Where to Stay in Chiang Mai 2025: Our Top Areas & Best Hotels

We spent a few unforgettable days in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and based ourselves in the Old Town — the most popular area to stay. It’s where the city truly comes alive, with temples on every corner, night markets filling the streets, and that mix of calm and chaos that makes you instantly fall for it.

We also explored other favorite areas for visitors like Chang Klan Road (Night Bazaar), Nimman, and the Riverside, each with its own unique vibe and reasons to stay. Honestly, we completely get why so many travelers fall in love with this city.

So after exploring different neighborhoods, we decided to write this guide on where to stay in Chiang Mai to help you find the area that fits you best — and the hotels that are actually worth booking. In each top area, we’ve included three hotels at different price levels: budget, mid-range, and luxury.

We didn’t manage to stay in all of them (we wish we had!), but every place here is one we’d genuinely recommend after deep research or firsthand experience.

So before you book, here’s everything we learned about the best places to stay in Chiang Mai, and how to pick the one that feels just right for you.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: Our Experience

As first-time visitors, we chose to stay in the Old Town, and honestly, it couldn’t have been a better call. Everything we needed was just a few minutes’ walk away — temples, cafés, the Sunday night market — and we loved being able to explore on foot without worrying about taxis or traffic.

The mornings were calm, the evenings lively, and it felt like we were right in the middle of it all. The only downside? It can get a bit noisy in some parts, especially near the main streets, so if you’re a light sleeper, look for a hotel tucked inside the smaller streets.

We also spent time checking out other popular areas — Nimman, Riverside, and the Night Bazaar. Nimman felt fun and modern, but a bit more spread out and pricier than Old Town.

Riverside was beautiful for sunset walks, but it’s better suited if you don’t mind taking short rides into the center. And while the Night Bazaar had great energy, we found it a little too busy for our taste after dark.

Getting around was easy — we mostly used Grab, and rides within the city were surprisingly cheap and quick (usually under 10 minutes anywhere). One thing we learned: Chiang Mai looks compact on the map, but walking between areas isn’t always practical because of the heat and lack of sidewalks.

Overall, staying in the Old Town gave us the best mix of convenience and atmosphere. But every area has its own charm, and what’s perfect for one traveler might not be for another.

Best areas to stay in Chiang Mai

Before we get into details, here’s a quick map showing the best areas to stay in Chiang Mai. It gives you a clear idea of how close the main parts of the city are — from the Old Town and Nimman to the Night Bazaar and Riverside — and helps you decide which area fits your trip best.

Old Town (Old City)

If it’s your first visit to Chiang Mai, the Old Town is easily the best place to stay. This is where the city’s soul truly lives — surrounded by golden temples and lively markets that turn magical after sunset.

You can walk almost everywhere, from Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang to countless cafés, massage shops, and food stalls serving the best khao soi in town.

We loved waking up early, exploring the city, and ending the day at the Sunday Walking Street Market — it’s all part of what makes the Old Town so special.

If you plan to explore the best things to do in Chiang Mai, this is the most convenient base to start from. The only downside is that it can get noisy near the main roads, and parking is limited, but for first-timers, it’s hard to beat the energy here.

✅ Pros: Central, walkable, full of cafés, restaurants, and temples
❌ Cons: Can be noisy
⭐️ Best for: First-time visitors and anyone who wants to explore on foot

Nimman (Nimmanhaemin)

If Old Town is the heart of the city, Nimman is its creative soul, filled with cafes, boutique hotels, and streets that feel more local than touristy. We spent an afternoon café-hopping between KLAY cafe and Morestto (our favorite cafes), and quickly realized why so many people end up staying here longer than planned.

It’s modern but feels local. You’ll find rooftop bars, co-working spaces, and little design shops selling handmade ceramics and local fashion. We loved coming here for brunch, sunset drinks, and evening strolls through the backstreets.

The only thing we didn’t love? It’s not the most convenient area if you want to be close to the temples or markets — you’ll need a short Grab ride to reach most of the attractions. But if you want great food, stylish stays, and a taste of local life with a modern twist, Nimman’s hard to beat.

✅ Pros: Trendy, full of cafés and boutiques, great for longer stays
❌ Cons: Not walkable to main temples, slightly pricier than Old Town
⭐️ Best for: Couples, digital nomads

Riverside

After the buzz of the Old Town and the energy of Nimman, Riverside felt like taking a deep breath. It’s the calmer, more romantic, and you trade temple bells for the sound of water and slow sunsets over the Ping River.

