There’s a reason why Chiang Mai is so beloved. There is something for everyone, whether it be food and drink, art, culture, or recreation. Here’s where to stay in Chiang Mai, based on your personality type.
Chiang Mai boasts a vast variety of hotels and resorts, whether they be in the Old City, the new city, or scattered higher up in the mountains. It’s a haven for charming boutique hotels and budget stays, yet there are still plenty of luxury accommodations, too. Where some touch on the history of the land, others highlight design and architecture. Where some benefit from a central location, others enjoy the privacy of being located a little further away from the walking streets.
Whichever way you choose to kick it, we’ve put together a list for various personality types and interests. From minimalistic boutique stays to grand histories and new openings, here’s where to stay in Chiang Mai, based on your personality type.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai, based on your personality type
You like to be in a central location, and enjoy walking around the Old City
Burirattana opened just last year in a prime location for those who like to walk around and explore the Old City. Embracing a “minimal Lanna essence,” the boutique hotel is inspired by the local landscape and its surrounding cultural institutions. With only 42 rooms, the hotel offers an intimate recluse after a day of exploring the charms of the city just outside. A minimalist yet contemporary design is accentuated with warm wooden accents, where traditional Lanna touches are met with modern comforts. This is also reflected in the hotel’s in-house restaurant, Kati, which serves up many northern favourites, such as larb and khao soi, but also modern cafe favourites like French Toast, greek yogurt bowls, and toasties.
You’re a fan of colonial architecture, and enjoy afternoon tea
Architecture and design lovers will adore Sela, a Lanna Colonial house with an exquisite Indo-Chinese interior. Located a little further out, and surrounded by mountain scenery, the house embraces the multicultural character of Chiang Mai. A sense of time travel persists throughout the property, with a European-inspired menu at Windows Cafe & Restaurant. After a stroll in nature, head back to the light-filled space and tuck into a Cafe de Paris-style steak and fries, Alemenia ham and melon, or an Almond Bakewell tart.
You love intimate, breezy resorts, and enjoy staying away from the crowds
Raya Heritage is a favourite with boutique hotel lovers for a reason. The elegant resort exudes an aura of calm, decorated in neutral earth tones, on the banks of the Ping river. A little further away from the city, the 33 spacious suite rooms look over a lush green garden and a relaxing pool area, harmoniously blending together the resort’s ethos of simplicity, sustainability, and tradition. Rise with the bird calls in the morning, and enjoy the local sweet treats (and local teas!) at the Cha Tea Terrace, for a stay that is as tranquil as it is refreshing.
You’re a bit of a history nerd, and enjoy learning about the heritage of a place
Chiang Mai has a rich history, and 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai is one of the city’s most beautiful hotels that honours this heritage. The beautiful teak wood house at the centre of the property was built in the late 1800s, and once housed the Borneo Company headquarters. Today, the luxury boutique hotel still exudes a lot of the magic from the past, in a series of suites each named after memories from its colonial history. Whether you enjoy creative cocktails in the Jack Bain’s bar, or embark on the resort’s historical tour, there’s plenty of story to uncover here. Fun fact to keep you hooked: Louis Leonowens was part of the set-up of 137 Pillars House back when it was the Borneo Company. His mother was Anna Leonowens, the English teacher who inspired the novel The King and I.
You like to be the first to stay at a new hotel
On our recent trip to Chiang Mai, we stayed at Le Meridien, which is located in the heart of all the action on Changklan Road. A great point to explore the city and return for well-deserved rest, the hotel is currently undergoing renovations, and is to be reopened as a Marriott hotel later this year. From what we can gage, it already looks very promising, with various dining outlets and plenty of spaces for recreation. An ideal stay that checks all the boxes.
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