In case you are on the lookout for an in depth information to the place to remain in Chiang Mai, Thailand, written by somebody residing in Chiang Mai, this weblog submit is for you.
I’ve been fortunate sufficient to reside on this fascinating metropolis in Northern Thailand, so I’ll information you thru the very best areas and neighborhoods to remain in Chiang Mai. I’ll additionally offer you some really helpful lodging and resorts in every space.
Do you know Chiang Mai is not only a metropolis? It’s a province of Northern Thailand and presents a lot to discover, from historical 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 already know 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 widespread with all kinds of vacationers, vacationers, backpackers and digital nomads.
From admiring the historical temples within the Outdated City, snacking on avenue meals on the vigorous evening markets, or exploring the encircling nature and mountains, there’s no scarcity of issues to do in Chiang Mai. It’s one in all 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 completely different areas to remain in all, with quite a few lodging choices and resorts to go well with all budgets and preferences.
So whether or not you’re a backpacker on a funds, a digital nomad, or a luxurious traveler on the lookout for a five-star expertise, Chiang Mai has one thing to supply everybody – you simply have to know the place to remain in Chiang Mai to make sure the very best expertise for you.
Chiang Mai Lodge and Lodging Choices
There’s no scarcity of selection with regards to lodging choices and resorts in Chiang Mai.
From sociable backpacker hostels to reasonably priced boutique guesthouses, digital nomad flats, family-friendly resorts, and opulent resorts, there’s one thing for everybody and each funds. You simply have to know the place to remain in Chiang Mai to seek out your excellent match.
Whether or not you wish to be surrounded by historical past and temples, calm down 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 will discover your excellent location.
Overview of The Greatest Neighborhoods and Areas to Keep in Chiang Mai
In relation to selecting the place to remain in Chiang Mai, it’s vital to contemplate which neighborhood or space aligns finest along with your pursuits, journey preferences, and itinerary.
Right here’s a fast abstract of the very best areas to remain in Chiang Mai for several types of traveler:
- Greatest Space to Keep for First Timers, Backpackers, Historical past and Tradition: Outdated Metropolis
- Greatest Space to Keep for Nightlife and Foodies: Nimmanheim or Night time Bazaar
- Greatest Space to Keep for Households, {Couples} and Luxurious Vacationers : Riverside
- Greatest Space to Keep for Genuine Native Tradition and Digital Nomads: Santitham
- Greatest Space to Keep for Nature : Suthep or Mae Rim Areas
Every space and neighborhood in Chiang Mai presents a singular appeal, environment and sights, catering to several types of traveler. So it’s price taking the time attending to know the town’s numerous neighborhoods earlier than deciding which one is the very best match for you and reserving your lodge.
Chiang Mai Space Map
Right here’s a map of Chiang Mai and the very best areas and neighborhoods to remain in so you will get your bearings.
In fact there are numerous 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 few of the finest Chiang Mai neighborhoods and areas to remain:
- Outdated 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 desirous to immerse themselves within the metropolis’s wealthy historical past and tradition.
- Nimmanhaemin (Nimman): Recognized for its stylish vibe, Nimman is full of fashionable cafes, eating places, and bars. It’s an excellent selection for youthful vacationers, foodies, and digital nomads.
- Riverside: For a extra relaxed and opulent expertise, think about the Riverside space. It’s residence to a few of the metropolis’s high resorts and eating places, providing gorgeous views of the Mae Ping River.
- Night time Bazaar: An incredible place to remain for procuring and nightlife. Residence to the well-known Chiang Mai Night time Bazaar, the place you will discover a big selection of souvenirs, avenue meals and a vigorous environment each evening.
- Santitham: This up-and-coming space presents 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, think about staying within the Suthep or Mae Rim areas for a peaceable retreat surrounded by stunning landscapes and out of doors actions.
Getting Round Chiang Mai
Irrespective of which neighborhood throughout the metropolis you select, there are many transportation choices accessible.
Taxis, tuk-tuks, and songthaews (crimson vans) are available and reasonably priced, making it simple 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 remember to test along with your chosen lodge or resort for the companies they’ll present.
In case you keep exterior of the town you’ll profit from renting a automobile or bike to have your individual transportation to discover the countryside and get into the town centre.
