- Updated: 22nd March 2023
Stress-out on your upcoming trip to Chiang Mai? Hotels in Chiang Mai are some of the most affordable and relaxing in Thailand. Chiang Mai’s boutique hotels provide both traditional Thai etiquette and local charm sprinkle with comforting amenities.
You can find peaceful and quaint hidden gems in popular places to stay in Chiang Mai together with all the top attractions in beautiful locale that has something special to offer.
So yeah, most travelers prefers boutique hotels due to its excellent personal service and great locations. The best thing is that, they allow food delivery service to their premises.
Here’re my list of 10 top boutique hotels near and outside the city which are pretty safe, clean and comfortable for every type of travelers.
- COZYTEL
- Hotel De Wualai
- Family House Zen Boutique Resort
- The Empress Premier Hotel Chiang Mai
- Ping Nakara Hotel
- The Nimman Hotel
- V Residence
- Phu Phop Kham
- Magic Mountain Cafe
- Chomdoi Condotel
1. COZYTEL
The boutique hotel is located at the oldest and the most historical locality in Chiang Mai. Cozytel is a great place to stay for first time visitor with nightlife, amazing temples and notably the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar just a few steps away.
This hotel in Chiang Mai is like a cross between a budget-friendly and a boutique hotel. It has all the amenities such as swimming pool and a cute little balcony in every rooms.
All you ever need is Google Map app on your smartphone for easy route planning. From walking to booking a Grab cab, you’ll never get lost exploring the city and back to the hotel.
Only in-house Ala Carte breakfast sets are available. But why pay more when you can order cheap food delivery for dine-in meals with food delivery app such as Grab and Foodpanda.
Chiang Mai old town is also the best launching pad for road trips to most of the top sightseeing and places of interest which usually takes a day or less to complete.
When you have enough of touring and shopping, just chill out at the hotel’s quiet and pleasant swimming pool or go for a soothing traditional massage across the small road.
There are tons of affordable stalls, kiosks, restaurants etc catering to all types of tourist here. You can find your favorite meals a walking distance away.
Where To Eat:
- Dine in – Grab & Foodpanda delivery app
- Lunch – Yada Kitchen, Huen Phen Restaurant
- Street Food – Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
- Dinner – Chang Phueak Market
Top places to visit:
- Oasis Spa
- Elephant Sanctuary & Sticky Waterfall
- Wat Muen San Temple
- Thai Orchid Cookery School
- Address: 23/1 Jhaban Road Sriphum, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand
- Contact: +66 97 998 8199
- Facebook: cozytel/
- Review: Tripadvisor
2. Hotel De Wualai
Hotel De Wualai is located in a tiny slip road amidst a peaceful residential area. Hard to locate as it’s hidden from the main road. Not a problem if you utilize Grab cab service for easy pickup/drop off to hotel.
Situated in a quaint neighborhood overlooking rows of private terrace houses, the hotel offers garden and mountain view making Wua Lai town one of the best boutique hotels to stay in Chiang Mai.
It’s a unique place to stay because there are no higher building around for miles. From the outside, this nondescript hotel does not look fancy, but walk into the rooms and you will find it clean and spacious.
The suite rooms at the corner of the hotel has a private balcony with pretty cool mountain view and a big patio area for exclusivity, best for couple vacations.
Not many tourists know about this laid-back area for a super peaceful and unhurried vacation. Wua Lai fits the bill, where you can just laze around with plenty of nature and greenery.
Coffee shops serving freshly-made pastries and croissants are only a stone thrown away. Don’t be anxious if you find the streets a little dimly lit at night. I’ve been safely walking around that area numerous times.
Here, you’ll find pretty awesome cafes with beautiful garden settings and friendly travelers having their morning breakfast. Kadmanee is my favorite night market with a beer garden surrounded by a calming water fountain.
The best thing is, the most famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar ( Saturday Night Bazaar) is only 6 minute walking distance from Hotel De Wualai.
