What is the cheapest area to stay in Chiang Mai?

The Old City (the square inside the moat) and the streets just outside Tha Phae Gate have the densest cluster of cheap, well-reviewed guesthouses in Chiang Mai — real rooms from around £12–20 a night. You are walking distance to the temples, the Sunday Walking Street market and dozens of cafes, and songthaews (shared red trucks) into town cost about 30 baht. Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) is trendier and a little pricier; the riverside is quieter and mid-range.

How cheap are hotels in Chiang Mai in 2026?

Genuinely cheap. On midweek dates the budget tier in this guide runs roughly £12–23 a night for a real private room — guesthouses like Lilu Chiangmai and Chiangmai Boutique House start around £12–15, and even a 3-star boutique in the Old City often sits under £25. Chiang Mai is one of the best-value city breaks in Asia for UK travellers, especially in the June–October green season when rates dip further.

Are there hostels in Chiang Mai under £15 a night?

Yes. The Common Hostel is a well-reviewed sociable option from around £14 a night, and several Old City guesthouses on this list price private rooms in the same £12–15 band — so two people sharing often pay less for a private room than for two dorm beds. Chiang Mai is one of the few cities where the cheap private guesthouse, not the hostel, is the smart backpacker move.

How do I get from Chiang Mai airport (CNX) to the Old City?

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is only about 4 km from the Old City — a 10–15 minute drive. A metered airport taxi or a Grab ride costs roughly 120–200 baht (about £3–5), and many hotels offer a free or cheap pickup. It is one of the shortest airport transfers of any major Thai city, which is why the airport-side budget hotels on this list still work for a quick stay.

Which Chiang Mai hotels are best for families?

For space and a pool without Old City prices, look at riverside and resort-style stays: Khum Phaya Resort & Spa and RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort have gardens and pools, while The Empress Premier and the Chiang Mai Marriott give big rooms and family facilities. On a budget, Yantarasri Resort and Diamond River Ping have room and a pool for a fraction of the price. Families also like being near the Night Bazaar for easy dinners.

When is the cheapest time to visit Chiang Mai?

June to October is the green (rainy) season and the cheapest — rain usually comes in short afternoon bursts, the countryside is lush, and hotel rates drop. The cool, dry season (November to February) is the peak: perfect weather but higher prices, especially over Loy Krathong in November and the New Year holidays. Avoid the March–April burning season if you are sensitive to air quality, and expect a spike around Songkran in mid-April.

Is Chiang Mai cheaper than Bangkok or Phuket?

Generally yes. Chiang Mai's food, transport and mid-range hotels are cheaper than Bangkok and noticeably cheaper than Phuket's beach resorts. The budget tier here starts around £12 a night against roughly £13 in Bangkok, and dining and day trips (temples, elephant sanctuaries, waterfalls) cost less than the islands. It is Thailand's best-value base for a longer, slower stay.

Where should I stay in Chiang Mai for the first time?

First-timers should stay in or just outside the Old City. You are surrounded by the historic temples, the moat and the two big markets (Saturday and Sunday Walking Streets), and everything is walkable. If you want cafes, co-working and nightlife, base yourself in Nimman instead; if you want quiet and a river view, choose a riverside hotel. All three are 10–15 minutes apart.

What is the most luxurious hotel in Chiang Mai?

Among the properties in this guide, the Shangri-La Chiang Mai, the Chiang Mai Marriott and Meliá Chiang Mai are the polished international five-stars with full spas and big pools, while U Nimman Chiang Mai and The Chiang Mai Old Town offer boutique five-star design closer to the action. Khum Phaya Resort & Spa and RatiLanna Riverside deliver a Lanna-style resort feel with gardens and river frontage.

How much should I budget per day in Chiang Mai?

Comfortably, a budget traveller can do Chiang Mai on £30–45 a day all-in — a £12–20 guesthouse, £8–12 on food (street food and cafes are cheap), and £5–10 on songthaews, Grab and temple entry. Add a day trip to an ethical elephant sanctuary or Doi Suthep and you might spend £30–50 that day. Mid-range travellers with a pool hotel and sit-down dinners still rarely top £80 a day.

What are ethical elephant sanctuaries near Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is the base for Thailand's best-known ethical elephant sanctuaries, in the hills an hour or two from the city, where you feed, walk and bathe elephants but do not ride them. Reputable no-riding sanctuaries run half- and full-day visits with hotel pickup. Book directly and check the ethics: genuine sanctuaries prohibit riding, bullhooks and performances. Your Old City or Nimman hotel can arrange a pickup, and most day trips include transport from your door.

Is Chiang Mai's Old City walkable?

