Chiang Mai, Thailand’s northern gem, blends history with style effortlessly, so it’s no surprise that boutique accommodation here is all the rage. Chiang Mai’s boutique hotels offer an immersion in traditional Thai culture and a more personalized, intimate experience for a unique stay.
If you’re interested in history and culture, Chiang Mai is hands down one of the best places to visit in Thailand due to the huge number of ancient temples and other interesting things to see and do.
Staying in boutique accommodation is an excellent way to learn about the unique Lanna culture and history, meet local people, and explore the nearby temples. Also don’t forget to taste delicious northern dishes like Khao Soi and see why Chiang Mai is Thailand’s spa and massage capital!
While I’ve been living in Thailand, I’ve visited Chiang Mai several times and stayed in a variety of different places so I know the city pretty well. So, if you’re planning a visit read on to discover the best areas to stay and my 10 favorite boutique hotels in Chiang Mai.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Before you book your accommodation in Chiang Mai, it’s a good idea to know a little about the best areas to stay so that you make the best choice.
Chiang Mai Old City: If you’re visiting Chiang Mai for the first time, the most popular place to stay is in the Old City (also known as Old Chiang Mai). The Old City is the walled centre of Chiang Mai and the city’s historical heart. Here you will find many serene historic temples, stunning cultural landmarks, and plenty of cute cafes, all within easy walking distance.
Nimman: Beyond the old city wall are a few other popular areas among tourists and travellers. To the west of the Old City is the trendy neighbourhood Nimman, (Nimmanhaemin) packed with international restaurants, hipster coffee shops, malls, and plenty of bars. It’s one of the best places to stay for young people, so if you’re a digital nomad seeking fabulous coworking spaces and lively nightlife, head to Nimman.
Night Bazaar and Riverside: Between the east of the Old City and the Ping River is an area known as Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. The Night Bazaar is a famous bustling market open every evening, and the area surrounding the market, notably Tha Phae Road and Loi Kroh Road, is just as lively. This is a fab location for backpackers and shopaholics with plenty of budget friendly food, drink and souvenirs.
Finally, the area along Mae Ping River is known as Riverside. Staying here will offer a more peaceful experience, especially if you choose a boutique hotel towards the north. The hotels and restaurants here have a more luxurious feel, so if you’re a couple seeking a lavish stay, Riverside is ideal.
For more information check out my complete guide to where to stay in Chiang Mai, or carry on reading and I’ll reveal my favorite heritage, unique, and boutique hotels in this historic city.
The Best Boutique Hotels in Chiang Mai
- Rachamankha Boutique Hotel, Old City
- Tamarind Village, Old City
- Phra Singh Village, Old City
- Raya Heritage, Riverside
- Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel, Night Bazaar
- Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort, Riverside
- Amata Lanna, Night Bazaar
- Sala Lanna, Riverside
- Hotel Art Mai Gallery, Nimman
- NORN Nimman13 Boutique Hotel, Nimman
Carry on reading to know what makes each one special. As room rates vary click on the links to check the prices for your dates, read reviews and book your room.
The Best Boutique Hotels in Old City
If you base yourself in the Old City, you’ll be near Chiang Mai’s top attractions, temples and the massive Sunday market. The Old City is ideal for first time visitors as it is relatively small and walkable so exploring the historic streets and getting around this area is a breeze.
Here’s my favorite boutique hotels in Chiang Mai’s Old City:
$$$ Rachamankha Boutique Hotel
Regarded as the best heritage hotel in Chiang Mai, the Rachamankha Boutique Hotel features incredible Thai architecture and decor, making you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
The location of Rachamankha in the heart of the old city is spot on, just a short stroll from cultural attractions like the Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, the most famous temples in Chiang Mai city.
With just 25 rooms, Rachamankha offers a personalised and intimate experience, allowing you to enjoy the unique hotel’s incredible facilities in peace. These include a beautiful courtyard garden, restaurant, large outdoor swimming pool, and open-air massage pavilion.
Another iconic facility is the library, which houses over 2,000 books, including novels and books on Thai history. If want to immerse yourself in Thai history you can’t beat this amazing hotel.
$$ Tamarind Village
Tamarind Village is another stunning historical boutique hotel combines old world charm with modern luxuries.
It’s conveniently situated close to the Tha Phae Chiang Mai Gate on the east side of the Old City. This means you can easily explore the Old City, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, and parts of Riverside on foot.
Like many other Chiang Mai Old Town boutique hotels, Tamarind Village has a blissful courtyard garden, an outdoor swimming pool, and a poolside restaurant and lobby bar.
The rooms have elegant oriental designs, French windows, spacious bathrooms, and wooden furniture. Plus, the room rate includes a freshly made breakfast each morning.
If a shady oasis in the heart of the old town appeals to you, be sure to consider Tamarind Village.
$ Phra Singh Village
If you’re looking for a budget friendly boutique hotel in Chiang Mai old city look no further than Phra Singh Village.
This stunning boutique hotel showcases traditional Thai culture and is located just a short walk from Wat Phra Singh.
The hotel’s architecture is steeped in local culture, influenced by the two great Kingdoms of Lanna and Lan Xang. The owners have done a fantastic job of blending traditional decor with contemporary comfort.
Phra Singh Village boasts a tranquil courtyard swimming pool, a fitness centre, and free bike hire. The rooms have modern amenities like coffee machines, and select rooms have private balconies.
