Chiang Mai is a small city with a tranquil and clean atmosphere and a relaxed pace of life. Most of the upscale resorts are in the Lanna style and are built in the surrounding hilly areas, boasting beautiful scenery; the old city also offers hotels of various price ranges. A major feature of Chiang Mai is its abundance of guesthouses. When you come to Chiang Mai...

If you want to fully experience and immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere and local customs of Mai, a guesthouse is a great option. Hotels usually have rooms available after 10:00 AM, and there are many guesthouses along the way, so you don't need to worry about accommodation unless it's peak tourist season. Of course, if you want to make more friends, you can ask backpackers along the way; they might give you some good advice.

Star-rated hotels and resorts

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Hotel

★★★★★

The Mandarin Oriental Resort is a luxurious hotel resort in Chiang Mai, nestled in the northern hills amidst approximately 40,000 square meters of natural gardens. Guests at the Mandarin Oriental Resort can indulge in a spa treatment at one of the world's most beautiful spas, immersing themselves in the rice paddies and the rich heritage of the Lanna Kingdom.

The hotel is a fully-equipped mini-town that deliberately preserves the culture of northern Thailand, including art collections and cultural events. All the teak villas, colonial-style suites, and palatial residences represent the region's architectural history.

The hotel boasts 10 distinctive restaurants and bars. For example, the renowned Thai restaurant Le Grand Lanna is nestled in the rainforest; the stately Mediterranean restaurant Akaligo. Furthermore, the hotel's spa is the soul of the resort, offering a range of holistic services in a beautiful setting. The hotel also features the famous Ayurvedic suites and yoga masterclasses. Amenities include a beautifully landscaped swimming pool, tennis courts, a culinary school, a library, and a cultural center.

From 22,000 THB/night (for reference only) 66 5 3888888 51/4 Chiang Mai - Sankampaeng Road Moo 1 T. Tasala A. Muang, Chiang Mai www.mandarinoriental.com

Sirilanna Chiang Mai Hotel ★★★★★

Located in Chiang Mai's Old City, the Hililana Chiang Mai Hotel offers a tranquil atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle, perfect for those seeking relaxation. Its top-notch amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, spa, whirlpool, and hot springs, make staying at the Hililana Chiang Mai a wise choice for your Chiang Mai trip. The hotel features 21 elegant and serene guest rooms. Guests can easily access the city's major tourist attractions, shopping destinations, and restaurants. Prices start from 3900 THB per night (for reference only). 66 5 3279107

89/3 Ratchapakinai Road | Phrasing, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand www.sirilanna.com

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai ★★★★★

In 2011, the Four Seasons Hotel Chiang Mai was named one of the world's ten most unique luxury hotels by Fox News. The hotel is located in the Mae Rim area, quite far from downtown Chiang Mai.

The Four Seasons Hotel is Chiang Mai's elegant cultural and artistic heritage for international visitors. The hotel's Lanna-style architecture, with its pavilion-like buildings decorated using local Thai building materials and fabrics, imbues the hotel with a rich atmosphere of traditional Thai culture. From the hotel's balconies, guests can enjoy panoramic views of rice paddies, rural landscapes, and the beautiful scenery of distant mountains.

The hotel's architecture and style fully express a yearning for a peaceful and refined life. Whether it's the stone Buddha sculptures scattered in the corners or the lotus flowers with slightly curled petals in the water basin, everything conveys an ethereal beauty.

The Four Seasons Hotel features 64 elegant loft rooms, each with a private balcony; in addition, there are 16 luxurious suites. Both rooms and suites are decorated in a style inspired by northern Thai family homes and equipped with modern amenities.

The Sala Mae Rim restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel offers guests unique Northern Thai cuisine and vegetarian dishes. Because the hotel is located in the mountains, seafood is used less, and instead, a large amount of spices, vegetables, and chicken are used in the dishes. The taste is not as spicy as Southern Thai cuisine, emphasizing the freshness and crispness of the ingredients and the harmony of the seasoning.

68 Moo 6 Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Chiang Mai

Karinthip Village Hotel ★★★

Kalintipu Country Hotel is located in the Changmai area of ​​Chiang Mai, just steps from the historic Mae Ping River. The hotel is decorated in the Lanna style and offers free Wi-Fi and an outdoor swimming pool.

The hotel is within walking distance of Chiang Mai's Old City and the famous Night Bazaar, and is only a 15-minute drive from Chiang Mai Airport and Railway Station.

Surrounded by tropical gardens, Hotel Kalintipu features rooms furnished in the traditional style of Northern Thailand and equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, and a minibar; some rooms also offer a Jacuzzi and outdoor rain shower. Guests wishing to relax can enjoy a traditional Thai massage or stroll through the beautiful gardens.

Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai

Budget accommodation

Lanna House

Lanna House Hotel is located in the heart of Chiang Mai, just a 5-minute walk from Sunday Walking Street and approximately 10 minutes from Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms, and an internet cafe is also available on-site. Each air-conditioned room features a 21-inch flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and a private safe. The private bathroom includes a hot and cold shower. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and tour desk, laundry services, and in-room massages upon request. Guests can enjoy a buffet-style vegetarian breakfast. Lanna House Hotel is 5 km from Chiang Mai Railway Station and 7 km from Chiang Mai International Airport.

From 600 THB/night (for reference only) 66 5 3270348 Chang Klan Rd, Chang Moi, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand www.lanna-house.com

Saithong Guest House

Sai Song Guesthouse, located in Chiang Mai's Old City, is the perfect accommodation choice for your visit. The hotel offers a variety of facilities and services to ensure your comfort and restful sleep. Amenities include laundry and dry cleaning services. Beautifully decorated rooms feature a desk, balcony or terrace, refrigerator, complimentary bottled water, and TV. Recreational facilities such as a garden allow you to relax and rejuvenate. During your stay at Sai Song Guesthouse, you'll find a warm atmosphere and first-class service, making you feel right at home. 830 THB/person (for reference only) 66 5 3418672 5/2 T.Sriphum Ratchadamnoen Rd.Muang Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand www.saithongguesthouse.com

All In 1 Guesthouse

This guesthouse is located in the old city, close to the night market and temples, and only 500 meters from Tha Pae Gate. Comfort is its biggest feature; the style is quiet and refreshing. The staff are warm and attentive, the rooms are decorated like home, fully equipped, safe and clean. This guesthouse is very attentive to its guests and also provides services such as tourist information and car rental. From 680 THB/night (for reference only) 31/1 Moonmuang Road | Soi 1-2 T.Prasingha, Chiang Mai, Thailand Nat Len Boutique Guesthouse This guesthouse is located near Chiang Mai Gate in the old city. The owners are two sisters of Yunnan descent who speak fluent Mandarin and English and are very warm and kind. The guesthouse offers excellent accommodations; the rooms are simply and freshly decorated, fully equipped, safe and clean, with a TV, refrigerator, safe, private bathroom (with hot water), and free Wi-Fi, providing a warm and comfortable experience for guests. From 600 THB/night (for reference only) 66 81 8816798 Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai