7 Hipster Hotels in Chiang Mai
Where you find great coffee, artisanal goods and kitschy boutiques, you’re sure to find hipsters, and Chiang Mai is chock full of all the above. While Chiang Mai’s prime hipster hangouts are centered around the trendy Nimmanhaemin neighborhood, you’ll find exposed brick, old-school filament bulbs, and eclectic decor all over the city. If Portland meets Brooklyn meets tropical is your aesthetic of choice, then look no further than these seven hipster hotels next time you’re planning your stay in Chiang Mai.
Click on the bold hotel names to see current rates on Agoda – they normally have the cheapest around!
The Barisotel
[photo from Agoda]
Bright and airy, there are just a handful of rooms available at the Barisotel. If your go-to Instagram filter is Mayfair, and you’re all about light woods and soft marbles with a pretty flower or plant for accent, then you might never want to leave this hipster hotel. I, for one, would happily live in that beautiful, big white bathtub. The first floor of the Barisotel is a cafe equally gorgeous as the rooms upstairs, serving perfect cappuccinos and scrumptious pastries. Beware, you may have some competition if you decide to stage a photo shoot. The Barisotel is – surprise! – also in Nimman.
- Prices begin at ฿2,839 per night
- Address: 7/2 Soi 9 Nimmanhaemin Road, T. Suthep, A. Muang, Chiang Mai
Hotel Yayee
[photo from Agoda]
A favorite of Instagram darlings and couples looking for a touch of romance, Hotel Yayee is tucked down a quiet street just up the road from hip Gallery Seescape and the notoriously kitsch iBerry Garden. A muted color-scheme helps tie the eclectic decor together, but the distinctly Thai touches such as the big black & white image of his late majesty Rama the 9th or the giant hand-drawn map of Chiang Mai catch the eyes most. Being owned by a Thai actor gives this hipster hotel some cool cache, but it’s the rooftop bar and restaurant that really makes Hotel Yayee special. After wandering Nimmanhaemin all day in search of the best fashion boutique or hippest cafe, come back for a sundowner and enjoy one of the best views of Doi Suthep in the city.
- Prices begin at ฿1,865 per night
- Address: 17/4-6 Soi Sai Nam Phueng, T. Suthep, A. Muang, Chiang Mai
Samantan/Chalnatt Hotel
[photo from Agoda]
- Prices begin at ฿1,266 per night
- Address: 28/4 Nimmanhaemin Soi 11-13, T. Suthep, A. Muang, Chiang Mai
Hotel Noir
[photo from Agoda]
The last Nimman hotel on this list – promise! – is Hotel Noir. With a cheery brick facade, onsite artisanal cafe, and a refreshing garden patio, this chic hotel certainly ticks a lot of hipster boxes. The vintage bikes you can rent to explore the city are an especially nice touch. The minimally decorated rooms are cool and comfortable, and as with any hotel in Nimman, you can’t fault the location. Steps away are beautiful boutiques where you’re sure to find a treasure trove of fashion and trinkets.
- Prices begin at ฿1,156 per night
- Address: 5/8 Lane 5, Nimmanhaemin Road, T. Suthep, A. Muang, Chiang Mai
Mo Rooms
[photo from Agoda]
Clear on the other side of Chiang Mai near the Tha Pae Gate area is Mo Rooms. While discerning travelers may turn their noses up at this neighborhood in favor of staying in “less touristy” areas, Mo Rooms is a hidden gem. Each room here is inspired by a different animal of the Chinese zodiac and has its own unique style and decor. The raw concrete features found throughout this eclectic property are more reminiscent of a trendy Berlin hangout, but the open-air spaces and tropical plants remind you that despite the nearly overwhelming levels of hipness, you’re definitely in Southeast Asia.
- Prices begin at ฿1,355 per night
- Address: 263/1-2 Tha Pae Rd., T. Changklan, A. Muang, Chiang Mai
The Laboratory
[photo from Agoda]
- Prices begin at ฿991 per night (for a private room)
- Address: 64 Sirimankalajarn Rd., T. Suthep, A. Muang, Chiang Mai
The Core
[photo from Agoda]
For bright, cheerful accommodations in a less pretentious neighborhood, try The Core. Chiang Mai’s Suthep neighborhood has plenty of hipster cred, but is further west than many travelers typically lodge. Located on Huay Kaew Road, it’s a straight shot to the east to get to the Old City, or a short trek west to go sightseeing on Doi Suthep mountain. The Core’s proximity to the local university means nearly endless shopping and dining options for far cheaper prices than you’d find in Nimman (which is less than 10 minutes drive away). The tasteful minimalist decor and modern amenities, however, mean you’re living many notches above the student life.
- Prices begin at ฿1,169 per night
- Address: 99/64 99/105-107 Moo1 T. Chang Puak, Huay Kaew Road, A. Muang, Chiang Mai
As a noted creative city, it’s small wonder Chiang Mai has such hipster cache. A love for beautiful decor and surprising details means that the city is full of interesting spaces, and when it comes to gorgeous hotels, Chiang Mai absolutely delivers. If you don’t mind the occasional bit of pretentiousness and enjoy the quirky side of life, pick one of these hipster hotels for your next trip to Chiang Mai.
Note: This post contains Agoda affiliate links. You get the best rate and I get a small commission at no extra charge to you – win win!
Hey! I'm Alana and I've spent nearly the past decade living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, working as a writer and photographer. I started Paper Planes as a place to share local insight, special places, and how to travel well through a range of experiences — from hostels to high-end hotels, street meat to multi-course meals.
New places are always calling my name...
4/25/18
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