Often referred to as Thailand’s “second city”, loved by locals for its creative spirit and serene ambience, Chiang Mai is a place where ancient meets modern. On first impression it doesn’t seem particularly large, as its buildings are mostly low-rise, but it’s a wide metropolis, hemmed in by the mountains, jungle, river and rice fields that surround it. The close proximity to nature is a large part of Chiang Mai’s appeal, as are the reams of medieval architecture, cool live music venues, thriving art galleries and hundreds of beautiful temples – the north of Thailand being home to a deeply Buddhist population.
A vibrant university town and the kingdom’s capital of culture in the north, it’s also known for its delectable local food, hiking trails and its lovely inhabitants. While it’s long been a favourite with yogis, digital nomads and backpackers, recent years have seen Chiang Mai’s high-end hotel scene boom, with many properties making the most of elegant heritage buildings. Here is our pick of where to stay in Chiang Mai.
The best hotels in Chiang Mai
At a glance
1. The Four Seasons Hotel
The rice paddies of this Four Seasons, designed by lauded hotel architect Bill Bensley, foster the tranquility of staying in a remote, quintessentially Thai village – even a buffalo and his keeper do the rounds. Yet this tucked-away resort in the hills of Mae Rim is only a 30-minute drive north of the Old City. The standalone bungalows and villas that dot around the fields and infinity pool add to the secluded getaway feel, while the main buildings – a heavenly spa, vaulted ornate restaurant and high tech gym – are decked with teak wood interiors in old school Lanna (Northern Thai) style. As luxurious as any of the country’s Four Seasons, this branch comes in slightly cheaper than its Koh Samui counterpart, which is playing backdrop to the third season of The White Lotus.
Address: 502 Moo 1, Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Chiang Mai, 50180
Read more: Chiang Mai city guide – where to stay, eat drink and shop in Thailand’s northern creative hub
2. The Anantara Riverside Resort Hotel
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