Chiang Mai was once the seat of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, home to important temples and institutions, and a trading hub and melting pot for the ethnic groups of the region. The Lanna legacy makes “The Rose of the North” a great place to explore the cultural and artistic side of Thailand. Even though Chiang Mai is no longer a royal seat, the city is home to a number of 5-star hotels sure to make you feel like royalty.

Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations in the center of town so you can get the most out of a short visit to Chiang Mai, or you want to escape the city and lounge in the most elegant surroundings, these 5-star luxury hotels in Chiang Mai are destinations in and of themselves. These world-class hotels and resorts offer all the amenities expected of a luxury destination, and then some, without sacrificing on culture and artistry.

Raya Heritage

I cannot say enough good things about this DREAM of a hotel just outside Chiang Mai’s city center along the Mae Ping River. Is it my favorite hotel recommendation at the moment? Quite possibly. Keep an eye out for a full post on staying at Raya Heritage soon.

Villa Mahabhirom

Okay, I know I just said Raya Heritage may be the best luxury hotel in Chiang Mai…but really I can’t choose between it or the gorgeous Villa Mahabhirom. A rated collection of century-old teak Thai villas perfectly situated amongst a jungle wonderland. You haven’t stayed anywhere like here before. Guaranteed.

The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai

The best way to describe the Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai would be palatial, but even that just scratches the surface. While you can live like a king while staying at this incredible luxury hotel, it’s the incredible design and attention to detail that will truly captivate you. Located a tranquil distance away from the city, it’s the ideal place to relax and focus on pampering. Featuring more than five restaurants and an award-winning spa, you might never want to leave.

• Prices begin at ฿18,000 per night
• Address: 51/4 Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Road, Moo 1, T. Tasala, A. Muang,
  Chiang Mai

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai more than delivers on the style and amenities you’d expect from the world-renown hospitality brand. What sets this luxury property apart, though, is the beautiful way outdoor spaces are incorporated into the architecture and design. Wherever you look, whether it’s at the terraced rice fields just on the other side of the balcony, or at the manicured tropical jungle creeping out from the edge of your private pool, these bursts of green bring a tranquil energy to your luxury accommodation in Chiang Mai. Enjoy meals at the Sala Mae Rim restaurant, and take advantage of other Lanna inspired onsite activities such as cooking classes and spa treatments.

• Prices begin at ฿19,000 per night
• Address: Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai

Le Meridien Chiang Mai

Located between Chiang Mai’s riverside hangouts and the Old City, Le Meridian Chiang Mai towers over the bustling Chang Klan area. While the popular Night Bazaar and the local Hard Rock Cafe are only steps away, once you pass through the doors of this 5-star hotel, you’ve escaped to a serene slice of the good life. From the peaceful rooftop pool, look over vast city views and take in Chiang Mai from above. Le Meridian Chiang Mai is close to the heart of the action but offers luxury amenities and service to make you feel pampered.

• Prices begin at ฿3800 per night
• Address: 108 Chang Klan Road, Tambol Chang Klan, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50100

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa

The sprawling grounds of the tranquil Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa are located along the banks of the Mae Ping river, and you would never guess that one of the city’s busiest shopping and nightlife areas was just on the other side of the wall. Once the site of the British Consulate, the design of the Anantara beautiful blends contemporary, northern Thai Lanna, and colonial styles. On your breaks from exploring the city, enjoy high-tea accompanied by a live string quartet, lounge poolside as you watch boats drift by, or luxuriate in one of the “spa journeys” offered here. For dinner, enjoy one of the most creative dining experiences in Chiang Mai at The Service 1921 restaurant, or dine al-fresco at The Restaurant next to the river.

• Prices begin at ฿8700 per night
• Address: 123 Charoenprathet Rd T.Changkran Muang, Chiang Mai Riverside, Chiang Mai

137 Pillars House

The 137 Pillars House is named for the many teak pillars that hold up the antique house forming the heart of this 5-star hotel. This heritage property, once the headquarters of the East Borneo Trading Company, beautifully blends British colonial and Lanna Thai styles while offering the modern amenities desired of a luxury hotel. Indoors, you will find unique and colorful design touches, while outside, a tranquil oasis might make you forget that there’s a whole city waiting to be explored just steps away. A stay at the 137 Pillars house offers all the cultural cache and attention to detail you’d expect of a boutique hotel, with the finest amenities and concierge service.

• Prices begin at ฿19,000 per night
• Address: 2 Soi 1 Nawatgate Road, Tambon Watgate, Muang, Nawarat, Chiang Mai

Ping Nakara

The Ping Nakara is a boutique luxury hotel that is all about the small things. With only nineteen rooms on site, extra care has been given to the special details of this colonial style property. From the molding that ornaments the doors and windows and the airport pick-up in the vintage 1970 Mercedes, to the ceramic elephants given as souvenirs, everything about this 5-star hotel has been designed to make your visit feel like something special. The Ping Nakara indulges travelers with every luxury they can ask for on holiday, including high-tea or onsite dining along the riverside and a spa offering a full complement of Ayurvedic treatments. Located a stone’s throw from the city center, this hideaway is a great choice for those looking for a more intimate experience.

• Prices begin at ฿18,000 per night
• Address: 135/9 Charoenprathet Road, A. Muang, Chang Khlan, Chiang Mai

While Chiang Mai may be best known as the ultimate backpacker’s destination, this sleepy temple-filled town has a luxurious side on par with any cosmopolitan destination. The finest chefs and hoteliers have come to Chiang Mai to create rich experiences that connect you with the local history and culture while you indulge in the finer things in life. For your next getaway, stay at one of these 5-star luxury hotels in Chiang Mai for a truly memorable holiday.

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