A Guide to Accommodations in Northern Thailand:
From Budget-friendly Retreats to Luxury Stays
Are you planning a trip to Thailand and finding it a challenge to pick the best accommodations in Northern Thailand? Overwhelmed by countless booking platforms and options? Well, you’re in luck! You’ve stumbled upon the right article to guide you.
This guide is brimming with carefully-selected accommodations in Northern Thailand, catering to all travel preferences and styles. Think of this article as your trusty travel assistant, dedicated to helping you discover the ideal accommodations in Northern Thailand.
With that being said, if you wish to dive deeper into your travel planning, don’t miss my comprehensive guide on the must-see Things in Northern Thailand. Packed with thrilling activities and destinations, it ensures your Thailand adventure is unforgettable. From exploring iconic temples, hiking lush jungles, experiencing the warmth of a local’s home, savoring tea at a Chinese plantation, to discovering mesmerizing caves, there’s so much in store. If this piques your interest, head over to that article right away!
Alright, with my little self-promotion aside, let’s delve back into what brought you here: finding the finest accommodations in Northern Thailand.
If you are wondering what are you going to get from this article, here is a very summarized version:
- the importance of choosing the best accommodations in Northern Thailand;
- list with the best accommodations in Northern Thailand that will match many preferences, like luxurious retreats, budget-friendly gems and nature-immersive lodgings;
- my detailed review about the accommodations in Northern Thailand that we stayed during our one week trip there;
- the best platforms where you can find a wide selection of accommodations in Northern Thailand;
- tips on how to find the best deals and how to pick the accommodations in Northern Thailand.
Just to let you know… This post (probably) contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associates links, and I may receive a small commission when you click on the links. This is at no extra cost to you and allows me to keep running this website. How cool is that?! I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own.
Regarding my reviews I would like to add that there will be only three places that we stayed in that I can recommend to you. Even though we stayed 7 days and we had booked 5 accommodations in Northern Thailand, 2 of them were unique experiences offered by the private tour that we went on (aren’t available for booking). One night we stayed in a house in the middle of the jungle (it looked like a tree house) and another night we stayed in a local’s house. These experiences were one of a kind, and if you are interested in checking out the tour that we took, you can check it out here.
This was a private tour that also included a guide and a car available during our trip. The itinerary was packed with a lot of landmarks and experiences and it lasted 6 days and 5 nights. I will write an article about our experience with this company, but I would highly recommend them because the services that they offer are awesome. The accommodations, food and activities included in the tour took us on a journey of discovering the culture and the beauty of Thailand and its people. It felt like their main goal was to offer us an authentic experience. I really loved all the accommodations in Northern Thailand that they booked for us.
If you are interested in checking out smaller tours offered by this company, you can check them out here.
Are you planning a trip to Northern Thailand?
Be sure to book accommodation and tours in Northern Thailand ahead of time to ensure availability!
Top tours in Northern Thailand:
- From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai Temples Small Group/Private Tour
- Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep, Wat Umong, and Pha Lat Sunrise Tour
- Best Seller! Doi Inthanon National Park, Waterfall & Royal Project – Chiang Mai
- Half Day Thai Cooking Course at Farm (Chiang Mai)
- Small-Group Chiang Mai Evening Street Food Tour
- Long Neck Village, Hill Tribes, and Wat Pha Lat Half Day Tour
- Northern Thailand Custom Tour: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai, Mae Hong Song, Lampang, Nan by AK Travel
Top picks for places to stay in Northern Thailand (luxurious or on a budget):
- Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts – SHA Extra Plus
- El Barrio Lanna- SHA Extra Plus
- Style Paidoi Resort
- Phra Singh Village
- The Countryside Pai
- Mae Sot Commune
- Pai Princess Resort
- Pai Nam Now
Looking for the best way to get around and explore most of Thailand? Then you should go on a train ride! Check out best prices rates here.
Don’t forget for travel insurance, check it out here!
Now, let’s get into helping you find the most amazing accommodations in Northern Thailand!
The spectrum of Accommodations in Northern Thailand
I divided the accommodations in Northern Thailand in 3 categories: luxurious retreats, budget-friendly gems and nature-immersive lodgings. Keep in mind that some of the places can be included in two categories, so my choice is kind of subjective.
