Where to Stay in Chiang Mai for Food Lovers

Chiang Mai, once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom in Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in Thailand.

With its ideal setting near the mountains, a vibrant Old City with many temples and a unique food scene, Chiang Mai has a lot to offer.

Having spent time in Chiang Mai for extended periods, we love the city for the northern Thai food, the ability to get anywhere easily, the outdoors as well as the cultural scene.

As you plan for your own food quest, to explore the local flavors, you will want to know the best places to stay for the food.

Find below, a list of hostels, hotels, and apartment-hotels that we recommend for their location and convenient neighborhoods, services, sights, and the local food scene.

Finding a Neighborhood Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is organized around the Old City, in the center of town.

If you go west, you will find Nimman, the most trendy neighborhood, popular with tourists and expats.

Further west, you’ll reach Chiang Mai University a local neighborhood with a bustling student community.

If you go east, you will find the Chinese neighborhood with Warorot Market, the largest in Chiang Mai bordered by the Ping River.

Each neighborhood has its own distinct food scene, catering to the local community.

For an introduction to the local food, we recommend taking a Chiang Mai Food Tour which will guide you through the different neighborhoods in one evening.

Chiang Mai Old Town Neighborhood

The Old City is also referred as the city “inside the moat”, which surrounds the limits of the Old City.

The moat is square shaped with each side about 2km (~1.3 miles) in length making it easy to walk anywhere inside the Old City.

Staying in the Old City is the perfect place to visit the main cultural sites and temples in Chiang Mai.

It is also the best area to stay in Chiang Mai, especially if you are only visiting the city for a short stay.

When it comes to the food scene, the Old City is the most convenient location to explore some of the best local markets in Chiang Mai.

There are also great options for local restaurants and a bustling street food scene.

For that reason, it is the most visited area in Chiang Mai with a lot of tourists and places that cater to foreigners.

That said, you can still find pockets of quiet areas, just a few steps away from bustling areas.

You will find many accommodations styles from hostels to boutique hotels. Following are our recommendations.

Best Places to Stay in Chiang Mai in the Old City

For budget friendly places, we recommend Hostel by Bed.

This clean and airy hostel is ideally located on the northwest side of the Old City.

If you aren’t into the shared dormitory style, they do provide private bedrooms with private bathrooms. They provide nice perks like free coffee and water.

Hostel by Bed is walking distance from Chang Phueak night market where you can find some of the best street food in Chiang Mai.

It is also close to one of the best Khao Soi places in Chiang Mai,  Khao Soi Khun Yai.

Prices start at $13 a night for a shared dormitory room

See more prices, read reviews or to find similar hostels check: Booking.com | Agoda

For mid-range budget accommodations, the Sila Boutique Hotel Bed & Breakfast is a quaint boutique hotel with only 9 rooms.

It is located in the heart of Chiang Mai, opposite to Wat Phra Singh, a must visit temple.

This hotel offers a great selection at breakfast with great coffee. And, if you are a coffee connoisseur, you be sure to visit Akha Ama, one of the best coffee shops in Chiang Mai, which is close by.

You are also not far from Khao Soi Arak and Huen Phen, two of the best places to eat in Chiang Mai we recommend.

Prices start at $50 for a double room

See prices, read reviews or to find similar boutique hotels, check: Booking.com | Agoda

For luxury hotels consider Villa Klang Wiang, a respite from the bustling streets of Chiang Mai’s Old City.

With a wonderful breakfast, a lovely garden, a fitness center, and swimming pool, it is the perfect place to relax after sightseeing.

Villa Klang Wiang is conveniently located near South Gate, where you can find great street food and the lively Saturday night market.

See prices, read reviews or to find similar boutique hotels, check: Booking.com | Agoda

Nimman – Chiang Mai Trendy Neighborhood

Nimman is a trendy and popular neighborhood and a great option if looking for modern and convenient living in Chiang Mai.

Nimman offers solid options for Thai and non-Thai restaurants. It is also a great place to find apartment-hotels with furnished kitchens.

There is a weekly organic market every Sunday and one of our favorite markets Ton Panyom is on the South side of Nimman.

