If you are traveling to Chiang Mai for the first time, there is really only one place you really want to stay: the Old City. This historic, square centre, surrounded by a centuries-old city wall and a city moat, is the beating heart of the city. Here you can taste the authentic Thai atmosphere, stroll past dozens of temples and stand within a few steps at the most cozy markets.
Because the offer is huge, we have already done the preliminary work for you. In this article you will discover the absolute top accommodations, divided by budget, so that you are guaranteed to make the right choice.
Tip: This article is part of our larger guide to Hotels in Chiang Mai. Be sure to read that guide too to find out which neighbourhoods outside the city centre are worth a visit!
Why choose a hotel in the Old City Chiang Mai?
The Old City is the most popular base in Chiang Mai for a number of reasons:
- Everything is walkable: Where in cities like Bangkok you are always dependent on the metro or taxis, you can do almost everything on foot in the Old City. The distances are small and the streets are relatively quiet.
- Culture around the corner: Beautiful temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are literally in your backyard.
- Sunday Walking Street: The city’s most famous night market takes place in the middle of the Old Town. When you sleep here, you roll into bed after an evening full of street food.
- You save on transport: Because you are central, you hardly have to negotiate with tuk-tuk drivers, which saves you a lot of money and hassle.
Which hotel to choose in the Old City Chiang Mai?
Although the district is historic, you will find a huge diversity of hotels. From ultra-luxury hidden gems with private pools to small-scale, atmospheric family hotels. Virtually all accommodations are built in or inspired by the traditional Lanna style (lots of dark teak and warm lighting), which makes your stay extra atmospheric.
Overview table: The Top Hotels in the Old City
| Hotel | Stars | Vibe | Unique Feature |
| The Inside House | 5 stars | Colonial & Romantic | Rooms with glass private pools |
| Tamarind Village | 4 stars | Oasis of peace and culture | Built around a 200 year old tree |
| 99 The Heritage Hotel | 4 stars | Elegant & Historic | Beautiful black and white boutique design |
| The Twenty Lodge | 3 stars | Intimate & Budget Friendly | Quiet location in a hidden alley |
Quick choice: Our favourites by travel type
- Best choice for couples & luxury: The Inside House (breathtakingly beautiful and perfect for a honeymoon).
- Best choice for families: Pingviman Hotel (spacious rooms and a giant swimming pool).
- Best choice for solo travelers & budget: The Wing Lanna Hotel (modern, affordable and very social).
The Best 5-Star Hotels in the Old City Chiang Mai
Do you want to spoil yourself with luxury, top service and an oasis of peace in the middle of the city? These three top hotels offer absolute world class.
Rachamankha Hotel
For lovers of architecture and tranquility, Rachamankha is a dream come true. Designed by a famous Thai architect, this hotel feels like a secret, serene monastery. It is bursting with art, antiques and quiet courtyards. A unique experience for those who want to avoid mass tourism.
Check current prices and availability of Rachamankha Hotel
The Inside House
This is without a doubt one of Chiang Mai’s most photographed hotels. The hotel is built entirely in a white, colonial Lanna design. The absolute highlight? The Pool Suites, where you have your own (sometimes glass) pool on your terrace. Perfect for a romantic getaway.
Check current prices and availability of The Inside House
The Chiang Mai Old Town
This hotel combines modern luxury with traditional accents. It is located in a quieter part of the Old City, so you can sleep perfectly here. The beds are of top quality and the staff is very attentive.
Check current prices and availability of The Chiang Mai Old Town
The Best 4-Star Hotels in the Old City Chiang Mai
The perfect balance between luxury, comfort and an affordable price. These four four-star hotels all score fantastically.
Pingviman Hotel
If you like traditional Thai grandeur, then Pingviman is your place. The hotel is richly decorated with beautiful carvings and has very spacious rooms (usually with a jacuzzi bath). The outdoor pool is wonderfully large and perfect for cooling off after a hot day.
Check current prices and availability of Pingviman Hotel
The Rim Chiang Mai
Located on the quiet west side of the city canal. The Rim is built in a classic colonial style and is surrounded by tropical gardens. The atmosphere here is very relaxed and the restaurant serves excellent Thai food.
Check current prices and availability of The Rim Chiang Mai
Tamarind Village
This hotel is a household name in Chiang Mai. You reach it via a beautiful, bamboo-surrounded driveway. The hotel is built around a giant, 200-year-old tamarinde tree. It feels like a small Thai village and they organize daily free cultural activities for guests, such as making lanterns.