In addition, I want to point out that for each accommodation I will also specify the location and some interesting or good to have perks, like swimming pool, garden/mountain view, free parking, spa and so on.
In the list you are going to find places that have a lot of reviews and with a good rate also.
Without further ado, let’s get into the best accommodations in Northern Thailand, that will make you daydream about your future trip.
Luxurious Retreats
MAEKOK RIVER VILLAGE (*****):
- Located in Mae Ai;
- Breakfast included;
- Swimming pool;
- Garden/lake view.
My review:
During our journey through Northern Thailand, we had the pleasure of staying at Maekok River Village. The resort was an epitome of luxury, nestled amidst lush greenery that felt like paradise. Simply strolling around its premises was a joy in itself. We were nestled in a private villa that boasted a quaint terrace overlooking the serene lake. The room was airy and spacious, with a sumptuously comfortable bed, and its design seamlessly blended with the exterior, creating a harmonious retreat.
On our first night, we were greeted with a delightful assortment of fruits in our room. Come morning, we were treated to a scrumptious breakfast. Check out the photos below!
- Located in Chiang Rai;
- Breakfast included;
- Free parking;
- Rooms with garden/river view;
- Swimming pool.
My review:
Another gem from our Northern Thailand journey was Serene. Our room, expansive and elegantly appointed, boasted a generously sized bed that promised restful nights. The villas, where we resided, were nestled amidst a canopy of trees and immaculately manicured gardens, painting a picture of tranquility. An additional highlight was the delectable breakfast, which we savored on our balcony, letting the breathtaking views elevate our morning experience.
PANVIMAN CHIANG MAI SPA RESORT (*****)
- Located Mae Rim, in Chiang Mai
- Swimming pool with amazing view;
- Breakfast included;
- Free parking;
- Spa facilities;
- Garden.
PAI VILLAGE BOUTIQUE RESORT (****)
- Located in Vieng Tai, Pai Riverside, in Pai
- Swimming pool;
- Free parking;
- Rooms with garden view;
- Close to nature.
THE INSIDE HOUSE (*****)
- Located in Old City, Chiang Mai;
- Breakfast included;
- Rooms with mountain view;
- Swimming pool;
- Free Parking;
- Regal look (everything is white and has the appearance of a castle).
AKSARA HERITAGE (****)
- Located in Old City, in Chiang Mai;
- Breakfast included;
- Close to the Night Bazaar, the Phae Gate, Wat Phra Singh (and many more);
- Free parking;
- Fitness center.
CHALA NUMBER 6 (*****)
- Located in Muang, Old City, in Chiang Mai;
- Breakfast included;
- Swimming pool;
- Fitness center;
- Free parking.
ANANTARA CHIANG MAI RESORT (*****)
- Located in Chiang Mai Riverside, Chiang Mai;
- Breakfast included;
- Swimming pool;
- Rooms with garden view
- Spa facilities;
- Fitness facilities;
- Free parking.
NA NIRAND ROMANTIC BOUTIQUE RESORT (*****)
- Located in Chang Khlan, in Chiang Mai;
- Swimming pool;
- Breakfast included;
- Rooms with garden view.
Budget-Friendly Gems
- Located in Mae Sot;
- Breakfast included;
- This is the cheaper accommodation that I included in this guide;
- Sustainable location;
- Accommodation available in rooms and also in tents;
- Free parking.
THAI THAI SUKHOTHAI RESORT (***)
- Located in Historical Park, in Sukhothai;
- Swimming pool;
- Free parking;
- Family rooms;
- Located in Mae Hong Son, Pai;
- Breakfast included;
- Rooms with garden view;
- Bungalow with terrace available;
- Inner courtyard view;
- Free parking.
- Located in Pai;
- Breakfast included (a lot of fruits);
- Surrounded by nature;
- Rooms with garden/mountain view;
- Free parking.
- Located in Old City, Chiang Mai;
- Breakfast included;
- Garden view;
- Free parking;
- Bicycle rental.
BED CHANGKIAN (***)
- Located in Tambon Chang Phuak, Huay Kaew, in Chiang Mai;
- Breakfast included;
- Rooms with mountain view;
- Recommended for adults only.
NAP IN CHIANG MAI HOTEL (***)
- Located in the Night Bazaar, in Chiang Mai;
- Rooms with city view;
- Recommended for families;
- Free parking.
- Located in City Center Chiang Rai;
- Free Parking;
- Great for families;
- Great for walking.