The Greatest Locations to Keep in Chiang Mai – Areas and Lodges
Now that you already know a bit extra concerning the completely different locations the place to remain in Chiang Mai right here’s a bit extra about what sights you will discover in every space and really helpful resorts.
So let’s dive extra into the very best areas to remain in Chiang Mai, uncover what makes every one particular and the place the very best locations to remain are.
The Outdated Metropolis: Greatest For Tradition, Historical past, Temples & First Time Guests
The Outdated Metropolis (generally known as Chiang Mai Outdated City) is the cultural and historic coronary heart of Chiang Mai. Surrounded by an historical moat and outdated metropolis partitions, this space is stuffed with historical temples and cultural landmarks, in addition to quite a few eating places, cafes, outlets, spas, museums and vigorous evening markets
Chiang Mai Outdated Metropolis is a must-visit for first-time guests, it has a laid-back and peaceable environment and is centrally situated to discover every little thing the town has to supply. It’s the right place to start your Chiang Mai journey!
The highest sights within the Outdated Metropolis embody:
- Wat Phra Singh: Essentially the most revered temple in Chiang Mai that options intricate structure, sculpture and paintings.
- Tha Pae Gate: A historic gate that was as soon as the principle 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 a wide range of reveals and shows.
- Wat Chedi Luang: An historical temple that encompasses a ruined stupa and an enchanting historical past.
- Sunday Strolling Avenue Market: A bustling market that sells every little thing 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 novel wood temple with stunning gardens.
- Wat Chiang Man: One of many oldest temples in Chiang Mai, that includes intricate structure and gorgeous paintings.
- Lanna Folklife Museum: A museum that showcases the distinctive tradition and traditions of the Lanna folks.
- Buak Laborious Public Park: A good looking park throughout the historical metropolis partitions.
Within the Outdated Metropolis you’ll discover genuine heritage and boutique resorts, some with out of doors swimming swimming pools, in addition to reasonably priced guesthouses and budget-friendly backpacker hostels.
Staying within the Outdated Metropolis presents an immersive Chiang Mai expertise and is a good possibility if you wish to discover the town on foot, because it’s simple to navigate and walkable. That is the very best 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 sights, avenue meals stalls and eating places.
Plus, the Outdated Metropolis’s central location within the metropolis centre makes it simple to discover different neighborhoods and sights all through Chiang Mai.
Greatest Chiang Mai Lodges within the Outdated Metropolis
For backpackers and funds vacationers there are many hostels and funds guesthouses. The Widespread Hostel presents a contemporary, comfy stick with a shared lounge and kitchen inside simple attain of all the town’s sights. Select from dormitory beds with privateness curtains in a shared rooms or go for a personal room. The Vieng Mantra Lodgeis a good funds lodge possibility too.
In case you’re looking for a extra upscale expertise, think about staying at one of many Outdated Metropolis’s boutique resorts, such because the Pingviman Lodge. This lodge presents beautiful Thai fashion rooms, out of doors 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 Lodge with it’s spacious personal rooms, giant swimming swimming pools and gardens for a calming environment inside quick access of all the town’s sights.
For {couples} on the lookout for a romantic keep within the coronary heart of the Outdated Metropolis think about Phra Singh Village or Tamarind Village, atmospheric Lanna fashion heritage resorts each with an outside swimming pool, spa, restaurant and tropical gardens.
In case you’re on the lookout for a 5 star keep the Rachamankha Lodge is the very best luxurious lodge within the Outdated Metropolis.
Nimmanhaemin: Greatest For Nightlife, Trendy Malls & Digital Nomads
In case you’re questioning the place to remain in Chiang Mai for nightlife then Nimmanhaemin is the very best neighborhood for you.
Nimmanhaemin, or just “Nimman,” is a stylish space widespread amongst hip Thais, younger vacationers, and digital nomads. Being near Chiang Mai College, the realm has a youthful, vigorous environment a vibrant nightlife.
With its stylish cafes, coworking areas, bars, eating places providing each worldwide and thai delicacies, nightclubs and procuring malls, Nimman presents a extra fashionable expertise in comparison with the Outdated Metropolis.
