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 extended amounts of time in Chiang Mai, we love the city for a number of reasons. The amazing Northern Thai food is simply delectable. And, the cultural scene and ability to get around easily outdoors makes it very convenient.
As you plan for your food quest to explore the local flavors, you will want to know where to stay in Chiang Mai, especially for local food.
Here is our list of recommended hostels, hotels, and apartment-hotels. All are conveniently located and close to some of the best places to eat in Chiang Mai.
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.
Heading 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.
Authentic Food Quest Tip: For a wonderful introduction to the local Chiang Mai food, we recommend taking a Chiang Mai Food Tour with A Chef’s Tour. We took this tour and enjoyed a wonderful evening with a local guide exploring various local neighborhoods and sampling Chiang Mai or Northern Thai food. A truly exciting way to discover the food in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Old Town Neighborhood
The Old City is also referred to 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. The following are our recommendations for where to stay in Chiang Mai in the Old City.
The moat surrounding Chiang Mai Old CityBest Places to Stay in Chiang Mai in the Old City
Budget-Friendly Options
For a budget-friendly place, 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 also have 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.
For where to stay in Chiang Mai, Hostel by Bed is close to one of our recommended 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
Mid Range Accommodations Options
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
RELATED: Read our article 15 Best Chiang Mai Food To Have
Luxury Accommodation Options
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
Wat Phra Singh one of the most venerated temples in Chiang MaiNimman – 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.
You’ll find a variety of solid options for both Thai and non-Thai restaurants. This area 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 Southside of Nimman.
One unique characteristic of Nimman is that it is one of the most popular hubs for digital nomads.
As a result, you’ll find many excellent coffee shops and great co-working spaces.
For where to stay in Chiang Mai with convenience and ease to get around, Nimman is one of the best neighborhoods.
One Market in Nimman, a high-end food court Best Places to Stay in Chiang Mai Nimman
Budget-Friendly Options
For a budget-friendly option, 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
Mid Range Options
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
Ristr8to Coffee, one of the many great coffee shops in NimmanLuxury Accommodation Options
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.
The area is located within easy reach to the Old City and Niman neighborhoods, either by foot or using the local transportation Songthaew or red truck.
Hike up to Doi Suthep and enjoy breathtaking views of the temple and Chiang MaiBest Places to Stay in Chiang Mai Local Neighborhood Chang Phueak
Budget-Friendly Options
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 to two of our favorite local restaurants Khao Soi Mae Sai and Huen Muan Jai.
Read more about the Chiang Mai 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
Mid Range Options
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 north side 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
Luxury Accommodation Options
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 any time 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
Local market in Chang PhueakIn 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 where to stay in Chiang Mai, you are all set for your Chiang Mai food quest.
After Chiang Mai, are you planning on visiting the Thai islands? Perhaps Koh Samui, one of the most famous islands in the country? If so, getting from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui is easy depending on the means of transportation you choose.
Get more from you stay in Thailand with a trip to the magical paradise of Koh Samui.
And, while in Chiang Mai, enjoy the delectable local food scene at any of the recommended neighborhoods.
For where to stay in Chiang Mai, which one of these neighborhoods interests you the most? Please let us know in the comments below.
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Claire, ex-engineer, is a digital nomad and content creator at Authentic Food Quest. Since 2015, with her partner, Rosemary, they travel the world in search of the best local food experiences. Their mission is to help you enjoy the best local specialties on your travels or via recipes in your home kitchen. Favorite country for food: Vietnam. Favorite local dish: Hainanese Chicken Rice. Favorite way to keep fit: Cycling. Claire is responsible for the website and the fun food & travel videos on Youtube. She is also co-author of Authentic Food Quest Argentina and Authentic Food Quest Peru, available on Amazon.
I have never been to Thailand, but I eat from a local Thai restaurant pretty regularly. I love the food, and the people are always very nice there. You’ve given me a few ideas on new things I want to try.
That’s awesome to hear Clara. Please do come back and let us know what new Thai dishes you try out at your local Thai restaurant.
Wow what a wonderful trip. I’ve always wanted to visit Chiang Mai because there’s so many amazing places to visit but now I will also look forward to their food. I can’t wait to travel soon.
Are you going to Chiang Mai soon, Net? Once you find a place to stay, be sure to check out our articles about what and where to eat the local northern Thai specialties. Cheers 🙂
You have provided a great selection of all kinds of options for places to stay in Chiang Mai. We do love staying in the old part of cities. Even if it is “inside the moat”. We love local markets so this would be great for us. A luxury hotel with a garden and swimming pool is ideal. So we would definitely looking into Villa Klang Wiang. But maybe if we visited for a longer time, we might want to stay in a more local spot.
Thanks Linda, so glad you liked the selection of hotels offered. The Old City is a great central location and Villa Klang Wiang is a great option. Something to keep in mind for your next Chiang Mai trip 🙂
I usually tend to gravitate to the old towns, but I may like to try the trendy neighborhood too. They usually have all the new upcoming cuisine, chefs and restaurants.
There are also new and upcoming restaurants in the Old Town area of Chiang Mai as well. Our recommendation is to eat local Thai food 🙂 Have you been to Chiang Mai, do you have a favorite spot?
Ahhh I now really want to go back to Thailand. I didn’t make it up to Chiang Mai so will be referencing this when I get to go back. I want to go to all the coffee shops and live my best digital nomad life. And definitely all about the food tour! Great recommendations
Thank, Emma. Are you planning on going back to Chiang Mai soon? Regardless, of when you get there, let this guide help you sleep and eat well. Cheers.
I had no idea there were so many neighborhoods and lodging choices in Chiang-Mai. Great tips for every travel style. I’d love to live like a local – if even for a few nights and be close to great eating. You must have spent a lot of time there to know the city so well. Bookmarking for the future!
Perfect Elaine. Yes, we have spent quite a bit of time in Chiang Mai and love it. Affordable lodging, great food, amazing people and lots to do. Does not get much better than that 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
This is a great guide for Chiang Mai neighborhoods. I’m really glad to see prices as well, not only recommendations. Since I’ve never been there it’s good to know what I should expect to pay for a room.
Thank you Anda and glad you like the guide. If your travels do take you to northern Thailand, be sure to find the best spots with this guide 🙂 Cheers.
I could not believe how cheap hotels were in Chiang Mai. I’ll stay anywhere near the food. Especially the street markets. I need to go back!
You are right, Nicole. You can get really great deals on lodging and food in Chiang Mai. A great city to explore as well 🙂
Chiang Mai was also one of my favorite cities in Thailand – whereby I must say that I stayed mainly in the old town. Loved the temples and, of course, the food. South of the old part is this cultural center where you can experience a traditional Thai feast sitting on cushions on the floor, eating a fantastic meal while dancers – who obviously ate much less than you…. – entertain you with classic Thai dances.
Indeed, Renata, so many places to choose from in Chiang Mai. The Old Town is a great spot, especially for short visits. Glad to hear you enjoyed your stay.
Great guide to Chiang Mai I like how you give several options and choices. I’ve only been to Bangkok and Phuket but really need to make it up there.
Thanks, Debra. Do keep this guide handy for your next Thailand trip. Chiang Mai is truly worth exploring!! Do let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip. Cheers.
We have been to Thailand thrice but still, Chiang Mai is pending on our list. Your post explains everything well from pricing to nearby spots and we are surely going to consider your advice before booking a place for us. Thanks for sharing.
Perfect, glad the article will come in handy when you finally get to Chiang Mai. It’s the “Rose” of the north. You are missing out 🙂 Cheers.