- Located in City Center, Chiang Rai;
- Breakfast included;
- Free parking;
- Fitness center;
- Swimming pool;
- Family rooms.
- Located in Old City, Chiang Mai;
- Breakfast included;
- Garden;
- Free parking.
- Located in Rim Kok, Chiang Rai;
- Swimming pool;
- Breakfast included (buffet);
- Rooms with garden view/mountain view;
- Great for families.
HOTEL PAI COUNTRY HUT (***)
- Located in Mae Hee, Pai Riverside, in Pai;
- Can be included also in the “Nature-Immersive Lodgings” category;
- Breakfast included;
- Luggage storage;
- Free parking;
- Garden;
- Tours available.
Nature-Immersive Lodgings
LANNAWILD (*****)
- Located in Huay Road, Doi Saket, Chiang Mai;
- Breakfast included;
- Free parking
- Mountain view
- Private pool;
- House in the tree type of location.
YAANG COME VILLAGE HOTEL (****)
- Located close to Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai;
- Swimming pool;
- Breakfast;
- Free parking;
- Cute rooms with beautiful paintings;
- Surrounded by trees.
KATILIYA MOUNTAIN RESORT AND SPA (*****)
- Located in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai;
- Luxury Hotel (can be included in the luxury category as well);
- Breakfast included;
- Swimming pool;
- Spa and Fitness Center;
- Rooms with mountain views.
- Located in Pai City Center;
- Breakfast included;
- Rooms with garden view;
- Great for families;
- Free parking.
FLORA CREEK (*****)
- Located in Hang Dong, Chiang Mai;
- Luxury stay (can be included in the luxury category as well);
- Breakfast included;
- Swimming pool with view;
- Spa and Fitness Center;
- Free parking.
- Located in Mae Hong Son, in Pai (in the countryside);
- Swimming pool;
- Rooms with garden/mountain view/lake view;
- Surrounded by rice fields and mountains;
- Budget-friendly.
- Located in Ban Pan Yang;
- Breakfast included;
- Accommodations available in private tents;
- Beautiful view;
- Free parking.
How to Find Accommodations in Northern Thailand
Why is it so important to find the perfect accommodations in Northern Thailand?
Selecting the right accommodations in Northern Thailand is paramount, irrespective of the destination. If you’ve perused any of my previous articles, you’re well-acquainted with how deeply I cherish my travel morning routines – especially with a cup of coffee in hand. The ambiance is pivotal! The joy of awakening in a snug bed, within a charming room, and being greeted by a breathtaking view from your balcony is an integral part of the journey. It can genuinely elevate your entire mood. This becomes even more pertinent if your vacation agenda includes relaxation, diving into a good book, or soaking up the sun.
In this context, selecting the right accommodations in Northern Thailand takes on a heightened significance. As I’ve emphasized, the country is adorned with jaw-dropping views and awe-inspiring landscapes. Staying in a remarkable place acts as a bridge, connecting you more intimately to Thailand’s beauty. Plus, given the price advantage Northern Thailand offers compared to other touristy spots, if you’ve ever contemplated indulging in a touch of luxury, now’s the opportune moment.
What’s truly captivating about accommodations in Northern Thailand is the sheer variety catering to every whim and travel style. Whether you fancy the opulence of a luxurious resort or yearn for an authentic village experience to live and dine like the locals, the choices are abundant. And for those with an adventurous spirit or a penchant for solitude, imagine booking a treehouse or nestling close to the verdant embrace of the jungle.
I’m well aware that sifting through the myriad of accommodations in Northern Thailand can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fret not, I’ve got your back! As you delve deeper into this guide, you’ll find curated lists that encompass each accommodation type I’ve touched upon. I understand that hunting for the perfect place can be a tedious task, and that’s precisely why I’m here – to simplify this aspect of your travel preparations. In this guide with accommodations in Northern Thailand, you’ll come across places I’ve personally stayed at, as well as other notable places. Rest assured, the recommendations come with top ratings and rave reviews from trusted platforms. Plus, many offer added bonuses like great Wi-Fi connectivity, free breakfast, private pools or a prime location near key attractions.
