11 Best Boutique Hotels in Chiang Mai for a Unique Stay

Visiting Chiang Mai and looking for a unique place to stay? Here’s a list of the best boutique hotels in Chiang Mai that will make an ideal base for your adventure. 

Chiang Mai is a great destination for every traveler; from budget backpackers to family vacationers, the area’s culture, history, and breathtaking nature appeal to all. As one of northern Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, you’ll find tons of accommodation options to choose from– but finding somewhere unique to stay during your trip can be challenging.

After spending a lot of time in the city myself, I’ve put together this list of the best and most unique boutique hotels in Chiang Mai, with my top picks for each of the main tourist areas in the city.

Tip: My favorites are Tamarind Village for its peaceful atmosphere nestled amidst the bustle of the Old Town, and 137 Pillars House for its luxurious blend of history and modern comforts.

Boutique Hotels in Old Town Chiang Mai

The below list is spread throughout the many neighborhoods of Chiang Mai, including the Old Town, trendy Nimman, and East of Old Town district where you'll find bustling markets, peaceful temples, and vibrant art districts.

Read my guide to where to stay in Chiang Mai to help you plan.

Old Town Chiang Mai Hotels

	Hotel Name	Price
	Tamarind Village	$$$
	The Inside House	$$$
	Villa Sirilanna Hotel	$$
	Aksara Heritage	$$
	99 The Gallery Hotel	$

1. Villa Sirilanna Hotel

• Best for: travelers wanting to immerse themselves in Chiang Mai’s culture 
• Price: $$

There aren’t many boutique Chiang Mai hotels that better complement the charming architecture of the old town than the Villa Sirilanna. The hotel is designed in a traditional Lanna style, with rooms featuring intricate wood carvings and beautiful stained glass panels– the decor is charming and feels so authentic to the area. 

I’ve stayed here myself and loved the serene atmosphere; the outdoor pool is very peaceful and is the perfect place to relax after a busy day exploring Chiang Mai. 

The location of the Villa Sirilanna couldn’t be any better. It’s within the old city walls, a stone's throw away from attractions like Tha Phae Gate and the Chedi Luang temple. It’s a great place to base yourself for exploring the old town. 

2. Aksara Heritage 

• Best for: location hunters   
• Price: $$

The Aksara Heritage is one of my favorite boutique hotels in Chiang Mai– the rooms are comfortable and luxurious, and I love the sizable balconies overlooking the swimming pool. It’s located very centrally with lots of attractions within walking distance, including the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and a handful of temples. Tha Pae Walking Street is right outside the hotel's doors, so if you’re staying over a weekend, you can access the weekly night markets with ease. 

If you’re planning on doing a lot of day trips and excursions from Chiang Mai, the Aksara Heritage is in a great location for pickups. The Old Town has a lot of one-way roads so traveling to and from places can be a bit laborious, but the Aksara is easily accessible from the ring road– which saves heaps of time when traveling by car or tuk-tuk. 

3. The Inside House  

• Best for: luxury vacationers  
• Price: $$$

The Inside House is one of the most unique hotels in Chiang Mai, and it’s the perfect choice for a luxury escape. The Lanna Colonial style design of the bright and airy hotel is stunning, with lavish touches everywhere. If you want to stay somewhere that feels truly special, this is the perfect boutique hotel in Chiang Mai. 

One of the real standout features of The Inside House is the private pools attached to many of the rooms– it doesn’t get much more luxurious than that! 

There’s a brilliant restaurant on-site as well, and breakfast is included in your stay. The staff also put on a daily afternoon tea service for guests, and if you’re heading out early to catch a flight or go on a day trip, they’ll package this up for you to take with you. 

4. Tamarind Village

• Best for: anyone wanting to escape the chaos of the city 
• Price: $$$

Despite its location in the center of the old town, the Tamarind Village is a peaceful oasis. This charming boutique hotel in Chiang Mai is built under a 200-year-old tamarind tree and is surrounded by greenery– it feels like you’re staying in the remote jungle rather than the middle of the city. All of the attractions of the old town are right on your doorstep, and it’s a 5-minute walk from the hotel to Wat Phan Tao temple.

There’s a fantastic restaurant on site, as well as a beautiful outdoor pool and excellent spa facilities. The staff at the Tamarind Village are incredibly helpful, offering airport pick up as well as help booking any day trips and excursions to places like Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep, or an ethical elephant sanctuary.

5. 99 The Gallery Hotel 

• Best for: budget travelers 
• Price: $

If you’re looking for a Chiang Mai boutique hotel that won’t break the bank, this is a fantastic choice. The value for money here is fantastic, with air-conditioned rooms, incredibly comfortable beds, gym facilities, and even a small outdoor swimming pool.

Location-wise, this hotel couldn’t be much better– it’s in the center of the old town, right next to Wat Phra Singh. There are some great restaurants and bars in the vicinity, and it’s only a short walk to the night markets, so you’re in a great position when it comes to eating and drinking. 

One of the things I really like about 99 The Gallery is the terrace on the upper floor which overlooks Wat Phra Singh– it’s a great spot to watch the sunset! 

Best Boutique Hotels in Nimman Neighborhood

	Hotel Name	Price
	Nord Studio	$
	At Niman	$
	Art Gallery Nimman Hotel	$

6. At Niman

• Best for: stylish travelers 
• Price: $

At Niman is one of Chiang Mai’s prettiest boutique hotels. Its rooms are all bright and fresh, with unique and carefully curated decor. The tree-lined courtyard and small swimming pool are beautifully designed and make lovely places to relax during your stay. If you like Instagramming your hotel stays, you’ll love At Niman.

