Monks collecting alms at dawn and digital nomads sipping oat lattes: welcome to life in Chiang Mai. Ringed by mountains and rooted in Lanna tradition, this northern Thai city moves at a slower pace than the south. 

It’s home to over 300 temples, including Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. One day you’ll be getting lost in the Old City and visiting elephant sanctuaries. Next you’ll be riding motorbikes through forests and learning to cook khao soi. And at the end of it all? Nights spent in traditional teak guesthouses down quiet sois or sipping cocktails on hotel rooftops rooftop hotels near Nimmanhaemin.

Where to stay in Chiang Mai

Match your vacation to your vibe by staying in a part of Chiang Mai that’s best suited to your holiday needs. While it’s a big city, a few of our picks include: 

• Old City: Ancient walls, golden spires, mango sticky rice at the market. Chiang Mai’s Old City is temple-packed and full of local - and historical - flavour. Great for first-timers who want to walk everywhere.
• Nimman (Nimmanhaemin): Cafés, co-working spaces, rooftop bars. Nimman’s like the cool cousin among the Chiang Mai family, and it’s where digital nomads and creatives set up base.
• Chang Khlan / Riverside: Ping River views, sunset cocktails and late-night bazaar hauls. This is lively Chiang Mai, close to the Night Bazaar and easy on the eyes.
• Santitham: No-frills, no filters. Just good street food, leafy lanes and local life. Santitham is budget-friendly and slow-paced. Ideal if you’re staying longer or want to avoid contact with the tourist crowds.
• Mae Rim and the hills: Want to wake up with misty forest views? Mae Rim is where waterfalls, elephant sanctuaries and forest-framed resorts live. Nature's close - but you’re not far from the city either.

How much is Chiang Mai accommodation?

Chiang Mai’s kind on the wallet, no matter your vibe. You can sleep near the moat for under AU$15, or treat yourself to a suite that still costs a fraction of a Sydney hotel. And with Traveloka filters? You’ll spot everything from fan-cooled guesthouses to luxe hideouts faster than you can say “khao soi.”

• Backpackers and hostels: From AU$8 per night. Dorm bunks, tiled showers and night markets out the front. Great if you pack light and snack heavy.
• Budget hotels and guesthouses: From AU$25 per night. Simple, clean, family-run, especially in the Old City or Santitham.
• Mid-range hotels: From AU$50 per night. Expect rooftop pools, breakfast buffets and big beds near the temples or Nimman strip.
• Boutique stays: From AU$80 per night. Heritage teak, local art, leafy courtyards and slow mornings. Instagrammable without trying.
• Luxury hotels: From AU$150 per night. Infinity pools, spa menus and serious mountain views, without the five-star price tag.

Top-rated hotels in Chiang Mai

• Rimping Village: A few steps from the river in Wat Gate, this boutique stay mixes hand-built details with a low-key pace. Walk to the Night Bazaar, then come home to quiet.
• U Nimman Chiang Mai: On Nimman’s main drag, this sleek five-star hotel does rooftop swims on humid nights, super handy 24-hour check-ins, and an all-day dining restaurant with a terrace bar.
• Wealth Boutique Hotel: Inside the Old City walls, this three-star 13-room stay lines up strong coffee, a pool bar, room service and easy walks to Thapae Gate.
• About A Bed Hostel Chiang Mai: Temple-hopping by day, swapping stories by night. This hostel is central, social and no-fuss, with dorms and private rooms.

Tips for finding the perfect accommodation in {geoName}

• Sort it your way: Filters help fast. Search by neighbourhood, pool, breakfast, or “walk to temple” vibes. Easy clicks beat endless scrolling.
• Time it right: November to February is cool, dry and popular. If you’re heat-tolerant, off-season stays come with better prices and fewer queues.
• Go a block back: Just outside Nimman or Old City walls, you’ll find cheaper spots, stronger coffee, and quieter nights without losing the good stuff.
• Check the fine print: Free airport shuttles, scooter hire, even afternoon tea. Many mid-range places throw in sweet extras.
• Read recent reviews: With new builds popping up often, fresh reviews beat pretty photos. Find out if that rooftop is open, or still under construction, fast.

Looking to complete your stay in Chiang Mai? Book flights to Chiang Mai, activities, and even car hire and airport transfers all in one place with Traveloka.