Chiang Mai guest houses guide
Guesthouses can be boutique alternatives
The old town lanes of Chiang Mai are ideal for guesthouses and many visitors opt for the down-to-earth character of these rather than hotels. Certainly the budget traveller will be pleased with the large selection of cheap guesthouses in Chiang Mai, but those with more discerning taste can also find upmarket boutique places.
There are numerous guesthouses of varying quality scattered around the Old Town, as well as the leafy lanes closer to the Night Market, or south of the moat. A few are located on the riverfront, and some long-stay or more peaceful places are located out in the suburbs. Rates range from 150 to 800 baht per night, and it’s worth paying a bit more for an atmospheric place. Many of the guesthouses double as a one-stop shop for trekking, tourist services and even offer cooking courses.
Read our tips further down the page on choosing a guesthouse.
The following is a selection of trusted guesthouses in Chiang Mai, grouped by location, price, and gay-friendly. Out of season (May-October) rates drop by as much as 30 per cent. Note! In Thai, a soi is a lane.
Choose and book budget hotels and guesthouses here
Chiang Mai guest houses in the Old Town
Julie Guest house: A labyrinthine place popular for its cheap rooms, and bohemian atmosphere. Situated in a quiet section of Chiang Mai's old city. Dorms are 80 Baht, doubles 200-350 Baht (old and new building). 7/1 soi 5, Phra Pokklao Road, tel: (053) 274 355, email: julie_chiangmai@gmx.net.
Chiang Mai White House: Lonely Planet favourite with clean rooms, good security, quiet location and nice garden. Rooms b250-400 with fan. 12 soi 5, Ratchadamnoen Road, tel: (053) 357 130.
Eagle House 2: Centrally located with a good travellers centre, including popular trekking and on-site cooking school, somewhat dated rooms but shady outdoor area. Rooms: dorms 100 Baht, single w/fan 220 baht, double w/fan 250 baht, triple w/fan 330 baht, rooms with a/c 320-380 baht. 26 Ratwithi Road, tel: (053) 418 494, (053) 210 620, fax: (053) 216 368, email: mail@eaglehouse.com.
Eagle House 1: Fan rooms 150-330 baht, air-con rooms 290-380 baht. 16 Chang Moi Gao Road, Soi (Lane) 3, tel: (053) 874 126 or 235 387, email: mail@eaglehouse.com.
Gaps House: Lovely leafy place in a sprawling antique teak house complex, good mid-budget choice, no advanced bookings, often full. Cooking classes on offer. Rooms 450-800 baht (with breakfast) with a/c. no. 3, soi 4, Ratchadamnoen Road, tel: (053) 278 140-143, email: info@gaps-house.com.
Gord ChiangMai: One of the best lodging choices in the heart of the city for its friendly hospitality. They offer airport pick-up/drop-off, complimentary breakfast, daily room clean, free WiFi and bicycles for exploring. Spotless rooms from 990 baht for twin/double to 1790 baht for a family suite. 29/8 Ratchamanka Rd. Soi 6 T. Phra Singh. Tel: +66 (0)53-280923, mobile: (0)81-951-8875, email: happy@gordchiangmai.com.
Smile Guest House: Very convenient yet quiet location near Thapae Gate, includes a pool, various styled/priced pokey rooms and has atmosphere, but gets full. Rooms 200-400 baht with fan and share bathroom, 700 baht with a/c. no. 5, soi 2, Ratchamankha Road, tel: (053) 208 661-2, fax: (053)208 663, email: smile208@loxinfo.co.th.
Lamchang House: Nice wooden house with small garden restaurant, run by friendly old couple. Rooms with shared hot water, rooms with fan and share bathroom, all 200 baht . 24 soi 7, Moon Muang Road, tel: (053) 210 586.
Chiang Mai Kristi House: Decent rooms but lacks atmosphere our common area, convenient and quiet location. Rooms 200-b350 baht with a/c. 14/2, soi 5, Ratchadamnoen Road, tel: (053) 418 165.
Giant Guesthouse 2: Cheapest in town, dorm beds or rooms, popular with Japanese backpackers. Dorm beds: b100, doubles with fan b200 share bathroom, 260 baht for private bathroom, singles with fan 120 baht shared bathroom. 4/9 Ratchapakinai Road, tel: (053)227-338, (087)-182-1611, email: giantguesthouse@gmail.com.
