One of our favorite cities in Thailand, Chiang Mai makes a great place to visit or base yourself as a digital nomad. If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to stay in Chiang Mai, this guide will go over the different neighborhoods and what you can expect in each, plus recommended stays for every budget.
Chiang Mai is one of our favorite cities in the world, and cumulatively over the years, we’ve spent more than a year living there.
Not only is Chiang Mai a fun city to visit on a trip to Thailand, but it is also one of the best cities for digital nomads.
With a strong sense of culture, an incredible food scene, vivid history and all the modern comforts you could ask for, Chiang Mai is a beautiful blend of old and new.
And with mountains and jungle to explore, as well as cute, air-conditioned cafes to work from, Chiang Mai speaks to all different travelers and nomads. Whether you’re staying for a few days or a few months, we think you’ll love this city.
In this guide to where to stay in Chiang Mai, we’re going to go over the different neighborhoods and what you can expect in each.
We’ll share what each area is known for. From the bougie neighborhoods that are central to all the top attractions to neighborhoods that have an eclectic “hippy vibe” to those that have many co-working spaces and are popular with digital nomads, you’ll get a sense of which Chiang Mai neighborhood you’ll like best.
Let’s dive in and explore the many areas of Chiang Mai!
Where to stay in Chiang Mai for…
If you’re looking for quick answers, here are our suggestions on where to stay in Chiang Mai for different travel scenarios.
- For your first visit: Old City near Tha Phae Gate
- For couples: Nimman
- For backpackers on a budget: Old City
- For families: Riverside
- For nightlife: Night Bazaar / Nimman
- For seeing all the sights: Old City
- For foodies: Old City / Night Bazaar
- For a local experience: Santitham
To get the lowdown on each neighborhood plus hotel recommendations, click on the ‘hood to jump to that section of the article, or just keep reading.
Chiang Mai Neighborhoods Guide
- Overview of Chiang Mai neighborhoods
- Our pick: best place to stay in Chiang Mai
- Getting around Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai insider tips
- FAQs
Overview of Chiang Mai’s neighborhoods
It’s no secret that Chiang Mai is the best hub for exploring northern Thailand.
This city is surrounded by mountains and dotted with ancient temples giving it a rare combination of adventure, nature, culture, history, food, and modern comforts.
While the province of Chiang Mai is quite large, the downtown area of the city can easily be covered by motorbike or taxi in about 20 minutes from end to end.
The main areas we recommend staying in Chiang Mai can be separated into 5 general neighborhoods as shown on the map above.
- Nimmanhaemin: shown in yellow
- Santitham: shown in blue
- Old City: shown in red
- Night Bazaar: shown in green
- Riverside: shown in purple
You’ll notice a lot of uncolored space in between and around the neighborhoods on the map. This is not to say you cannot find accommodation in these areas and be well located. We’ve just roughly mapped out the main recommended areas for you.
Budget Tip: It is worth noting that if you are a backpacker looking for hostels, the area just south of the Old City walls is full of highly rated hostels that are within walking distance of the Old City.
Each of the neighborhoods are pretty walkable on their own, but if you want to explore different areas, we recommend finding other modes of transportation which we’ve summed up in the transportation section below.
Chiang Mai Old City
The vibrant historical center of Chiang Mai is easy to locate on a map as its crumbling 700-year-old moat-lined fortress walls create a near-perfect square in the heart of the city.
Home to ancient temples, bustling markets and a plethora of guesthouses, boutique shops, and restaurants, the Old City is where you’ll find all the action.
With its central location, proximity to most cultural attractions, and plenty of affordable accommodation options, the Old City has also become the backpacker’s hub of Chiang Mai.
Pros:
- Lots to see and do, in the heart of the action
- Very walkable neighborhood
- Most of the cultural attractions are in this area
- Large range of affordable accommodation, restaurants, and bars
- Easy access to most of the city
- Quieter at night
Cons:
- Often congested traffic during rush hour as the roads around the moat are mostly one-ways
- Most commercialized area of Chiang Mai
- No resort-style accommodation or high-rise buildings in this neighborhood
Highlights of Old City
- Ancient temples such as Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Chiang Man
- Museums such as the Chiang Mai Historical Center, Chiang Mai Arts & Cultural Center, and the Lanna Folklife Museum
- Tha Phae Gate and the fortress walls
- Somboon Market
Recommended budget/backpacker stays
La Vida Hostel: A stylish and modern hostel that punches well above its budget price point. Air-conditioned rooms with comfortable pod-style beds, oversized lockers, a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, and a breezy rooftop terrace make it a great base for exploring the Old City.