Very. The Old City is a roughly 1.5 km square inside the moat, and you can cross it on foot in about 20 minutes. Most of the famous temples — Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chiang Man — are inside it, and the Sunday Walking Street market fills its main road. It is one of the most pedestrian-friendly historic centres in Thailand, which is why so many of the cheap guesthouses on this list are worth their location.

How do I get to Doi Suthep temple from the city?

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sits on the mountain about 15 km northwest of the Old City. Shared songthaews (red trucks) run up from near Chiang Mai University or Chang Phuak Gate for a few hundred baht return, or a Grab or private car is quicker. Go early to beat the crowds and the heat; the temple's golden chedi and city viewpoint are the classic Chiang Mai half-day. Many hotels can arrange a driver.

Are there direct flights from the UK to Chiang Mai?

No. There are no direct flights from the UK to Chiang Mai — you connect through Bangkok (BKK or DMK) or a Gulf hub such as Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi, then take a short domestic hop to Chiang Mai (CNX). The Bangkok–Chiang Mai flight is about 75 minutes and runs many times a day on Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways and Nok Air, so connections are easy.

Is Nimman (Nimmanhaemin) a good area to stay in Chiang Mai?

Nimman is Chiang Mai's trendy district — coffee shops, design boutiques, co-working spaces, the MAYA and One Nimman malls, and a young nightlife scene. It suits digital nomads, cafe lovers and repeat visitors who already know the Old City. U Nimman Chiang Mai is the standout stay here. It is a 10-minute drive or songthaew from the Old City temples, so you are never far from the sights.

What is the best time for good weather in Chiang Mai?

November to February is the sweet spot — warm days around 28–32°C, cool evenings, low humidity and clear skies. This is peak season, so book ahead for Loy Krathong (November) and New Year. March to May is hot, and late February to April can bring smoky air from agricultural burning in the region. June to October is green and wet but still very visitable, with cheaper rooms.

Do I need to stay near the Night Bazaar?

Not necessarily, but it is convenient. The Night Bazaar area (east of the Old City toward the river) is full of hotels, restaurants and the nightly market, and it is well connected to the airport and river. If shopping and easy dinners matter to you, base here or at a riverside hotel; if temples and morning markets matter more, stay in the Old City. Both are a short songthaew apart.

Can I pay by card in Chiang Mai or do I need cash?

Carry cash. Guesthouses, street food, songthaews, markets and temple donations are cash-only or cash-preferred, in Thai baht (THB). Bigger hotels and malls take cards, and 7-Eleven is everywhere for top-ups and SIMs. ATMs are plentiful but charge a per-withdrawal fee, so take out larger amounts less often. Grab lets you pay by card or cash for rides.

Which Chiang Mai hotels have a good pool?

For pools, the resort-style stays win: Khum Phaya Resort & Spa, RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort, the Shangri-La and the Chiang Mai Marriott all have full pools with gardens or river views. In the mid-range, Pingviman Hotel and Eastin Tan Hotel offer stylish pools closer to the Old City. Even some budget picks like Yantarasri Resort and Diamond River Ping have a pool for well under £25 a night.

Is Chiang Mai safe for solo and female travellers?

Chiang Mai is one of the safest cities in Thailand for solo and female travellers — it is relaxed, walkable and used to independent visitors and digital nomads. Standard city sense applies (watch belongings in busy markets, use Grab at night), but the Old City and Nimman are calm and well-lit. Its long-stay traveller community makes it easy to meet people, and hostels and cafes are natural social hubs.

How many days do I need in Chiang Mai?

Three to four days covers the essentials — the Old City temples, Doi Suthep, a night market, and one big day trip such as an ethical elephant sanctuary or the Doi Inthanon national park. Many travellers stay a week or longer because it is cheap, comfortable and a great base for the north. If you are combining it with Bangkok and the islands, budget at least three nights here.

What is Songkran and does it affect Chiang Mai hotels?

Songkran is the Thai New Year in mid-April, and Chiang Mai hosts one of the country's biggest celebrations — a multi-day citywide water fight centred on the Old City moat. It is huge fun but rooms sell out and prices rise, so book the Old City well ahead if you want to be in the middle of it, or a little further out if you want a quieter base. Expect to get soaked either way.

Are Chiang Mai's cheap guesthouses actually good?

Many are excellent value. The budget guesthouses on this list are real, currently operating properties with hundreds or thousands of reviews between them — Collection O Khu Mueang, Rendezvous Oldtown, Baan Ratchiangsaen and Le Canal Boutique House all combine Old City locations with rooms under £25. Set expectations for simple rooms and small pools, but cleanliness and location are usually strong for the price.

Can I stay near an ethical elephant sanctuary?

Most travellers stay in Chiang Mai city and visit the sanctuaries on a day trip with pickup, because the sanctuaries are up in the hills an hour or two away and the city is where the food, temples and transport are. Some sanctuaries offer their own overnight stays, but for a first visit it is easiest to base in the Old City or Nimman and let the sanctuary collect you from your hotel in the morning.

