In Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city, lodging alternatives are more limited than in Bangkok, the country’s capital. But it’s not as easy as most islands in the nation, where all you have to do to ensure a nice night’s sleep is find a hotel close to the beach.
With 200,000 residents, Chiang Mai’s traditional hotel district is confined to the city’s centre, the region inside the old wall, and the nearby neighbourhoods. However, with Chiang Mai’s recent development, particularly the numerous attractions geared at long-term visitors, deciding where to stay in Chiang Mai has grown more difficult and ambiguous.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai: 3 best neighborhoods
We will segment our analysis based on the characteristics and location of each of these neighbourhoods in order to suggest the best lodging to all types of guests.
Chiang Mai Ancient City (Old City)
Chiang Mai was enclosed in a quadrangle that was completely encircled by high walls centuries ago. Even though urban expansion has long ago extended its walls, Chiang Mai travellers continue to find the initial stretch—now referred to as the “ancient city”—to be the most alluring.
There are several reasons why this occurs. First of all, Chiang Mai’s primary tourist attractions, including its museums and temples, are all situated within the old city. Additionally, there is all the required tourist infrastructure inside the wall to serve the traveller, with restaurants and travel companies conveniently located near the hotels.
Best hotels in Chiang Mai Old Town
It’s crucial to think about a hotel’s location before making a reservation in the historic city. The best alternative in Chiang Mai is to stay on or near Ratchapakhinai Road or on the main thoroughfare, Rachadamnoen Road.
The historic city’s Sunday fair, which is the busiest in all of Chiang Mai, is held in this location. Always search for lodging on the east side of the city, close to the Tha Phae gate.
There are several inexpensive lodging alternatives as well as some higher-end boutique hotels in the old city. We stayed here while we were in town.
Our suggestions for accommodations in the historic city of Chiang Mai are:
- The Buri Gallery House & Resort, where we stayed, has bungalow-style rooms and a swimming pool, right on the main street in the center.
- The U Chiang Mai, for those who want a higher standard and have all the luxury possible in the best location in the old center.
For those looking for a hostel, great options are:
- The Baan Montien
- or the Green Sleep Hostel.
Night Bazaar
There is a tonne of tourist infrastructure in the city’s night market district, the Night Bazaar. When deciding where to stay in Chiang Mai, many travellers steer clear of this area.
On at least one of your nights in the city, visiting the market at night will undoubtedly be on your trip schedule. Staying there is therefore advantageous in terms of going back to the hotel.
Everything is available in the market, from regional cuisine to mementos of travel. The Night Bazaar, in contrast to the one in the ancient city, is held every evening along Chang Khlan Road. The junction of Loi Kroh Road and Chang Khlan is the focal point.
The Chang Klan district can be defined as the region around Thapae Road and the nearby night market. However, keep in mind that the neighbourhood extends beyond these two areas, so just because the hotel is in Chang Klan doesn’t make it a desirable location.
Hotels near Night Bazaar
There are various resorts of the greatest calibre in the city located in Rio Ping, which is behind the night market, for people who desire a comfortable place to stay.
If this is your choice, it is worth booking:
However, most accommodation near Night Bazaar is low-cost. For those looking for a hostel, very good options in this region are:
- the Uno Chiang Mai, on Loi Kroh Road
Thapae Road and surroundings
Outside of the ancient city is an avenue called Thapae Road. Chiang Mai offers a more contemporary face in this area of the city, where there are numerous stores and international eateries.
Go through the Thapae gate and search for accommodations on Thapae Road, one of the busiest streets in the city, and on perpendicular streets if you’re seeking for this profile but don’t want to stay too far from the old town.
The River Ping Bridge and the main gate of the old city are connected by Thapae Road. The Night Bazaar of Chiang Mai is held on Chang Khlan Road, another destination that is quite popular with travellers.
As a result, staying at a hotel close to Thapae Road places the visitor midway between the old city and the Night Bazaar, making it easy for them to stroll there.
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