Check current prices and availability of Tamarind Village
99 The Heritage Hotel
Elegance at the top. This boutique hotel has a striking and stylish black and white interior that immediately impresses. It is located right next to the beautiful Wat Phra Singh temple. The personal attention and the free snacks/drinks during the day make this hotel an absolute favourite among travellers.
Check current prices and availability of 99 The Heritage Hotel
The Best 3-Star Hotels in the Old City Chiang Mai
Comfortable overnight stay in Chiang Mai does not have to be expensive. These three-star hotels offer a fantastic value for money and a swimming pool!
The Wing Lanna Hotel
A very nice, modern and sleekly decorated hotel. The rooms are compact but super clean and equipped with excellent air conditioning and beds. A perfect, affordable base.
Check current prices and availability of The Wing Lanna Hotel
The Twenty Lodge
Hidden in a quiet side street of the Old Town is this small-scale hotel. It has an intimate swimming pool in a green garden where you can relax. The rooms have a warm, wooden decor and the atmosphere is very homely.
Check current prices and availability of The Twenty Lodge
Lanna Tree Boutique Hotel
This cosy hotel is known for its hospitality; the owners and staff do everything to make you feel at home. It features a fine saltwater pool and is within walking distance of the city’s nicest street food markets.
Check current prices and availability of Lanna Tree Boutique Hotel
Hotel M Chiang Mai
If location is your highest priority, look no further. Hotel M is located directly on the Tha Phae Gate, the city’s most famous gateway. Once you walk out of the lobby, you’ll be right at the starting location of the Sunday Walking Street market. The rooms are modern and functional.
Check current prices and availability of Hotel M Chiang Mai
Frequently Asked Questions about Chiang Mai hotels in the Old City
How do I reach my hotel during the Sunday Walking Street market?
The main streets of the Old City are completely closed to vehicles every Sunday from 16:00. Do you have a hotel on the Ratchadamnoen Road or a direct side street? Then make sure you check in before then, or travel with light luggage so you can walk the last bit from the city wall.
Are hotels in the Old Town noisy?
In general, this is not so bad, because many hotels are hidden in quiet side streets (sois). However, do you have a hotel directly on the main roads or near Zoe in Yellow (the entertainment area in the northeast)? Then there may be noise pollution. The hotels in our list are all in quiet locations.
Can you park easily at hotels in the Old City?
No, parking is a big challenge in the Old Town because of the narrow streets. If you are planning to rent a car, choose a larger resort (such as Pingviman) that has its own, enclosed parking lot.
How to get from Chiang Mai airport to a hotel in the Old City?
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is surprisingly close to the centre. Within 10 to 15 minutes you are already at your hotel in the Old City. Upon arrival you can simply arrange an official airport taxi at the airport for a fixed rate (usually around 150-200 Baht, about €4 to €5). Another popular and reliable option is to order a ride through the Grab app (the Asian Uber).
Is transport (like the well-known red songthaews) easy to find in the Old Centre?
Yeah, easier than here, you’ll find it almost nowhere. As soon as you walk from the narrow side streets (sois) to one of the larger main roads, the iconic red pickup trucks (Songthaews) and tuk-tuks are constantly on and off. All you have to do is raise your hand. Because the Old City is compact, the drivers almost always understand your destination directly.
Are hotels in the Old City suitable for travelers who have difficulty walking or travel with a stroller?
This is an important point to look out for. Because the Old Town is historic, many smaller, traditional boutique hotels and guesthouses (often in the 3-star category) do not have a lift. In addition, the sidewalks in the narrow side streets are sometimes bumpy or very narrow. Are you having difficulty walking or traveling with a buggy? Then choose one of the larger 4 or 5 star resorts from our list. These are more modern, almost always have lifts and are more accessible.
Conclusion
The Old Town of Chiang Mai is without a doubt the most atmospheric and practical place to stay during your trip. Whether you choose the ultimate romance of The Inside House or the cozy, affordable atmosphere of The Twenty Lodge: you’re always in the right place.
Because the Old City is the city’s most popular neighbourhood, and the really good boutique hotels are small-scale, we advise you to always book your hotel well in advance. This way you prevent your favourite spot from being fully booked and you are assured of the best price!