What should I eat in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is northern-Thai (Lanna) food country. The signature dish is khao soi — a curried coconut noodle soup with crispy noodles on top — and you should also try sai ua (northern herb sausage), nam prik ong and the market stalls at Chang Phuak Gate and the Sunday Walking Street. It is cheap, distinctive and different from the Thai food most visitors know from Bangkok and the south.

How do I book these exact Chiang Mai hotels at the prices shown?

Every hotel name in this guide links to that hotel's live page on JetMeAway — real-time rates, all taxes shown, and a date picker to match your trip. The from-prices quoted here were pulled on live midweek searches while writing; your dates will differ, so tap through for today's number. No booking fees, no markups, and your data reaches the hotel only at check-in.

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Hotels

Best Hotels in Chiang Mai for Every Budget — 49 Real Picks From £12 (2026)

7 July 2026•24 min read•By JetMeAway Scout

Our top Chiang Mai luxury pick for 2026 is Smile Lanna Hotel for its Old City location and Lanna style — but the real story of Chiang Mai is at the other end of the price list, where clean, well-reviewed guesthouses a short walk from golden temples start at just £12 a night. This is Thailand's temple-and-mountain north: Doi Suthep glinting on the hillside, the moated Old City, the Sunday Walking Street, and the ethical, no-riding elephant sanctuaries in the hills beyond. With UK budgets squeezed, we've built this guide around best hotels in Chiang Mai for every budget — 10 luxury stays, 10 mid-range picks, and 29 budget hotels we verified as real, distinct and currently bookable — 49 hotels in all, each linking straight to its live prices.

Jump to your budget: Luxury stays · Mid-range · Budget under £30 · FAQs

Scout's 3 best budget picks right now: 🛺 Lilu Chiangmai — from ~£12, a simple, friendly Old City guesthouse at the cheapest real price on this list. 🏯 Collection O Khu Mueang near Tha Phae Gate — from ~£13, over 1,100 reviews, steps from the moat and the markets. 🎒 The Common Hostel — from ~£14, a well-reviewed sociable base for solo travellers. From-prices are live midweek rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for today's price on your dates.

Chiang Mai sits in the mountainous north of Thailand, about 700 km from Bangkok and ringed by forested hills, waterfalls and hill-tribe country. The defining sights — the golden chedi of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on its mountain, the moated Old City and its ancient temples (Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh), the Night Bazaar, the Sunday Walking Street, and the ethical, no-riding elephant sanctuaries in the surrounding hills — all sit within a short drive of the hotels here. There are no direct UK flights: you connect through Bangkok (BKK or DMK) or a Gulf hub, then take a 75-minute domestic hop to Chiang Mai (CNX). Compare live Chiang Mai hotel prices or search flights to Chiang Mai (CNX).

At a glance — the luxury tier compared, before the full reviews:

Hotel	Area	Best For	Standout Feature
Smile Lanna Hotel	Chiang Mai	Old City style	Lanna design, thousands of reviews
Meliá Chiang Mai	Chiang Mai	River views	Riverside international five-star
U Nimman Chiang Mai	Nimman	Design and cafes	Boutique five-star in trendy Nimman
Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel	Chiang Mai	Families and pools	Big international resort with pool
Shangri-La Chiang Mai	Chiang Mai	Full-service luxury	Landmark five-star near Night Bazaar
Khum Phaya Resort & Spa	Chiang Mai	Lanna resort feel	Garden resort and spa, great value
The Inside House	Chiang Mai	Boutique luxury	Intimate design-led five-star
RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort	Chiang Mai	Romance and spa	Riverside pool and Lanna architecture
The Chiang Mai Old Town	Old City	Central boutique	Five-star inside the historic centre
The Empress Premier	Chiang Mai	Value five-star	Big rooms and pool, strong price

The Scout's Take: Old City, Nimman, or Riverside?

The Old City is the square inside the moat — the historic heart, packed with temples, cheap guesthouses, cafes and the Sunday Walking Street. Stay here for your first visit: everything is walkable, and this is where the budget tier is at its best. The catch is a little market noise on weekend evenings.

Nimman (Nimmanhaemin) is the trendy district west of the Old City — coffee shops, design boutiques, co-working spaces, the MAYA mall and a young nightlife scene. It suits digital nomads, cafe lovers and repeat visitors. It is a 10-minute songthaew from the temples.

The riverside and Night Bazaar area east of the Old City is quieter and greener, with the resort-style hotels, spa retreats and the nightly market. Choose it for a pool, a river view and easy dinners.

For a first trip: the Old City. For cafes and nightlife: Nimman. For a resort feel: the riverside. All three are 10–15 minutes apart, so you are never far from anything.

