Travel Guide: Where's the Best Place to Stay in Chiang Mai?

Are you planning a vacation to Chiang Mai, Thailand? If so, you're not alone. In 2016, more than 32 million people visited Chiang Mai. Boasting natural beauty and cultural diversity, Chiang Mai offers something for everyone. With so many visitors pouring into the city, where can you go to "get away from it all?" How can you sift through the endless resorts and choose the best place to stay in Chiang Mai? And why is Chiang Mai such a popular destination?

Read on to find out!

Why Chiang Mai?

Ask anyone who's traveled to Thailand, and they're sure to say that Chiang Mai was one of the highlights of their trip.

What makes Chiang Mai so special? Although in many ways it has that small-town feel, Chiang Mai is actually the second most important city in Thailand. In contrast to the bustling capital of Bangkok, Chiang Mai's appeal lies in its laid-back culture and idyllic setting.

Nestled in the southern part of the Himalayas, Chiang Mai is home to lush green mountains and stunning waterfalls. Nature lovers can use Chiang Mai as a base to explore the 13 national parks located in the province.

The mountains near Chiang Mai are home to six major hill tribes, each with its own unique culture. Animal lovers will enjoy the ethical elephant sanctuaries and tiger parks. History lovers will marvel at the stunning architecture of the city's temples.

You're also guaranteed to love sampling the local cuisine. From a savory, steaming bowl of khao soi to a sweet treat of mango sticky rice, Chiang Mai will dazzle your taste buds.

Another reason travelers flock to Chiang Mai is for its mild climate. Although winter evenings can get a little chilly (16C or 60F), daytime temperatures year-round average 30C (90F). This makes it an ideal vacation spot at any time of year!

Chiang Mai used to be just for backpackers. Now there are so many family friendly things to do that it appeals to a wide range of travelers.

Now that you know why it's the perfect vacation destination, how can you choose the best place to stay in Chiang Mai?

Which Type of Resort is Right For You?

With so many accommodation options these days, is it really worth it to stay in a luxury resort?

It's true that some budget hotels offer nice amenities and services. But for a special occasion like your honeymoon or anniversary, you can't beat the personalized experience of a luxury resort.

Here are a few things to consider when researching the best place to stay in Chiang Mai:

Adults Only or Family Friendly?

All-inclusive resorts were once synonymous with crowded beaches and screaming children.

Not anymore. Many luxury resorts have added kid-free zones and adults-only areas to their properties. Some resorts are entirely adults-only, which offers greater appeal to those seeking a quiet, romantic getaway.

What's Your Ideal Setting?

In some instances, staying at an all-inclusive resort may feel like you never left your home country.

The food and entertainment options may lack in local flavor or culture. Or the resort may turn out to be little more than a nicely-packaged tourist trap.

On the other hand, a well-chosen luxury resort will give you a more personalized, authentic experience. The staff will know the local language, sights, and culture, and they'll provide you with expert insight into where to experience the best of it.

What Kinds of Amenities and Activities Do You Want?

Different properties not only offer various levels of luxury, but also different types of activities.

Are you seeking on-site entertainment, or are you the type to relax in your room? Do you want to do lots of sports and excursions, or would you prefer to lay by the pool?

There's no right or wrong answer to any of these questions. It just comes down to your personal travel tastes.

The Best Place to Stay in Chiang Mai

Whether you're planning the ultimate honeymoon or another special getaway, this is what you should look for in any luxury resort.

Location, Location, Location

You're likely coming to Chiang Mai to enjoy and explore its parks, mountains, and waterfalls. So why would you choose a property inside the city walls?

Ideally, you want to stay at a resort that's quiet, peaceful, and surrounded by nature. At the same time, it should be within a reasonable driving distance from the city and other attractions.

Private Setting

While many resorts offer luxury, you're often forced to share that luxury with dozens of other guests.

What if you could stay in a resort where you and your loved one were the only persons there? It doesn't get more luxurious than that!

Authentic Architecture

Luxury resorts usually have a lot in common - including how they look.

While there's nothing wrong with five-star furnishings, they sometimes lack character and local style. Often they're designed with a "one size fits all" approach.

For the ultimate in customized luxury, look for a property that incorporates the local culture and style of the area. In Chiang Mai, this would include teak furniture and the region's distinct Lanna Thai architecture.

Delicious Dining

Most all-inclusive resorts boast high-quality meals. However, they may lack in variety or have difficulty catering to special dietary needs.

What if you could have your own chef to prepare three amazing meals each day? What if the chef could tailor each meal to your individual taste, using only the freshest local ingredients?

Carefully consider these ideas before making your final decision about where to stay in Chiang Mai.

The best place to stay in Chiang Mai - Final Thoughts

By now you've probably realized that not all luxury resorts are created equal.

While each luxury property has its fine qualities, there's only one that can rightly claim to be the best place to stay in Chiang Mai.

At Howie's Homestay, you'll experience the ultimate in customized luxury. Don't let the humble name fool you! We designed every detail of this highly-rated, five-star resort with you, the guest, in mind.

From the authentic details to the complete sense of privacy, Howie's Homestay is unlike anywhere you've stayed before.

We invite you to contact us to make a booking inquiry or find out more about our unique luxury property.