Due to its inland location, the ‘New City’ of Chiang Mai is often bypassed by sea-seeking tourists. Yet it’s here that some of the nation’s most revered temples, atmospheric landscapes and incredible wildlife reside. Chiang Mai’s tranquil ambience and vibrant spirit make it a sanctuary for those seeking to immerse themselves in a tapestry of timeless traditions. It has a fascinating history – it was once the capital of the Lanna kingdom – with relics and architecture dating back to the Middle Ages. And while some of the major sites are busy, the landscapes offer the opportunity to really escape the throng and find a slice of serenity. Chiang Mai’s rivers and lakes provide a backdrop for some stunning waterside resorts perfectly showcasing how ancient and contemporary worlds can seamlessly coexist, Read on and be inspired by a selection of our favourite luxury hotels in Chiang Mai.
The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is a seamlessly integrated Lanna-style retreat nestled in the Mae Rim Valley, around a 30-minute drive from Chiang Mai city. Featuring 20 acres of lush greenery, wooden pavilions, serene lily-filled ponds, and a low-rise design the resort places a strong emphasis on wellness, offering yoga, meditation, naturopathic treatments at the Wara Cheewa Spa, and plant-based cuisine. Guests can even engage in immersive local activities at Chaan Baan like pottery making, tie-dying, rice planting, and even water buffalo bathing. Combining rural charm with luxury, the resort boasts fine dining at North and Khao, as well as glorious accommodation options like its garden or rice terrace pavilions, pool villas, and longer, stay multi-bedroom residences as well as amenities like its library, shops, and tennis courts guests are never short of something to do, and you can’t leave without taking a dip in their two insta-worthy terraced infinity pools.
137 Pillars House Chiang Mai
137 Pillars House Chiang Mai is an award-winning boutique hotel nestled in a lush residential area near Chiang Mai’s historic Wat Gate Temple and the Ping River. The hotel’s rich colonial heritage is rooted in the original teak homestead from the late 1800s, painstakingly preserved by architectural historians and conservationists. The hotel offers 30 luxurious suites, each featuring high ceilings, spacious walk-in wardrobes, exquisite bathrooms with Victorian bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers, and four-poster beds. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including personal butler service, pillow menus, Bluetooth sound systems, and an indulgent in-room trolley stocked with premium brand spirits and Nespresso coffee machine. Dining options include The Dining Room for breakfast, Palette for gourmet evening meals, and Jack Bain’s Bar for the best-handcrafted cocktails in Chiang Mai. The hotel also offers a serene spa, fitness centre, and a stunning 25m swimming pool positioned alongside a jaw-dropping vertical plant wall. 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai offers a blend of classic colonial charm and modern luxury in a historical setting that is ideal for exploring the city.
Shangri-La Chiang Mai
This large hotel boasts the biggest pool in the city, along with 277 guest rooms (designed in a modern Northern Thai style) and four places to eat. The Shangri-La’s range of facilities makes it ideal for parents travelling with kids — there’s cartoon bedding for younger travellers, playpens, colouring sets, everything you need to feed/bathe a newborn, mini-bathrobes and slippers, a splash zone, kids’ club, and supervised creative activities run daily. Then while the kids are being entertained, you can indulge in a traditional Asian healing treatment at CHI, The Spa.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
Once the home of the British Consulate, the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort enjoys a riverfront position, onto which the pool backs and on which the hotel’s own boat carries sightseeing guests. Much of the interior design here takes its cue from the building’s past life, with a contemporary twist. So too does the restaurant, The Service 1921, a decorative homage to its heritage, serving contemporary Asian cuisine and cocktails. Wellness is a focus at the property; there’s a spa, holistic classes, Lanna Rituals and Shirodhara massages on offer. In addition to its open-plan tropical-themed bedrooms, guests can opt to stay in a serviced suite.
Na Nirand Resort
This boutique hotel has a romantic back story and so encourages its guests to discover ‘eternal love’ for themselves when staying. It also has strong connections with forestry. The area has played a significant role in conservation, a theme that’s echoed in the hotel’s decor and a giant 100-year-old Rain Tree sits within the grounds, a definite talking point for visitors. The top range of suites face onto the river and are named: Harmonious British-Indian, Burmese Dream, Enchanted Chinese and Siamese Love, reflecting the hotel’s connections with neighbouring countries. Also beside the Ping River, is the property’s industrial vintage-style restaurant and there’s a rooftop wine bar with wonderful views.
Meliá Chiang Mai
Meliá Chiang Mai, opened in April 2022, and it is the third Thai property for the Spanish hotel group, with its other Thai hotels located in Phuket and Koh Samui. Meliá Chiang Mai is situated near the Ping River on Charoenprathet Road, this 254-room hotel consists of a striking seven-story podium building connected to a 22-floor tower. There are seven room and two suite categories ranging from 30 sqm to 113 sqm all offering modern, functional amenities. Dining options include Mediterranean cuisine with Thai twists and a rooftop Mai The Sky Bar. The hotel also features a YHI Spa, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre. Combining European chic with warm Thai hospitality right in the heart of Chiang Mai makes this an ideal choice for leisure travellers looking for a convenient base to explore the city.