Pakping Hostel: Run by the warm-and-wonderful duo Paul and Koki, this intimate Old City property caps out at just 18 guests — which means you’ll actually get to know the people you’re traveling alongside instead of getting lost in a sea of bunk beds.
The boutique design is clean and thoughtfully put together, with privacy curtains on pod beds, personal lockers and reading lights, and two cozy common areas perfect for working, chilling, or swapping travel tips. Rooms range from mixed and female-only dorms to a private double with ensuite bathroom.
Solo travelers — especially women — consistently call it one of the safest and most welcoming hostels they’ve ever stayed at.
Neat Hostel: This modern hostel is aptly located in the Old City within walking distance of plenty of attractions. The accommodation features mixed and all-female dorms with semi-private bunks as well as private rooms.
A shared kitchen, bathrooms and lounge area are available as well and an American-style breakfast is served up every morning.
Recommended mid-range/couples stays
Vieng Mantra Hotel: Situated steps away from the Chiang Mai Tha Phae (East Gate), you and your hunny can have a great night out downtown or relax by the pool and bar at the hotel.
Wannamas Chiangmai Boutique House: This charming 10-room guesthouse in the heart of the Old City delivers a beautifully personal experience at a very reasonable price.
Rooms are thoughtfully furnished with traditional Thai touches, but the real standout is the breakfast: a rotating buffet that always includes a local Thai dish like khao soi or pad thai, enjoyed on a gorgeous plant-filled courtyard patio.
The attentive, warm staff make you feel more like a houseguest than a hotel customer.
The Mango Tree apartment is a verified Airbnb Plus property that is perfect for a couple who prefer an apartment style home over a hotel stay. It is centrally located in the Old City but in a quiet neighborhood, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.
Amenities include a full kitchen, complete with dishwasher and coffee maker, air conditioning, wifi, a washer and drier, and even your own mango tree in the center of the apartment. The knowledgeable host is easy to communicate with and happy to answer your questions about the city and help you plan your trip.
→ New to Airbnb? Find out how we set our filters to choose the best Airbnb every time.
Recommended luxury stays
Thai Akara Lanna Boutique Hotel: This beautiful oasis in the heart of the Old City is the perfect retreat after a long day of sight-seeing and temple hopping. Guest rooms include a seating area, air conditioning and flat screen TVs. The pool is refreshing and the in-house restaurant specializes in Thai cuisine.
Tamarind Village: This iconic boutique hotel feels like a secluded countryside retreat hiding in plain sight in the middle of the Old City. Set around beautifully landscaped courtyards shaded by a magnificent 200-year-old tamarind tree, the whole property is dripping in Lanna charm — think hand-carved wood, tribal textiles, and private balconies overlooking the gardens.
The outdoor pool, Village Spa, and Ruen Tamarind Restaurant make it easy to never want to leave, but if you do, the Sunday Walking Street sets up right outside the front gate.
The Inside House: Tucked inside the Old City walls, this Lanna Colonial boutique gem is one of those rare properties where every single detail has been thought through.
The ancient Bodhi tree courtyard, complimentary afternoon tea service, and free-stocked minibars set the tone from the moment you arrive, and the 13 suites with private heated marble pools take it to another level entirely.
Nimmanhaemin
Often times shorted to just “Nimman”, this neighborhood is the hip and modern area that attracts young people from the nearby University and ex-pats from all over the globe. There is a thriving avant-garde cafe culture here and you’ll find digital nomads parked in front of their laptops around every corner.
You will also find trendy restaurants, shopping boutiques, and a more sophisticated nightlife scene here that includes some rooftop hotspots.
Just be prepared to pay a premium for accommodation in such a trendy location… But remember it’s still Thailand, so luxury doesn’t come at as a high a price as other destinations such as Europe or the US.
