The best hotels in Chiang Mai for boutique stays and luxury getaways

Thailand’s capital of culture mixes heritage with modernism, such a vibrant city also offers a wide array of hotels that will suit every traveller. Often referred to as Thailand’s “second city”, loved by locals for its creative spirit and serene ambience, Chiang Mai is a place where ancient meets modern. On first impression it doesn’t seem particularly large, as its buildings are mostly low-rise, but it’s a wide metropolis, hemmed in by the mountains, jungle, river and rice fields that surround it. The close proximity to nature is a large part of Chiang Mai’s appeal, as are the reams of medieval architecture, cool live music venues, thriving art galleries and hundreds of beautiful temples – the north of Thailand being home to a deeply Buddhist population.

A vibrant university town and the kingdom’s capital of culture in the north, it’s also known for its delectable local food, hiking trails and its lovely inhabitants. While it’s long been a favourite with yogis, digital nomads and backpackers, recent years have seen Chiang Mai’s high-end hotel scene boom, with many properties making the most of elegant heritage buildings. Here is our pick of where to stay in Chiang Mai.

The rice paddies of this Four Seasons, designed by lauded hotel architect Bill Bensley, foster the tranquility of staying in a remote, quintessentially Thai village – even a buffalo and his keeper do the rounds. Yet this tucked-away resort in the hills of Mae Rim is only a 30-minute drive north of the Old City. The standalone bungalows and villas that dot around the fields and infinity pool add to the secluded getaway feel, while the main buildings – a heavenly spa, vaulted ornate restaurant and high tech gym – are decked with teak wood interiors in old school Lanna (Northern Thai) style. As luxurious as any of the country’s Four Seasons, this branch comes in slightly cheaper than its Koh Samui counterpart, which is playing backdrop to the third season of The White Lotus.

Address: 502 Moo 1, Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Chiang Mai, 50180. Read more: Chiang Mai city guide – where to stay, eat drink and shop in Thailand’s northern creative hub. This extremely special riverside hotel curls around a striking 19th-century building that once operated as the British embassy. Ease and decadence are the MO here, with the property making good use of its heritage features (make sure you check out the Ian Fleming / James Bond homage in the restaurant and cocktail bar’s interior design) topped with that unmistakable Anantara class. The resort’s newly relaunched river cruise on a traditional golden Lanna boat makes for royal treatment, while honeymooners (or love birds, or indeed any visitors) can book the private table that juts out on a platform overlooking the infinity pool and Ping River. Be sure to find time for spa treatments that range from traditional Thai practices (like a stomach fire massage) to Western-style health boosters a la mode, like vitamin-packed IV drips.

Address: 1 Charoen Prathet Rd, Chang Khlan, Chiang Mai 50100. Read more: Drenched by Super Soakers and blasted by buckets of water – celebrating Songkran in Chiang Mai. This gorgeous property is named after the 1880s teak wood house that forms the centre of the heritage hotel, standing proudly on 137 pillars of teak wood. The building, which was home to the Borneo Trading Company until the 1950s, has been restored to its original splendor and is a snapshot of Chiang Mai’s past (complete with small museum in situ) while being a very active member of the city’s present – the management and staff support local schools and orphanages, run community events throughout the year and collaborate with the neighboring monastery Wat Ket to archive the neighbourhood’s history. Let the dedicated butler service at one of the 30 sumptuous suites assist you to fully unwind as you enjoy afternoon tea, poolside zen, or even a trip to the most ethical elephant sanctuary in town, with whom the hotel partner.

Address: Wat Kaet 1 Alley, Chang Moi, Chiang Mai, 50000. Read more: Escape Bangkok and explore these hidden corners of Thailand by rail. The InterContinental took over and completely refurbished one of the city’s tallest, longstanding hotel buildings and have made it their own. The redesign is a loving homage to Lanna culture and oozes magnificence down to the smallest features – from the gold-plated reception area that’s a nod to the pagodas of the royal temple at Wat Phra Singh to the local textile patterns of every cushion and floral door knobs at every turn. The property shouts “Chiang Mai” from top to bottom, with a medieval-era temple on the sprawling lush green lawn, complete with its own warden and an ultra-swish roof terrace cocktail bar with unparalleled views of mountain leviathan, Doi Suthep. Treat yourself to afternoon tea and, if you're travelling with little ones, pop them in the art classes or ball pool in the kids’ club.