The Luxury Stays — Our 10 for 2026

Chiang Mai's luxury tier is unusually good value: several genuine five-stars sit well under £150 a night, and the Lanna-style garden resorts deliver a sense of place the international chains can't. From-prices are live midweek rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for your dates.

Smile Lanna Hotel — Chiang Mai, Thailand

1. Smile Lanna Hotel — Chiang Mai · 5★ · 2,959 reviews · from ~£113/night. A polished five-star with Lanna-inspired design and one of the biggest review counts in the city, walkable to the Old City temples. Rooftop pool, warm service and a location that puts the moat, the markets and the cafes within easy reach. The all-round luxury pick for a first Chiang Mai trip.

Meliá Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai, Thailand

2. Meliá Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai · 5★ · 1,787 reviews · from ~£133/night. A sleek riverside high-rise from the Spanish Meliá group — rooftop bar, infinity-edge views over the Ping River, and a spa. The most contemporary of the city's five-stars, and a short ride from both the Night Bazaar and the Old City.

U Nimman Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai, Thailand

3. U Nimman Chiang Mai — Nimman · 5★ · 1,635 reviews · from ~£107/night. A design-led boutique five-star in the heart of Nimman, next to the MAYA mall and surrounded by the city's best coffee shops and boutiques. The stay for travellers who want cafes, nightlife and style over Old City history. Excellent breakfast and a signature "whenever" 24-hour check-in.

Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel — Chiang Mai, Thailand

4. Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel — Chiang Mai · 5★ · 1,244 reviews · from ~£166/night. The full international resort experience — big rooms, a large pool, multiple restaurants and a spa, with river-view floors. The family and business pick, and the most reliably corporate-polished stay in the city. Comfortable, spacious and well-serviced.

Shangri-La Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai, Thailand

5. Shangri-La Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai · 5★ · 1,229 reviews · from ~£111/night. Chiang Mai's landmark luxury hotel — a big, garden-set five-star near the Night Bazaar with a large pool, a spa and the group's famously good service. Great value at this price for a name-brand luxury stay, and ideally placed for shopping and dining.

Khum Phaya Resort & Spa — Chiang Mai, Thailand

6. Khum Phaya Resort & Spa Boutique Collection — Chiang Mai · 5★ · 1,171 reviews · from ~£61/night. A Lanna-style garden resort of low-rise teak buildings, pools and a spa — the sense-of-place luxury choice at a remarkable price. The best value in the whole luxury tier: five-star gardens and service for what a mid-range hotel costs elsewhere. Free shuttle into town.

The Inside House — Chiang Mai, Thailand

7. The Inside House — Chiang Mai · 5★ · 920 reviews · from ~£108/night. An intimate, design-led boutique five-star with a quiet, residential feel and a pretty pool courtyard. For travellers who want a small, stylish hotel rather than a big resort — personal service and a calm base close to the sights.

RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort — Chiang Mai, Thailand

8. RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort — Chiang Mai · 5★ · 904 reviews · from ~£107/night. A romantic riverside resort in Lanna teak-and-gold style, with a pool overlooking the Ping and a well-regarded spa. The couples' and honeymoon pick — traditional architecture, river breezes, and a short ride to the Night Bazaar.

The Chiang Mai Old Town — Chiang Mai, Thailand

9. The Chiang Mai Old Town — Old City · 5★ · 685 reviews · from ~£122/night. A boutique five-star actually inside the historic Old City walls — meaning you step out of the door and into the temples and morning markets. The choice for travellers who want luxury and location together, with a lovely pool and Lanna design.

The Empress Premier Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai, Thailand

10. The Empress Premier Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai · 5★ · 670 reviews · from ~£96/night. Big, well-equipped rooms with a large pool and spa at the lowest five-star headline price on this list. The value five-star for families and travellers who want space and facilities without the top-tier rate. Reliable and comfortable.

Luxury price note: all from-prices are live midweek estimates pulled while writing and exclude any local fees; your dates will differ, so tap through for today's rate. See all Chiang Mai stays · search flights to CNX.

Mid-Range Chiang Mai Hotels — 10 Picks From £39 to £170

The middle of the market is where Chiang Mai shines for most UK travellers: stylish boutiques and small resorts with pools, in great locations, for the price of a budget chain room back home. From-prices are live midweek rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for your dates.

Pingviman Hotel — Chiang Mai, Thailand

11. Pingviman Hotel — Chiang Mai · 4★ · 4,076 reviews · from ~£77/night. A boutique four-star with a Lanna courtyard, a pretty pool and one of the highest review counts in the city — consistently praised for service and design. A calm, characterful base a short ride from the Old City. The mid-range favourite.

