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.
Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel
The Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel offers a luxurious gateway to the heart of Northern Thailand’s vibrant culture and natural beauty. Nestled by the scenic Ping River, within close proximity to the ancient city walls and the lively night bazaar, the hotel is a haven for travellers seeking an immersive experience in Chiang Mai’s dynamic downtown area. Embracing its location’s history, the Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel, previously known as Le Meridien Chiang Mai, blends authentic Lanna inspirations and regional traditions while catering to modern preferences, providing a perfect balance of past and present. The hotel comprises 383 elegantly renovated rooms and suites which present stunning views of Doi Suthep Mountain. Beyond the comfort and privacy of rooms, guests are invited to explore a range of activities, from jungle treks to cultural interactions with hill tribe communities, and on-site amenities include a resort-style swimming pool, a great choice of bars and restaurants, and extensive conference facilities. The Quan Spa, with its mix of traditional Thai therapies and modern treatments, provides a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Dining at the Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel is an indulgent affair, with a good choice of restaurants which serve a variety of cuisines; authentic Thai food and regional dishes, premium Italian and Chinese cuisine, and innovative cocktails in settings that range from poolside relaxation to sophisticated bars. The hotel is within easy access to Chiang Mai International Airport.
The Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai
The Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai is a new property designed to offer an intimate and premium experience, featuring 44 rooms and suites, including 35 spacious hotel rooms, one-and-two-bedroom villas, and a distinct four-bed villa with a private swimming pool. Each accommodation unit blends traditional Thai design with modern, tech-savvy facilities, emphasising sustainable design through the use of recovered teak wood. The four-bedroom “Owner’s Villa” stands out for its construction from antique golden teak, combining traditional Thai living with contemporary comforts. Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai commits to holistic wellness, having received medical licensing to offer wellness retreats with tailored programs aimed at achieving guests’ individual health goals. With an in-house medical team, the retreat focuses on diet, nutrition, mental well-being, physical fitness, and medical guidance, all set within a serene environment. The retreat’s gastronomic offering features a health-conscious F&B programme that includes a menu of creatively designed Thai dishes with a focus on nutritious, plant-based, low sugar/carb options utilising local ingredients. Nutritionists will be available for guests attending health retreats to provide customised diet plans tailored to their health objectives. Facilities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool with a lounge area and bar, an all-day-dining restaurant, a library bar for evening drinks, the Ayurah Wellness Centre with a full-service spa, and event spaces suitable for gatherings and workshops for up to 40 people, promoting an atmosphere of tranquillity and wellness.
Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort
Located in the serene hills of Northern Thailand, the Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort offers a luxurious retreat that beautifully combines the rich heritage of the Lanna and Ayuthaya kingdoms with modern comforts. This secluded sanctuary, surrounded by lush tropical forests and vibrant gardens, provides a range of accommodations, from cozy rooms to spacious villas and unique glamping options, all with stunning views of the Pongyaeng Valley. Guests can enjoy exquisite dining at the Panorama Restaurant, and rejuvenate at the Panviman Spa, which offers a mix of traditional Thai and contemporary wellness treatments amidst 12 acres of mountainous beauty. Ideal for those seeking peace, cultural enrichment, and wellness, the resort is a tranquil escape from the hustle of daily life, promising an immersive experience in the heart of nature’s splendour.
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. Read our expert review here.
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. Read our expert review here.
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.