Only second to the country’s capital in the pecking order, Thailand’s Chiang Mai is a city with much to offer. It was once the seat of power in the ancient Lanna Kingdom and is consequently gushing with historical and religious delights to go with an abundance of idyllic sceneries untouched by the advances of time. If you are in this beautiful city to explore its treasures and are looking for a place of utmost royalty to shelter in during your stay, then please read on as here are ten of the city’s finest resorts and hotels:
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Na Nirand Boutique Resort
“Romantic” is definitely a description you would choose to describe this boutique resort. Nestled along the city’s riverbanks and under the shade of a legendary 100-year-old Rain Tree, Na Nirand presents an atmosphere of serenity and timeless beauty. Relatively modest in terms of extravagance, its intimate appeal may be a significant contributor that brings it among the top of Tripadvisor’s list of luxury accommodations in Chiang Mai.
The shade of trees and the sound of the river waters will accompany you in Na Nirand’s riverfront suites. Image: nanirand.com
In addition, the resort also imparts some of Thailand’s history with elephant decors and intricate carvings. The half-wood Lanna-colonial design of the place combines exquisite elegance and rustic charm. The resort’s Time Riverfront Cuisine & Bar offers a lovely dining and tea spot while enjoying the view of the river and the surrounding greenery.
Website: nanirand.com
Location: 1/1 Soi 9, Charoenprathet Road, Tambon Changklan, Amphoe Muang
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X2 Chiang Mai Riverside Resort
This 30-room establishment is the pride of the Cross-to (X2) family of boutique hotels and resorts. Staying true to the cultural richness of the city, X2 Chiang Mai adapts the Lanna design concept mixed with sleek contemporary features. The sophisticated blend of teak and black motif, of straight and arched lines, the vintage bricked walls, and the vibrancy of the surrounding nature gives the resort a distinct aura.
Multiple archways conceal cozy lounging nooks beside royal blue pool waters of X2’s rooftop bar. Image: x2resorts.com
X2 has also earned acclaim for their dining amenities that feature Michelin star dishes. A French restaurant, a tea lounge, and a rooftop bar is open to the enjoyment of its guests. The resort enjoys a breezy location along Chiang Mai’s Ping river away from the city’s skyscrapers.
Website: x2resorts.com/resorts/chiang-mai-riverside
Address: 369/1 Charoenraj Road, Watket, Muang
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Le Meridien Hotel
A one-of-a-kind fusion of classic Lanna era and European identity – this is the aura that embraces guests at Le Meridian. Towering above Chiang Mai, the hotel affords captivating views of Thailand’s northern capital from any of its 383 rooms. Additionally, there is an infinity edge swimming pool overlooking the peaks of Doi Suthep, as well as a fitness gym and spa.
The misty silhouette of Doi Suthep peak as seen from Le Meridien’s poolside deck. Image: marriott.com
The hotel houses numerous function halls the biggest being able to accommodate as much a thousand attendees. Le Meridian also offers bountiful dining experiences. Guests can enjoy world-class delicacies at the hotel’s restaurants that serve Italian and local cuisines.
Location-wise, Le Meridien is conveniently just 15 minutes away from the airport right in the middle of Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar.
Website: marriott.com/hotels/travel/cnxmd-le-meridien-chiang-mai
Address: 108 Chang Klan Road, Tambol Chang Klan, Amphur Muang
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The Akyra Manor
Located alongside some of Chiang Mai’s finest coffee shops, bars, galleries, and boutiques, The Akyra Manor welcomes tourists in search for high-class accommodation in the midst of the city’s lively commercial hub. The manor’s rooms are designed with stylish, handsome interiors and furnished with modern amenities. Instead of the beds, their unique layout seems to centralize on the luxurious bathtubs where occupants can enjoy relaxing baths looking out into the metropolitan skyline.
The Akyra’s rooftop bar features a lounge where you can watch your friends swimming in water. Image: luxuryhotelawards.com
A favorite feature among guests is the hotel’s poolside bar where you can dine and drink as you watch your friends swimming in the water through glass partitions.
Website: theakyra.com/chiang-mai
Address: 22/2 Nimmana Haeminda Road Soi 9, Su Thep, Muang
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Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Chiang Mai might not be as experienced as its predecessors given it was only unveiled a decade ago but it more than holds its own as a contemporary-cum-traditional resort reeking of elegant taste and boasting a swanky outlook. The religious native Lanna tradition is referenced across its architecture which is made up of steep, layered spires and also in its interior designs which are amassed with teak-wood carvings and Thai silks.