Pros:
- Boutique shopping
- Vibrant and sophisticated nightlife
- Trendy restaurant and cafe scene
- Conveniently located for the airport
- Very walkable neighborhood
Cons:
- With plenty of ex-pats and digital nomads, this area can be pretty touristy
- Traffic can pile up during rush hour
- Falling directly under the flight path from the airport, plane noise can be a factor
- Fewer cultural attractions here as the neighborhood is more modern
Highlights of Nimman neighborhood
- Maya Mall Shopping Center
- Lots of trendy cafes including favorites like: Rustic & Blue, Seascape, Free Bird Cafe, and Healthy B Cafe
- One Nimman plaza and food market
- Rooftop Bars
Recommended budget/backpacker stays
Rimnim Hostel: The name says it all — this cozy hostel sits right on the edge (rim) of the Nimman (nim) neighborhood, giving you easy access to Chiang Mai’s trendiest cafes, restaurants, and nightlife without paying Nimman hotel prices.
The dorm beds come with individual privacy curtains, personal power outlets, and a comfortable mattress, and a free breakfast of toast, coffee, tea, and snacks awaits each morning.
2 Gals and the Pig Boutique Hostel: Matching the avant-garde theme of the neighborhood, this quirky hostel fits right in. The minimalist decor flows throughout the property which has a mix of single, double and triple rooms with shared bathroom facilities.
An Asian style breakfast is available daily in the cafe for guests.
Recommended mid-range/couples stays
NORN Boutique Hotel: Right in the heart of the Nimman neighborhood, this boutique hotel has top reviews for it’s location and value. A swimming pool and fabulous breakfast buffet make this a perfect Chiang Mai stay.
This modern luxury boutique condo is an Airbnb property with Superhost status, that is perfect for a couple who prefer an apartment style home over a hotel stay. The one bedroom apartment is on a quiet side street in the heart of Nimman neighborhood and includes an in-unit washer, fully equipped kitchen and air conditioning.
The property also features amenities like the beautiful pool and sun lounge, and a fitness center.
This brand new luxury condo is an Airbnb property with Superhost status. Located in the hip Nimman neighborhood, it’s within walking distances of plenty of cafes and restaurants. The one bedroom corner unit on the 7th floor has mountain views facing west (perfect for sunsets!).
The condo has a fully stocked kitchen, in-unit laundry and air conditioning. And the property features a pool and fitness center.
→ Related: Find out our genius system for finding the best accommodation every time.
Recommended luxury stays
Hotel Yayee: Located in the ideal Nimman neighborhood, within walking distance to all kinds of restaurants, bars and things to do, is this beautiful boutique hotel. The trendy decor and rooftop restaurant/bar makes this the perfect stay for couples.
AMANOR Hotel: This luxurious all-suite hotel is located right in the heart of the popular Nimman neighborhood. The rooftop pool and bar makes an excellent place for happy hour cocktails as you watch the sunset. Afterwards, all you have to do is step downstairs to the best Italian restaurant in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Just east of the Old City, this area is aptly named for the city’s largest night market, which runs nightly, and happens to take up space in most of this neighborhood.
As one of the must-do things in Chiang Mai, the convenience of staying near the Night Bazaar is reason enough for some travelers to book their accommodation here.
The centrally located neighborhood is pretty average during the day, but comes alive around 6 p.m. each night when the stalls start setting up for the night market. It is the prime neighborhood for shopping and nightlife in Chiang Mai with beer bars and late-night dance clubs all around Loi Khroh Road.
Accommodation here includes a range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels, but you tend to see more on the pricier side than in Old City.
Pros:
- The night bazaar is a must-see in Chiang Mai
- Centrally located between Riverside and Old City
- Plenty of foreigner-friendly bars and clubs with a lively nightlife scene
- The neighborhood is very walkable and easy to get to Old City
Cons:
- This area can get crowded, especially during the evenings when the Night Bazaar is going
- There aren’t many cultural attractions here
Highlights of the Night Bazaar Neighborhood
- The Night Bazaar… duh
- Nightlife highlights include: Bubbles Nightclub, Foxy Lady Go Go, O’Malleys, Boy Blues Bar
- Art in Paradise: A 3D interactive art gallery
- Anusarn Market
- Kampangmuang Gallery and cocktail bar
Recommended budget/backpacker stays
Na La Da Hostel: Situated less than 1 km from the Night Bazaar, this hostel is in a great location for shopping and sight seeing. Offering a mix of dorm style beds and private single or double rooms, its a great budget option for those who prefer clean well-kept space.
