Best Hotels in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is Bangkok's chill cousin - all the good Thai stuff (temples, killer street food, and more). This place was the Lanna Kingdom's capital back in the 1200s, so yeah, there's history everywhere.

These days you'll find just as many digital nomads as monks, plus legit elephant rescues and craft beer bars that don't reek of bucket cocktails.

Getting to and Around Chiang Mai

Getting there? You'll land at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). It's like 15 minutes to Old City if traffic's good. Taxis should run you about 150฿. Songthaews are cheaper but prepare to argue over prices.

Get an overnight layover? Check some decent hotels near the airport with shuttle:

Find more hotels near Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX).

Getting Around

• Songthaews (Red Trucks): Shared pickups, 30B (~$1) per ride, yell your stop.
• Tuk-tuks: Tourist traps, 100B (~$3) short rides, always haggle.
• Grab: Uber for Asia, 60-200B (~$2-6), best for AC comfort.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

• Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) Trendy cafes with super cheap lattes, co-working spaces full of guys named Brad discussing NFTs, and condo pools with views of Doi Suthek. Great if you need avocado toast and WiFi, but prepare for traffic jams caused by SUVs delivering organic kombucha.
• Old City is for temple-hoppers and backpackers who think “authentic” means sharing sidewalks with motorbikes. Cheap guesthouses with wobbly ceiling fans, 700-year-old walls, and ladyboys selling khao soi at 10am. Perfect if you want to post a photo of Wat Phra Singh before the Chinese tour buses arrive. Just don’t come for peace – the Sunday Market turns this place into a som tam circus.
• Riverside is where expats with pensions and yoga retreaters go to zen out. Bougie boutique hotels, vegan smoothie bowls, and sunset cruises where German retirees gossip about Thai wives. Chill vibe, but you’ll pay triple for a river view that’s 50% sewage after monsoon season.
• Night Bazaar Area is for shoppers who think haggling is a personality. Mid-range hotels with neon signs, 2am foot massages, and stalls selling I ♡ Chiang Mai tank tops. Convenient if you want to buy elephant pants and regret it later, but the touts here could sell ice to a Yeti.

Things to Do in Chiang Mai

• Doi Suthep Temple​​ That golden beast on the mountain. Climb the 300+ stairs (or wimp out on the cable car) for killer views. Sunrise is prime time – monks chanting, no tourist hordes, and air that doesn’t feel like soup.
• Elephant Nature Park​ Only ethical sanctuary that bans riding/bathing. Observe rescued elephants roaming freely. Skip exploitative "sanctuaries" with baths/rides .
• Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Tong)​​ Climb barefoot up limestone tiers like Spider-Man. An hour out of town, but worth the drive (rent a scooter or join a tour).