Mai, but each neighborhood has something different to offer.
While there are many different neighborhoods in Chiang Mai, some are more suitable for travelers than others. If you want a more detailed analysis of the other neighborhoods that are better for long term stay, you can check out my Chiang Mai Expat Guide (coming soon)
OLD CITY – Great for first-timers
Also known as “the moat”. This is the most central part of Chiang Mai. The old city is shaped like a square that is literally surrounded by a moat and brick walls. Formally the area of residence of the old King of Chiang Mai, it’s now been transformed into the major hub we see today.
The old city is the best place to stay if you’re a first-time visitor or unfamiliar to Thailand in general. The city itself is relatively small but is easily accessible to most of the main attractions. It’s a seamless blend of traditional Thai life with some modern comforts. Plus it’s filled with tons of cafes, coffee shops, decent nightlife, and the most delicious Thai food and a huge array of accommodation for visitors of all budgets. Additionally, it’s great for getting Western comforts while still feeling like you are in Thailand.
Here are my favorite places to stay in the Old City
Decided to stay in the Old City? Check out some of my favorite places to eat!
NIMMANHAEMIN – Great for digital nomads
Sometimes also just referred to as “Nimman”. This is a popular area just slightly west of the Old City. What started as an area for hip young Thai people to hang out has quickly become trendy for both Westerners and Thai people alike.
This is where you’ll find most of the large and thriving digital nomad community hanging out day after day. Nimman not only has some of the best co-working spaces and coffee shops but some of the best food in the city as well. And if you’re looking to party with some Thai people, well, this is the place you want to be. Did I mention Nimman also has a number of bars, many serving craft beer?
Think of Nimman as your more upscale and trendy side of Chiang Mai.
Here are my favorite places to stay on Nimman:
Decided to stay on Nimman? Here are some of my favorite places to eat!
RIVERSIDE – Great for a more chilled out experience
The Riverside is the most chilled out area in Chiang Mai. Located on the other side of the Old City to the east, most of the attractions surround the Ping River. It’s a bigger blend of international living and Thai life. This is where some of the more upscale hotels are located, but it’s still close to many attractions like the Night Bazaar and Muy Thai boxing gyms.
However, it’s still close enough to the Old City that you don’t miss out on any of the action while staying there.
Here are some of my favorite places to stay near the river:
SANTITHAM – Great for cool and trendy vibes
This little lesser-known neighborhood is located within the perfect vicinity to everything Nimman and the Old City have to offer. This area is mostly filled with local college students which makes it perfect for cheaper exploring.
Santitham is the kind of place you can never leave and still feel like you got a full Thai experience while staying there.
Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Santitham
MAE RIM – Great for a paradise escape
Sometimes staying in the city isn’t appealing. When you’re surrounded by the lush jungle and mountains in Chiang Mai you might just be looking for a peaceful escape. This is where the Mae Rim area comes in.
Located around 30-40 minutes away from the city, staying here is the perfect place for a jungle escape. There are a number of hotels and resorts in the area that cater to just that.
Many of these places will also arrange tours for you depending on the activities you’re interested in. This is an area I only recommend to those who have been to Chiang Mai before or are only interested in a resort type of vacation. Staying in this area would also be good for families who want to let their kids run around the pool.
Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Mae Rim
SO WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY IN CHIANG MAI?
This definitely isn’t an easy question, but it all depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re visiting for the first time, I definitely think that the Old City and Nimman are going to be your best bet.
But also keep in mind that aside from the Mae Rim/Samoeng area, all of these places are relatively easy to get to whether you’re driving a car, motorbike, or calling Grab a taxi. All these methods of transportation are easy and reliable to use and might make where you stay in the city not even matter.
Chiang Mai as a whole is filled with so many aesthetically pleasing and affordable hotels and hostels that it’s really hard to make any wrong choices.
If anything, the hardest decision is figuring out what you’re going to do while you stay here! I’ve put together some sample itineraries for an action-packed weekend, a 2-day trip, and a 3-4 day trip to give you some good ideas!
Staying for a while? Download my Chiang Mai bucket list template here!
Over the past 5 years, I’ve fallen in love with this city and it’s my hope that you do too.
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If you are planning a trip to Chiang Mai, what questions do you have about planning your trip? Drop them below and I’ll do my best to answer them!
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