We loved coming here in the evenings, just walking along the water and watching the city light up as the sky turned pink.

The area is lined with boutique hotels and cozy riverside spots that feel miles away from the busy streets, even though you’re still close to everything. It’s not as walkable as the Old Town, but that’s part of its charm.

Most places are just a short Grab ride from the main attractions and markets, making it one of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai if you want peace without being too far from the action.

We loved the relaxed vibe, though it might feel a bit too quiet if you’re after nightlife. For couples or anyone who wants a slower, more scenic base, this is one of the most romantic areas to stay.

✅ Pros: Peaceful, romantic, beautiful riverside views
❌ Cons: Not walkable, limited nightlife
⭐️ Best for: Couples, families, and travelers who prefer calm evenings by the water

Night Bazaar / Chang Klan Road

We weren’t sure what to expect from the Night Bazaar area, but it quickly became one of our favorite spots for evening strolls. The main stretch of Chang Klan Road comes alive at night with food stalls, music, and that buzzing energy Chiang Mai is famous for.

It can feel busy in parts, but just a few streets away, it’s surprisingly peaceful, with plenty of boutique hotels hidden in quiet lanes.

If you’re not in town over the weekend or can’t make it to the Sunday Walking Street, you’re still in luck — Night Bazaar is open every night, so you can always count on a lively atmosphere and endless street food.

It’s one of the most convenient areas to stay — everything’s within walking distance, from markets to restaurants and bars. If you’re wondering where to stay in Chiang Mai for nightlife and easy access to local food, this is the place to be.

✅ Pros: Central, vibrant, great for food and shopping
❌ Cons: Busy along the main street, traffic at night
⭐️ Best for: Food and shopping lovers, anyone who wants to be close to everything but outside of Old Town

Best Hotels in Chiang Mai

This list brings together the best places to stay in Chiang Mai — from Old Town favorites to modern hotels in Nimman and quiet riverside retreats. We’ve explored the main areas, compared dozens of stays, and narrowed it down to the ones we’d genuinely book ourselves.

Best hotels in Old Town area

We loved staying in the Old Town — it’s the part of the city where everything feels close, familiar, and full of life. Honestly, if you’re visiting for the first time, this is where we’d start. You can walk everywhere and still feel the city’s calm rhythm in between the chaos.

• Sleep Guesthouse $
• Nine Hotel $$
• The Inside House $$$

Sleep Guesthouse $

We stayed here during our first days in Chiang Mai and couldn’t have picked a better spot for budget travelers. Sleep Guesthouse is a small, friendly guesthouse right in the Old Town, run by a lovely couple who make you feel like family.

The rooms are simple but clean, with wooden interiors and just the right comfort for the price. We loved the location — you can walk everywhere, from temples to cafés, and they even help with scooter rentals and local tips.

If you’re traveling on a budget but want somewhere that feels genuinely warm and personal, this one’s a gem.

⭐️ Best for: Backpackers and couples who want a cozy, affordable stay in the heart of the Old Town
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Nine Hotel $$ (Our Top Pick)

If we could pick one place to stay in the Old Town next time, it would be Nine Hotel. This small boutique stay strikes the perfect balance between style, comfort, and value — the kind of place that feels much more expensive than it is. The rooms are bright and minimalist with soft lighting and natural tones, and there’s a peaceful courtyard that instantly makes you slow down.

It’s tucked down a quiet street, so you get restful nights while still being just a short walk from cafés, temples, and the weekend markets. For the price, it’s hard to find something this nice and well-located in the Old Town, which is exactly why it’s our top pick.

⭐️ Best for: Travelers who want modern comfort and great value
👉 Check availability and current prices →

The Inside House $$$ (Best for Luxury Lovers)

If you’re wondering where to stay in Chiang Mai for a truly memorable experience, The Inside House is one of the best places to stay for luxury lovers. Set in a restored colonial-style building with elegant white arches, leafy courtyards, and serene pools.

Every suite is unique — some even have private pools with glass walls, where you can actually see beneath the water level from your room. It’s one of those details that make the stay feel unforgettable.

