Most would feel that boutique hotels are synonymous with budget ones. But they actually just mean smaller hotels that have 10 to 100 rooms. A smaller hotel also means fewer people, more privacy, and personalised service for you. These boutique hotels in Chiang Mai are precisely that — chic resorts with a handful of rooms.
You can also pick your favourite locations in Chiang Mai. Do you prefer staying in the city, or out of the city where the paddy fields span far and wide? The northern Thailand state is a beautiful one where lush greenery is aplenty and local cultures welcome you with open arms. Not only that, most of the architecture is inspired by the state’s Lanna heritage. Lanna is the old name for the northern Thai kingdom around Chiang Mai, where strong influences of it can still be seen until today.
So skip the beaches this time around and head north towards Chiang Mai. We’ve rounded up a selection of chic boutique hotels for you to check in to — just read on.
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1 /9
Located within the city, Zzziesta (pronounced “siesta”) is a cool little boutique hotel in Chiang Mai. It’s a mere 500 metres away from the Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Centre, a 10-minute drive from the old town, and over a kilometre away from Chang Puak Gate. Enjoy a cup of joe at the airy Z’cafe and take in your idyllic surroundings.
Zzziesta Chiang Mai, 22/1 ถนน Sermsuk Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand, +66 98 808 9406.
2 /9
You would never be able to guess that Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort is located in the heart of Chiang Mai. Stepping inside the boutique resort is almost like going into another world — a quieter, more tranquil one. The rooms in the resort itself are large, featuring many wooden elements that give it an exotic vibe. We would love to just drift along on our backs in the outdoor swimming pool, and then moving on to the restaurant and enjoy a sumptuous meal with peaceful views of the Ping River.
Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort, 1/1 Charoen Prathet Rd, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, +66 53 280 988.
3 /9
While Anantara Chiang Mai Resort may be part of a larger hotel chain, it’s still considered a boutique hotel in Chiang Mai thanks to its cosy size. With a stunning modern design and rooms with a view of the river, this luxury resort is where we want to escape to after a day of exploring Chiang Mai. Its location at the edge of the Mae Ping River makes it a beautiful spot, yet it’s only a five-minute walk away from Chiang Mai’s iconic Night Bazaar. Be sure to also dine in the resort’s in-house restaurant, which takes place in a repurposed colonial British Consulate building. Order a variety of Thai, Indian, Korean, and international dishes dreamed up by Chef Chris Patzold who was formerly from Ku De Ta in Bali.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, 123, 123/1 Charoen Prathet Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, +66 53 253 333.
4 /9
- One of the most beautiful boutique hotels you can check in to in Chiang Mai is 137 Pillars House. It tastefully merges traditional and contemporary design elements that are built around a homestead dating back to 1889. Lush jungle greenery and dark wooden houses take you back to the historical Lanna days, while the 30 exclusive suites in the resort boast a colourful theme with a homey finish. You won’t have to go far to fill your stomach too, as the in-house restaurants are excellent. Take your pick from Palette Restaurant, Jack Bain’s Bar, The Parlor, Wine Cellar, The Dining Room, Kitchen and Private Dining, which uses organic ingredients from the on-site garden.
137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, 2 ถนน NHA Wat Kaet 1 Alley, Wat Ket, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, +66 53 247 788.
5 /9
Located in the rich cultural district of Wat Kate, Villa Sanpakoi is your relaxing getaway within the heart of Chiang Mai. It features a large pool in the middle of the hotel with large rooms and even provides guests bicycles to get around Chiang Mai. Villa Sanpakoi is at the perfect location if it’s your first time in Chiang Mai and you want to be close to all the touristy spots. They’re all close by, including Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Tha Pae Gate, Three Kings Monument, and Chedi Luang Temple.
Villa Sanpakoi, 87/1 Bumruang Rajd Rd, Wat Ket, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, +66 52 085 850.
6 /9
Sirreampan Boutique Resort is immediately identifiable by its traditional Siamese architecture, but there are also modern touches within the boutique resort. There are 11 suites in the resort, which means that all your needs will be duly attended to. Be sure to check out the spa as well, and indulge in some self-pampering while you’re there.
Sireeampan Boutique Resort & Spa, 88/8 Moo 1, Tambon Chang Phueak, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand, +66 53 327 777.
7 /9
It’s only befitting that Raya Heritage is located in the trendy and hip district of Mae Rim in Chiang Mai. The area is known for its mix of paddy fields and art galleries — two things that you won’t usually see together. A quick glance of Raya Heritage and its airy, high ceilings will immediately appeal to the minimalists at heart. Inside the rooms, interiors are kept natural with hemp and cotton textiles, as well as mulberry paper screens. Alongside the beautiful space is Khu Kao, the in-house restaurant where you can try mohinga — a Burmese signature of rice noodles and fish soup — and amok trey, a Khmer-style fish souffle wrapped in banana leaves. Chiang Mai’s close proximity to Myanmar means that some Burmese influence will show in the city, and this is it.
Raya Heritage, 157 Moo 6, Tambol Donkaew, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand, +66 2 301 1861.
8 /9
With 22 rooms and three suites, Rachamankha Boutique Hotel is set to be a quiet boutique hotel — the expansive courtyards within the hotel grounds may help, too. The architecture of the hotel pays tribute to the city’s Lanna heritage and is adorned with many Asian art pieces as well. For your very own private sanctuary, take on the two-bedroom suite, a large room that also has its own private access to the pool.
Rachamankha Boutique Hotel, 6 Ratchamanka 9 Alley, Phra Sing, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, +66 53 904 111.
9 /9
Need to stay in the most convenient area in Chiang Mai? Try Ping Nakara, a gorgeous boutique hotel that is located on Charoenprathet Road, a mere five-minute walk from the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. The white exterior is complemented by the hand-carved fretworks, and inside you’ll find only 19 rooms. The interior takes on a sophisticated and tasteful design made even better by the professional service the hotel provides. Certain room types have its own private jacuzzi if you’re into that.
Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel and Spa, 135/9 Charoen Prathet Rd, ตำบล ช้างคลาน อำเภ เมืองเชียงใหม่ Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, +66 53 252 999.
PohNee Chin
Editor, Kuala Lumpur
Poh Nee is the editor and writes about travel and drinks. When she's not living out her holiday dreams via Google Earth and sipping on an Old Fashioned down at the local bars, you can find her snug at home bingeing on Netflix and mystery fiction.
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