The Best Luxury & 5 Star Hotels in Chiang Mai

While Thailand's beaches receive the lion's share of attention, Chiang Mai is a true gem in the north of the country. It is a cool mountain town surrounded by lush forests and stunning peaks, and it is known for its beautiful Buddhist temples, fantastic cuisine, and thriving community of international digital nomads.

I've lived in Chiang Mai for a couple of months over the years and stayed in many different places, from hostels to apartments to luxury hotels. You can read my full Chiang Mai hotel guide here.

While pictures of Chiang Mai show off its street markets and elephant sanctuaries, it is possible to find luxury hotels in Chiang Mai to make your stay adventurous yet relaxing and rejuvenating. You can choose between Thai luxury and major international 5-star brands.

If you're planning a trip to Thailand and got Chiang Mai on your list of places to visit, you will find my personal recommendations for the best 5 star hotels in Chiang Mai below.

They are organized by neighborhood:

Stay in the stunning Old Town to be close to all the best sites, stay in Riverside to be away from the crowds and for the bigger hotel chains and resorts, stay in Nimman for a trendy young crowd and digital nomad vibes, or book a luxury retreat just outside of the city.

Are There Many 5 Star Hotels in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai has a limited range of 5-star hotels and you are more likely to find affordable boutique accommodation. Also, it's good to know that some of the hotels in Chiang Mai that claim to be 5-star won't meet international – and, therefore, everyone's standards.

If you are looking for big international five-star resort hotels, they are mostly based around Chiang Mai Riverside.

In Old Town, you will find more traditional Thai luxury hotels, which are sanctuaries in the city and offer wonderful spa services, but aren't big enough to have the same facilities as the larger luxury hotels.

And then there are also some really nice resort-style hotels just outside of Chiang Mai.

Best 5 Star Hotels in Chiang Mai Old Town

Best Old Town Luxury Stay: Chala Number 6

• Price: Starts from US$156 per night

• Why stay here: A tranquil sanctuary within walking distance from the Old Town sights

Located in the center of downtown Chiang Mai, Chala Number 6 is the perfect balance of traditional Thai design and contemporary comfort for an atmospheric luxury stay. The hotel also has a restaurant, fitness center, and lovely spa.

The hotel is centered around a relaxing secret garden and a stunning infinity pool. The complimentary afternoon tea is a highlight. The rooms boast colorful but tranquil designs, including comforts such as a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and stunning features such as four poster beds, giant bathrooms, and a rain shower.

You are just a short walk from many of the city's stunning temples, Three Kings Monument, and Chiang Mai Gate. The friendly staff can help you organize trips further afield.

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Best Contemporary Thai Hotel: The Chiang Mai Old Town

• Price: Starts from US$130 per night

• Why stay here: Stylish modern luxury with a distinctive clean Thai style

This hotel feels super sleek and modern but still traditional in the center of Old Town. When you walk inside, the building is Thai-designed in all-white with grand staircases and traditional balconies. When you step out of the building, you are a short walk from Chiang Mai's most interesting sights.

The rooms are decorated in stylish monochrome with luxury amenities, including private pools in some suites. All the facilities are high-end the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. The restaurant is delicious, and the breakfast is especially good. Like all the options on this list, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

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Best Old Town Sanctuary: Rachamankha Hotel

• Price: Starts from US$230 per night

• Why stay here: Small boutique hotel with an authentic antique feel

This hotel has an ideal central location beside the Old City Wall and is only 100 meters from the Sunday Night Market. The boutique hotel feels a little like stepping into an old-world monastic sanctuary, and each of the 25 rooms is uniquely decorated with real antiques.

Facilities include a 20-meter pool set in a tranquil courtyard and there is an adjacent spa. The restaurant serves both Thai and Western dishes and you can eat in the courtyard or by the fireplace.

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Best 5 Star Hotels in Chiang Mai Riverside

Best Riverside Boutique Hotel: Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort

• Price: Starts from US$221 per night

• Why stay here: Serene five-star boutique oasis in the middle of Chiang Mai

While many hotels claim to be 5-star, this one truly fits the bill. Stunning design around a serene courtyard with a deluxe pool, 24-hour room service with attentive staff that will help you make reservations and book trips, and luxury rooms with special touches such as personalized toiletries.