Nap & Nomad Hostel: The location here is simply unbeatable for budget travelers — you are literally a 2-minute walk from the iconic Tha Phae Gate and the entire Old City is your playground from the front door.
The vibe is social and welcoming, with cozy common areas perfect for swapping travel tips with fellow wanderers. There’s an on-site restaurant and coffee shop, free WiFi throughout, and both mixed dorms and private rooms available.
Recommended mid-range/couples stays
Kate & Hasu Boutique Hotel: A 5-minute walk from Tha Pae Gate in the Night Bazaar neighborhood, this modern boutique hotel is perfect for couples.
Amenities include a dipping pool, rooftop sun lounge, snack bar, and small fitness center. Each air conditioned room has a seating area, mini fridge and ensuite bathroom.
This Perfect Apartment is an Airbnb property with Superhost status that is perfect for a couple visit Chiang Mai who wants to be near the action of the Night Bazaar.
The beautiful rooftop infinity pool overlooks the city, and the views from the fitness center aren’t too bad either!
Yaang Come Village: This 4 star boutique hotel is located at the south end of the Night Bazaar, between the Old City and the Ping River.
Each of the uniquely decorated rooms feature air conditioning and elegant touches. There is a breakfast buffet served at the in-house restaurant and outdoor dining in the garden.
Recommended stays for families
The Astra Chang Khlan: Think of this as your private apartment in one of Chiang Mai’s most convenient neighborhoods. These condo-style suites in the high-rise Astra building on Chang Klan Road come fully equipped with a king bed, kitchenette, washing machine, bathtub, and sofa, giving couples or small families plenty of room to spread out.
Guests get full access to the spectacular rooftop pool and fitness center on the upper floors — the panoramic views of the city are reason enough.
Shangri La Hotel: This 5 star property is highly rated for families traveling together to Chiang Mai. The large swimming pool includes a water slide, there is also kids play areas throughout the property. Family-sized rooms are also available here. Plus there are plenty of amenities for adults to enjoy as well such as the signature spa and business center.
Recommended luxury stays
The Moment Chiangmai: This quirky design boutique hotel on Tha Phae Road is one of the most unique stays in Chiang Mai — each floor is essentially its own private world, with rooms designed around a different seasonal theme complete with unique decor, a free stocked minibar, and welcome fruit.
The family suites are spacious two-story duplexes with a living room downstairs and bedrooms above — perfect for small families or groups who want something with real character. The wine bar next door and walkability to the Night Bazaar and Old City seal the deal.
Melia Hotel: The undisputed luxury flagship of the Night Bazaar neighborhood, this 5-star, 22-floor tower opened in 2022 and immediately set a new bar for Chiang Mai.
The resort-style outdoor pool and YHI Spa are stunning, the breakfast buffet is lavish, and MAI The Sky Bar on the 22nd floor — with its glass walkway and 360-degree views of the city, mountains, and Ping River — is worth the stay price alone.
Families will love the largest kids club in Chiang Mai and the splash pad, while adults appreciate the attentive service and central location just 4 minutes from the Night Bazaar. A splurge that genuinely delivers.
Chiang Mai Marriott: Formerly The Meridian, this 5 star hotel blends European design with the Lanna Thai charm. Perfect for business travelers, amenities include a swimming pool terrace, full fitness center, conference center and meeting rooms. Plus an onsite restaurant specializing in western cuisine.
Chiang Mai Riverside
Just east of the Mae Ping River, opposite the Night Bazaar area you’ll find the Riverside neighborhood. This area has a more laid back tranquil vibe, good for families and the older crowd looking for a more relaxed stay. Most hotels here are gear towards the luxury resort crowd.
There are plenty of waterside restaurants, bars and cafes here, but the real action in the city center is about a 10-minute drive away.