The Shangri La looks down at its own grandeur reflected on crystal waters of the hotel’s swimming pool. Image: shangri-la.com
More than 277 rooms make up the many floors of the towering building whose CV also entails 4 bars and restaurants and walking proximity to the world-renowned Night Bazaar. The front yard is home to a large turquoise pool dotted by lush gardens that give the establishment an out-of-town feel yet it is right at the city’s epicenter.
Website: shangri-la.com/chiangmai/shangrila
Address: 89/8 Chang Klan Road
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137 Pillars House
A boutique hotel built over one-and-a-quarter centuries ago, 137 pillars vehemently clings to the Orient elegance of yesteryears which is well punctuated by a decadent splash of present-age luxury. Conservationists and architectural historians have managed to keep intact the original layout and integrity ensuring nostalgic aura echoes across all 30 rooms that also have an abundance of up-to-the-minute conveniences.
As if taken straight out of a fantasy movie, a towering green wall rises from the lap pool at 137 Pillar House. Image: 137chiangmai.com
It might bear the title of a hotel but it doesn’t get any homier than this laid back establishment where residences are fashioned in a home-esque fashion and intimacy. Vegetation overruns the rustic hostel well complimenting the classy wood that trademarks the outlook.
Website: 137pillarschiangmai.com
Address: 2 Soi 1, Nawatgate Road
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Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel and Spa
With a design that accurately depicts the scenes from a time long passed, you may have the chance to relive Chiang Mai’s colonial era when you stay at the Ping Nakara. From its “gingerbread” architecture to the traditional attire of the staff, you are sure to admire this hotel’s attention to details.
Like a scene from a time long since gone, Ping Nakara embraces guests in its classy colonial era vibe. Image: pingnakara.com
The classy white motif establishes perfect contrast with the teak wood elements of the interior. Each room is intricately decorated and the swimming pool spreads out at the center of the place, a patch of royal blue underneath the tropical sun. In addition to top-notch services, a highlight of Ping Nakara is its enchanting riverside garden where guests can enjoy an afternoon of fine dining surrounded by lush vegetation and serenaded by the sound of the river waters.
Website: pingnakara.com
Address: 135/9 Charoenprathet Road, T. Changklan, A. Muang
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Four Seasons Resort
A magical bolthole that honeymooners and basically all vacationers dream of, the Four Seasons Resort is a collect of lily pods, terraced rice paddies and enticing lakes that stake claim over a 32-acre vibrant landscape. Dozens of Lanna-inspired pavilions characterize the hotel which is brought to life by lovely Siamese art, alluring Thai textile, polished teak flooring, and endearing verandas. There are a total of 16 exquisite residences on offer coming with an exclusive housekeeper and spanning between one and three bedrooms.
Four Seasons offers an escape into an oasis of complete serenity in the middle of Chiang Mai’s idyllic rice fields.
The resort’s peripheral location is more than made up for with an overflowing basket of goodies which includes well-thought-out river excursions, gleaming temple visits, and a wellness focus that is truly world-class.
Take a closer look at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai.
Website: fourseasons.com/chiangmai
Address: Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road
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The Dhara Dhevi Resort
One look at the Dhara Dhevi will leave you lost for words as the fabulous resort explodes into an overwhelming beautiful vibrancy consisting of artistic woodwork, exotic plantations, alluring tropical trees, and lovely rice paddies. Dragons, gilded statuary and fountains are implored frequently across the resort which seems straight out of a 19th-century flick.
A cluster of iconic Thai spires reaching out to the skies welcome guests at Dhera Dhevi Chiang Mai.
The 123 accommodation options are split between two-story villas and colonial suites, both tributes to the Lanna heritage, scattered across sixty acres of unadulterated nature. All are executed to an effect an open- plan living space meticulously crafted in line with the past-empire blueprints.
Take a closer look at Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai.
Website: dharadhevi.com
Address: 51/4 Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Road
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The Chiang Mai Riverside
Promising hospitality that is truly from the roots of Chiang Mai, this multi-award-winning hotel takes pride in their personalized services. Chiang Mai Riverside presents luxuriant accommodation in a picturesque tranquil setting along the banks of Ping river.
