Neil Aronson These are the best luxury hotels that are highly recommended in and around Chiang Mai Thailand. A lot of the places to stay are right in the heart of the city. There are dozens of great options, so we are curating the best ones we know from experience. The best part is that you do not need to spend much to stay at high-end ‘resort’ type properties in Thailand.
It can be very overwhelming trying to decide where to stay in Chiang Mai for both new visitors and those of us who have been many times. We have stayed in and around Chiang Mai on over 30 visits. As residents an hour from Chiang Mai, we still like to visit new areas and stay at some of the nicer hotels.
As far a what areas you might want to be in, a lot depends on what you like to do. Do you want a vibrant nightlife scene? Or an area with lots of tourist attractions. Or maybe just peace and quiet outside of the city, in a mountain retreat. Either way we have you covered. Take a read of our article on a few of the different areas to stay.
Often getting the best deal on a luxury hotel depends on timing, but in Chiang Mai it often does not make sense. I have gotten amazing prices on high-end hotels even during peak times. Some of them on this list can be had for as little as $70 a night.
One thing people often wonder as well is what kind of room amenities does the hotel have. I can tell you even in most budget hotels these days you will find all these standard items, including breakfast. Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, fridge, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. Rooms include a private bathroom with a hairdryer, while certain rooms have a balcony and others also boast city views. All units have a safety deposit box. Every place has good Wi-Fi, and parking is free, assuming they have it. Some city locations have limited parking.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially Chiang Mai. They also book flights as well.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a cooking class to tours outside the city to places like Doi Inthanon National Park to see some incredible waterfalls.
Air Asia is the best airline for flying around the region, with flights all over Thailand and Asia.
Luxury Hotels In The City
I realize everyone is different and has their own tastes for how they want to spend their vacation. However my rule of thumb for staying in Chiang Mai is usually to be in a quiet, nice, stylish, affordable place that I can walk to things. Afterall, Thailand is not where you want to hang out all day at your hotel in the city anyway. Unless however you are staying at one of the these amazing luxury hotels.
Tamarind Village Hotel In city center, your higher end resort retreat in the city. Beautiful Asian style grounds with great facilities, rooms and luxury spa. Tamarind Village feels like a secret refuge in the heart of historic Old Town Chiang Mai. I can’t tell you how many times I have walked without even noticing it, because it is hidden behind tall walls and security. We finally stayed there, as you can get good rates.
This charming boutique property takes its name from the magnificent tamarind trees that shelter the hotel in their shady embrace, one of which is 200 years old. Walk down the ancient bamboo-lined lane, and you are in the center of the Old Town with its ancient temples, quaint shopping streets, and lively weekend street markets.
137 Pillars House Chiang Mai is an award-winning boutique hotel nestled in a lush residential area near Chiang Mai’s historic Wat Gate Temple and the Ping River. One of the top luxury hotels around. The hotel’s rich colonial heritage is rooted in the original teak homestead from the late 1800s, painstakingly preserved by architectural historians and conservationists.
The hotel offers 30 luxurious suites, each featuring high ceilings, spacious walk-in wardrobes, exquisite bathrooms with Victorian bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers, and four-poster beds. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including personal butler service, pillow menus, Bluetooth sound systems, and an indulgent in-room trolley stocked with premium brand spirits and Nespresso coffee machine. The hotel also offers a serene spa, fitness center, and a stunning 25m swimming pool.
Shangri-La: This large hotel boasts the biggest pool in the city, along with 277 guest rooms (designed in a modern Northern Thai style) and four places to eat. If you are looking for more of a Las Vegas style luxury hotels, then this might be for you.
The Shangri-La’s range of facilities makes it ideal for parents travelling with kids — there’s cartoon bedding for younger travelers, playpens, coloring sets, everything you need to feed/bathe a newborn, mini-bathrobes and slippers, a splash zone, kids’ club, and supervised creative activities run daily. Then while the kids are being entertained, you can indulge in a traditional Asian healing treatment at CHI, The Spa.
Meliá Chiang Mai, opened in April 2022, and it is the third Thai property for the Spanish hotel group, with its other Thai luxury hotels located in Phuket and Koh Samui. Meliá Chiang Mai is situated near the Ping River on Charoenprathet Road, this 254-room hotel consists of a striking seven-story podium building connected to a 22-floor tower.
