What Is the Best Area to Stay In Chiang Mai​?

The best area to stay in Chiang Mai depends on whether you’d like to be in the tourist district or stay around locals. For tourists, staying in the Old Town, Night Bazaar, or Nimman areas is best. For a more local vibe, consider the Wat Ket, Suthep, or Chang Phueak neighborhoods. 

Chiang Mai is a charming and beautiful town. However, public transit is limited, especially for those who want to see the surrounding countryside. To get around town and out in the countryside, the best option is to rent a car in Chiang Mai from Drive Car Rental. 

Choose a neighborhood that suits your itinerary and preferences. To guide you to the right options, here are a few suggestions:

The Tourist Areas

Chiang Mai has several districts where tourists like to stay, eat, and see the sights. 

Old Town

This is the city centre of Chiang Mai. It is a large square surrounded by a beautiful moat and the old city walls. Here, tourists can find many of Chiang Mai’s most famous temples, restaurants, and nightlife. 

The primary tourist district is centred around the historic Thapae Gate. Many of the city’s festivals and events are held here, especially during the annual Songkran festival in April. There are plenty of hotels and resorts located throughout Old Town, along with cuisine from across Thailand and around the world. 

Night Bazaar

The Night Bazaar district is situated on Changklan Road. It is by far the largest night market in all of Northern Thailand. Each night it comes alive, humming with charming vendors selling handmade goods and a plethora of street food. 

It is also close to Narawat Bridge and the Iron Bridge, two of the most prominent bridges over the picturesque Ping River. During the daytime, the area is quiet, but the nearby Warorot Market and flower market provide plenty of options to shop and eat fantastic local food. 

Nimman

The full name of this area is actually ‘Nimmanheiman,’ but locals simply call it ‘Nimman.’ This is the city’s upscale district, where international restaurants sit alongside bars, shops, and nightclubs. It’s also where many long-stay expats and digital nomads congregate for its walkable streets and close proximity to Old Town. 

Local Vibes

Not everyone wants to be surrounded by throngs of other tourists. For a more local feel, consider these areas:

Wat Ket

This charming neighborhood is situated across the river from the Night Bazaar. It’s famous for its towering trees, riverside restaurants, and friendly locals. Many of the buildings here are historic and were constructed when the British came to town to set up shops and businesses specializing in teak wood in the late 19th century. 

Suthep

The Suthep district is home to Chiang Mai University, the largest and most prestigious school in Northern Thailand. Expats and tourists love this district for its youthful feel and beautiful green spaces. 

Chiang Mai University covers over a square kilometre and is open to the public. All of its streets are tree-lined, and there are countless small lakes and parks where you can relax and enjoy the day. 

Chang Phueak

This area is just north of Suthep and is located at the bottom of Chiang Mai’s natural wonder, Doi Suthep National Park. The vibe has a very local feel and tourists are a rare sight. Small cafes and cute coffee shops dot the area. 

Additionally, there’s a large night market on the north side of the university that is packed with students looking to unwind after their day of studies. Chang Phueak also offers easy access to the road leading up the mountain into the national park and to Doi Suthep Temple. 

See the Surrounding Nature with Drive Car Rental

Tourists who want to see everything that Thailand has to offer may decide to embark on some long-distance road trips. For example, the distance from Krabi to Chiang Mai is 1,400 kilometres. 

Fortunately, Drive Car Rental has vehicles for every need and allows renters to pick up in one location and drop off in another. Feel free to set the itinerary of your choice with one of our eco or hybrid car options!