The onsite restaurant serves traditional Northern Thailand cuisine with peaceful views of the Ping River. All this, and you are just a 12-minute walk from the Chiang Mai night bazaar.

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Best Luxury Colonial-Style Hotel: 137 Pillars House

• Price: Starts from US$412 per night

• Why stay here: Exquisite colonial-style accommodation

This colonial-style hotel feels like a stately home surrounded by green grounds in the center of Chiang Mai. Chill by the outdoor pool, work up a sweat in the gym or book a relaxing spa treatment.

Rooms are spacious with a separate living space and balcony, plus a large tub in the bathroom. Eat traditional Thai cuisine in the Dining Room, grab a drink in the Library, or just order room service and relax.

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Best 5-Star Hotel on the Riverside: Shangri-La Chiang Mai

• Price: Starts from US$129 per night

• Why stay here: International standard five-star accommodation

The name of this hotel raises expectations, and it does a pretty good job of meeting them. This is an international standard hotel with the kind of luxury rooms you would expect in the United States or Europe. While this hotel is a short drive from the airport, it is also a short walk from the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.

The resort has an outdoor swimming pool with a slide, fitness center, and restaurant offering that starts with a fabulous breakfast, Szechuan and Cantonese meals, and drinks and snacks by the pool. There is even a pillow menu so you can choose how you like to sleep.

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Best Luxury Apartments: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

• Price: Starts from US$270 per night

• Why stay here: Luxury apartment-style hotel accommodation

The Anantara Chiang Mai Resort offers serviced apartments that come with separate sleeping and living spaces, large bathrooms, and even generous kitchen facilities. The resort is family-friendly and makes a great home away from home in Chiang Mai.

Highlights include the rooftop bar and infinity pool with spectacular views out over the city and the traditional restaurant looking out over the river.

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Best Large-Scale Luxury Hotel: RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort

• Price: Starts from US$367 per night

• Why stay here: Large resort-style accommodations and river views

Rati Lanna Riverside Spa Resort in Chiang Mai offers luxurious accommodations with traditional Thai décor, flat-screen TVs, and upscale amenities including a spa and infinity pool overlooking the Mae Ping River.

The resort provides diverse dining options, a fitness center, Thai cooking classes, and tour arrangements, making it a well-rounded hotel with convenient access to the airport and the city's attractions, including the Night Bazaar.

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Best Spacious Rooms in Great Location: Melia Chiang Mai

• Price: Starts from US$124 per night

• Why stay here: Luxury property with spacious rooms

At the Melia, you will find large rooms with deluxe beds, separate private bathrooms, kitchen facilities, and long couches under the windows with spectacular views over Chiang Mai.

The property has all the facilities that you would expect from an international 5-star hotel, including restaurants serving both local and international cuisine, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa and wellness center, and lots of lovely places to relax.

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Best Riverside Villas: Maladee Rendezvous Hotel

• Price: Starts from US$166 per night

• Why stay here: The friendly staff will customize your entire stay

The Maladee Rendezvous feels a little like a modern palace surrounded by luxury villas with separate sleeping and living areas and kitchen facilities. All rooms have a balcony with either city or pool views.

The hotel offers a stunning outdoor swimming pool surrounded by well-kept gardens. The restaurant is stylish and serves a range of international dishes alongside Thai classics. Have drinks by the pool or champagne sent up to your room. The staff is happy to do it your way.

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Best 5 Star Hotels in Nimman

Best Trendy Chiang Mai Hotel: Art Mai Gallery Nimman Hotel

• Price: Starts from US$60 per night

• Why stay here: The trendy artistic design and super-hip atmosphere, complete with a rooftop infinity pool

This art-inspired hotel feels right at home in the trendy Nimman district. Each room in the boutique hotel has been individually designed by local artists and works hand throughout the property. Rooms feature a separate living area and ensuite bathroom.

Facilities include a rooftop infinity pool, fitness center, and massage service. The Jarid Thai Food restaurant serves local and international dishes, as well as cocktails late into the evening.

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Best Understated Luxury Stay: Eastin Tan Hotel

• Price: Starts from US$68 per night

• Why stay here: Understated luxury overlooking the mountains of Chiang Mai

This hotel feels like it could be in London or New York until you look out from your balcony over the city and mountain in the distance. It feels trendy and luxurious without being too much.