Safe House: Resembles a small apartment block, popular long-stay venue with all mod cons. Rooms b550 per day or b7,500-12,000 per month. 178 Ratchaphakhinai Road, tel: (053) 418 956, email: info@safehousecourt.com.
RCN Court: Tucked out the way but popular for long-stayers, offering full amenities, a gym and decent sized rooms with cable TV, better value on long stay. Rooms b500-600 with a/c, monthly b6000-6300. no. 35, soi 7, Moon Muang, tel: (053) 418 280-2, email: booking@rcnguesthouse.com
Top North Guest House: Located in southeast corner of moat among quaint lanes, a large popular place with great pool area and atmosphere, but bland rooms with fan b700 (with breakfast), Rooms with a/c b800 (with breakfast), Superior Room 1,050, New Villa Room 1,500 baht; 15 Moon Muang Road, tel: (053) 279 623-25, email: topnorthhotel@hotmail.com.
Britannia Guest House: In the heart of a lively backpacker section of town, this apartment block is comfortable with clean and new rooms, a professional staff and cooking classes. Rooms 500-700 baht. Moonmuang Soi 9, tel: (053) 418 994 phone / fax, (085) 212 3009 cellphone, email: info@thebritannia-chiangmai.com.
Minicost Guesthouse: Centrally located, new building with clean comfy rooms and efficient Australian run services, wifi in rooms, bikes for rent, internet café, excellent choice for those expecting comfort levels and can afford a bit more. Rooms 600, 750, 990 or 1,150 baht. 19, Soi 4, Rachadamnoen Road, Thapae Gate area, tel: (053) 418 787-8.
Guesthouses east of the Moat
Sarah Guest House Chiang Mai: Long running, established guest house offering cheap and convenient accommodation, in the very centre of Chiang Mai. Only 2 mins walk from the Night Bazaar or Tapae Gate. Trekking and cookery courses run from the guest house. 20 Thapae Rd., Soi 4, Chiang Mai 50100, tel: (053) 208271. Fax: (053) 279423. Rooms with fan 300 Baht, Rooms with a/c 450 Baht, email: sarahguesthouse@hotmail.com
Naam Khong Guesthouse: Located besides Thana, a much better value options with large, comfortable quiet, airy rooms, but lacks atmosphere, however you’re welcome to the Thana facilities. Rooms 250 baht fan, 350 baht a/c. 27/8 soi 4, Thapae rd., tel: (053) 275 556, email: info@ThanaAdventure.com.
Thana Guesthouse: Israeli house of choice, with signs in Hebrew, Kosher food in the restaurant and good rooms. Rooms: b400 with a/c, 3 persons 500 baht, new hotel adjacent single room 700 baht and triple 1050 baht. 27/8 soi 4, Thapae rd., tel: (053) 279 794, fax: (053) 272 285, email: info@ThanaAdventure.com
Parami Guest House: Charming guest house in an authentic Lanna-Thai teak wooden house which is over a hundred years old and surrounds a private and breath-taking tropical garden. Parami is located in the centre of Chiang Mai, and close to the river. Rooms with fan from 300 Baht, Rooms with a/c from 480 Baht. 210 - 212 Charoenrat Rd. T. Watkate, tel: (053) 266 139, email: www.paramiguesthouse-chiangmai.com.
Galare Guesthouse: First class accommodation on riverfront, with all mod cons and hotel service. Rooms b1150. 7/1 soi 2, Charoen Prathet Road, tel. (053) 821 011, (053) 818 887 email: info@galare.com
River View Lodge: Well appointed rooms in spacious building with pool and lovely garden on riverfront. Rooms b1800-2800, plus seasonal discount. 25 soi 2, Charoen Prathet Road, tel: (053) 271 109-10, fax: (053) 279 019, email: riverviewlodgch@gmail.com.
Baan Jong Come Guest House: A lovely upmarket place away from the busy streets, but central. Rooms b350, b450 (with a/c). 47 soi 4, Thapae Road, tel: (053) 274 823.