There are seven room and two suite categories ranging from 30 sqm to 113 sqm all offering modern, functional amenities. Dining options include Mediterranean cuisine with Thai twists and a rooftop Mai The Sky Bar. The hotel also features a YHI Spa, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Combining European chic with warm Thai hospitality right in the heart of Chiang Mai makes this an ideal choice for leisure travelers looking for a convenient base to explore the city.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort: Step off a busy Chiang Mai road into the serene world of this wonderfully understated urban retreat on the banks of the Ping river. The hotel is located on historic Charoen Prathet Road, not far from the Governor’s Residence.
And for nightlife you are close to some of more trendy bars and restaurants of the riverside area. This contemporary-style property with minimalist touches is arranged around the former British consulate and offers stylish, retro-fitted rooms and great facilities.
Chala Number 6 is a 5 star Boutique resort in the heart of the Old City. If you want to stay in one of the top luxury hotels in the city and be able to walk to all the sights, then this might be for you. It is located by Wat Chedi Luang, one of the top temples to see. Walk to museums and the Cultural Center, dozens of other temples, and the Sunday Walking Street.
Beside the spectacular grounds and rooms, on site you can indulge in the Waya Spa, a salon, gym, and of course the stylish pool.
Bodhi Serene Our top pick. Incredible value for how nice it is. Great location to walk and friendly staff. The pool is beautiful, as are the grounds. The rooms are super nice. We stayed in a standard room which was a little small. However we also have stayed in a 2 bedroom suite, for less than $100, and it was gigantic with full kitchen, dining room, and two hot tubs. Great for two couples or family.
Buri Suri– In Nimman, is in a perfect location to walk to everything in that area of town. This a really not in most peoples luxury hotels list, since it is more mid-range in price. However I think it has the feel of one of the luxury hotels, without too many frills. Very nice, and great pricing for they quality you get. The style is European Boutique, with well designed rooms and a great pool and outdoor space.
Akrya Manor boasts a rooftop infinity swimming pool (Rise Bar) and situated just a short stroll from Nimmanhaemin Road. The hotel also features one of the better Italian restaurants in the area, Italics. Akyra Manor Chiang Mai is a luxurious all-suite hotel walking distance to all the trendy shops and restaurants the area has to offer, such as One Nimman.
Hotel Sensai Nimman is located close to the other recommendations of luxury hotels for the Nimmanhaemin area. Only 24 rooms give it that unique vibe. Rooms of the bottom floor have direct pool access outside their door. This hotel is geared for couples looking for a romantic escape. No kids under 13 allowed!
Luxury Hotels North Of The City
Just 30 minutes north of the city is the Mae Rim area with waterfalls, amazing cafes, and tons of activities. These are four of the best places to stay in that area.
Pak Ram is north in the Mae Rim area mountains. Simply amazing. You get a private luxury villa for the price of a mid-range hotel. It is close to all activities in Mae Rim. Breakfast is also included. There are amenities besides the great room, pool, and peaceful setting.
The bathroom is bigger than a lot of hotel rooms! There is also a huge private patio with a gazebo with ceiling fan. I had to put it on this luxury hotels list because it felt like a luxury hotel, even though I paid $65.
Phu Morinn Cafe and Camping Top choice for those who like ‘glamping’ and starring at the stars. If you like luxury hotels and camping together, this is your answer. Located further up the mountain in Mon Jam hilltribe community.
Four Season Chiang Mai Located north of city center in Mae Rim Valley close to nature, golf, Mae Sa waterfall, zipline, and many more things to do. This stunning Northern Thai Lanna-style retreat is set amidst a luscious garden dotted with lily ponds. This may be considered one of the top luxury hotels in Chiang Mai.
With wonderful hospitality, two pools, two restaurants, intriguing on-site activities and opportunities to explore the countryside, guests may choose to forego a visit to town altogether. If you do want to go exploring, you are minutes away from one of the best areas with tons of things to do, Mae Rim.
O n s e n @ M o n c h a m is a cultural retreat where guests will find themselves at one with nature while experiencing a harmonious blend of Japanese Onsen Rituals and Northern Thai Culture. The resort retreat is located further past Mae Rim, halfway up the mountain going to Mon Jam Hilltribe community.
Guests can indulge in massages at the spa, and international cuisine is served at Onsen At Moncham, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This luxurious hotel also features a bar/lounge, a terrace and a garden.
I hope this helps you plan your visit to Chiang Mai. Remember, to get Travel Insurance for your trip as well.
For more on hotels and one of the best areas outside the city for nature, things to do like zipline and waterfalls, read our post on Mae Rim. Just 30 minutes north of the city center, there are things to do for everyone, and some amazing hotels.
