Old City
The historic centre, still ringed by its original moat and remnants of the city walls. This is the obvious base if temples, walkability and being in the thick of things matter most to you — Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang are both a short walk from almost anywhere inside the walls. It gets busy and touristy in places, but the convenience is hard to beat for a first visit. See our Old City guide and where to stay in the Old City.
Nimman (Nimmanhaemin)
A modern, café-dense district west of the Old City, popular with digital nomads and younger travellers. Expect specialty coffee, design-led shops, co-working spaces and a livelier night-time food and drink scene than the Old City. It trades some old-town atmosphere for comfort and convenience. See our Nimman neighbourhood guide and where to stay in Nimman.
Riverside (Mae Ping)
Running along the Ping River east of the Old City, this area has a quieter, more residential feel with some of the city's best-regarded restaurants and a handful of upscale hotels making the most of river views. It's a good pick if you want to be near the centre without being in the busiest part of it.
Night Bazaar area
Centred around Chang Klan Road, this is Chiang Mai's most tourist-oriented strip, built around the sprawling night market. It's convenient for shopping, has a huge range of hotel options at every budget, and puts you between the Old City and the river.
Quick pick guide
- First visit, want to walk everywhere: Old City
- Coffee, co-working, modern comfort: Nimman
- Quieter, upscale, good food: Riverside
- Shopping and nightlife on your doorstep: Night Bazaar area