As well as comfortable and stylish rooms, you will find all the facilities you need, including a fitness center. Highlights include the rooftop swimming pool and the dining and bar area.

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Best Modern Nimman Hotel: G Nimman Chiang Mai

• Price: Starts from US$73 per night

• Why stay here: Futuristic design and privacy in the middle of Nimman neighborhood

The G Nimman is characterized by a super modern design with lots of white decoration and unusual round and oval features. The whole complex centers on an enclosed bubble-shaped swimming pool that is very inviting!

The rooms offer lots of privacy despite being in a busy area. Staff do their utmost to keep the futuristic accommodations clean and guests satisfied.

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Best 5 Star Hotels outside of Chiang Mai

Best Retreat Accommodation: Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai

• Price: Starts from US$248 per night

• Why stay here: Relaxing retreat facilities to unwind and reset

The Aleenta is a collection of traditional and luxurious deluxe villas decorated in soft wood and classic Thai style. Rooms have their own dining and kitchen areas, as well as large bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms, and stunning balconies.

This is more of a retreat than accommodation, so expect not just a swimming pool and spa facilities but yoga and meditation classes. The restaurant serves both Thai and international cuisine and you can borrow bikes to venture into the centre of Chiang Mai.

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Best Treehouse Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

• Price: Starts from US$636 per night

• Why stay here: Luxury sleeping close to nature

The private villas at the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai feel like treehouse accommodations with balconies looking out over rice fields and mountains and infinity pools that dip into the green garden.

The resort is fully equipped with multiple swimming pools, a fitness center spa, and a stunning terrace restaurant serving Italian cuisine. The Ratree Bar & Lounge is the perfect place to sip cocktails and sample local and fine wines.

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Best Boutique Hotel Outside Chiang Mai: Raya Heritage

• Price: Starts from US$247 per night

• Why stay here: For airy terraces and excellent service

This hotel could be described as Thai style meets colonial stately home. It feels grand but distinctive to the region at the same time. Raya Heritage features rooms with garden views, a separate seating area, large baths, and a balcony.

The Khu Khao restaurant serves local and international cuisine and is complimented by an outdoor swimming pool and large terrace areas. The design and service reflect care and attention to detail.

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Best Green Accommodation: Thantara Resort

• Price: Starts from US$265 per night

• Why stay here: Exclusive resort, perfect for honeymooners

This hotel is a selection of classic and stylish villas sitting on a series of large and beautiful lakes. Wherever you are in the hotel, you have views of water, gardens, or rice paddies, and the hotel has been designed to take advantage of its natural surroundings.

The rooms are spacious and all feature a balcony. The hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, extensive gardens, and a fine dining restaurant serving Italian and Thai cuisine.

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The Best 5 Star Hotels in Chiang Mai – Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Is Chiang Mai worth visiting?

Chiang Mai is one of Thailand's most interesting and beautiful cities and definitely worth visiting. It is a gateway to exploring Northern Thailand and offers a very different experience to the beaches of the south, such as the popular island of Koh Samui.

Chiang Mai is a very walkable city, and there are around 300 Buddhist temples to discover. It is also known for its excellent food and plethora of great restaurants. The night markets and nightlife are among the best in the country! The city is surrounded by jungles that are excellent for hiking and are home to several fascinating wildlife sanctuaries.

📅 How many days should I spend in Chiang Mai?

It is telling that many digital nomads choose to spend several months in Chiang Mai at a time. You will never run out of things to see, do, and eat. If you pack your schedule, you can probably do Chiang Mai in two to three days. If you also want to relax in your luxury hotel, stay a little longer.

❓ Where can I find most 5 star hotels in Chiang Mai?

Most of the five-star hotels in Chiang Mai are in the Riverside area. It is a less crowded area of the city compared to the Old Town and only about a 15-20 minute walk to most of the best attractions. You are also only about a ten-minute drive from Chiang Mai International Airport.

The Best 5 Star Hotels in Chiang Mai – Final Words

While Chiang Mai may have a limited number of luxury hotels, there are some excellent options in the area that you will love.

Choose from traditional Thai-style hotels in Old Town, international 5-star brands along the Riverside, trendy accommodations in Nimman, or resort getaways just outside the city. There is something for everyone while exploring this truly fascinating, and in my eyes, the most beautiful city in all of Thailand!