Serviced apartments in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of those places visitors like to stay in for prolonged sojourns. With its agreeable climate, good value and laid back atmosphere, Chiang Mai attracts large numbers of foreigners who come back to spend weeks, months or whole seasons here. In fact, the estimated 10,000 expats in the city see their numbers significantly swelled by part-time residents, especially during the winter months.

Chiang Mai apartments enjoy a nice environment

Finding a place to stay isn’t difficult in Chiang Mai, and serviced apartments seem the handy solution for those who only intend to spend a few months or less than a year here. Many condos are rented complete with suitable furniture for shorter leases, such as the many units in the popular Hillside 4 apartment block on Huay Kaew road. Others find the rent cheap enough to rent the unit for the entire year, even if they don’t occupy it permanently.

Lately, however, there have been several serviced apartments opening up to cater for a more discerning crowd. With the emergence of an upmarket sector in the city, a demand has arisen for classy, comfortable and fully outfitted luxury apartments that can be rented on a weekly or monthly basis. Some hotels offer long-stay rates but they work out to be quite expensive, while guesthouses that typically provide long-stay leases are too down-market.

With serviced apartments you’ll find everything laid on and ready for your occupancy, avoiding the chore of setting up internet, finding a house keeper, paying hefty deposits and buying linen, utensils and the like. However, serviced apartments aren’t as numerous in Chiang Mai as in Bangkok.

Frangipani residences offer comfort and class

One of the most comfortable of the new specially developed serviced apartments is Frangipani Residences, located behind the ancient Wat Chiang Man temple, which is in the heart of the Old Town. Tending to the luxury end of the market, these well-appointed and tastefully decorated roomy apartments (one and two bedroom) are owned and managed by Marc and Luxumi Dumur, who have plenty of experience managing four- and five-star hotels.

Another option which is less luxurious but certainly as trendy is Studio 99, a new building which is also limited to less than a dozen apartments, near the busy night market. It also offers fully outfitted one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Both these options are very comfortable and make life in Chiang Mai easy, but if you’re on a budget you might want to check local media or enquire with realtors about private single apartments which are ready to move in to.