Sarah WThailand’s northern gem of Chiang Mai is known for being a fairly pocket-friendly destination, but if you’re looking to save even more money, check out these excellent budget hotels in Chiang Mai.
Once part of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is known for its rich history and many Buddhist temples—it has over 500 ancient and modern places of worship! At the foothills of the Thai Himalayas, it is also close to stunning nature. There are numerous waterfalls within easy reach of the city and mountain trekking is a popular activity. You can also go trekking to visit various hill tribe groups.
Other popular attractions in and around Chiang Mai include Chiang Mai Night Safari, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai Canyon, Doi Inthanon, Wat Phra Doi Suthep, Art in Paradise, Elephant Nature Park, and various museums. When you’re planning your trip, check out some of the best budget hotel options in Chiang Mai:
Panda House Chiang Mai
Located in Chiang Mai Old Town, Panda House Chiang Mai is a terrific budget base for anyone wishing to be based in the historic heart of the city. The onsite restaurant is convenient, dishing up popular Thai meals for affordable prices. All rooms are en suite. The cheaper rooms are cooled by fans, while you can pay a bit more for air-conditioning. The rooms are furnished with either one double bed or two twin beds depending on your preference, and previous guests have praised the comfort of the soft beds. Each room has a TV and free Wi-Fi, ideal for chilling during any periods of downtime.
There’s also a sun terrace where you can unwind and you can arrange various trips and tours to help you make the most of your vacation. Free parking, airport transfers (extra fees apply), luggage storage, laundry services, and basic business facilities are other plus points!
Zz House
Zz House is located in the Wat Ket area of the city and is just a short walk from Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. There are en suite double rooms offering either a fan or air-conditioning, while larger groups can check into a family room for four or six. All rooms have a TV, free Wi-Fi, and a fridge! There’s an onsite restaurant and room service is also available.
Tuck into a scrumptious meal at the onsite restaurant (or order in room service!), or mingle over a drink in the covered outdoor common area. The friendly staff are a great treasure trove of tips on what to do in Chiang Mai and you can easily arrange various tours and activities such as cooking lessons, trekking, and fishing. Be sure to rent a bike to explore the nearby surroundings too! The hotel also offers laundry services, baggage storage, and free parking.
Bann Elephant Home
Housed within a traditional wooden Thai-style building, Bann Elephant Home has en suite double rooms with A/C, double fan and air-conditioned rooms with shared bathrooms, and a mixed dormitory for eight people. Though fairly basic, the rooms are comfortable and clean. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the property and guests can also chill and socialise on the large terrace. The property has a restaurant and other handy features include free parking, a tour desk, car hire, bike rentals, laundry service, and baggage storage. It’s located in the heart of Chiang Mai city centre.
Pirates Cove
Pirates Cove is a popular budget hotel in Chiang Mai, located close to Chiang Mai Gate and Chedi Luang Temple. The onsite restaurant attracts locals and travellers alike, serving a range of Asian and Western fare. In the evening, the hotel comes alive with throngs of guests who come for a drink or two. There’s Wi-Fi throughout its premises and also laundry services available!
Trekker Camp
Trekker Camp can be found in the Chang Khlan sub-district of Chiang Mai. The bright and airy rooms are decked with cool artwork which adds to its homey vibes. There’s a pleasant garden where you can relax, so pick a book up from the library and enjoy a read in the sunshine. The restaurant is open until mid-afternoon, making it a great place to have lunch if you’re having a late start to the day. Other convenient facilities and services include laundry services, baggage storage, and a tour desk. Psst, there’s complimentary breakfast too!
Tapae Inn Hotel
Tapae Inn Hotel is definitely one of the quirkiest budget hotels in Chiang Mai. Designed somewhat like a mini-museum of times gone by, the hotel is filled with interesting old items, pictures, and promotional materials. You’ll find old barber’s chairs, a Shell petrol pump, empty containers from popular brands in the past, Coca Cola posters from throughout the ages, and more. It’s definitely an interesting place to stay while you’re in Chiang Mai! We love that the property is a stone’s throw away from its famous night market.
Junior House Guesthouse
Junior House Guesthouse is just a short walk from Chiang Man Temple. All rooms are en suite and feature a balcony, TV, free Wi-Fi, and a wardrobe. The onsite restaurant serves Thai food and you can arrange a packed lunch if you’re heading out for the day! Enjoy a leisurely soak in its hot tub, a relaxed lie-in in the terrace, or a stroll in its garden. Bicycles and cars are available to rent and airport transfers can be arranged too at an extra charge.
Jimmy and Jeng Homestay
Nestled in a quiet and peaceful location, Jimmy and Jeng Homestay is a warm and welcoming Chiang Mai accommodation. It’s less than a kilometre (0.6 miles) from attractions like Nakornping Bridge, Sompet Market, Wat Chiang Man, Tha Pae Gate, and Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Besides its en suite rooms, there are also family rooms available. The property is comfortable, though it’s the friendly hosts that really make this place special. You can book a variety of tours onsite and the hotel also offers free Wi-Fi throughout!
Rightfully referred to “The Rose of the North” with its natural wonder and history, Chiang Mai is definitely a must-visit while you’re in Asia. Get more bang for your buck when you stay at one of these eight awesome budget hotels above!
