Planning a trip to Chiang Mai and wondering where to stay? Nestled in Thailand’s mountainous north, it offers the perfect blend of history, tradition, culture, and modernity. Whether you’re a backpacker, a digital nomad, or looking for a luxury retreat, this guide will explore all the areas to stay in Chiang Mai and help you find the best areas and hotels to match your budget and travel style. From the historic Old Town to the trendy Nimmanhaemin district and the scenic Riverside, each neighbourhood offers a unique experience.
The city is small and walkable, but each neighbourhood has its own unique vibe. Some areas are ideal for first-timers, backpackers, and budget travellers, while others are perfect for digital nomads or families. To help you make the best choice, I’ll break down Chiang Mai’s neighbourhoods, their highlights, and the best places to stay!
Of course, planning where to stay is just as important as planning what to do. So make sure to check out these blog posts for some inspiration on what to do in Chiang Mai:
- 5 Unique Things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Chiang Mai’s Hidden Gems: 6 Unique Experiences
- The best day trip from Chiang Mai: Chiang Dao
- Chiang Mai 2025 Travel Guide: Markets, Temples & More
Old Town – The Best Area for First Timers
If it’s your first time in Chiang Mai, staying in the Old Town is a no-brainer. This area is the heart of the city, surrounded by ancient walls and filled with temples. You can stroll through charming streets, visit famous temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, and soak in the colourful Lanna heritage.
Where to stay in the Old City?
In November 2025, we spent one week staying at Kavil Guesthouse. The location of this cozy guesthouse is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the Old Town and explore Chiang Mai by foot. Kavil Guesthouse lies right between Rachadamnoen Road – where the famous walking street takes place every Sunday – and Ratvithi Road – a popular area with many bars and clubs. Even though the location of this accommodation is pretty much perfect, you only have to spend 25€ per night to get a room overlooking Wat Chedi Luang.
What to do in the Old Town?
You find most of Chiang Mai’s sights in the Old Town – so don’t worry, you won’t run out of things to do. We both just enjoyed strolling through the Old Town’s little alleys. Other things you shouldn’t miss while staying in the Old Town are:
- Visit temples like Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Chiang Man
- Stroll along Walking Street and buy some souvenirs
- Enjoy a delicious bowl of boat noodles at Koleang Boat Noodle
- Relax or exercise at Buak Hard Public Park
- Enjoy a delicious coffee at Fern Forest Café
- Have a beer at the North Gate Jazz Co-Op
- Get massaged at the Women’s Massage Center by Ex-Prisoners
Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) – Best for Digital Nomads & Nightlife
If you love trendy cafes, nightlife, and art, Nimmanhaemin (or simply “Nimman”) is the place for you. Located near Chiang Mai University, this area is filled with chic coffee shops, boutique stores, rooftop bars, and international restaurants. It’s a top choice for digital nomads looking for a modern and happening area.
Where to stay in Nimman?
While we spent a lot of time in Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) we didn’t actually stay in a hotel there. But if you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable mid-range hotel, Art Mai Gallery Hotel is a top-rated choice. This 4-star boutique hotel is known for its artistic design, rooftop pool, and excellent location in the heart of Nimman. Guests love its spacious rooms, unique décor, and easy access to Chiang Mai’s best cafes, restaurants, and coworking spaces. If you want a modern stay in Chiang Mai’s trendiest neighborhood, Art Mai Gallery Hotel is a fantastic option!
What to do in and around Nimman?
Personally, I could spend the whole day wandering through Nimman as there are so many little artsy shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. But Nimman has more to offer than just trendy cafés and nightlife, and its close location to Chiang Mai University and Doi Suthep is another great advantage of Nimman. Some of the things you should do when staying in Nimman are:
- Go shopping at Maya Mall
- Wander through One Nimman
- Visit the Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders
- Get a coffee at Roas8ry Lab
- Go for a walk around the Angkaew Reservoir
- Visit the famous Doi Suthep
- Get cheap street food at Chiang Mai University Night Market
Riverside – Best for Luxury & Romantic Stays
The Riverside area of Chiang Mai, located along the Mae Ping River, is the best place to stay for luxury travelers, couples, and families looking for a peaceful and scenic retreat. This neighborhood is home to some of Chiang Mai’s most luxurious resorts, featuring lush gardens, stunning river views, and serene atmospheres that offer a welcome escape from the city’s busier districts like Old Town or Nimman. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a high-end resort experience, Riverside is the perfect choice.