The Best Boutique Hotels in the Riverside and Night Bazaar Area
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar area is between the east old city wall and the Ping River. This popular Chiang Mai night market buzzes every evening with plenty of shops and street food vendors. When you stay here you are right in the centre of the action, and within walking distance to both the Old City and Riverside.
To the east of the night bazaar you’ll find the serene riverside area. Unlike the Old Town, where the hotels have traditional Thai-style rooms, Riverside is where you’ll find a mix of modern and heritage hotels, including some of the best luxury hotels, so there’s something for all tastes.
$$$ Raya Heritage
If you are dreaming of a peaceful and luxurious riverside retreat that oozes history head to Raya Heritage.
Located by the river in the north of Chiang Mai, this historic hotel is ideal if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful retreat close to nature rather than a jam-packed city break.
This stunning boutique hotel has gorgeous gardens all around and features rooms that have private balconies with views of lush greeneries. Despite being a heritage building, the suites are incredibly modern and luxurious, with huge beds, chill areas, and walk-in showers.
Around the hotel, you can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre and tuck into some tasty Thai food at the onsite restaurant. Plus, the hotel offers free wifi, room service, and shuttles to the city centre. It’s also close to the natural beauty and attractions that surround the city.
$$ Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel
Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel and Spa is a beautiful colonial-style hotel located close to the Ping River in the Night Bazaar area.
The deluxe rooms here feature private balconies, four-poster beds, spa baths, and coffee makers. They are situated around the large outdoor pool and restaurant, while the onsite spa offers massages, facials, and body treatments.
With a winning location, amazing rooms, and friendly staff, it’s no wonder Ping Nakara is one of the most loved boutique hotels in Chiang Mai.
$$ Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort
If you’re seeking indulgence and relaxation while still being close to all the action, Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort is for you.
Adored by couples, Na Nirand has a large and inviting swimming pool with plenty of sunbeds and chill areas. Meanwhile, the onsite restaurant creates an intimate experience, offering beautiful views of the Ping River. The hotel also offers spa treatments, bike hire, and a Thai cooking class.
$$ Amata Lanna Chiang Mai
This traditional Lanna-style hotel is a tranquil oasis just a short walk from the Night Bazaar and a wide array of riverside restaurants and shops. This beautiful boutique hotel features a stunning courtyard pool with wooden decking surrounded by tropical greenery.
The air-conditioned rooms feature traditional Thai wooden decor, four poster beds, private balconies, and spa baths. Amata Lanna Village also offers a la carte breakfast included in the room rate, free private parking, and complimentary tea in the lobby.
$ Sala Lanna Chiang Mai
If you prefer a more modern riverside hotel within walking distance of the old city and night markets consider Sala Lanna.
This boutique hotel is located on the eastern side of Ping River, offering a peaceful setting with beautiful river views yet it’s only 15 minutes walk to the old city. It’s also close to two notable temples, the historical Wat Gate Temple (Wat Gate Khar Rnam) and Wat Ket Karam, as well as Chiang Mai Bus Station.
The highlight of this hotel is the riverside eatery and bar where you can sip a cocktail or enjoy a romantic meal on the water. There is also a swimming pool and a stylish terrace, which gives incredible views over the Old Town.
To get the most from this hotel, I recommend upgrading to the River View Superior Balcony, which has a spa bath and a private balcony overlooking the water.
The Best Boutique Hotels In Nimman
As Chiang Mai’s trendiest modern area, Nimman is ideal if you prefer contemporary over traditional and international over local. Full of restaurants, malls, galleries, and cafes, you’ll never get bored in Nimman, and even if you do, the Old City is a short drive away.
$$ Hotel Art Mai Gallery Nimman
Few hotels in Chiang Mai are like the Hotel Art Mai Gallery. This modern boutique hotel features an epic rooftop pool with a view, a stylish lobby bar, small fitness centre, and 24-hour front desk. All the guest rooms are uniquely designed by an artist, adding to the personalised experience.
The hotel is close to Nimman One and Maya Shopping Mall, making it a fabulous choice if you want to shop during your stay. It is also just 6 km away from Chiang Mai International Airport.
$ NORN Nimman13 Boutique Hotel
The minimalistic style NORN Nimman13 is a trendy yet low-cost hotel in the centre of Nimman. It is located on a small soi just off the main road, meaning it is a short stroll from an endless array of cafes, bars, and restaurants.
NORN Nimman13 has a small outdoor pool with neon lighting, complimentary breakfast, and free private parking. The air-conditioned rooms face the pool, giving easy access. The rooms also feature air purifiers, eco-friendly toiletries, and a walk-in rain shower.
Enjoy Chiang Mai!
As you can see there’s no shortage of beautiful places to stay in Chiang Mai. After travelling all around Thailand, I believe Chiang Mai offers some of the best boutique resorts in the country.
The presence of historical landmarks and temples and the strong Lanna culture mean boutique hotels in Chiang Mai ooze beauty, heritage, and intimacy. So, if you’re planning a trip to this incredible northern city, why not enhance your stay with a boutique resort experience!
If you’re planning a longer trip around Thailand you might also find my Thailand travel guide and 2 week Thailand itinerary helpful. And why not check out my favorite boutique hotels in Bangkok and Phuket too! 🙂
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