Chiang Mai, Thailand’s cultural coronary heart, is the proper digital nomad, adventurer, and non secular seeker vacation spot in Southeast Asia. As Chiang Mai is so various, selecting the place to remain there might vastly affect your expertise of the town.
Under is my breakdown of the finest locations to remain in Chiang Mai and the most effective areas to remain (with strategies for some prime lodging to suit journey kinds and budgets).

1. Outdated Metropolis – Greatest for First-Time Guests
The historic heart of Chiang Mai is the Outdated Metropolis, enclosed behind outdated partitions and a moat. The world is walkable, stuffed with temples and native eateries, and culture-rich experiences.
High Stays:
- 🏨 U Chiang Mai – A classy boutique lodge within the coronary heart of the Outdated Metropolis with nice service and a rooftop pool.
- 🛏️ Inexperienced Tiger Vegetarian Home – A budget-friendly eco-hotel with an on-site vegetarian restaurant and a peaceable vibe.
2. Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) – Greatest for Digital Nomads & Cafés
Chiang Mai’s Nimman is a really stylish neighborhood and a really fashionable neighborhood. It has artwork galleries and it has an limitless variety of, I might say, Instagram-worthy espresso retailers.
High Stays:
- 🏨 Akyra Manor Chiang Mai – A luxurious boutique lodge with stylish rooms and a rooftop pool/bar.
- 🛏️ BED Nimman Lodge – Nice for finances vacationers, with clear, minimalist design and a welcoming environment.

3. Riverside – Greatest for Luxurious and Rest
The Riverside space of the Ping River in Riverside is a serene, upscale resort, riverside eating and a slow-paced space.
High Stays:
- 🏨 Anantara Chiang Mai Resort – A luxurious resort with a riverside pool, spa, and colonial attraction.
- 🛏️ Rimping Village – mid-range boutique lodge with a really feel of house and prime service near the river and night time bazaar.
4. Santitham – Greatest for a Native, Quiet Expertise
Santitham is simply north of the Outdated Metropolis, and is comparatively native, and never as stuffed with vacationers, cheaper eats, and has that genuine Thai vibe about it.
High Stays:
- 🏨 Zensala Riverpark Resort –Tucked away and peaceable, with scenic views of the river and countryside.
- 🛏️ Monkey Toe Guesthouse – An inexpensive however funky guesthouse for backpackers wanting a social vibe.
5. Doi Suthep Foothills – Greatest for Nature and Non secular Retreats
If you happen to’re in Doi Suthep mountain and are on the lookout for an excellent nature escape, this one is ideal. It additionally takes you to temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
High Stays:
- 🏨 Veranda Excessive Resort Chiang Mai – MGallery – A shocking mountain retreat with infinity swimming pools and panoramic views.
- 🛏️ Chomdoi Home Lodge – An reasonably priced stick with easy accessibility to each the mountain and Nimman.


Remaining Suggestions for Selecting Your Keep:
- 🚶♀️If you wish to stroll all over the place, keep in Outdated Metropolis.
- ☕ If you happen to love espresso, coworking, and nightlife, Nimman is your spot.
- 🌅 If rest and riverside sunsets are your factor, select Riverside.
- 🛵 Renting a scooter? You’ll have extra flexibility to remain in quiet, hidden-gem areas like Santitham or close to Doi Suthep.
Irrespective of the place you keep in Chiang Mai, you’re by no means removed from scrumptious meals, type locals, and the peaceable power this northern Thai metropolis is legendary for.