In addition to its tranquil setting, the Riverside area boasts some of the best fine dining restaurants in Chiang Mai, offering everything from authentic Thai cuisine to international gourmet dishes. You can enjoy riverside dinners with breathtaking sunset views, visit boutique cafes, or indulge in a luxurious spa experience at one of the area’s high-end hotels.
Another huge advantage of staying in Riverside is its proximity to Chiang Mai Train Station, making it an ideal location for anyone planning to take the train to Bangkok or other destinations in Thailand. If you prefer a scenic and comfortable journey rather than flying, the Chiang Mai to Bangkok train ride is a great experience.
Where to stay in the Riverside area?
On our last trip to Chiang Mai, we didn’t stay in the Riverside area of Chiang Mai, but if you’re looking for a luxurious and peaceful stay, one highly-rated option is the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort. This 5-star riverside hotel is praised for its stunning design, excellent service, and breathtaking views of the Mae Ping River. Guests love its relaxing spa, infinity pool, and fine dining options, making it one of the best hotels in Chiang Mai for couples and luxury travelers. If you want a serene escape with easy access to the Old Town and Chiang Mai Train Station, Riverside is a fantastic choice!
What to do in the Riverside area?
The Riverside area has lots to offer. Some of our highlights are:
- Go on a boat trip along the Mae Ping River
- Buy flowers at the Florist Market
- Go shopping at Warorot Market
- Try Guay Jub at Guay Jub Chang Moi Tat Mai
- Enjoy riverside views and great food at The Good View Bar & Restaurant
Santitham – Best for an Authentic Local Experience
In my opinion, Santitham is the best area to stay in Chiang Mai. It offers a perfect mix of affordability, convenience, and authenticity. Located just north of the Old Town, this neighborhood is a bit quieter than other areas of Chiang Mai. You’ll find amazing street food, local markets, and affordable accommodations, making it a top choice for budget travelers, digital nomads, and long-term visitors. I might be biased because I’ve lived here for a year, but believe me, Santitham is a hidden gem in Chiang Mai!
If you’re looking for a more authentic experience in Chiang Mai, Santitham is the perfect place to stay. You won’t find as many tourists in this district. What you will find is local people living their daily lives, cheap street food and a relaxed vibe. And if you want to explore the historic Old Town, it’s just a short walk or a quick grab ride away.
Another major advantage of staying in Santitham is how close it is to the bus station, making it an ideal base if you plan to visit Chiang Dao or other destinations in Chiang Mai province. Planning a trip to Chiang Dao? Click here for an in-depth travel guide to Chaing Dao!
Where to Stay in Santitham?
After spending one week in the Old Town, we decided to extend our stay in Chiang Mai and spent one week at Sakulchai Place. The hotel is located on Huay Kaew Road and is in between the Old Town and the trendy Nimmanhaemin neighbourhood, putting it in an ideal location for anyone traveling without their own mode of transport. Sakulchai Place has an outdoor pool, a small gym, a restaurant and offers laundry services and car rentals. We really enjoyed our stay at Sakulchai Place and can only recommend it to anyone planning on staying in that area of Chiang Mai!
What to Do in Santitham?
Exploring Santitham gives you the opportunity to experience life like a local. While there might not be that many tourist attractions in this neighbourhood, that doesn’t mean you’ll be starving for things to do. These are some of our top suggestions for things to do in Santitham:
- Enjoy authentic Som Tam at Som Tam Udon
- Learn Thai Massage at the International Thai Massage School
- Watch a Muay Thai fight at Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium
- Buy food at Siri Wattana Market
- Get a sweet treat at the Crepe Buffet
- Go for a run at Chiang Mai Municipal Stadium
- Try traditional northern Thai food at Huen Muan Jai
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Stay?
So, what is the best area to stay in Chiang Mai? From the historic Old City and the trendy Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) district to the scenic Riverside, each neighborhood offers a unique experience.
- Old Town is perfect for first-time visitors, with its ancient temples, markets, and walkable streets. Stay at Kavil Guesthouse for a budget-friendly, centrally located stay.
- Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) is ideal for digital nomads and nightlife lovers, offering trendy cafes, coworking spaces, and rooftop bars. A great mid-range stay is Art Mai Gallery Hotel, known for its artistic design and rooftop pool.
- Riverside is the best choice for luxury travelers and couples, offering serene river views and high-end resorts. Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is a top-rated luxury stay with world-class amenities.
- Santitham is an authentic local neighborhood with cheap street food and affordable accommodations. Sakulchai Place is a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers.
Wherever you stay, Chiang Mai’s charm, culture, and vibrant atmosphere will make your trip unforgettable!
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