Breakfast:
Street Food: A must go – Famous Saturday Night Market Walking Street (only Saturdays) for a variety of everything.
Dinner: If you feel peckish, take a 10mins walk using your smart phone’s Google Map for direction to Wua Lai Walking Street.
Or book a Grab cab which cost less than 100 baht to nearby Kad Manee. You can find tons of local food and F&B outlets while relaxing on a traditional wooden mat around a water fountain.
- Address: 3/3 Wua Lai Road Soi 5 Haiya Amphur, Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand
- Contact: 053-274224
- Facebook: dewualai/
- Review: Tripadvisor
3. Family House Zen Boutique Resort
Family House Zen Boutique Resort in Pai is pretty much like chalets with a terrace amidst peaceful surroundings. Free from all the noise and yet walking distance to F&B, Pai Walking Street and 300m from the bus station.
Super attentive staffs to help with all your needs. Rooms are kept fresh when you arrive from the winding road trip.
The rooms doesn’t look fancy but importantly, beds are always kept clean and comfortable. Room size is suitable for couples while it’s a bit cramp for 3 persons, although 3 bedded rooms are available.
Further up the Mae Hong Son loop is a town that has been a backpacker’s favorite for decades and the best area for sightseeing,
Pai District is about 80km from Chiang Mai with a laid back vibe. A relaxing mountain paradise as well as a chill out village at night.
This quant mountain precinct is great for solo, couples and backpackers depending on the season. With most of the attractions outside of town, the most popular ways of getting around Pai is by renting a scooter.
I don’t recommend doing that in Chiang Mai city though, but not much an issue here, just ensure your rental bike is insured and in good condition.
If you wish to check out Family House Zen Boutique Resort in Pai, there are tons of minivan transfer from Chiang Mai city. The journey takes about three and a half hours plus 15 minutes break.
- There are only 3 ways to visit Pai. By daily minibus, rental vehicles including bikes and air service from Chiang Mai airport.
- If you travel by road, bring along motion sickness pills for those not use to winding roads on most of the mountainous trip.
Where To Eat:
- Breakfast: Blue Ox, A Taste Of Joy
- Lunch: Na’s Kitchen
- Dinner: Ganesh Bar & Restaurant
Tourist places to visit:
- Land Split
- Pam Bok Waterfall
- Coffee In Love (Amazing Viewpoint)
- Yunnan Chinese Village
- Yun Lai Viewpoint
- Pai Canyon (Sunset)
- Sunflower Fields
- World War 2 Memorial Bridge
- Hot Springs
- Lod Cave
- Address: 354 Moo 1 Mae Hee Subdistrict, Pai 58130 Thailand
- Contact: +66 83 541 3304
- Facebook: familyhousezen/
- Review: Tripadvisor
4. Empress Premier Hotel
The Empress Premier hotel is like you’ re paying for a 5-star hotel in Chiang Mai at a big discount. Its one of those boutique hotels in Chiang Mai with full facilities.
You’ll get pretty outstanding guest relation service starting with welcome drink, delightful fruit plate and the whole works.
This hotel offers luxurious spacious rooms with city and mountain views. There’s even an ATM machine if you’re in need of cash beside the hotel.
Professional managed staffs from front office to bell hop. No flaws except there’re little to no activities around the vicinity.
Free upgrade to suite if your request is accepted. Nevertheless, you’ll still be treated like a Rockstar. The downside is there’s nothing much to do but the upside is you get a placid and peaceful environment on the Ping River.
Where To Eat:
If you love a quiet corner just for the two of you, I would suggest Comedara Lanna style Restaurant. An airy and relaxing environment on the banks of the Ping River with pretty comfortable atmosphere.