Lai Thai Guest House: Popular place, alongside the moat (so noisy) with restaurant and pool. Plenty of rooms finished in wood but slightly overpriced. Rooms: b690-790. 111/4-5 Kotchasan rd, tel: (053) 206 438, email: mail@laithai.com
Little Home Guesthouse: Near the Moat in modern Thai-styled building with private balconies. Rooms with fan b350, Rooms with a/c b800 with a/c. 1/1 soi 3, Kotchasan Road, tel: (053) 206 939, email: littlehomegh@hotmail.com.
Upmarket Chiang Mai guesthouses
Rose of Suthep: A pleasant family run homestay near the leafy Wat Umong area, ideal for those staying awhile, or attending courses at CMU. With only three rooms, it’s a private experience away from the backpacker hordes. Rooms from 550 to 2,000 baht per night. Tel: (085) 626 6739 (James), tel: (089) 522 7312 (May), 143/33, Moo. 10, T.Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai.
A9 Place: This charming garden apartment comes fully serviced with breathtaking views of Doi Suthep. It is great for both tourists and business travellers being around ten minutes from the town centre and boasting free WiFi. Rates from 380/550 baht for fan/air con rooms. 51 Soi Lanna Hospital, Sukgasem Road, T.Patun, Tel: +66 (0)53 224 288, 081) 611 4576, email: info@a9place.com
Chanakan Mansion: This luxurious guesthouse is found right next to Chiang Mai Interntaional Airport with a great view of the runway and Doi Suthep. Nevertheless it is quiet with swimming pool, air conditioning, cable TV, free WiFi internet, fridges and four poster beds. Rates from 600–2,500 baht. 156/149 M.10 Cholprathan Road, tel: (053) 811 705, 08 9850 5160.
Doi Luang Private Resort: This is very large holiday home in the foothills of Doi Luang is perfect for a relaxing family vacation amidst the hot springs and waterfalls of this picturesque national park. There are six en suite bedrooms and ten acres of private grounds with an additional separate cottage and acres of land to pitch tents, but within easy access all the entertainment and cultural attractions of the Lanna capital. Weekly rates from 50,000 baht including maid service and free 4x4 rental. Contact via website.
Baan Suay Jan: Luxury family holiday home and villa in Chiang Mai with private swimming pool, park and sports complex. Enjoys the peace and tranquility of a country home yet is ideally located for all amenities and tourist attractions. The lounge, dining and kitchen area leads out through a covered terrace to the swimming pool area where guests can relax during the day and enjoy open fire bbq's under the crystal clear starlit nights. Contact via website.
Mountain Guest House: Comfortable guest house not far from the northeast corner of the moat or Kad Suan Kaew shopping mall. Free internet (plus wifi), airport transfer, breakfast, tea and coffee make this a good choice. Self-service laundry facilities and tour booking also available. 450 baht per room, 4,000- 5,500 baht monthly. 11 soi 1, Santisuk T. Changpuak, tel: (053) 406 474, email: webmaster@mountainguesthouse.com, mountain.gh@gmail.com.
Baan Sabai: Actually a resort and spa with a homely feel, certainly upmarket and comfortable with soothing pool and suburban gardens, 10 minutes from Chiang Mai city. Spa and wellness facilities a speciality, under Swiss management. Room Rates from 1,900-10,600 baht including breakfast. 219 Moo 9 , San Pee Sua, Chiang Mai, Tel: (053) 854 778-9, Mobile: (082) 762 8310, Fax: (053) 854 775, email: village@bansabaivillage.com, reservation@bansabaivillage.com.
Sang Serene House: A lovely low-rise apartment building out in the leafy suburbs near Doi Suithep mountain, especially ideal for long stays. Rooms are new, comfy and tastefully decorated, with apartments also offered at monthly rates, plus a range of facilities. Rates 600-1,500 Baht per night, 4,000-8,000 baht for weekly, 7,000-17,500 baht for monthly.146/20 Moo 1 T. Changpuek (Huay Kaew area), tel: (081) 881 8058 Fax: (053) 893 022, email: info@sangserene-house.com.
Club One Seven Chiang Mai (previously River Ping Palace): Lovely, quiet riverside location in old teak house, with creative food and friendly staff, but remote from the city centre. 385/2 Charoen Prathat rd, south near the Sheraton Hotel. Rooms: 1,200- 1,700baht (includes breakfast and free sauna). Tel: (053) 274 932.
