In May 2023, I embarked on a month's long trip with a group of Americans to Thailand where we stayed in various parts of Thailand including Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Hua Hin. From riding elephants, eating the delicious Khao Soy and even climbing caves, me and my friends had an unforgettable time:)
I've curated this list of affordable and comfortable hotels in the heart of this old city!
*SHA+✅ certification for Thailand hotels is a measure to improve hygiene in the tourism industry issued by the Safety and Health Administration in Thailand (SHA). The government's goal is to increase the level of hygiene into hotel and tourism operations. If you were to see a TICK EMOJI✅, a hotel is SHA+✅!
Prices are in SGD.
This list is divided into three areas, Si Phum, Chang Khlan and Nimmanhaemin.
Si Phum
Si Phum is the cultural heart of Chiang Mai's old city where you can find old treasures of temple walls and facades. The Sunday Walking Street is Chiang Mai's most popular night market featuring a huge number of street stores, from antiques, clothes, arts, local crafts, food making it a must-visit when you are in Chiang Mai!
Fantastic location and only a 2-min walk to Sunday Walking Street! There are many restaurants and shops around. Very nice place to stay with a pool with very welcoming and helpful staff.
Situated right in the middle of the old city! This hotel is decorated with wooden furnishing, each air-conditioned room is equipped with a TV, a minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. Shower facilities, slippers and free toiletries are included in an en suite bathroom.
Visit the Chang Phuak Gate Night Market that's just 1km away for delicious Thai food! Hotel staff are super helpful and speak excellent English. Excellent breakfast and very worth it for those looking to relax in a luxury atmosphere.
Chang Puak Market is a food market that sets up every evening outside the gate of the old city. Delicious food is just 500m away from this hotel! Beds are comfortable, clean and staff is extremely helpful. Look forward to a really nice pool too!
Highly recommend to stay here! Local indie cafes and more in such a small area. Near lots of good places to chill and eat. We had clean, good-sized room with balcony overlooking the pool. The pool was clean and refreshing.
Great location handy to a lot of temples , Wat Phra Singh is at the end of the road . A 7-11 is a short walk down the road also quite a few restaurants all around , good location to stay. Saturday walking markets not far either. Breakfast is nice has your usual eggs, ham, sausages cereals yoghurt few Thai dishes. Hotel is nice and quiet, very clean and having the pool and courtyard area to relax to lovely.
A hidden jewel in Chiang Mai's old city! It's quiet, squeaky clean, the staff is very nice and helpful, its located 2-minutes walk from the Sunday night Market, the pool is super relaxing, the breakfast is delicious.
I visited Chang Khlan during my trip to Chiang Mai and I enjoyed the food, looking at the open air stalls and accessories at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. The bazaar also encompasses Kalare Night Market, a covered area with a Muay Thai boxing ring, and Anusarn Market, popular for street snacks, seafood restaurants and a nightly cabaret show.
Tip: Don't forget to haggle while you are here as the stalls will charge you at tourist prices, which is way higher! Smile and they will bring down the price for you!
Free bicycles are also available for guests to explore the city and the nearby landmarks! Beautiful property and clean rooms. The staff is efficient and were very eager to help. Wonderful breakfast and the location is close to markets and to restaurants.
Just a 2-minute walk from Chiang Mai's famous Night Bazaar! Great for solo travellers as it is a place that is accessible to popular places nearby. Staff are accommodating and rooms are clean:) There's a pool too!
Beautiful colonial hotel and clean room with a view of the river. The hotel is located at downtown Chiang Mai and suitable for all excursions in and around the old city! Kind and friendly staff:)
Excellent location as the hotel is near to the shopping street, It is near to everything such as restaurants, market, 7-eleven, laundry, etc. The rooms are good and very clean. Pool there is huge and nice for both adults and kids. The breakfast features many options of dishes such as pastries, fruits, vegetables, egg corner, pancake corner, etc.
Brand new rooms as the hotel was just built in 2020!
Just 1.1 km from Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Le Bis Hotel features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a restaurant. Perfect for a solo traveller/ couple and rooms are clean and comfortable.
Located 700 metres of Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, The Locals features a garden, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi. Really amazing common space (great spot to work from), it’s quiet and feels secluded from the main streets. Free flow coffee (also has a cappuccino option!) with an expresso machine and plenty of snacks all day long. Friendly staff!
Perfect location for a short stay in Chiang Mai! Wonderful hotel in a excellent location. Walking distance to all main attractions, yet the hotel is situated on a quiet road itself. Rooms were clean, modern & spacious.
Nimmanhaemin is one of Chiang Mai's coolest neighborhoods, here you will be able to find hipster cafes, shopping malls, bars and retail stalls. It is often referred to as Chiang Mai’s ‘coffee street’ and is refreshingly free of chain coffee shops and it is a wonderful place for both work and sightseeing.
Tip: Visit One Nimman mall, as they have eclectic weekly events scheduled including night markets every Friday to Sunday!
Each guestroom has been designed uniquely! The boutique hotel features well-decorated art works from the renowned local Thai artists. Very close to airport and shopping mall. Easy to find good local restaurants and Thai massages. Excellent location and breakfast!
Surrounded by greenery, it has a games corner which includes football and air hockey tables for guests' entertainment and there is a co-working space where guests can enjoy reading, relaxing and working. Excellent location with popular places and attractions including MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center and Chiang Mai Old City, all within 2.5 km from the property.
Location with many cafes and restaurants around the trendy street. Surrounded by art galleries and stylish café, Nimman Mai Design Hotel is a 10-minute drive from Sunday Walking Street and Chiang Mai International Airport. READ Restaurant offers delectable breakfast including local and international dishes to serve all guests' appetite.
Ideally located in the Huay Kaew district of Chiang Mai, Cochet is set 600 metres from Nimman Haemin, 1.7 km from Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Centre and 2.2 km from Chang Puak Market. Located in a calm street this beautiful hotel is modern and clean with lots of green plants. Wonderful and kind staff. Comfortable bed.
Situated right in the heart of Niman, the rooms are comfortable and clean. Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Centre is 700 metres from The Craft Nimman, while Ton Payom Market is 1.1 km away. Nice and friendly staff!
Just a 5-minute walk to various shopping, dining and nightlife outlets in Nimmanhaemin! The location is great, easy accessible. The room was simple yet clean and comfortable. The garden was beautiful kind of like an urban jungle away from the hustle and bustle. The pool was very large and pleasant, surrounded by all the mature trees and plants all around, like a little oasis.
A wonderful hotel, tucked away from the city noise:) You can rent free bicycles to explore the area! Gorgeous room space and friendly staff. A gem tucked away from the city, but still accessible to the night markets through booking a 20min taxi ride!
In April 2023, I brought a group of Americans to Asia on a low-budget trip where we visited different tourist attractions and soak in the Asian culture. I enjoy sharing my knowledge about different cultures and how we can be culturally sensitive when we visit another's country. A few of my favorite memories also include going to the dressing up in Hanboks to visit the Korean Palaces, Florida's Disneyworld, Night Markets in Thailand and floating on the Dead Sea in Israel!
I have stayed and visited in many different countries such as Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, Taiwan and the United States etc. My favourite things to do is to climb mountains, visit beaches, eat local food and visit farmer's markets. In Asia, we have a very buzzling night life that I hope you get to experience too!
I hope that you find my information helpful and any tips are appreciated for my work :)