The particularity of Nimman is that it is one of the most popular hubs for digital nomads.

As a result, you find many excellent coffee shops and great co-working spaces.

Nimman is one of the most convenient and best places to stay in Chiang Mai, especially if you plan to be in Chiang Mai for one month or more.

Best Places to Stay in Chiang Mai Nimman

Stay in Style at Nimman R201 is a cozy one bedroom apartment located in the heart of Nimman. It offers the convenience of a home away from home.

Fully furnished, including a kitchen equipped for your stay, you will regret not to stay longer.

Located in the heart of Nimman, you are walking distance to massage parlors, convenience stores, and restaurants.

Additionally, the location is only a  few minutes walking distance from MAYA Mall, a shopping and food center where you can find many decent food options in one place.

Prices start at $75 for the entire apartment

See prices, read reviews or to find similar luxury hotels, check: Booking.com

For budget friendly options, Chill Chill at Nimman is great apartment-hotel, conveniently located next to Nong Bee’s our favorite Burmese restaurant in Chiang Mai.

The apartments are fully furnished with a kitchenette and balcony.

Prices start at $26 for the entire apartment

See prices, read reviews or to find similar luxury hotels, check: Booking.com

For a luxury hotel, choose At Niman a quirky and stylish boutique hotel offering contemporary rooms. Their breakfast is copious and delicious.

It is also located in a quieter part of Nimman where you can enjoy relaxing after a busy day of sightseeing.

Prices start at $110 for a double room

See prices, read reviews or to find similar luxury hotels, check: Agoda

Chang Phueak – Chiang Mai Neighborhood To Live Like A Local

If you’re looking for a local neighborhood and live like a Chiang Mai local, then Chang Phueak is a great area to stay.

Chang Phueak is on the northern side of town. It is a large district that goes from the steps of the mountain below the beautiful temple Doi Suthep on the northwest side, to the Ping River on the east side.

In Chang Phueak, you will find some great local eateries, street food and local markets.

It is located within easy reach to the Old City and Niman neighborhoods either by foot or using the local transportation Songthaew or red truck.

Best Places to Stay in Chiang Mai Local Neighborhood Chang Phueak

Santitham Guest House is a lovely and relaxing guest house set in nature with vegetation and running water on the property giving it a unique character.

This mid-range accommodation is located on the northside of town, walking distance from Siriwatana market one of the best local markets in town.

You are also close by Akha Ama coffee one of our favorite coffee shops.

Santitham Guest House is about a 1.6km or a mile away from the Old City, which can be covered on foot or by taking take a Songthaew to get you anywhere in the city.

Prices start at $49 for a double-room

See prices, read reviews or to find similar luxury hotels, check: Booking.com | Agoda

Pyur Otel is a quiet and quaint hotel that serves free breakfast in a funky coffee shop open all day long. This budget hotel offers nicely decorated bedrooms as well as a neat dormitory.

It is conveniently located near Khao Soi Mae Sai and Huen Muan Jai two Northern Thai restaurants we recommend.

Prices start at $23 for a double-room

See prices, read reviews or to find similar luxury hotels, check: Agoda

The luxury hotel of choice in Chang Phueak is Sireeampan Boutique Resort and Spa. This is a great place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

With a Spa and Wellness Center as well as an outdoor pool at the resort, you are in for a treat.

Breakfast can be served anywhere you want on the premises and a Thai restaurant offering local foods can satisfy your hunger at anytime of the day.

This resort is walking distance from local food markets and local restaurants serving our favorites Chiang Mai food in Chang Phueak.

A shuttle service is provided to go anywhere in the city as well as from and to the airport.

Prices start at $189 for a double-room

See prices, read reviews or to find similar luxury hotels, check: Booking.com | Agoda

In Summary

Chiang Mai is a great city to visit or stay for an extended period of time. There is plenty to do with something for everyone and an amazing local food scene.

With these neighborhood recommendations and a list of accommodations, we want to give you a head start to plan your food quest in Chiang Mai.

For more accommodation options in the various neighborhoods, check out additional places to stay in Chiang Mai by browsing on booking.com

What is your favorite neighborhood and best place to stay in Chiang Mai ?

Savor the Adventure!

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