Bounded by moats and the remains of the ancient city walls, old town Chiang Mai has a number of excellent boutique hotels. This historic area is a wonderful place to discover by foot or bicycle and is home to over 30 temples including Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chieng Man. On Sundays, one of the main thoroughfares is closed to traffic and Chiang Mai’s Walking Street Market sets up. The Old Town is a peaceful and relaxed place to stay with the entertainment and shopping areas of downtown Chiang Mai easily accessible by songthaew, tuk-tuk or by foot.
Bodhi Serene Boutique Hotel
The Bodhi Serene hotel is a relatively new addition to Chiang Mai’s boutique hotel sector, but has already established itself as a popular choice with repeat visitors to the city. With an excellent location in the heart of old town Chiang Mai, the Bodhi Serene is a short walk away from Thapae Gate. The hotel features 48 guest rooms designed in northern-Thai style. Set amongst quiet, private grounds the Bodhi Serene combines great value with an excellent central location.
Buri Gallery
The Buri Gallery benefits from an excellent location on Rachadamnoen Road less than 50 metres away from the entrance to Wat Phra Singh. On Sundays, Rachadamnoen Road is closed to traffic (approximately 4-11 p.m.) for the highly recommended Walking Street Market. Accommodation at Buri Gallery is comprised of 10 deluxe and 11 superior rooms all elegantly furnished with Lanna style décor.
De Lanna Hotel
With just 35 rooms, De Lanna is a modern, but homely boutique hotel with traditional touches throughout. The De Lanna hotel is situated just a stone’s throw from one of Chiang Mai’s most important temples, Wat Phra Singh and is a two-minute walk away from the Three Kings Monument. Inthawararot Road where De Lanna is situated is home to some excellent food-stalls and open-sided restaurants. These fill up at lunch-time with local Chiang Mai people and this is a great place to try local specialities like khao soi.
Eurana Boutique
The Eurana Boutique hotel is located in one of the quiet sois (lanes) in the old town area of Chiang Mai. With a location set back from the main street, this 72 room hotel benefits from privacy and offers good value and comfortable accommodation in an eclectic area of Chiang Mai close to Thapae Gate and the local Somphet Market. With plenty of small bars, cafes and restaurants close at hand, this is a good location for first time visitors to Chiang Mai.
Rachamankha
The temple-inspired architecture and graceful lines of the Rachamankha reflect the wish of the designers to create a unique hotel in Chiang Mai. With artistic influences from Thailand, Burma, China and Laos, this stunning 23-room hotel lies in a peaceful soi close to Wat Phra Singh. Accommodation is comprised of 18 superior rooms, 4 deluxe and 1 two-bedroom en-suite. The attention to detail throughout the hotel is no surprise given the status of the owners.
Tamarind Village
The Tamarind Village derives its name from the 200-year-old tamarind tree within the hotel grounds. Although the hotel is centrally located on Rachadamnoen Road, the Tamarind remains tranquil because it is set back from the street by an entrance lane fringed with a bamboo archway. The grounds are divided into three private courtyards with beautiful landscaped gardens. A sister hotel to the magnificent Rayavadee in Krabi, the Tamarind Village boasts 42 guest rooms and 3 suites. All the accommodation is arranged around a series of courtyards which makes for extra privacy.
The Rim
Located within sight of the old city walls and close to Suan Dok Gate, The Rim is a new boutique hotel which opened in 2010. With just 36 guest rooms and a classic, northern-Thai style design, The Rim is a short stroll away from Wat Phra Singh and Chiang Mai’s famous Sunday Walking Street Market. Each room has the benefit of a large balcony/terrace and facilities at this 3.5 star hotel include swimming pool, gym, spa/massage and restaurant.
U Hotel
Opened in 2008, The U Hotel is now firmly established as one of the most popular boutique hotels in Chiang Mai. The U Hotel is a four star property featuring 41 exquisite rooms with personal touches. An excellent central location in the heart of the old city puts guests within easy walking distance of many of the main sights of the historic old district of Chiang Mai. The ancient temple of Wat Chedi Luang is across the road from the hotel and it’s just a short walk to the Three Kings Monument.