El Barrio Lanna — Chiang Mai, Thailand

12. El Barrio Lanna — Chiang Mai · 4★ · 2,848 reviews · from ~£75/night. A stylish, intimate boutique with a strong design streak and warm hosting, tucked in a quiet lane. Small, personal and highly rated — the sort of place repeat visitors book again. Pool and good breakfast included.

Hotel De Sripoom — Chiang Mai, Thailand

13. Hotel De Sripoom — Chiang Mai · 4★ · 2,479 reviews · from ~£58/night. A modern four-star near the northern Old City corner with a good pool and easy access to Chang Phuak Gate's famous food market. Great value for a full-service hotel this central, and a favourite for its price-to-comfort balance.

THEE Vijit Lanna by TH District — Chiang Mai, Thailand

14. THEE Vijit Lanna by TH District — Chiang Mai · 4★ · 2,290 reviews · from ~£87/night. A contemporary Lanna-styled four-star with a photogenic pool and design-hotel finishes. Newer and stylish, popular with couples and travellers who want a boutique look without a five-star price. Well located for the Old City.

Aksara Heritage — Chiang Mai, Thailand

15. Aksara Heritage — Chiang Mai · 4★ · 1,810 reviews · from ~£168/night. A heritage-style boutique with rich Lanna interiors and a serene pool, at the top of the mid-range band. For travellers who want atmosphere and craftsmanship — it reads more like a small luxury hotel than a mid-range one. Quiet and characterful.

De Chai the Deco Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai, Thailand

16. De Chai the Deco Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai · 4★ · 1,730 reviews · from ~£56/night. An art-deco-themed boutique in a handy Old City-edge spot, with a small pool and a lot of style for the price. One of the best-value four-stars in central Chiang Mai, and a reliable, characterful pick.

Sunday Villa Sirilanna Hotel — Chiang Mai, Thailand

17. Sunday Villa Sirilanna Hotel — Chiang Mai · 4★ · 1,650 reviews · from ~£80/night. A Lanna-boutique villa hotel with wooden detailing, a garden pool and a peaceful feel, near the Old City. Praised for its traditional style and calm atmosphere — a lovely mid-range choice for couples.

Yantarasri Resort — Chiang Mai, Thailand

18. Yantarasri Resort — Chiang Mai · 4★ · 1,297 reviews · from ~£39/night. A small resort with a pool and garden at the bottom of the mid-range band — genuinely a four-star pool hotel for budget money. The value-hunter's mid-range pick, quiet and comfortable, a short ride from the centre.

Nine Hotel Chiangmai — Chiang Mai, Thailand

19. Nine Hotel Chiangmai — Chiang Mai · 4★ · 1,224 reviews · from ~£70/night. A clean, modern four-star with a compact pool and a convenient location, well reviewed for comfort and value. A straightforward, comfortable base without any fuss — good for a mix of sightseeing and relaxation.

Eastin Tan Hotel Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai, Thailand

20. Eastin Tan Hotel Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai · 4★ · 1,144 reviews · from ~£77/night. A contemporary four-star near Nimman with a rooftop pool and city views, part of the reliable Eastin group. Handy for the cafes and malls of Nimman and a short hop to the Old City — a solid, modern choice.

Mid-range price note: from-prices are live midweek estimates and will vary by date and season. Compare all Chiang Mai hotels with live prices or search flights to CNX.

Cheap Hotels in Chiang Mai Under £30 — 29 Real, Bookable Options

This is the tier we built this guide for. Every property below is a real, currently operating hotel we verified as distinct (no rebrands of the same building counted twice), with live rates on its JetMeAway page. Midweek from-prices were pulled while writing; peak season (November–February) and Songkran run higher. Budget rule in Chiang Mai: location beats size — an Old City guesthouse under £20 puts you in walking distance of the temples and markets.

The Cheapest Old City & Central Guesthouses (from £12)

Lilu Chiangmai — Chiang Mai, Thailand

21. Lilu Chiangmai — Chiang Mai · 2★ · 20 reviews · from ~£12/night. The cheapest real private room on this list — a simple, friendly guesthouse for travellers who want a clean bed near the action and nothing they won't use. Set expectations for basic rooms; the price and location do the rest.

Collection O Khu Mueang near Tha Phae Gate — Chiang Mai, Thailand

22. Collection O Khu Mueang near Tha Phae Gate — Chiang Mai · 2★ · 1,107 reviews · from ~£13/night. The former Lai Thai Guesthouse, right by Tha Phae Gate and the moat — over 1,100 reviews, a small pool, and steps from the Sunday Walking Street. Outstanding value and one of the best-located cheap stays in the city.