The hotel is in a great location if you’re planning on doing any shopping, as two of Chiang Mai's best malls, One Nimman and Maya Lifestyle, are located within walking distance.

One of the most special things about this hotel is its staff. It’s only small in size, so it has a really personal feel and the staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Nothing is too much to ask, and they are always happy to share local tips on things to do in the area.

7. Nord Studio

• Best for: digital nomads and long-term travelers 
• Price: $

If you’re looking for somewhere in Nimman to stay for a longer period of time, Nord Studio is a fantastic choice. The air-conditioned studio rooms are all very generous in size, and feature flatscreen TVs, private kitchens, and workspaces– making them a great base for longer stays.

Nord Studio is right in the center of Nimman, so you’ll find plenty of places to eat nearby, but if you don’t want to travel too far Beast Burger next door is a brilliant burger joint, and one of Nimmans best coffee shops Roast8ry is a few meters away.

After spending a few years on the road, I would rank this as one of the best boutique hotels in Chiang Mai for digital nomads. It’s also a great choice if you’ve been traveling for a long time and want a break from cramped hotel rooms!

8. Art Gallery Nimman Hotel 

• Best for: art lovers 
• Price: $

There are some truly unique hotels in Chiang Mai, and the Art Gallery Nimman is one of them. Each room is decorated with a different theme designed by famous local artists, and they each have their own quirky style.

There are some fantastic facilities to utilize during your stay, including a rooftop pool and a fairly extensive fitness suite. If you’ve hired a bike or car, you can also make the most of the free private parking offered by the hotel.

The Art Gallery is located just off the trendy Nimmanhaemin Road and is close to lots of coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, including one of my favorite eateries in Nimman, Uchi Japanese.

Tip: If you're looking for something unique to do on your visit spend an hour at the Mali Cat Cafe near One Nimman Shopping Mall.

Unique Hotels East of Old Town Chiang Mai

	Hotel Name	Price
	137 Pillars House	$$$
	Rimping Village	$$
	Na Nirand Romantic Boutique	$$

9. Rimping Village

• Best for: mid-range travelers 
• Price: $$

This is the perfect place to relax away from the bustle of the city, and its price point makes it a great choice for mid-range travelers. 

Rimping Village is a tranquil oasis situated within walking distance from the Night Bazaar. It’s got a lovely peaceful pool with ample sun loungers– which is a rare find in Chiang Mai! The hotel's rooms are bright, comfortable, and well-equipped with everything you could need, including a Nespresso machine.  

There are plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance, but there’s also a convenient restaurant within the hotel, and a buffet breakfast is included in the stay.

10. 137 Pillars House

• Best for: special occasions and luxury holidaymakers 
• Price: $$$ 

137 Pillars House is the perfect boutique hotel in Chiang Mai if you’re visiting the city on a special trip. Everything about this hotel has the wow factor– expect exceptional service, beautiful design, and some very comfy beds. 

The hotel is decorated to an extremely high standard, drawing its inspiration from a blend of colonial-style architecture and luxury modern finishes. Rooms are spacious and there is a range of suites to choose from, including some with their own private pool. There’s an on-site restaurant serving both Western and Thai cuisine, as well as a stylish bar.

11. Na Nirand Romantic Boutique 

• Best for: couples vacations and honeymoons 
• Price: $$

If you’re visiting Chiang Mai on your honeymoon or on a special trip with your partner, you’ll love the relaxing atmosphere at Na Nirand. There’s a spa and restaurant on site, and rooms come equipped with everything you need to unwind: premium amenities, a bathtub, and fluffy robes are all included. 

There’s a beautiful pool area on site, and each room features a balcony or terrace so you can make the most of the hotel's scenic riverside setting. It’s a 20-minute walk into the old town, and bikes are available to borrow if you’d rather cycle there instead. The hotel is on the outskirts of town but there’s still plenty to do in the vicinity, including the Art in Paradise Museum which is just down the road.

As you can see… there is no shortage of brilliant Chiang Mai boutique hotels to choose from. Hopefully, this round-up of my best picks makes your decision slightly easier!

My Hotel Selection Process

• Accommodation Criteria: I've selected hotels in Chiang Mai based on location, price, current traveler reviews, and value for money.
• My Experience: I've visited Chiang Mai several times and stayed in several neighborhoods including the Old Town, Nimman, and Suthep. On my recent trip, I lived in Chiang Mai for two months and got to know the city.

• Top Reviews: I constantly research, and compare hotel reviews across booking sites such as Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and HostelWorld. I update my recommendations yearly to ensure they are still the best options.
• Local Insights: As a professional travel blogger and photographer, I work closely with tour companies and tourism boards across Northern Thailand. Many recommendations come from friends, local colleagues, and other travelers I meet on the road.

Read more about how I review & select hotels & accommodations.

5+

Years Traveling

250+

Hotels Stayed

50+

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I'm Olly, a full-time traveler since 2018. Each accommodation option in this guide is handpicked by me. Read my travel review ethics statement.

Here's My top three Chiang Mai Day Trips

Below are the top 3 picks for tours that explore Thai culture, beautiful nature, and one that will leave your tastebuds tingling.

1. Chiang Rai Temples Small Group Tour

A day full of exploration to the incredible nearby Chiang Rai and its mindblowing temples. You'll want to have your camera here!

2. Doi Inthanon National Park Day Trip

If waterfalls, nature, incredible views, and learning about culture in a local hill tribe village is something you might enjoy then this tour should be on your list!

3. Chiang Mai Evening Street Food Tour

This small tour ticks all the boxes for deliciousness. Sampling different foods from two different night markets. Your tastebuds won't want to leave.