Are you looking for an oasis of peace, do you want to escape the lively hustle and bustle of the city, but still be with the main sights in no time? Then Riverside is the ultimate neighborhood for your stay in Chiang Mai. Located along the banks of the idyllic Mae Ping river, you will find a completely different side of the city here.
Where the Old Town is all about culture and Nimman is all about hip hotspots, Riverside is all about relaxation, luxury and romance. From breathtaking 5-star resorts to small-scale, hidden boutique jewels on the water: these are the best hotels in Riverside Chiang Mai.
Tip: This article is part of our larger guide to Hotels in Chiang Mai. Also read that guide to compare the different neighborhoods!
Why choose a hotel in the Riverside of Chiang Mai?
Staying on the river in Chiang Mai offers unique advantages that you will not find in the rest of the city:
- Ultimate peace and quiet: The resorts on the river are often more spacious. No busy streets right outside your door, but the soothing sound of rippling water and whistling birds.
- Dining by the water: The district is known for its fantastic restaurants right on the river. In the evening you can enjoy live jazz music and great Thai food, while the lights on the water reflect.
- Better air quality and cooling: Thanks to the open space around the river, a refreshing breeze often blows, which is especially a relief in the warmer months.
- Luxury at a better price: The 5-star resorts on the river offer unprecedented value for money. What you pay here for absolute top luxury is a fraction of the prices in southern Thailand.
Which hotel to choose in the Riverside district?
In Riverside, it’s all about the resort experience. Most hotels have large gardens, lush pools and rooms with a private balcony that overlooks the river. Whether you choose a state-of-the-art design hotel or a historic colonial country house, comfort and top service are central here.
Overview table: The Top Finds in Riverside
| Hotel | Stars | Vibe | Unique Feature |
| Anantara Chiang Mai | 5 stars | Iconic & Contemporary | Built around the old British consulate |
| Na Nirand Resort | 5 stars | Romantic & Lanna | Beautiful wooden design around a giant tree |
| Little Shelter Hotel | 4 stars | Ultra-modern & Hip | Unique architecture with a spectacular roof terrace |
| Rimping Village | 4 stars | Domestic & Green | Small-scale family hotel in a quiet residential area |
Quick choice: Our favourites by travel type
- Best choice for peace seekers & luxury: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort (unmatched service and a beautiful infinity pool).
- Best choice for couples (honeymoon): Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort ( intimate, romantic and super atmospheric).
- Best choice for families & budget: Rimping Village (friendly prices, quiet atmosphere and very child friendly).
The Best 5 Star Hotels in Chiang Mai’s Riverside
For those looking for the absolute top in luxury and hospitality. These resorts are among the best in all of Thailand.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
This is without a doubt one of the city’s most iconic hotels. Anantara combines sleek, modern Asian design with colonial history; the centrepiece of the resort is the former 1921 British consulate. The rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and the beautiful, 34-metre-long infinity pool is located right on the river. The afternoon tea (High Tea) is world famous here.
Check current prices and availability of Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort
As the name suggests, romance is central here. This small-scale 5-star resort is completely built in traditional Lanna style with a lot of beautiful woodwork. The centerpiece of the lush garden is a giant, hundred-year-old tree. It is an oasis of peace where you are completely pampered.
Check current prices and availability of Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort
Cross Chiang Mai Riverside
For lovers of a sleek, modern and almost industrial luxury, Cross (formerly X2) is the perfect match. This design hotel has a striking interior with red bricks and large glass fronts. Highlight is the rooftop pool, including a cozy bar with an amazing panoramic view over the Mae Ping and the mountains.
Check current prices and availability of Cross Chiang Mai Riverside
The Best 4-Star Hotels in Chiang Mai’s Riverside
Excellent comfort and unique boutique concepts. These four-star hotels offer an unforgettable experience for a very nice price.
Little Shelter Hotel
This hotel is a dream for lovers of modern architecture and design. The outside is covered with thousands of transparent shingles that shine in the sun. Inside, traditional Thai patterns merge with minimalist décor. The hotel is located just outside the center, making it wonderfully quiet here.
Check current prices and availability of Little Shelter Hotel
Rimping Village
This charming hotel is located in a quiet, green residential area just behind the river (within walking distance of the famous iron bridge). It feels like a cozy Thai village. The hotel is small-scale, has a lovely swimming pool under the trees and is known for its extremely friendly, family service. Highly recommended for families with children!
Check current prices and availability of Rimping Village
Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel
Aruntara exudes a serene, British-colonial atmosphere mixed with Northern Thai influences. The rooms are decorated on the basis of the four elements (Earth, Wind, Fire and Water) and all have their own character. The pool is wonderfully sheltered and the terrace on the river is the perfect place for breakfast.
Check current prices and availability of Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel
Zensala Riverpark Resort
Are you looking for a small-scale design hotel with a hip, informal atmosphere? Located a little further upstream, Zensala offers rooms with direct access to the pool or private Jacuzzi. The concrete-look design gives it a tough look and the peace is absolutely guaranteed here.
Check current prices and availability of Zensala Riverpark Resort
The Best 3-Star Hotels in Chiang Mai’s Riverside
Enjoy the tranquility of the river without spending a fortune? These budget hotels prove it can.
Riverside House Hotel
Located directly on the Ping River, Riverside House Hotel offers affordable, cosy rooms with a homely and natural feel. Surrounded by a green garden, this property features an outdoor pool and a library, making it an ideal place to relax after a day in the city.
Check current prices and availability of Riverside House Hotel
Celosia Chiang Mai Hotel
The Celosia Chiang Mai Hotel is a modern and attractive hotel with a quiet atmosphere. The hotel itself is not located directly on the Ping River, but is located in a side street (Soi 2) of the Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road. The river is very close; you walk there in just a few minutes (about 150 meters walk). Guests can enjoy comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and relax by the outdoor infinity pool.
Check current prices and availability of Celosia Chiang Mai
Frequently Asked Questions about hotels in Riverside
Is Riverside not too far from the center and the sights?
No, that’s not so bad. Although you are not in the middle of the Old City, Riverside is right next to it (east of it). With a tuk-tuk or Grab taxi you can reach the Tha Phae Gate or the Night Bazaar within 5 to 10 minutes. Many of the luxury resorts in this list also offer a free shuttle service that will take you to the centre at set times and pick you up again.
Don’t you have mosquitoes on the river?
Around running water in a tropical climate, there are indeed often more mosquitoes active in the evening than in the dry concrete areas such as Nimman. Fortunately, the hotels play perfectly on this. Virtually every hotel in Riverside regularly sprays the gardens with natural means, offers free mosquito spray on the terrace and has rooms that are perfectly mosquito-tight.
Is the Riverside neighborhood suitable if you love going out and nightlife?
Riverside has a very different kind of nightlife than Nimman or the Old City. You will not find loud discotheques or backpacker bars, but fantastic, atmospheric locations with live music (especially jazz and blues) on the water, such as the famous The Riverside Bar & Restaurant. So it is perfect for a cozy, relaxing night out, but less suitable for real night owls.
Conclusion
The Riverside of Chiang Mai proves that you don’t have to travel to a Thai island for a luxurious, soothing resort experience. Whether you choose the iconic luxury of Anantara or the green tranquility of Rimping Village: on the river you will experience Chiang Mai in style and serenity.
Because the really good resorts on the river are small-scale and are very popular for weddings and romantic vacations, it is wise to always book your room in advance. This way you claim the best prices and avoid disappointment on arrival.