The Common Hostel — Chiang Mai, Thailand

23. The Common Hostel — Chiang Mai · 2★ · 2,189 reviews · from ~£14/night. A sociable, well-reviewed hostel that's a natural base for solo travellers and backpackers. Clean, friendly and central, with the community feel Chiang Mai does so well. The pick if you want to meet people.

Chiangmai Boutique House — Chiang Mai, Thailand

24. Chiangmai Boutique House — Chiang Mai · 2★ · 100 reviews · from ~£15/night. A small, tidy guesthouse with a homely feel and helpful hosts, close to the Old City. Simple rooms at a very low price — the sort of quiet, honest budget stay that leaves money for food and day trips.

Prince Hotel Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai, Thailand

25. Prince Hotel Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai · 2★ · 1,115 reviews · from ~£18/night. A long-running budget hotel with a pool, near the river and the Night Bazaar — over 1,000 reviews and a dependable, no-surprises stay. Great value for a hotel (rather than a guesthouse) at this price, with easy market access.

Sabuy Chiangmai — Chiang Mai, Thailand

26. Sabuy Chiangmai — Chiang Mai · 2★ · 141 reviews · from ~£19/night. A simple, well-kept budget stay with a relaxed vibe (sabuy means "comfortable" in Thai). Clean rooms and a central location for under £20 — a solid choice for travellers watching every pound.

Under £25 — Old City Boutiques & Riverside Value

Gusto House — Chiang Mai, Thailand

27. Gusto House — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 373 reviews · from ~£20/night. A neat, modern little guesthouse with a friendly feel and a central location. Well reviewed for cleanliness and value — a comfortable three-star-standard room for guesthouse money.

Roseate Hotel Chiangmai — Chiang Mai, Thailand

28. Roseate Hotel Chiangmai — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 75 reviews · from ~£20/night. A small modern hotel with tidy rooms and a handy location, quietly good value. A dependable, unfussy base for sightseeing at a price that leaves plenty for elephant sanctuaries and khao soi.

Rendezvous Oldtown Chiangmai — Chiang Mai, Thailand

29. Rendezvous Oldtown Chiangmai — Old City · 3★ · 1,270 reviews · from ~£21/night. A well-established Old City hotel with a pool and over 1,200 reviews, right among the temples and markets. One of the best budget-to-mid stays inside the walls — location, pool and reviews all strong for the price.

Diamond River Ping Petch-Ngam Hotel — Chiang Mai, Thailand

30. Diamond River Ping Petch-Ngam Hotel — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 97 reviews · from ~£21/night. A riverside budget hotel with a pool and gardens — space and a swim for the price of a guesthouse room. A quieter, greener base near the Ping, good for travellers who want a pool without paying resort prices.

SK House 2 — Chiang Mai, Thailand

31. SK House 2 — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 391 reviews · from ~£21/night. A long-standing backpacker-favourite guesthouse with a pool and a laid-back garden, central and cheap. The kind of unpretentious, good-value spot travellers return to — rooms are simple but the pool and price win.

Baan Ratchiangsaen — Chiang Mai, Thailand

32. Baan Ratchiangsaen — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 1,210 reviews · from ~£21/night. A charming Lanna-style guesthouse with wooden buildings, a garden and a pool, very well reviewed (1,200+) for its character and calm. One of the loveliest budget stays in the city for the money — a real sense of place.

Villa Sanpakoi — Chiang Mai, Thailand

33. Villa Sanpakoi — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 141 reviews · from ~£21/night. A tidy small hotel in the San Pa Koi area east of the Old City, near the river and markets. Clean, friendly and quietly located — a comfortable budget base a short ride from the sights.

Chirin Home — Chiang Mai, Thailand

34. Chirin Home — Chiang Mai · 2★ · 1,632 reviews · from ~£21/night. A homely guesthouse with a very high review count (1,600+) and a reputation for warm, personal hosting. Simple rooms, big-hearted service — the sort of place that turns a first Chiang Mai trip into a repeat one.

Mayflower Grande Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai, Thailand

35. Mayflower Grande Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 102 reviews · from ~£21/night. A straightforward mid-budget hotel with a pool and comfortable rooms, well placed for the city. A reliable three-star-feel stay for close to guesthouse money — good for travellers who want a proper hotel on a budget.

Airport Resident 2 — Chiang Mai, Thailand

36. Airport Resident 2 — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 51 reviews · from ~£21/night. A clean, modern budget stay near Chiang Mai airport (CNX) — ideal for an early flight or a late arrival, with the Old City only 10–15 minutes away. Handy, quiet and cheap for a transit night.

Under £25 — More Old City & Central Picks

The Guest Chang Moi Boutique Hotel — Chiang Mai, Thailand

37. The Guest Chang Moi Boutique Hotel — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 969 reviews · from ~£22/night. A well-reviewed boutique on Chang Moi near Tha Phae Gate, close to the moat and the markets. Nearly 1,000 reviews at this price make it one of the safest budget bets in the centre — tidy, friendly and central.