Pha Thai Guesthouse: A lovely boutique place with surprisingly cheap rooms, and a range of options to suit all comfort levels. Nice gardens, brand new and highly recommended for mature travellers. Rooms from 300 to 1,200 baht. 48/1 Rachaphakinai Road, tel: (053) 274 075, email: polphathai@yahoo.com.
Baan Hanibah: Lovely colonnial teak styled place with private home atmosphere, trendy boutique finish and professional management. Quiet, discerning and well placed in a quiet area, with pretty patio garden. Rooms 800 baht (single small), 1,250 baht (double) with a/c., 2,200 baht (family). No. 6 soi 8, Moon Muang rd, Old Town, tel: (053) 287 524, email: baanhanibah@gmail.com.
Galare Guesthouse: First class accommodation on riverfront, with all mod cons and hotel service. Rooms 1,150 baht. 7/1 soi 2, Charoen Prathet rd., tel: (053) 821 011. email: galare_gh@hotmail.com.
River View Lodge: Retro rooms in spacious building with pool and lovely garden on riverfront, rates reflect the location rather than comfort of the rooms at b1800-2800 (seasonal discount). 25 soi 4, Charoen Prathet Road, tel:(053) 271 109-10, email: riverviewlodgch@gmail.com.
Ping Nakara: This hotel is only five minutes walk from the famous night bazaar and features graceful gingerbread architecture and hand-carved fretwork throughout its nineteen rooms. A welcome retreat for the tired traveller. 135/9 Charoenprathet Road, Changklan, tel: +66 (0) 5325 2999, fax: (053) 252 111, email: info@pingnakara.com.
Gay friendly guesthouses in Chiang Mai
Seven Suns: A friendly and comfortable place, centrally located in the old town with sociable restaurant and nice staff. Dorm 150 baht, air con 700 baht (includes breakfast). 155 Ratchamanka Road, Prasingh, tel: (053) 814 325, 814 430, Fax: (053) 814 276, email: bookings@sevensuns.net
Sang Serene House: A lovely low-rise apartment building out in the leafy suburbs near Doi Suithep mountain, especially ideal for long stays. Rooms are new, comfy and tastefully decorated, with apartments also offered at monthly rates, plus a range of facilities. Daily rate: 600- 1,500 baht, Weekly: 3,800- 8,000 Baht, Monthly 7,000 – 17,000 baht. 146/20 Moo 1 T. Chan Puek, Huay Kaew, tel +66 (0) 53 892 002, email: info@sangserene-house.com.
Santitham Guesthouse: A nicely appointed, upmarket guesthouse, Northwest of the moat in a nice quiet suburb, but within walking distance of Kad Suan Kaew mall and conveniently located for biking to the Old Town. Offer massage and food. Rooms (Guest House Rooms): single 695 baht, double 950 Baht, deluxe single: 1,000 baht, deluxe double: 1,250 baht, triple 1,450 baht, 61 Santitham Road, Chang Phuak, Muang, Chiang Mai 50300, tel: (053) 406 449, Mobile: 081 885 1329, email: info@santitham.com.
Soho Bar and Guesthouse: A popular gay venue that also has accommodation in a nice relaxed and friendly environment, if you don’t mind a lively atmosphere. It’s conveniently close to Kad Suan Kaew Mall, near the old town, though on a busy road. High season (Nov- Feb) double room 750 baht, suite 900 baht, low season (March-October) double room 600 baht, suite 750 baht. 20/3 Huay Kaew Road, (053) 404 175, 085-0298485, email: sohocm@hotmail.com.
Lanna Lavender: This isn’t a guesthouse but a five storey hotel that offers the largest and liveliest gay accomodation in town. Recently refurbished and opened, with the Power Boys caberet and revue bar in the basement, pool, restaurant and friendly atmosphere. Rooms: Standard 695 baht, Superior 1,150 baht, Deluxe 1,350 baht, Deluxe plus 1,850 baht. Located on the Northwest corner of the moat. Bungruengrit road (near Ram I hospital), tel: 053-211-100/3, email: reservations@lavenderlannahotel.com.
More on gay listings in Chiang Mai.
Updated and correct: January 2012
Choose and book budget hotels and guesthouses here