The highest sights in Nimman space embody:
- Maya Way of life Buying Mall – big 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 trip from the Outdated Metropolis so you may get pleasure from the very best of each worlds.
Staying in Nimmanhaemin means you’ll have quick access to every little thing the town has to supply, in addition to a big number of lodging, eating places, bars, and outlets. It’s additionally the closest space to Chiang Mai Zoo and Chiang Mai College.
It’s one of many costlier areas to remain in Chiang Mai however there’s a vast choice of hostels, funds and mid vary resorts and flats accessible to go well with all budgets.
High Lodging Choices in Nimmanhaemin
For funds vacationers, think about staying at one of many space’s widespread hostels, reminiscent of Mattress Addict Hostel which presents dormitories and funds personal rooms that make a snug and reasonably priced base for exploring the neighborhood’s vigorous cafe and nightlife scene.
In case you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit extra upscale, think about staying at one in all Nimmanhaemin’s boutique resorts or serviced flats. A well-liked selection is the Artwork Mai Gallery Nimman Lodge, which presents fashionable rooms, a rooftop pool, and an on-site restaurant.
One other nice possibility 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 want an condominium try Chill Chill at Nimman and ARMO Nimman. These cozy, totally furnished flats are situated proper on Nimman street and have every little thing you want for an extended keep.
Riverside: Greatest for Luxurious, Tranquillity, Households and {Couples}
In case you’re on the lookout for a extra peaceable keep in Chiang Mai, the Riverside is a wonderful selection. Located alongside the Mae Ping River, this space presents luxurious resorts and charming waterside eating places, excellent for {couples} and households looking for a calming or romantic keep.
Many Riverside resorts are conveniently situated close to the genuine native Warorot Market and the vigorous Night time Bazaar, whereas the cultural sights of the Outdated Metropolis are solely 5 minute’s drive away. It’s an excellent selection for travellers looking for a tranquil, luxurious stick with quick access to every little thing the town has to supply.
You may as well take tranquil cruises down the Mae Ping River on this space, providing the prospect to expertise the town from a special perspective and escape into the character.
Greatest Resorts and Lodges on the Riverside
The Riverside space presents an excellent number of lodging choices, from pleasant homestays to luxurious resorts.
For an reasonably priced keep, think about guesthouses and household run homestays just like the Ban Narai River Guesthouse which presents pleasant service and cozy personal rooms proper on the riverside. Additionally try Gategaa Village, a contemporary, boutique lodge which is conveniently situated and nice worth for cash.
For {couples} looking for a singular keep, the Aruntara Riverside Boutique Lodge or the Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort are the right selection for a contemporary romantic getaway. Rooms function hardwood flooring, air-con, and a personal balcony overlooking the river. In case you want a heritage property think about the Buri Sriping Riverside Resort & Spa.
If a luxurious lodge is what you’re after, Riverside is the very best place to remain in Chiang Mai. The Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and the Maladee Rendezvous Lodge Chiang Mai are two wonderful 5 star luxurious resort choices with fantastically designed rooms, upscale facilities, spacious grounds and gorgeous views of the Mae Ping River.
Night time Bazaar: Greatest For Buying, Nightlife and Finances Travellers
One other good possibility for the place to remain in Chiang Mai is the Night time Bazaar space. Open each night, this bustling space is residence 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 little thing from artwork and handicrafts to clothes and electronics. There’s quite a few avenue meals stalls, reside music and you’ll even watch a Muay Thai combat occasion.
The Night time Bazaar space is barely quarter-hour stroll from the Outdated Metropolis and presents lodging to go well with all budgets, from backpacker hostels to luxurious resorts. It’s an excellent place to remain for funds vacationers, tradition seekers, foodies and shopaholics.
Greatest Lodges within the Night time Bazaar Space
Discovering the right lodging within the Night time Bazaar space is a breeze, with choices to go well with each funds and choice.
For funds vacationers, think about staying at one of many space’s funds 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 excellent worth keep.
For a luxurious keep think about the Le Méridien Chiang Mai or the Shangri-La Chiang Mai. These luxurious resorts provide an excellent vary of facilities, together with on-site eating places, swimming swimming pools, and health facilities, guaranteeing a snug and classy keep.