Pros:
- Picturesque views of the River Ping
- Lots of reasonably priced luxury resorts and hotels
- Easy access to the highway
- Quiet at night
Cons:
- Farther away from the city’s main attractions
- Shopping and nightlife is limited
- Not many budget accommodation options
Highlights of Riverside Neighborhood
- Ton Lamyai Flower Market
- Spas & resorts
- Higher-end shopping
- Elephant Parade House: Learn about elephant conservation and paint a souvenir elephant to take home
- Wat Ket Karam: An ancient temple from the 1400s
Recommended mid-range/couples stays
Maraya Hotel & Resort: Just a 5-minute drive from the Night Bazaar and 3 km from the Old City, this hotel is perfect for couples who want a relaxing stay in Chiang Mai.
Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel & Spa: Located along the banks of the river, this hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, sundeck lounge and on-site restaurant and bar.
Just a 15-minute drive from the airport and 7-minutes in a cab will take you to the Night Bazaar.
Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa: Set in a beautifully restored colonial style building, this hotel features uniquely designed rooms full of elegance and comfort.
Right on the river’s edge and just a 5 minute walk to the Night Bazaar, you are perfectly situated for both tranquility and shopping.
Recommended Luxury Stays
Raya Heritage: Set on the banks of the Ping River about 20 minutes north of the Old City, this Condé Nast Gold List all-suite property celebrates Lanna culture through artisan handwoven textiles, hand-carved wood, and ceramics created by craftspeople from surrounding villages.
All 38 suites are river-facing, with the Kraam Pool Suites featuring a private plunge pool of your own. Plus, a complimentary shuttle runs to the Old City throughout the day, so you’re never truly cut off from the action.
Anatara Chiang Mai Resort: Situated along the bank of the river, this luxury resort features minimalist Asian design leaving you feeling like entire hotel is a spa. Relax by the infinity pool overlooking the river or treat yourself to a spa treatment after a day of sight-seeing.
Santitham
Located northeast of the Maya Mall and Nimman neighborhood is the quaint Santitham neighborhood. A good compromise if you’re looking to be well located but want affordable accommodation.
Santitham is an up-and-coming area filling with ex-pats and digital nomads as they spill outwards from Nimman. Here you’ll find a more local experience as day-to-day life isn’t yet overrun by tourism.
Pros:
- More affordable than Nimman
- Has more of a local “Thai feel” than other areas
- Is becoming more popular with digital nomads and wifi cafes are popping up
Cons:
- About a 20-minute walk from Nimman and Old City
- You might need a bicycle or motorbike to get around
- Also near the flight path so noise may be an issue
Highlights of Santitham Neighborhood
- Khao Soy Maesai: One of the best local joints to get this Northern Thai staple
- Passion Project the Cafe: A yummy western-style health food cafe where the digital nomads like to hang out
Recommended budget/backpacker stays
BOX Hostel: This highly rated hostel on the edge of Nimman and Santitham is made up entirely of shipping containers. The air conditioned rooms offer semi-private pod-style bunks and the staff is easy to communicate with in English.
Tangmo House Hostel: Offering up nightly rates starting as low as the cost of street food, this highly rated hostel is known is praised for being very clean. The shared dormitory-style rooms have air conditioning, a microwave, toaster, kettle and hair drier. The property also offer express check in and check out service.
Recommended mid-range/couples stays
My Loft Hotel SHA: This small, stylish loft-style hotel is a great-value find for travelers who want something with personality beyond the standard guesthouse. The 16 rooms have an industrial-chic aesthetic with thoughtful lighting, smart TVs loaded with streaming apps, and a minibar, while a coffee shop, art gallery, and terrace give the property some real character.
You’re within a 15-20 minute walk of the MAYA Mall and Nimman Road, and the surrounded-by-locals Santitham vibe makes it a solid pick for those wanting a slightly more authentic stay in Chiang Mai.
BOOK Design Hotel: Well located within the Santitham neighborhood, this chic 3-star hotel sits on a unique property with a gorgeous outdoor pool, bar/restaurant and garden area.
Recommended family stays
City House Airbnb: This immaculate 2-story townhouse is the kind of Airbnb you remember long after the trip. With 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and space for up to 7 guests, it’s ideal for families or groups of friends who want their own home base in Chiang Mai.
Located in the quiet Santitham neighborhood, it’s a local, residential feel with a kitchen, washing machine, and all the comforts of home. Everything in the area is easily walkable, and guests consistently rave about both the property and the host’s communication. A great alternative to a hotel for those traveling in a family or small group.