Sri-Pat Guesthouse — Chiang Mai, Thailand

38. Sri-Pat Guesthouse — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 101 reviews · from ~£22/night. A friendly, family-run guesthouse with a small pool and a garden, inside the Old City. The classic Chiang Mai guesthouse experience — simple rooms, warm hosts and temples on the doorstep.

99 The Gallery Hotel — Chiang Mai, Thailand

39. 99 The Gallery Hotel — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 106 reviews · from ~£22/night. A riverside boutique with an art-gallery theme and a relaxed terrace over the Ping. A characterful, arty budget stay for travellers who want a bit of style by the river without a mid-range price.

Chiang Mai Waroros Boutique Hotel — Chiang Mai, Thailand

40. Chiang Mai Waroros Boutique Hotel — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 193 reviews · from ~£22/night. A neat boutique by the Warorot (Kad Luang) market, the city's big daytime bazaar, near the river. Central, well-kept and great for market lovers and food hunters. Good value for its handy spot.

The Core Gallery Hotel — Chiang Mai, Thailand

41. The Core Gallery Hotel — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 22 reviews · from ~£22/night. A small modern boutique with clean, contemporary rooms and a central location. A newer, tidy budget option for travellers who prefer a fresh, minimalist room over guesthouse character.

Be Phrasingh Hotel Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai, Thailand

42. Be Phrasingh Hotel Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai · 2★ · 22 reviews · from ~£23/night. A budget hotel near Wat Phra Singh, one of the Old City's most important temples, so you are steps from the heart of the historic quarter. Simple and central — location is the whole pitch, and it's a good one.

Changpuak Hotel — Chiang Mai, Thailand

43. Changpuak Hotel — Chiang Mai · 2★ · 459 reviews · from ~£23/night. A long-running budget hotel near Chang Phuak Gate and its legendary food market (home of the famous cowboy-hat lady's stewed pork leg). Basic but well located for northern-Thai street food. Reliable and cheap.

Imm Hotel Thaphae Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai, Thailand

44. Imm Hotel Thaphae Chiang Mai — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 331 reviews · from ~£23/night. A cheerful, design-conscious budget hotel by Tha Phae Gate with a small rooftop pool — a step up in style from a plain guesthouse at a similar price. Excellent location for the markets and the moat.

Aphilapa Residence — Chiang Mai, Thailand

45. Aphilapa Residence — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 187 reviews · from ~£23/night. A clean, modern residence-style hotel with roomy, apartment-feel rooms — good for a longer stay or travellers who want more space. Quiet and comfortable, with a central-ish location and strong value.

Chiang Mai Orchid Hotel — Chiang Mai, Thailand

46. Chiang Mai Orchid Hotel — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 101 reviews · from ~£23/night. A dependable budget hotel with simple, comfortable rooms and a friendly team, well placed for the city. A no-fuss, good-value base for sightseeing and markets.

Chiang Mai Gate Hotel — Chiang Mai, Thailand

47. Chiang Mai Gate Hotel — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 117 reviews · from ~£23/night. A budget hotel with a pool right by Chiang Mai Gate on the Old City's south side, next to the Saturday Walking Street. Central, has a swim, and puts you at one of the city's best weekend markets. Fine value.

Le Bis Hotel — Chiang Mai, Thailand

48. Le Bis Hotel — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 20 reviews · from ~£23/night. A small, modern budget hotel with clean rooms and a tidy, contemporary feel. A quiet, comfortable choice for travellers who want a simple room and a low bill in a handy spot.

Le Canal Boutique House — Chiang Mai, Thailand

49. Le Canal Boutique House — Chiang Mai · 3★ · 987 reviews · from ~£23/night. A well-loved boutique guesthouse by the moat with a small pool and nearly 1,000 reviews — one of the best-reviewed cheap stays in the city, and a lovely way to end the list. Central, characterful and consistently praised.

Budget tier summary: cheapest overall — Lilu Chiangmai £12; best-reviewed cheap stay — The Common Hostel, 2,189 reviews, £14 and Chirin Home, 1,632 reviews, £21; best Old City value with a pool — Rendezvous Oldtown £21 and Le Canal Boutique House £23. Compare all Chiang Mai hotels with live prices →

Best Chiang Mai Hotels for Specific Trips

Here's how the 49 hotels above sort by traveller type.

Best Chiang Mai Hotels for Value

Chiang Mai is a value city top to bottom. Khum Phaya Resort & Spa (~~£61) is a five-star Lanna garden resort for mid-range money, Yantarasri Resort (~~£39) is a four-star pool hotel for budget money, and the whole budget tier above delivers clean, central rooms from £12. Always compare the all-in price on the hotel's live page.