What we love most is how it blends old-world charm with modern comfort. You’re right in the heart of the Old Town, yet it feels peaceful and secluded. It’s definitely a luxury choice, but for what you get, it feels worth every baht.

⭐️ Best for: Luxury lovers and couples looking for an elegant, one-of-a-kind stay in the Old Town
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Best hotels in Nimman area

Nimman has that effortless kind of cool — boutique hotels, hidden cafés, and tree-lined streets that make you want to slow down. It’s the area we’d pick next time for a longer stay, especially if your days revolve around good coffee and slow mornings.

• ARMO Nimman $
• Zivi Nimman $$
• U Nimman Chiang Mai $$$

ARMO Nimman $

If you’re visiting Chiang Mai on a budget but still want to stay somewhere that feels modern and comfortable, ARMO Nimman is a great pick. It’s set inside a quiet condominium right in the heart of Nimman, so you’re only a short walk from coffee shops, restaurants, and all the creative energy this area is known for.

The rooms are clean, bright, and beautifully designed — perfect if you want something affordable but with a bit more style than a typical guesthouse. We like this one for its location and great value; it’s one of the best places to stay in Chiang Mai if you want to experience Nimman without overspending.

⭐️ Best for: Budget travelers who want a clean, central stay surrounded by Nimman’s café culture
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Zivi Nimman $$

If you’re looking for a mid-range stay in Nimman that actually feels worth it, Zivi Nimman is one we’d happily recommend. It’s right in the middle of Nimman — close to great cafés, boutique shops, and everything that makes this area so easy to enjoy.

The rooms feel cozy but polished, with soft lighting, warm tones, and just enough design detail to make it feel special without trying too hard.

We like this one for its atmosphere and location — you can step out for morning coffee, wander the nearby streets, and still come back to a quiet, comfortable space. For what you get, it’s a great value and one of those mid-range stays that feels like a small treat.

⭐️ Best for: Travelers who love stylish, easygoing stays in the heart of Nimman
👉 Check availability and current prices →

U Nimman Chiang Mai $$$ (Our Top Pick)

If you’re after a hotel that has everything in one place, U Nimman Chiang Mai is the one we’d book again in a heartbeat. It’s right in the center of Nimman — close to all the cafés and restaurants — but still feels peaceful once you step inside.

The rooms are huge and super comfortable, and the staff go above and beyond to make you feel at home.

There’s an infinity pool, a spa, and plenty of space to relax — whether you’re traveling as a couple or with family. What makes it our top pick is the value for what you get: five-star amenities, perfect location, and a warm, friendly atmosphere that makes you want to extend your stay. It’s one of the best hotels in Chiang Mai if you want comfort without the crazy price tag.

⭐️ Best for: Travelers and families who want resort-style comfort in the heart of Nimman
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Best hotels in Night Bazaar / Chang Klan Road area

This part of the city never really sleeps. It’s where the night markets glow, the food smells incredible, and the energy just pulls you in. If you like being where things happen and love a bit of buzz, this is where to base yourself.

• Boonnark Bed $
• ON Thapae Gate $$
• Melia Chiang Mai $$$

Boonnark Bed $

If you’re looking for a budget stay near the Night Bazaar that actually feels worth it, Boonnark Bed is one we’d happily recommend. It’s simple, clean, and in a great spot — just a short walk from the market, restaurants, and street food stalls that make this part of Chiang Mai so lively.

The rooms are basic but comfortable, with everything you need for a few nights in the city, and the owners are known for being warm and helpful.

⭐️ Best for: Budget travelers who want to be super close to Night Bazaar
👉 Check availability and current prices →

ON Thapae Gate $$ (Our Top Pick)

ON Thapae Gate is a great mid-range choice near the Night Bazaar — modern, quiet, and right in the center of the city. It’s the kind of hotel that surprises you with how calm it feels despite being so close to all the action.

The rooms are spacious, spotless, and well-kept, with comfortable beds. The staff are genuinely kind and always ready to help, and the 24/7 reception is a big plus if you’re arriving late or need assistance anytime. Breakfast is another highlight, with good coffee, fresh fruit, and plenty of options to start the day.

If we were to pick one mid-range hotel in this area, it would be this one — for its comfort, friendly service, and unbeatable location.