Best place to stay in Chiang Mai in our opinion…
If you’re looking for the best place to stay during a short visit, we’d recommend finding accommodation near Tha Phae Gate in the east part of the Old City, or just outside in the Night Bazaar neighborhood.
You will be right in the center of the action with all kinds of attractions within walking distance. There is a range of accommodation for every budget and plenty of agencies to help you set up tours in the surrounding region.
If you plan on living in Chiang Mai as a digital nomad, we’d recommend finding accommodation in the Nimman neighborhood. With tons of trendy cafes, modern apartment buildings and a convenient location, you’ll feel at home among the other expats who land here.
Getting around Chiang Mai
Getting around Chiang Mai is very easy due to all the different options for transportation. Here are just a few of the most common ways to get around:
Songthaew (Red Truck)
These red trucks are everywhere in Thailand and super easy to use as a shared taxi system.
Flag down the driver, and tell them where you’d like to go (sometimes it’s best to use a general landmark instead of an exact address or show him directions on your Maps app). If they say yes, you can get in the back, and you’ll be dropped off in the order that works best with the other customers in the truck.
In general, a ride within the city limits should cost 30 baht per person, but it can increase the further your ride or depending on the time of day.
Tuk Tuk
You can flag down a tuk tuk and negotiate the price. We’ve found these to be more expensive (and slower) than taking a Grab, so we wouldn’t necessarily recommend taking them regularly.
Grab
Southeast Asia’s version of Uber and Lyft, this ride sharing app is super handy when wanting to get to a specific place. Grab constantly has promotions going on and we have gotten across the city for 20 baht before! Typical rides around town vary from 50-100 baht.
Motorbike rental
We only recommend renting a motorbike if you have driven one before and are comfortable with driving in a busy city and on the left side of the road. Additionally, you should always respect the rules of the road and don’t ride like an idiot to try to impress people.
Now that I’ve gotten that warning over with: Renting a motorbike can be one of the cheapest ways to get around and explore the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Rentals start at around 250 – 300 baht per day. You’ll need to leave your passport at the rental shop for collateral.
And please, please, PLEASE… wear a proper helmet (with wind-guard and facemask). It’s worth the extra 50 baht ($1.66 USD). We have seen/heard of too many travelers getting in accidents and we don’t want that to be you.
MoBike Rental
MoBike is a bike-sharing program in Chiang Mai. You’ll be able to spot these orange bicycles (and some e-scooters too) around the city. Download the app, and you’ll be able to see the bikes that are free near you as well as rent them in 30-minute intervals ($1 USD for 30 minutes).
Getting into Chiang Mai from the airport
Chiang Mai International Airport is located pretty near the city center (about a 10 minute drive to the Phae Gate and 15 minutes to Nimman Road).
When you arrive at the Chiang Mai International Airport, there is a taxi queue, but you’ll find that it is overpriced. Instead, order a Grab to pick you up directly from the airport.
Or if you are on a shoestring budget, you can wait in front of the departure doors for a songthaew to come by. From the airport to the city, it should cost around 50 baht per person.
Chiang Mai Insider Tips
We’ve spent over a year (cumulatively) living in Chiang Mai and have picked up a lot of insider tips along the way. Here are some of our top tips for traveling there.
- There are so many fun things to do in Chiang Mai, you can easily spend months exploring the city and never get bored.
- We decided long ago that we will not knowingly contribute to attractions that exploit people or animals while traveling. So on that note, there are a few things we recommend NEVER doing in Chiang Mai: Tiger Kingdom, elephant trekking, visiting the long neck “Hill Tribes”. You can read more about why not, here.
- Avoid visiting Chiang Mai during “Burning Season”. This falls during the months of February, March and April, and is a time when farmers in many parts of Southeast Asia burn their fields to prepare for the next season. The air quality in Chiang Mai plummets during this time and it makes it harder to enjoy a lot of the outdoor activities. We’d recommend visiting the Thai Islands instead if you plan to travel to Thailand during those months. Find out when is the best time to visit Thailand all around.
Check out our first-timer’s guide to Chiang Mai for more insider tips and info.
FAQs about where to stay in Chiang Mai
If you still have questions about where to stay in Chiang Mai, we’ve rounded up answers to the most frequently asked questions below.
