In this article, we will talk about where to stay in Chiang Mai for a short and long stay.
Known as the “Rose of the North” and literally meaning “new city”, Chiang Mai is the sixth-largest city in Thailand and the second largest in the entire urban area – population 960,906.
Located 800 kilometers north of Bangkok, the city is not far from Burma and the ancient “Silk Road”.
With a population of 148,477 inhabitants, Chiang Mai attracts thousands of tourists in search of tranquility and wishing to discover something other than Bangkok and the beaches of the south.
It is also a cultural center with many Buddhist temples as well as an ideal starting point for trekking in the highest mountains of the country, Chiang Rai and Pai.
Top 8 best areas to stay in Chiang Mai
Old Town District
The old town district might suit you best if you’re looking for where to stay in Chiang Mai for a short period.
The old town is surrounded by a moat where the ancient wall used to be, of which there are still some remains.
This is a safe area where the main attractions are within walking distance from your accommodation.
It is one of the most popular places to stay in Chiang Mai as it is where most of its tourist attractions are located.
In the old town, you can visit a number of ancient ruins, temples and other monuments, some of which date back over eight hundred years.
Enjoy the great cultural walks, and visit the main temples of Chiang Mai.
Among those the oldest, the Wat Chiang Man, the temple of the big stupa, the Wat Chedi Luang, the Wat Phra Singh or the unknown Wat Phan Tao, all in wood.
It is thus the district to be privileged if you are above all there for the cultural visits.
It is also in this part of the city, especially from the Thapae gate and along Ratchadamnoen street that an open-air night market takes place every Sunday evening.
The opportunity to buy souvenirs, clothes, food typical of northern Thailand, it is the time to get a massage, to admire the work of artists exhibiting, a must for any visit to Chiang Mai.
Night Bazaar area
Again for a short stay and probably the most famous area of Chiang Mai outside the old town, this district, adjoining at its eastern end the Ping River, is very lively at night.
So if you are not up for cultural visits and prefer to sleep during the day and live at night, opt for the Night Bazaar area!
It is the best neighborhood to stay in if you’re looking for a lively place.
This lively area of Chiang Mai is known for its night market, as well as many restaurants and bars.
The night market is an Ali Baba’s cave of souvenirs, with many items in the unique Northern Thai style (Lanna culture) but also food and traditional dance performances.
You will find the flower market right by the river.
You can also enjoy a Thai boxing match in the local stadium it is thus a district to privilege if you like animation.
Nimmanhaemin
One of the best expats and remote worker stays is in The Nimmanhaemin neighborhood.
If you’re a digital nomad or expat and are looking for where to stay for a longer period this area is probably the best option.
Located on the west side of the city, at the foot of Doi Suthep, between the university and Huay Kaew Road, Nimmanhaemin Road hides many gems.
Nimman and its many alleys form the heart of Chiang Mai’s most fashionable district and it has everything to seduce a digital nomad.
The tropical climate, low cost of living, and culture have attracted many Digital Nomads to settle here since their arrival in Chiang Mai in 2010.
Indeed, Nimman has seen itself grow with galleries, boutiques, trendy cafes with fast internet and bars, workspaces, and upscale restaurants.
This district gives a new angle to Chiang Mai, far from the traditional Thai sensibilities found in other areas of the “Rose of the North”.
Nimmanhaemin has become in recent years a trendy place and you can find the best deals for long-term stays.
It is a lively area, because of its proximity to the university it is clearly a student area, so it is frequented by young people and it’s lively!
Doi Suthep District
The area “Doi Suthep” is the one starting right next to Nimmanhaemin, on the other side of the road that serves as a ring road to Chiang Mai and that runs along the foot of the mountain of the same name until behind the airport.
Doi Suthep is primarily known for its temple, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and the palace and royal gardens at the top.
But there are also beautiful forest walks possible, with streams and waterfalls and views over the valley and the city.
There are also some notable temples, I think especially Wat Sri Suphan and Wat Umong, hidden in the forest and with a unique character.
Near the latter, I recommend you to try a dinner at the Benjarong Khantoke, a unique meal served on wooden trays (khantokes) accompanied by a show of graceful dances in the purest Lanna style.
Charoen Muang and Narawat districts
Both areas are located across the Ping River, which runs through the modern part of Chiang Mai, east of the old city.
Charoen Muang will suit those who are looking for a bit of peace and quiet during their stay in Chiang Mai while remaining close to all amenities.
You will also find a small public park and a pleasant setting along the river with several cafes where you can enjoy delicious cakes and ice cream by the river.
Not far from the San Pa Koy market, there is the Kawila Provincial Boxing Stadium where you can watch Muay Thai matches.
On Narawat you can go to the Lang Prince market, a famous second-hand market with a wide range of second-hand goods.
There is also a flower market just across the river.
Mae Rim district (Northern suburb)
It is the northern suburb of Chiang Mai. If you are wondering where to stay in Chiang Mai a little bit outside the city this is a good option.
Convenient if you want to be in the heart of nature while remaining close to Chiang Mai.
There are several elephant camps in the area although I don’t recommend them especially – prefer a real center that takes care of these pachyderms, at the Elephant Nature Park of Mae Taeng for example.
Relax at Huay Tung Tao Lake, see the rice fields, butterfly farm, snake farm, and gardens created under the patronage of the royal family.
Hang Dong district (Southern suburbs)
To have a little peace, it is to be in the countryside while remaining close to the city center, the airport and for some hotels, to be even at the foot of the mountain of Doi Suthep in an enchanting setting.
Hang Dong is a district ignored because it is not well known, it is true that it is not the ideal district if you are looking for animation but as said in the first sentence, it is here the calm that prevails and it is the occasion to try hotels sometimes unique.
The only drawback is that it is better to have your own means of transportation to move around unless you think you can get away with using the famous local cabs – songthaew, the red pick-ups.
However, you will be close to attractions such as the popular Chiang Mai Night Safari, the ruins of the first attempt at a capital in the area, Wiang Kum Kam, the famous Chiang Mai Grand Canyon, or the beautiful gardens of Royal Park Rajapruek among others.
Wat Ket
Opt for one of the luxurious hotels offered by the Wat Ket district.
Considered the expat district of Chiang Mai, Wat Ket is the ideal place to combine comfort, nature, and distance from the city center.
When should you avoid going to Chiang Mai?
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is from November to April.
The rainy season is over and the days are pleasantly warm with temperatures similar to a hot summer in Europe.
The nights in December and January can get a little chilly.
However, this period corresponds to the high tourist season.
In Chiang Mai, the Lantern Festival in November attracts many travelers.
To enjoy your stay, you should avoid the period from May to October, when the rains are heavy and the heat is stifling.
How many days should you stay in Chiang Mai?
4 days is at least the minimum to visit Chiang Mai, and then you have the nice little town of Pai, 2h30 further north.
So I almost advise you to go there for a week.