⭐️ Best for: Travelers who want a quiet, comfortable stay with great service close to Chiang Mai’s night markets
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Melia Chiang Mai $$$

Melia Chiang Mai is one of those hotels that gets everything right — elegant design, friendly staff, and a location close to the Night Bazaar but away from the busiest streets. The rooms are spotless and modern, and there’s an easy, welcoming atmosphere from the moment you walk into the lobby.

The rooftop bar has one of the best views in the city (worth it for sunset cocktails alone), and the coffee downstairs is just as good. There’s also a kids’ play area, making it a great option for both couples and families. If we were to pick one luxury hotel in this area, it would be this one — for its comfort, attention to detail, and the kind of service that makes you want to come back.

⭐️ Best for: Couples and families who want a stylish stay with great service and rooftop views near the Night Bazaar
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Best hotels in Riverside area

Riverside feels like stepping into a slower version of the city. The views, the quiet, the soft light over the water — it’s the kind of place you come to unwind. This is one of our favorite areas to escape the crowds.

• Chirin Home $
• Gategaa Village $$
• Maladee Rendezvous Hotel $$$

Chirin Home $

Chirin Home is a great choice if you’re after a clean, comfortable budget stay near Riverside. The rooms are surprisingly spacious, with a small balcony, table and chairs, and even a TV with Netflix — a nice thing you don’t often find at this price. Beds are comfortable, bathrooms are modern, and fresh towels and water bottles are replaced daily.

There’s also a washer and dryer you can use for a small fee, complete with free detergent, which is perfect if you’ve been traveling for a while. By motorbike, it’s just a short ride into the Old Town, and walking takes a bit longer but is still manageable. For what you get, this is one of the best-value budget stays in the area.

⭐️ Best for: Budget travelers who want clean, spacious rooms with thoughtful touches
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Gategaa Village $$

Gategaa Village is a charming mid-range stay in the Riverside, offering a mix of comfort, design, and great value for money. The rooms are spacious, spotless, and beautifully decorated, with thoughtful touches that make it feel more like a boutique hotel than a mid-range one.

The rooftop pool is a real highlight — a calm spot to relax after exploring the city — and the breakfast is fresh, varied, and genuinely tasty. Plus, there are free hot and cold drinks and snacks available throughout the day, which adds a nice touch of hospitality. The location is excellent for exploring — close to the Old Town but also within walking distance of bars and restaurants along the river.

⭐️ Best for: Someone who wants a stylish, comfortable stay with extra touches and great value
👉 Check availability and current prices →

Maladee Rendezvous Hotel $$$ (Our Top Pick)

Maladee Rendezvous Hotel is one of the most elegant stays in the Riverside — peaceful, beautifully designed, and full of thoughtful details. It’s just a short walk to the local night market and a quick taxi ride to the Saturday and Sunday Walking Streets, so you’re close to everything without being right in the crowds.

The staff go above and beyond, the breakfast is excellent, and the pool with its warm jacuzzi is a highlight after a day out. It’s our top pick in this area for its blend of boutique design, comfort, and exceptional service — a place that is genuinely worth paying extra.

⭐️ Best for: Couples and travelers who appreciate boutique-style luxury and outstanding service
👉 Check availability and current prices →

FAQ about the best places to stay in Chiang Mai

What is the best place to stay for couples?

For couples, we recommend the Riverside area. It’s quieter, more scenic, and full of boutique hotels that focus on comfort and atmosphere. If you prefer something trendier with cafés and modern design hotels, Nimman is another great option.

What are the best adults-only hotels in Chiang Mai?

The best adult-only hotels are Villa Thai Orchid, Hotel Sensai Nimman, and BED Chiangmai Gate.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai for nightlife?

The best area for nightlife is around the Night Bazaar and Chang Klan Road, with rooftop bars, live music, and night markets all within walking distance.

What is the best place to stay in Chiang Mai with kids?

If we were to travel with kids, we would definitely stay at Melia, Smile Lanna, or U Nimman. These are the best family-friendly hotels.

Final thoughts on where to stay in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of those cities where every area has something different to offer. The Old Town is ideal for first-time visitors who want to walk to temples and markets. 

Nimman suits those who prefer modern cafés and boutique hotels, while the Night Bazaar is best if you want everything within easy reach. For a quieter base with more space, Riverside is the way to go.

Wherever you stay, the city is compact, affordable, and easy to get around — so you really can’t go wrong.