Where to Live / Stay in Ching Mai, Thailand

Many visitors appreciate the laid-back character of Chiang Mai by opting for the guest houses rather than the expensive posh hotels. Rates vary from 100 - 500 baht depending on the season. You must check out these guest houses thoroughly before settling for one, as some have very pokey bathrooms and no hot water and Chiang Mai can get quite chilly. It's worth seeking out the small places tucked down an alley in the Old Town or adjacent areas if you are on the hunt for a serene place. Everything is within walking distance, so there's no need to decide on the most appropriate setting. You can actually loiter around and make the best choice for yourself. All depends on what you want and how much you can afford

During the season (November to February) Chiang Mai has a large influx of tourists and there is good provision in hotels to accommodate them. Cheap, basic family-run Chinese establishments cater to locals, while five-star resorts cost US $350 a night. Rooms costing more than 1200 baht/$30/€24/£17 will be equivalent to a nice-sized 3 star + hotel in North America or Europe, mostly with a pool and tourist help desk. Pre-booking is essential during the busy season from November to February and during the festivals of Song Kran (mid April) and Loi Kratong (late November). The Thai staff is purely talented at hospitality.

The following suburbs are close to the city centre; Chang Klan, Muang, Sri Donchai Rd, Night bazaar area, Lumphun Road, Chang Moikao Road and Charoen Prathet Road. The areas of Huay Kaew, Chang Puak, Cholpratan, Suithep Road and some parts of Mae rim are a 10 - 20 minutes into town and pleasantly quieter. Chiang Mai is a very manageable size, but noise is sometimes a problem unless you are in a modern, insulated building.

HOTELS

Note: Rates vary according to superior and deluxe options. A single + beside the price indicates a deluxe room option, two ++ suggests suites are available and three +++ are reserved for ultimate luxury choices. Some prices are about 20 per cent less before November 1st.

Suan Dok Kaew Hotel: is situated in the suburbs, near the famed Suan Dok temple, 10 minutes west of the city. Budget, value for money, clean and modern hotel within easy reach of shops and city. 650 baht/$16/€13/£9

Winner Hotel: small, good value, inexpensive five-storey apartment-style hotel, five minutes from the Night Bazaar. Comfy rooms, one restaurant serving Thai, Western and Chinese food. 800 baht/$20/€16/£11

Downtown Inn: located on Loi Khroh road, in the heart of the tourist area, somewhat of a bustling location (avoid street-side rooms). Comfortable rooms and commendable service, good customer feedback. 1000 baht/$25/€20/£13

Chiang Mai Hills: sizeable hotel west of city, 15 minutes from the city and close to mountain. Comfortable, airy rooms with exceptional views, two restaurants (international and Japanese), lively bar, pool and fitness.1200 baht/$30/€24/£17 ++

Chiang Mai Hotels

Lotus Pang Suan Kaew: backs onto the large Kad Suan Kaew Mall, offering the best in Thai décor and hospitality. Close to shops and many amenities, five minutes from city centre, lovely rooms, large capacity, four restaurants, lobby bar and coffee shop, massage, spa, sauna, Olympic sized pool, fitness.1200 baht/$30/€24/£17

Holiday Garden Resort: two options set in lovely gardens with idiosyncratic Lanna style, 15 minutes from city centre, closer to the mountain. Comfortable rooms with several different, stylish options in a reasonable price range, two restaurants, coffee shop, down quiet lane. 1000 baht/$25/€20/£13 ++

Pornping Towers: large high-rise, centrally located near Night Bazaar, good views with no restrictions on room guests. Hotel includes a rooftop restaurant (15 floors up) as well as cocktail bar offering grand sunset views, plus grill and Chinese restaurants, 24 hour bar, karaoke lounge, lobby bar and disco.1100 baht/$27/€22/£15 +

Duangtawan Hotel: elegant and roomy, recently renovated, Singaporean-owned high-rise centrally located near the Night Bazaar. Coffee shop, lobby bar and restaurant, luxury pool, spa, salon, fitness centre, wireless internet. Standard and Executive floors. Twin bed rooms. 1650 baht/$41/€33/£23 ++

Empress Hotel: five minutes south of the city centre, busy affair with 275 rooms elegantly decorated in Lanna Thai style. Two restaurants, pool and standard hotel services. Good value for money and customer satisfaction.1800 baht/$45/€36/£25

Imperial Chiang Mai Resort: spacious riverfront resort 20 minutes out of town in peaceful settings, with private bungalows, well-appointed rooms, spa and massage, Olympic sized pool, tennis, badminton, squash, fitness centre, business centre, free limo service, two restaurants and more entertainment.1300 baht/$32/€26/£18.

Luxury Hotels

Karinthip Ville: pleasant garden hotel tucked away down lanes near Sriphum moat corner in city centre, peaceful and exclusive establishment in unusual mix of Lanna Thai, Chinese and Asian Colonial design with a wide range of luxury room options, pool, single restaurant, and outdoor bar. 1800 baht/$45/€36/£25 +++

Sheraton: five-star luxury beside the River Ping, 10 minutes from the city centre, away from the bustle of the city. Large, deluxe rooms, 25 floors. French, Italian and Chinese restaurants, chic cocktail bar, terrace buffet, massage and spa, business centre, pool, fitness centre, beauty salon.3200 baht/$80/€64/£ 45 +++

Amora Rydges: new, Australian owned, top-rate hotel. Centrally located near Tapae Gate with incredible room views of mountain and city. Swanky interiors, comfortably sized rooms, pool and beer garden, ample parking, two restaurants, two bars. Meeting room and salon. 2000 Baht/$50/€40/£28 ++

Amari Rincome: located 10 minutes from the city, this comfortable hotel sits in the tranquil suburb of Ricome/Nimminhemin road near the home décor shops. Attractively decked Thai-style rooms (teak finishing's), pool, tennis court, coffee shop, lobby bar, poolside bar and first rate La Gritta’ Italian restaurant. 2400 baht/$60/€48/£33 ++

Tamarind Village: exclusive guesthouse-styled hotel converted from traditional Thai buildings, set in gardens tucked away down a quiet lane in old town, very central and aesthetically pleasing, pool, massage, single home-styled cooking restaurant - close to Sunday Walking Street Market. 2500 baht/$62/€50/£35 +

Mae Ping Imperial Hotel: 15-storey hotel in city centre with advanced standards, far-fetched views, private balconies, Royal Service floor, Chinese and buffet restaurants, beer garden, lobby bar and coffee shop, two swimming pools, Jacuzzi, salon, business centre and shopping. 2000 Baht/$50/€40/£28 +++.