Hotels in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai: Northern Thailand's Temple City and Trekking Base

Chiang Mai, founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, sits in a valley 700 km north of Bangkok at roughly 300 m elevation. The Old City — a square moat enclosing 36 temples — anchors the historic core. Wat Phra Singh (1345) and Doi Suthep temple, perched 1,073 m above sea level on the mountain overlooking the city, are the two most-visited religious sites. The Sunday Walking Street on Wualai Road and the Saturday market on Wua Lai draw buyers of silverwork, lacquerware, and street food.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Hotels cluster in three main zones. The Old City suits travellers who want temple access on foot. The Nimman Road (Nimmanhaemin) corridor, around Soi 1–13, draws long-stay remote workers and coffee-shop culture. Riverside, along the Ping River, offers quieter guesthouses and boutique properties with garden settings.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is 4 km southwest of the Old City; taxis take under 15 minutes.
• Climate: Cool season (November–February) sees nights drop to 10 °C; April is the hottest month and coincides with Songkran water festival.
• Getting around: Red shared-taxi trucks (rot daeng) cover most routes for 30–50 THB; app-based Grab is widely available.
• Altitude note: Doi Inthanon National Park, 58 km southwest, is Thailand's highest peak at 2,565 m — pack a layer.