- All Day Dinning: The Good View Bar & Restaurant
- Tea & Snacks: Vieng Joom On Teahouse
Top things to do:
- River Cruise
- Doi Suthep Tours
- Elephant Sanctuary
- Address: 199/42 Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Chiang Mai
- Contact: +66 53 253 099
- Facebook: empresspremier/
- Review: Tripadvisor
5. Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel
The Lanna Colonial-style Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa is conveniently located near Chiang Mai city’s top attractions. Located near the Ping River, this property is more like a up-market boutique resort.
If money is not an issue then this cool hotel provide an amazing experience from airport pick up in an old classic Mercedes Benz to on-site traditional massage and spa services.
They have a tiny restaurant with a terrace that faces the pool, and if you’re hungry, you can check out their room service menu, so don’t hesitate to place your order!
Even though staying at Ping Nakara Boutique hotel costs twice as much as at Empress Premier, it looks and feels incredibly elegant and offers a tranquil garden view.
- Address: 135/9 Charoenprathet Road,T. Changklan, A. Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Chiang Mai
- Contact: +66 53 252 999
- Facebook: empresspremier/
- Review: Tripadvisor
6. The Nimman Hotel
The Nimman hotel in Chiang Mai offers highly- trained staffs and is located close to Chiang Mai’s nightlife and tons of restaurants. It offers a stylish and stress-relieving environment a short distance from the city.
The property is located in the center of Nimman with fabulous breakfast and extremely clean comfortable beds. Its a value for money hotel in Chiang Mai with pretty fast WiFI.
Nimman Road is the most hip place to stay in Chiang Mai and one of the most expensive as well. If you are a foodie, you could devote the whole day embracing gluttony and still won’t cover the endless chow on offer.
Millennial travelers love to stay in this area because it’s close to the city, shopping malls, airports, market and everything else.
The area is a bit more on the high scale, great for those into arts & crafts. Good hangout at tons of cafes and a vibrant expat-friendly community.
There’re not much places of interests or top attractions for holiday makers here. Good for digital nomads and long term visitors.
- Address: 29 Nimmanhemin Road Soi 17, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand
- Website: nimmanhotel/
- Review: Tripadvisor
7. V Residence
Being a guest at V Residence in Doi Suthep is a comfort with easy access to some of the areas well-known tourist attractions, cheap eateries, cafés and shopping.
Located on the outer ring road, Doi Suthep mountain is situated in the west of Chiang Mai city. The locale is not so well-known with European tourists compare to Thapae Gate but it has its own charm.
This boutique hotel is ideal for tourists looking for a more relax, none congested location with tons of eateries and near to Kad Na Mor night market within walking distance.
Most of the hotels around Doi Suthep are shabby and out of date but V Residence is the newest kid on the block. Plus, the rooms are pretty huge with king size bed, free cable TV etc and a balcony.
Like most of the smaller Chiang Mai hotels, common amenities here are minimal with just a reception counter and a lobby for guest to lounge around while waiting for Grab food delivery or cab ride service.
The V Residence is a great boutique hotel in a quiet area, so if you’re searching for inexpensive hotels in Chiang Mai that won’t require you to give up your beauty sleep or squeeze past throngs of tourists, then it’s a good option for you to consider.
Where To Eat:
- Breakfast: Cholly Café
- All Day Dinning: Boat Bakery & Restaurant
- Dinner: Malin Plaza
Top things to do:
- Shop at Maya Lifestyle Mall
- Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Chiang Mai Zoo
- Hike at Doi Suthep mountain
- Address: 10/10 Moo 2 Kanklong Road T.ChangPhuk, A.Maung, Chiang Mai 50300 Thailand
- Facebook: vresidence/
- Review: Tripadvisor
8. Phu Phop Kham
Located high up in the mountain of Doi Chang, Phu Phop Kham is the ideal boutique hotel for you to stay if you fall in love with mountains, experience a sea of floating misty cloud and feel the freshest air.
The resort is located along the summit of Doi Chang. With only a few villas for guests to stay, it’s super private and the best part is you are able to observe the expansive mountain without any obstructions.
En route to the boutique hotel along the mountainous road, you can stop at a number of different coffee cafes. Each of them offers breathtaking views of Doi Chang’s stunning valley and mountain range.
Phu Phop Kham can only be reached by only two ways. Either book a SUV/Minivan transfer or self drive. It’s much cheaper that you book a rental car in Chiang Mai and drive up as the road at Doi Chang is pretty acceptable.
Most of the boutique hotels at Doi Chang mountain only has 4 – 6 villas, so you need to make booking 3 months ahead of your vacation.
Phu Phop Kham is not listed with any leading hotel booking platform. You can easily contact them via their Facebook page. Communication is not an issue as the staffs speaks standard English.
- Address: 262 หมู่ 4 ตำบล วาวี อำเภอ แม่สรวย จ เชียงราย , Mae Suai, Thailand, Chiang Rai
- Facebook: phuphopkham/
9. Magic Mountain Cafe
Visit the captivating villa with hot tub at Magic Mountain Café for high altitude, foggy clouds and tons of fresh air. This is another boutique hotel popular among locals with quality coffee freshly brewed for you.
Each of the only two cottages – yes only two, available offers peace and tranquility that you crave especially for couples getaways.
Whether you want to relax on your private balcony in a hot tub or reconnect with nature, Magic Mountain offers the best retreat as you indulge in the panoramic mountain views.
The two units are linked by a picturesque outdoor dining area with lovely settings. The rustic-chic cottages include enormous panoramic windows and floor-to-ceiling timber paneling.
This Instagram-able boutique hotel is situated along the Mae Hong Son loop and can only be reached by 3 hours drive from Chiang Mai with chartered Minivan/SUV guide or self drive.
There are two cottages on offer, so you need to make your booking 4-5 months ahead of your travel plans. Booking is only feasible via their Facebook page.
- Address: Pha Chang Noi, Pong District, Phayao 56140, Thailand
- Contact: +66 90 444 0991
- Facebook: magicmountain/
10. Chomdoi Condotel
Condotel is gaining popularity in vacation living and with worthy cause! According to Airbnb’s co-founder and CEO, Brian Chesky – “They don’t want to be in crowded hotel districts. And so we think demand is going to be strong in the future”
Chomdoi Condotel is like a conventional home and stocked with comforts and conveniences within a safe neighborhood, Information office, swimming pool, fitness center, mini mart and laundry service.
Furthermore, restaurants, cafes, shopping malls and night markets are only a short walk from the property – an awesome plus point when you can order food delivery anytime.
Chomdoi comes with full kitchen utilities so you don’t need to worry about missing out on cutleries. There are several units listed on Airbnb and can be booked on a weekly and monthly basis.
The best thing is, the cost is much lower than boutique hotels in Chiang Mai and you get a super host that is available at all times to assist in all your needs.
What I appreciated most about Chomdoi Condotel was that the unit is so clean and most of all it’s best for an undisturbed good night sleep. Just ensure you shut the tempered glass sliding door as the building is near a main road.
Note: Chomdoi Condotel is located a walking distance away from V Residence, so you can check out all the places of interest on above the content. The property is only available for booking at Airbnb.
FAQ
The most affordable and safest way is by taxis. Upon clearing arrival, proceed to Chiang Mai Airport Taxi or Taxi Meter service booths.
Both of the operators offer same fixed price (150 Baht) to city and outer ring area. Payment will be made directly to the driver upon reaching your destination.
To avoid inconvenient and a smooth ride, ensure you have some loose change in hand like a couple of hundred Baht.
You need to download the Grab and Foodpanda apps available at Google or iOS app stores
Grabtaxi is available on the same Grab food app. You can pay the driver in Thai Baht.
Sadamnern Liquor Store has a wide range of Liquor and the price is reasonable. Best thing is, price tag is pasted on bottle, so it's a honest deal. Google for opening time.
Address: 46/4, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
There are tons of 7-Eleven stores but the cheaper option is to get them at Mini Mart such as Big C which has plenty of outlets as well.