Best Chiang Mai Hotels for Families

For space and a pool: Chiang Mai Marriott, The Empress Premier and RatiLanna Riverside all give big rooms and gardens. On a budget, Diamond River Ping and Prince Hotel have a pool near the markets. Being near the Night Bazaar makes dinners with kids easy.

Best Chiang Mai Hotels for Couples and Romance

RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort is the riverside honeymoon pick, The Inside House and Sunday Villa Sirilanna are intimate Lanna boutiques, and Aksara Heritage brings small-luxury atmosphere in the mid-range. On a budget, Baan Ratchiangsaen has real Lanna charm.

Best Chiang Mai Hotels in the Old City

For temples on the doorstep: The Chiang Mai Old Town in the luxury tier, and on a budget Rendezvous Oldtown, Sri-Pat Guesthouse, Be Phrasingh Hotel (by Wat Phra Singh) and Collection O Khu Mueang (by Tha Phae Gate).

Best Chiang Mai Hotels for Digital Nomads and Nimman

U Nimman Chiang Mai is the Nimman luxury base, Eastin Tan Hotel the modern mid-range option, and any of the cheap central guesthouses put you minutes from the district's cafes and co-working spaces. Nimman is coffee-shop and long-stay heaven.

Best Chiang Mai Hotels for a Pool on a Budget

Under £25 with a pool: Diamond River Ping, SK House 2, Rendezvous Oldtown, Baan Ratchiangsaen, Imm Hotel Thaphae and Le Canal Boutique House all offer a swim for guesthouse money.

Beyond the Hotel — Chiang Mai's Essentials

A few experiences worth planning around your stay:

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at sunrise — the golden mountain temple 15 km northwest, with a city viewpoint. Go early to beat the heat and crowds. The classic Chiang Mai half-day.
An ethical, no-riding elephant sanctuary — the hills around Chiang Mai are home to Thailand's best-known ethical sanctuaries, where you feed and bathe elephants but never ride them. Book directly, check the ethics, and use hotel pickup.
The Sunday Walking Street — the Old City's main road fills with food, crafts and music every Sunday evening. The Saturday Walking Street (Wualai) is the smaller sibling.
Old City temple loop — Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chiang Man on foot in an easy morning inside the moat.
Khao soi at a local shop — the northern curried-noodle soup that defines Chiang Mai food. Try the shops around the Muslim quarter and Nimman.
Doi Inthanon day trip — Thailand's highest mountain, with waterfalls, twin royal chedis and cool forest, about two hours southwest.

JetMeAway's Scout feature surfaces this kind of neighbourhood intelligence automatically once you book.

UK Practicalities

Flights: no direct UK–Chiang Mai flights. Connect via Bangkok (BKK/DMK) or a Gulf hub (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi), then a 75-minute domestic hop to CNX. Search flights to CNX.
Airport: Chiang Mai International (CNX) is ~4 km from the Old City — a 10–15 minute Grab or taxi, roughly 120–200 baht (£3–5).
Currency: Thai baht (THB), cash-first — guesthouses, street food, songthaews and markets prefer cash. 7-Eleven and ATMs are everywhere.
Getting around: songthaews (shared red trucks, ~30 baht in town), tuk-tuks, and the Grab app for metered rides. The Old City is walkable.
Best months: November–February (cool, dry, peak). June–October is green, wet and cheapest. Avoid the March–April burning season for air quality; expect a spike around Songkran in mid-April.
Budget: budget trip — £30–45/day all-in on a £12–20 room, cheap food and songthaews. Mid-range with a pool hotel and sit-down dinners rarely tops £80/day.

Explore more of Thailand

Planning a wider trip? Our Thailand hotel guides all use the same 3-tier, budget-first format:

Best Hotels in Bangkok — the capital, temples, rooftop bars and the cheapest big-city base in the country.
Best Hotels in Phuket — Patong and Kata beaches, the Old Town and island hopping.
Best Hotels in Krabi — Railay's limestone cliffs, Ao Nang and the Four Islands.
Best Hotels in Koh Samui — Chaweng and Lamai beaches, the Big Buddha and wellness retreats.
Best Hotels in Pattaya — beaches, Walking Street and the Sanctuary of Truth.
Best Hotels in Ayutthaya — the UNESCO ancient-capital ruins, an easy day trip from Bangkok.
Best Hotels in Hua Hin — the royal beach town, night market and golf.
Best Hotels in Kanchanaburi — the Bridge over the River Kwai, Erawan Falls and the Death Railway.

Chiang Mai Hotels FAQs

Everything UK travellers ask before booking a Chiang Mai stay — the cheapest areas, how cheap it really gets, the airport transfer, the best months, and how to reach the temples and elephant sanctuaries.

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