Whether you’re just coming back from an intensive jungle trek, walking past the beautiful temples for hours, or enjoying the cozy night markets: there’s one moment you’ll be looking forward to every day during your trip to Chiang Mai. The moment you put on your swimwear and take a refreshing dip in a beautiful pool.
Although Chiang Mai is located in the mountainous north of Thailand and has no beaches, here you will find some of the country’s most spectacular hotel pools. From sky pools on the roof to giant swimming paradises with slides and serene infinity pools on the river. In this guide we have collected the most beautiful hotels with a special swimming pool in Chiang Mai for you.
Tip: This article is part of our larger guide to Hotels in Chiang Mai. Also read that guide to immediately see which specific neighborhood best suits your travel plans!
Why choose a hotel with a special swimming pool in Chiang Mai?
In a tropical climate, a swimming pool is of course always nice, but in Chiang Mai it is really an essential part of your holiday:
- The perfect lunch break: In Chiang Mai you often plan your days in two parts: early on the road in the morning when it is still cool, and in the evening to the night markets. The hot afternoon hours are the perfect time to relax by the pool.
- Spectacular views: Because the city is surrounded by the impressive Doi Suthep mountain range, many rooftop pools offer an amazing view of the mountains during the sunset.
- Unique photos: The boutique hotels in Chiang Mai compete with each other in terms of design. This has resulted in very photogenic swimming pools (such as fully transparent glass walls) that you will not find anywhere else.
Which type of pool suits your travel style?
Not every pool is the same. If you are looking for a romantic holiday, you do not want noisy children who make bombs next to your sunbed. If you travel with the family, a compact and quiet design pool is less suitable. Therefore, think in advance whether you choose a serene infinity pool on the river, a hip rooftop pool in the city, or a large-scale swimming paradise.
Overview table: The Ultimate Swimming Pools in Chiang Mai
| Hotel | District | Type of Swimming Pool | Unique Feature |
| The Inside House | Old City | Private & Glass | Suites with own glass sky pools |
| Anantara Chiang Mai | Riverside | Infinity Pool | 34 meters long, right on the river |
| Shangri-La | Night Bazaar | Family Resort | Largest swimming pool with water slides |
Quick choice: Our favourites by pool type
- Best choice for couples & Instagram: The Inside House (pure romance with a pool on your own balcony).
- Best choice for luxury & tranquility: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort (towing laps overlooking the rippling river).
- Best choice for families with kids: Shangri-La Chiang Mai (a complete mini-water park in the city).
The Best Luxury & Infinity Pools by the River
If you are looking for space, tranquility and a wide view over the water, then the resorts in the Riverside district are the absolute top.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
This iconic 5-star resort features one of the most photographed swimming pools in Northern Thailand. The 34-meter-long infinity pool is located directly parallel to the Mae Ping River. The sleek design is enhanced by a giant wall of water hyacinths and sunbeds that float half in the water. It is the ultimate place to enjoy the passing boats with an ice-cold coconut drink in your hand.
Check current prices and availability of Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
Cross Chiang Mai Riverside
For those who love a modern, industrial design, Cross (formerly X2) is a gem. The pool is located here on the roof of the resort, overlooking the river and the mountains. What makes this pool so cozy is the adjacent bar where fantastic cocktails are shaken. The purple and red lights transform the pool into an atmospheric lounge area in the evening.
Check current prices and availability of Cross Chiang Mai Riverside
The Most Unique & Photogenic Swimming Pools (Design)
Do you like unique architecture and want a pool experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world? These design hotels take swimming to the next level.
The Inside House
This hotel in the Old City is an absolute dream for design lovers. In addition to a beautiful general swimming pool in the courtyard, The Inside House is known for having as many as 14 private pools. The Glass Pool Suites on the top floor have a private pool on the balcony with a full glass wall. You literally swim ‘in the air’ overlooking the golden roofs of the surrounding temples.
Check current prices and availability of The Inside House
The Best Large Pools for Families & Relaxation
Do you just want to shamelessly enjoy a huge swimming pool where you can live and where you can really pull laps? These two hotels are your match.
Shangri-La Chiang Mai
Shangri-La features the largest outdoor pool in the city centre. It is a tropical lagoon surrounded by palm trees and sunbeds. For children (and active adults) this is a paradise because of the presence of a fantastic water playground with multiple slides. Thanks to the enormous size of the pool, there is always a quiet place to relax reading a book.
Check current prices and availability of Shangri-La Chiang Mai
Pingviman Hotel
If you love the traditional, royal Thai atmosphere, then Pingviman in the Old City is fantastic. The swimming pool is centrally located on the courtyard and is richly decorated with traditional statues and fountains. The pool is wonderfully large and has an integrated jacuzzi. The contrast between the blue water and the dark, hand-carved teak wood of the hotel is breathtaking.
Check current prices and availability of Pingviman Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions about hotels with pools
Are the pools in Chiang Mai warm all year round?
Chiang Mai has a tropical climate, which makes the water a wonderful temperature for most of the year. However, pay attention if you travel in the ‘cool period’ (December and January). In these months, the mercury can drop at night to around 15 degrees. Because most swimming pools in Chiang Mai are not heated, the water in the early morning can be quite refreshing!
As a non-hotel guest, can you also use these swimming pools?
At most hotels, the pool is strictly reserved for hotel guests to ensure peace and privacy.
Are there towels available at the hotel pools?
Yes, at all 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels in our selection you do not have to bring your own towel to the pool. There is always a free, clean bath towel waiting for you at the sunbeds or the reception of the pool.
Conclusion
A good pool will make your trip to Chiang Mai complete. Whether you choose a hotel with a rooftop pool or a hotel with a pool next to the river: these hotels offer the perfect escape from the heat of the city.
Since hotels with these types of iconic swimming pools are very popular (and the boutique hotels often only have a small number of rooms), it is strongly recommended to book early. This is how you claim the room with the best view of the pool!