With their central location, these Chiang Mai resorts present quick access to the Night time Bazaar and different close by sights, making them a superb selection for these seeking to discover Chiang Mai’s vigorous procuring and nightlife scene.
Santitham: Greatest For an Reasonably priced, 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 incredible selection.
With it’s handy location, simply north of the Outdated Metropolis earlier than the favored Nimmanahaeminda space, Santitham presents a much less touristy and extra relaxed environment 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 reside in Santitham as a result of it’s near each Nimman’s nightlife and coworking areas and the Outdated Metropolis’s sights. 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 presents a good selection of reasonably priced lodging, from funds guesthouses to mid-range resorts and month-to-month flats.
One of the best funds choices embody the Ban Kong Rao Guesthouse with it’s good roof terrace and tremendous clear personal rooms, or Tangmo Home should you want a hostel surroundings with sociable shared dorms.
For a extra fashionable expertise, The BOOK Design Lodge is among the finest boutique resorts in Santitham with a contemporary design, out of doors pool, and on-site restaurant. Or The Opium Serviced Condo & Lodge presents a wide range of rooms and suites with work desks effectively suited to digital nomads, a stunning pool in tropical gardens and a fitness center,
For an extended keep there are many studio rooms and flats accessible like The Grand Wipanan Residence and Viangbua Mansion which provide totally furnished studios, suites and one bed room flats.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Nature close to Chiang Mai
Suthep
In case you’re on the lookout 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 Outdated 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 situated additional north of the town and is thought for lush greenery, stunning waterfalls, mountain views and elephant sanctuaries. It’s a well-liked place for nature and wellness retreats and residential to Amaravati Wellness Heart. It’s additionally the place you’ll discover hill view villas with personal swimming pools.
One of the best place to remain is undoubtedly the fantastic 5 star 4 Seasons Resort which presents 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 presents a free shuttle service so you may have the very best 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 possibility think about the lovable Gudi Boutique Lodge.
For a singular expertise there are a number of farm stays close to Chiang Mai the place you may expertise life on a farm, get pleasure from cooking lessons and farm excursions, and immerse your self in the area people. Kowit Farmstay supplies a singular alternative to attach with nature and expertise the genuine Thai countryside.
Ideas 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 couple of journey ideas in thoughts like when to go to, how lengthy to remain and tips on how to get to Chiang Mai. Right here’s what you should know:
When is the very best time to go to Chiang Mai?
November by means of February are the very best 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 right 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 best 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 enhance air air pollution within the metropolis.
What number of days is good for a Chiang Mai go to?
5 days / 4 nights is the best period of time to go to Chiang Mai for the primary time. Staying for 4 nights will provide you with sufficient time to expertise all of the highlights of the town and in addition offer you time to do some day journeys to discover the encircling space. With a lot to see and do, it’s vital to plan your itinerary properly to take advantage of your time on this enchanting metropolis.
How can I get from Chiang Mai Airport to the town heart?
Seize taxis or songthaew are your finest choices for getting from Chiang Mai Airport to the town heart. You’ll be able to simply discover each of those choices exterior the airport arrivals gate.
What’s the easiest way to get round Chiang Mai
The Outdated Metropolis is kind of walkable, however for longer journeys there are tuk tuks, Seize taxis and songthaew which make getting round Chiang Mai simple and reasonably priced. Seize is a ride-hailing app just like Uber, whereas songthaews are shared crimson vans which you could flag down like a taxi. For these comfy with driving a scooter or bike, renting one could be an environment friendly and reasonably priced strategy to discover the town and its environment.
What space in Chiang Mai is the very best to remain?
The Outdated Metropolis is the very best space to remain in Chiang Mai for first time guests and anybody taken with exploring the historical past, temples, tradition and evening markets. The world has loads of cafes, eating places and lodging choices for all budgets. It’s additionally centrally situated 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 should you’re on the lookout for an excellent place to remain for an extended time these are your finest areas to take a look at!
Remaining Ideas on The place to Keep in Chiang Mai
As you may see, Chiang Mai is a various metropolis with an equally numerous vary of lodging choices and areas to remain in.
From the historic appeal of the Outdated Metropolis to the stylish and vigorous environment 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 best place to remain. Whichever space you select, it’s simple 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 very best issues to do in Chiang Mai and far more on superb Thailand!