Tips on how to find the best accommodations in Northern Thailand
There are many amazing accommodations in Northern Thailand, so don’t worry, you will find something great for you. First of all you need to think about your travel goals. I know that this may sound a little bit too serious or formal, but the key in choosing the right accommodations in Northern Thailand is to establish what you want from your holiday. Is this a leisure trip? A “do-it all, see it all” kind of trip? Or a combination of both? By answering these questions you will know how many accommodations in Northern Thailand you need to book, for how many days and which locations are the best for your needs.
Second, you need to think about the location that is more suitable for your preferences. In Northern Thailand there are two cities that are the most popular and also that host most of the landmarks that you will want to visit, and that is Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Now it’s time for research and decide which accommodations in Northern Thailand are going to make your trip even more memorable. For example, if you want to sunbathe and relax and walk around the surroundings, then you can book a resort with a swimming pool with beautiful views and situated close to popular landmarks, or close to the main city.
If you love nature, then Northern Thailand is the perfect place to experience nature-immersive lodgings (see the chapter above for some examples).
If you don’t like changing places during your travels, staying in just one location and booking tours to visit around may be the perfect choice for you (See the beginning of this article for the best tours you can book to explore Northern Thailand).
If, like me, you have an insatiable urge to see it all, then I wholeheartedly recommend booking multiple accommodations in Northern Thailand. Now, I can almost hear the collective groan about the fatigue of constant packing and unpacking. But bear with me for a moment. This entire process can be streamlined, even enjoyable, when you elevate your luggage strategy. Investing in bag organizers can be a game-changer. These cool travel accessories have revolutionized my own approach to packing.
Curious about my top picks? Take a peek at my favorite travel organizers below. And if you’re keen on refining your packing prowess, don’t miss out on this comprehensive guide (bonus: it includes a free packing checklist).
Let’s return to our exploration of accommodations in Northern Thailand. Once you’ve got the packing bit down pat, hopping between different stays can turn into a thrilling journey in itself. Dreaming of luxuriating in a plush resort without breaking the bank? Consider a short yet indulgent stay and then transition to a wallet-friendly option. Dive into the unique charm of a treehouse, experience the bustle from a city-central resort, or immerse yourself in the rhythms of a local village. Embracing an array of accommodations doesn’t just diversify your experiences, it becomes an intrinsic part of your travel story, especially when the accommodations in Northern Thailand are nothing short of dreamlike! Plus, remember: being on the move offers the added bonus of unveiling more sights, sounds, and experiences that this vibrant region has in store.
To summarize the main tips on finding the best accommodation/accommodations in Northern Thailand, here are the main focus points:
- establish your travel goals: leasure, walking around, hiking, exploring everything and so on;
- chose the main location/locations where you want to stay the most;
- establish your designated budget for accommodation;
- establish what type of accommodation you prefer: luxury, close to nature, family and budget-friendly;
- establish what other perks are important to you, such as: closeness to the city centers or important landmarks, places with swimming pools, spas or restaurants and so on.
- establish if you want to book one place or multiple accommodations in Northern Thailand (for that you will need to have a detailed itinerary);
- start your research, by using your favorite booking platform, or blog articles like this one that helps you narrow down your list.
- most importantly: don’t settle for anything less than your dreams or expectations, because the places you chose to stay became part of your travel experience, so make the most of it. You deserve finding the best accommodations in Northern Thailand.
Top Booking Platforms
As you already know there are a lot of booking platforms to choose from (an overwhelming list if I may add), but to make things easier for you, I will recommend only three of them, Agoda (the preferred platform for accommodations in Northern Thailand and Asia destinations in general) Booking.com and Expedia In my opinion, these three offer a large variety of accommodations in Northern Thailand.
Main reasons I recommend these platforms:
- Diverse Options: Whether you’re looking for luxury resorts, authentic local stays, or unique treehouse experiences, there’s a vast array of choices waiting for you.
- User-Friendly Filters: The search features include intuitive filters, ensuring you find accommodations tailored to your needs. Look for options like free parking, pool access, inclusive breakfast, specific bed types, and free cancellation, among others.
- Flexible Cancellation: A significant majority of accommodations offer free cancellations, typically up until at least two weeks prior to your stay.
- Reviews & Ratings: Browse through guest reviews to get a feel for the place. A high number of positive reviews often indicates a popular, well-regarded accommodation.
- Visual Insights: Each listing boasts multiple photos, giving you a comprehensive glimpse into both the rooms and the surrounding environment.