What is the safest area to stay in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai is generally considered a safe city for travelers, but like any destination, there are areas that may be considered safer than others. Staying within the Old City walls and in Nimman are two options that we feel are particularly safe for travelers.
It’s always a good idea to stay aware and practice caution in a foreign place. Read up on our essential travel safety tips to prepare for your trip.
Is Chiang Mai a walkable city?
Chiang Mai is a mid-sized city that only takes about 20 minutes by motorbike from end to end. While it may feel like a large city to navigate on foot, each of the neighborhoods themselves are quite walkable.
Whenever we are staying in Chiang Mai, walking is our primary mode of transportation within our neighborhood and surrounding areas.
There is always the Grab app if you get tired or don’t want to walk a longer distance.
How many days should I spend in Chiang Mai?
The number of days you should spend in Chiang Mai depends on your interests, travel preferences, and the activities you plan to do.
If you’re more interested in exploring Thailand’s diverse landscapes outside of the city, you may find that 3 days in Chiang Mai is enough to get your palette wet. However, for a well-rounded experience of Chiang Mai, we’d suggest spending 5 to 7 days in the city.
Of course, if you’re planning on heading to Chiang Mai to get some work done as a digital nomad, you’ll want to spend at least a month there. But we’d highly encourage you not to make immediate plans after one month as you might just find yourself falling in love with Chiang Mai and never wanting to leave!
Where to avoid staying in Chiang Mai?
Like we mentioned above, Chiang Mai is a pretty safe city. However, like any destination, there might be areas that some travelers prefer to avoid due to various reasons, such as noise, distance from attractions, or personal preferences.
Here are a few areas to consider skipping:
- Night Bazaar Area (Chang Klan Road): While the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar area is popular for shopping and entertainment, some people might find it a bit noisy and crowded, especially during the evenings and nights.
- Outer areas or suburbs: Some areas outside the city center might lack the convenience or vibrancy of the more central parts of Chiang Mai. Travelers who prefer to be close to the main attractions might find these areas less appealing due to their distance.
Are you planning a trip to Thailand?
We have TONS of resources on travel in Thailand and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.
- Absolute Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai
- Digital Nomad’s Guide to Living in Chiang Mai Thailand
- Ultimate Guide to Bamboo Rafting in Chiang Mai
- How to Travel Sustainably in Thailand & Why You Should Care
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We want to hear from you!
Are you planning a trip to Chiang Mai? Is it your first time, or are you returning to live there as an expat or digital nomad? What other questions about where to stay in Chiang Mai do you have for us? Comment below and let us know!
Katie Diederichs is the lead writer and co-founder of Two Wandering Soles, where she creates in-depth travel guides, itineraries, and tips designed to help readers plan better trips with confidence. With a background in journalism, photography, and design, she combines thorough research with firsthand experience to deliver clear, practical, and visually driven travel content. As the primary trip planner, Katie turns complex logistics into easy-to-follow advice travelers can actually use.
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Hello,I intend to spend 10 days on coming songkran water festival,during this days I wanted stay in 3 location ,night market,nimam and old town.Is it possible because,are there any transport,taxi,grab working during the songkran festival?or will be wet during change of hotel,ha ha.Tq
Hello, thanks for the tips! Great Info. It will be my first time to Thailand. We will be traveling (2 adults) with our 4yr old daughter in Nov and excited to be visiting Chaing Mai during the lantern festival. We will be there 3 nights only. Any recommendations on what the best area is to stay for the festival, where to go for for it.. and if I need to book a tour for that?
Also…I was just reading that the Yi Peng is supposed to be on 27th this year and Loy Krathong on 28th and there is supposed to be a parade and festivities on 28th. I am so bummed because I’m supposed to fly back to Bangkok on 28th. Will there be plenty of festivities to see on 27th as well or am I going to miss out on the festival by leaving on 28th? I read that Bangkok does something as well but just not sure what to expect if it will be as good. Maybe I need to try to stay another day if not…
So is Feb definitely a month where u can smell pollution in the air right at the city centre as it’s the burning of fields at harvest time?
Is Thantara Resort too far and away from the city life? We have a one year old so trying to find a place that’s quiet yet convenient. How easy is it to rent a car with a driver if we want to get out in the evening or day?