The Ping river mirrors the elegant Chiang Mai Riverside facade, captured here as a painting-like scenery. Image: thechiangmai.com
Throughout their stay, guests are attended to by a dedicated butler, providing services according to their preferences. The hotel’s Vorra Bistro serves innovative Italian and Thai cuisine with ingredients sourced from local farmers. The establishment also features a swimming pool, a gym, and a garden.
Website: thechiangmai.com/riverside
Address: 111 Moo 7, Padad, Muang
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Veranda Resort Chiang Mai
Veranda Chiang Mai offers the complete Zen adventure from the get-go and is strategically situated away from the troubles of the city. It is a successful attempt at merging the best of two worlds as an extant veranda theme is confined to one of two zones with the remaining side paying homage to the rich customs of the north.
Glamorous lighting sets the evening atmosphere underneath Veranda’s spectacular domed lobby. Image: verandaresort.com
Its three floors reveal a prestigious accommodation just one shy of 70 rooms all boasting breathtaking views of the valley slope available all around the periphery which consists of water features, rice/tea terraces, and natural mountain streams.
Website: www.verandaresort.com/verandachiangmai/index.html
Address: 192 Moo 2 Banpong Hangdong
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Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa
Once called The Chedi Chiang Mai resort, the Anantara is a bamboo-confined haven centered on the beguiling picturesque Mae Ping River in an idyllic town in the northern region. A sanctuary wonderfully forgotten in time as colonial accents decorate a traditional Thai theme drowning in a contemporary style, it is without a doubt one of the best resorts in Chiang Mai.
The view from Anantara’s poolside beds includes a section of the river, a line of trees, a patch of grass, and the pool. Image: anantara.com
A total of 52 rooms are provided by the classic luxury resort with 32 of those being suites. Aside from king- worthy accommodation, culinary prowess is a strong selling point as is the past-century assembly of ornate temples, quirky cafes and a night Bazaar just a stone’s throw away from the premises.
Website: anantara.com/en/chiang-mai
Location: 123 Charoen Prathet Road
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Rachamankha Hotel
Holding the tag of Northern Thailand’s only Relais & Chateaux, Rachamankha is a lovely city hotel that offers a surprisingly secluded oasis of privacy in the midst of a desert of modernity. The hotel’s imposing construction sits on two acres of tended lawns and consists of two suites and 22 more rooms inspired the golden age that was the Lanna period of Chiang Mai.
Vintage architecture, an abundance of trees, and detailed decors give a distinct rustic charm to Rachamanka. Image: rachamankha.com
The hotel’s amenities encompass a pair of bars, a 20-meter sizzling pool, an exhibition of ancient antiques and art, a Pool Spa availing world-class massages and a fully-equipped library and Boutique not forgetting free Wi-Fi available throughout the facility.
Website: rachamankha.com
Location: 6 Rachamankha 9, Phra Singh
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U Hotel Chiang Mai
U Chiang Mai is the typical example of ritziness in style and character as multiple apartment buildings are knit in close quarters around a sophisticated lobby that was once the governor’s mansion during the 19- century regime. Lanna stylings surface every now and again but a modern boutique look is the domineering theme of the bewitching aesthetics.
A guest enjoys a peaceful spot by the pool right outside one of U Chiang Mai’s superior rooms. Image: uhotelsresorts.com
There’s not a lot to show in terms of expansiveness with the entire package availing 41 small but smart rooms but it’s definitely a case of good things coming in small quantities. Besides, its ideal location within the core of the old town ensures various attractions are only minutes away thereby overwhelming any shortcomings it might have.
Website: uhotelsresorts.com/en/uchiangmai/default.html
Address: 70 Ratchadamnoen Road
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Puripunn a Baby Grand Boutique Hotel
Its 30 rooms may paint the picture of a humble hotel but nothing could be further from the truth. Puripunn is a delightful setting of glamour and tradition as both aspects materialize into lovely guest rooms filled with elegant chic décor and enthralling terraces perched above a lovely courtyard and pool.
Bay windows of Puri Punn’s grand deluxe suites look out into a private courtyard pool. Image: puripunn.com
Trademark Lanna heritage is clearly evident all around not only from the marvelous construction but also from the scintillating cuisine of the on-site restaurant which features various Western and Thai delicacies. A fitness room, spa, and poolside bar complete the list of amenities on offer.
Website: puripunn.com
Address: 104/1 Charoen Muang Soi