- Detailed Descriptions: Beyond photos, you’ll also find descriptions detailing various amenities and perks each place offers.
- Map Integration: Use the integrated map to pinpoint the exact location of each accommodation, ensuring you’re aware of the surroundings.
- Local Landmarks: Many listings include a handy summary of key landmarks nearby, complete with distance details, helping you plan your itinerary more efficiently.
How to find the best deals
- Book ahead of time
My number one advice in finding the best deals is to start your search ahead of time. If you want to have a chance in finding discounts don’t leave the booking last. It’s ok for spontaneous trips to book on the go, but when you are planning to travel to another continent, or in a country where you want to stay a longer period of time, then chances are you are going to find the worst choices if you don’t look ahead of time.
Also, if you are interested in any particular place, then you definitely check out regularly to see if they offer any discounts at any time.
- Take advantage of loyalty programs and coupons
Most booking platforms offer loyalty programs that come with many advantages, like special discounts (up to 20-30%), free breakfast or parking and so on.
For example, the loyalty program on Booking.com, called Genius offers discounts on a lot of accommodations and depending on the level that you are at you can get a much bigger deal. Growing in level depends on the number of bookings you do in a year. You can always check out the details about their loyalty program on their website.
Agoda has a special page dedicated to discounts and deals, where you can get coupons and discounts for your bookings. I suggest you bookmark their page and check it out regularly, because the offers change in time. You can check it out here.
- Hunt down seasonal and special campaigns
There are certain periods of time when booking platforms offer amazing discounts and you should take advantage of that. For example, Booking.com launched their Late Escapes 2023 Deals that offer discounts of at least 15%. This campaign is limited for a certain period, from October 2023 to January 2024. You can read more about it here.
I highly recommend subscribing to the booking platforms you frequent the most. By doing so, you’ll be the first to know about their exclusive seasonal promotions. Moreover, don’t forget to stay connected with your go-to travel bloggers. Often, they have special discount codes through their affiliate partnerships.
Stay in the loop with my updates for exclusive offers from my affiliates! I regularly share on Instagram – check out my special folder dedicated to travel discounts. Over on Pinterest, I’ve curated a board brimming with travel deals and must-have travel gear. Also, if you are interested in finding more accommodations in Northern Thailand, then go ahead and send me an email. I would be more than happy to help you out.
Final thoughts
The choice of accommodations in Northern Thailand can profoundly shape your travel experience. I can’t emphasize enough how the right place can elevate your entire journey.
Many travelers, understandably, prioritize exploring and activities, thinking, “We’re here to experience, not just sleep, right?” I used to share this sentiment. But after a few unfortunate stays and grappling with the downsides of low-grade accommodations, I realized how deeply it influenced my mood and overall trip vibe. No matter how magical a destination, ending or beginning your day in an unpleasant setting can dampen the entire holiday spirit. After all, isn’t a vacation about treating oneself? Also, the accommodations in Northern Thailand are simply amazing!
Picture this: Awakening in a plush, expansive bed set within an aesthetically pleasing room. As morning light streams in, you step onto the balcony, greeted by the crisp air and panoramic views of Northern Thailand’s captivating landscapes. You then indulge in a delightful breakfast, complete with mouth watering pastries, fresh fruits, and your morning brew (for me, that’s a hearty coffee). Now, doesn’t that paint a perfect travel morning? The influence of your accommodation choice becomes starkly evident, doesn’t it?
In Thailand I ate one of the best breakfasts ever! Accommodations in Northern Thailand offer lots of seasonal fresh fruits which are my favorite!
For those traveling on a budget, fret not. Northern Thailand offers plenty of wonderful options that won’t empty your wallet. The key takeaway? The region’s accommodations cater to diverse preferences and budgets.
I sincerely hope this article proves useful in your quest for the ideal accommodations in Northern Thailand, ensuring your journey is nothing short of spectacular. Craving more knowledge about Thailand? Dive into my other articles below for detailed travel guides and exciting things to do:
- A day with the elephants in Chiang Mai
- Visit Thailand:Top 4 must-see attractions
- 19 Things you need to know before traveling to Thailand
- Bangkok itinerary – Top 8 things to do and to visit in Bangkok
- Top things to see and do in Northern Thailand
- The White Temple Thailand – Travel Guide
- Doi Inthanon National Park Thailand – Travel Guide
- The Black House Travel Guide