Where to Stay in Chiang Rai: the Best Areas and Hotels

Planning a trip to Chiang Rai? Whether you're chasing serene river views, exploring the vibrant night market, or indulging in a luxury jungle retreat, choosing the right place to stay makes all the difference.

The city center stands out for convenience, while mountainous areas or the Golden Triangle area are ideal for a more secluded stay. Here's a quick guide:

To help you plan your stay, we've also handpicked some of the top hotels in each location, from city-center convenience to riverside tranquility.

1. Chiang Rai Mae Kok River — Best for First-Timers

• Best for: couples, families, nature lovers, serenity seekers

If you want a peaceful escape but still be near the city, the Mae Kok River area is perfect. There, you could have a true resort feel from many high-end boutique hotels with stunning river views, infinity pools, and spacious gardens. It's only a 10–15-minute ride to the downtown area so you get the best of both worlds.

Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort (Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5)

• Price: from $120 per night
• Family rooms: yes

Just a 7-minute drive to the Blue Temple, Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort is a stylish resort framed by two towering, centuries-old rain trees.

The rooms? Spacious and modern (starting at 53 sq m / 570 sq ft!), complete with a private balcony for different views. For families, the resort shines with a sprawling pool and a dedicated kids' club.

If you seek some Western food, their Italian restaurant Favola doesn't disappoint.

The Riverie by Katathani (Tripadvisor Rating: 4.7/5)

• Price: from $79 per night
• Family rooms: yes

The Riverie by Katathani is known as a family-friendly stay. Kids would love splashing around in the lagoon-style pool and dedicated kids' pool, or having fun at the vibrant kids' club.

Parents could join cultural activities like Thai cooking classes or a morning almsgiving, or simply head to the rooftop bar, order a drink, and watch the sunset.

The Legend Chiang Rai (Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5)

• Price: from $85 per night
• Family rooms: yes

This idyllic Lanna-style riverside resort promises a serene getaway. Treat yourself to a riverfront pool villa with private swims, a private garden, and candlelit dinners in your room. The free shuttle service to the night market is a bonus for your evening adventures.

Get more ideas about planning your first trip to Thailand.

2. The Golden Triangle Area — Isolation Meets Luxury

• Best for: adventurers, history lovers, luxury seekers

The Golden Triangle sits where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Accommodation there has two extremes: basic budget hotels or ultra-luxurious resorts.

Budget hotels tend to suit short-term visitors but, given their limited facilities, this area is definitely better suited for luxury seekers. The best choices, Four Seasons Tented Camp and Anantara Golden Triangle, are celebrated untouched landscapes and an exclusive escape.

Disadvantages:

• Due to a 1-hour drive from Chiang Rai city and infrequent public buses (usually 2 hours), a private transfer is a more hassle-free and time-saving choice.
• The all-inclusive resorts (Four Seasons Tented Camp and Anantara Golden Triangle) require a minimum 2-night stay.

Four Seasons Tented Camp (Tripadvisor Rating: 4.9/5)

• Price: from $6,300 per 2-night package
• Family rooms: yes

As CN Traveller's top jungle lodge, Four Seasons Tented Camp is Thailand's most exclusive wilderness retreat. Its 16 lavish tents are spread out for total privacy.

Bond with rescued elephants during sunrise breakfast feeds, riverside baths, or even private candlelit dinners.

Anantara Golden Triangle (Tripadvisor Rating: 4.8/5)

• Price: from $2,900 per 2-night package
• Family rooms: yes

Anantara is a more down-to-earth alternative to Four Seasons, with Lanna-style architecture and a beautiful jungle setting.

Elephant interaction is its biggest draw. Observe them from room terraces via telescopes or join sunrise walks to watch them graze, play, and bathe freely.

For ultimate immersion, book one of two exclusive Jungle Bubble suites offering 360° jungle views and dine and sleep just a few steps from them!

Find out more exclusive stays in Thailand>>>

3. Mountain Areas: Rustic Life and Serene Mountain Views

• Best for: nature lovers, hikers

If you're after a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience, venture into its mountain areas.

Mae Salong Nai is one of the best choices. You could hike along the scenic tea plantations, learn about the Akha or Lahu cultures, or simply enjoy the sunrises and sunsets from your private balcony.

Disadvantages:

• Rustic charm comes first there — amenities may be basic compared to similarly priced hotels by the Mae Kok River.
• Similar to the Golden Triangle area, a private transfer is necessary to reach and explore other highlights.

Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa (Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5)

• Price: from $120 per night
• Family rooms: yes

Perched on a hillside with sweeping views of tea plantations and valleys, Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa is perfect for sunrise chasers and nature lovers. Every suite there has a massive private balcony that literally hangs over rolling tea fields and valleys — you could watch the sun rise from bed while sipping coffee, no joke!

Are you taking the kids? Even better. Their on-site "Natural Park" is like a mini zoo: peacocks strut around, deer graze nearby, and fluffy rabbits hop along bike trails.

Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort (Tripadvisor Rating: 4/5)

• Price: from $70 per night
• Family rooms: yes

Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort features eco-friendly bamboo-and-wood villas. The bamboo cottages blend right into the misty forest, and your balcony becomes a front-row seat for golden sunsets or eerie fog-at-dawn vibes. You would also have chances to taste authentic organic farm-to-table Thai dishes.

Further reading: How to plan a trip to Chiang Rai.

4. The Clock Tower and Night Market Area: Budget-Friendly and Bustling

• Best for: first-time visitors, nightlife lovers, convenience seekers

If you want to stay where the action is, stay near Chiang Rai's Clock Tower and Night Market. Street food, temples, and colorful stalls are just steps away.

You could also find tons of budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses, plus easy access to tuk-tuks for exploring further.

Disadvantage: if you're a light sleeper, book a hotel or room away from the main road.

Mora Boutique Hotel (Tripadvisor Rating: 4.9/5)

• Price: from $90 per night
• Family rooms: yes, but there's a three-person limit on all rooms

If you want a mix of comfort and convenience, Mora Boutique Hotel is a winner. It's just a quick 5-minute walk to the lively Saturday Night Market and close to temples and museums, making it perfect for exploring by foot.

There are bonus points for its in-room washers — these are lifesavers after long trips! Don't skip the rooftop bar — sipping a drink there while watching the sunset over the mountains is pure magic.

Sann Hotel (Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5)

• Price: from $45 per night
• Family rooms: yes

For a budget-friendly stay but not sacrificing comfort, Sann Hotel is your spot. You're literally steps from the Clock Tower and a 15-minute stroll to the Night Bazaar.

The rooms are simple but clean. There are no fancy extras there, but who needs them? You would save cash for street food and adventures instead.

Is It Worth Staying Near the White Temple?

Not really, unless you plan to visit the White Temple more than once. The area has mostly basic hotels and hostels, with few dining or shopping options. Plus, it's far from other key attractions, so you would spend more time on the road.

If you just want to see the White Temple, staying in central Chiang Rai is more convenient.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Chiang Rai?

For a quick visit, 2 days are enough to see the main attractions, including the White Temple, the Blue Temple, and the Golden Triangle. Some travelers even power through a 6-hour round trip from Chiang Mai just to check out the temples in a day (not recommended). If you want to explore more, add at least another full day for Singha Park, tea plantations, or elephant resorts.

FAQs About Where to Stay in Chiang Rai

Q: What's the best area to stay in Chiang Rai for first-time visitors?

The Mae Kok River area offers the best balance with peaceful riverside stays that are just 15 minutes from attractions.

Q: Are there family-friendly hotels in Chiang Rai?

Absolutely! Chiang Rai has plenty of family-oriented hotels that go beyond just offering family rooms and pools. For example, Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort and The Riverie by Katathani even offer kids' clubs and lagoon-style pools to give parents a break.

Q: What's the best place for a romantic stay?

For the ultimate in romance, the Golden Triangle and mountain retreats are best for stunning vistas, bespoke villas, and undisturbed intimacy (hour-long access deters crowds).

Prefer something closer? The Mae Kok River area in the city is also a charming option for a quick romantic stopover.

Q: Do I need to book hotels in advance for my trip to Chiang Rai?

Yes, especially during peak tourist seasons (November to February). Popular hotels like Four Seasons Tented Camp and Le Méridien could fill up quickly, so it's always a good idea to book 2–3 months in advance.

Q: Are English-speaking staff available at hotels in Chiang Rai?

Higher-end hotels generally have English-speaking staff. For smaller guesthouses, especially in mountainous areas, a translation app comes in handy.

Not sure where to start?

Asia Highlights is here to help. We'll find you the best hotels whether you prefer a riverside resort, a jungle retreat, or a city-center gem. With us, planning your Chiang Rai trip is hassle-free and tailored just for you. Reach out today and start your journey!

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