Chiang Mai’s most romantic hotels

What is it? An extremely pretty boutique hotel in the southwest corner of the old city that takes its design inspo from the 1920s gingerbread style houses that used to be dotted around the north of Thailand. Think sweeping ornate wooden gables, chintzy textiles, pastel and whitewashed panels around a Bodhi tree courtyard. 

Why we love it: If the point of a romantic stay is escaping the everyday to spend time with your boo, The Inside House must be the place. Stepping through the doors is a timewarp fantasy and the hubbub of the old city outside dissolves. The schmancy bedrooms and suites come with a stand-alone bath tub that can almost certainly fit two. The dining here is top and fancy afternoon tea comes included. 

Time Out tip: Book one of the decadent pool suites for frolicking in your own private and entirely secluded (hint hint) little pool. Perfect for cooling down and er, other stuff.

From B4650 per night including breakfast. 56 Samlarn Road, Mueang Chiang Mai. 

What is it? 20 minutes north of the old city on the banks of the Ping, Raya Heritage regularly wins awards for best stay in the city for a plethora of reasons. Above all, this place oozes elegance in an entirely subtle and unshowy way – the minimalist architecture puts the popping greenery and artisanal crafts to the forefront. 

Why we love it: It’s like staying in the Gardens of Babylon, but crisp, sleek and much more luxurious. Kicking back on the bedroom balcony’s lounger and staring out over their quiet stretch of the Ping is truly special. It’s a quiet place (no kids under 6, thank you very much) and this hushed atmosphere gives it a sultry vibe, as do the huge bedrooms and suites with loads of space for slow dancing in.

Time Out tip: Go all out and book yourselves a couples treatment at Ai Waan Spa, it is one of the best spas in Chiang Mai, make no mistake.

From B11,000 per night. 157 Moo 6, Donkaew sub-district.

What is it? A countryside eco-stay out in the rolling Mae On hills, many have tried to open a ‘bungalow with a private outdoor bath-tub that looks out at the mountains’ resort but none have got it as right as this. It’s a real get-away-from-it-all retreat and an extremely serene place to unwind for a weekend.

Why we love it: The ‘tree-house’ villas and suites are rustic lux, most of which come with an en suite jacuzzi or pool to float around in after a roll around, but it’s the remoteness of this idyllic stay that really does it for us. Lan Na Wild is so secluded that you’re entirely catered for because there’s not much nearby – the staff bring your dinner to your room, so you don’t need to leave. Or wear much but your robe. Lovely.

Time Out tip: It’s the perfect stay to coincide with a morning in Mae Kampong, which is only 20 minutes drive away, so you can beat the day tripping crowds and have the village high street to yourselves. 

From B4100 per night. Huai Kaeo, Mae On district.

What is it? Fulfilling the Japan trip dream after just a 45-minute drive northwest of Chiang Mai sounds impossible but this resort has managed it. Sprawling over their own little valley in gloriously scenic Mon Jam, the mountaintop village that’s 1,200 metres up, Onsen @ Moncham has all the features of a Japanese village but without the flight to get there. It’s green, serene and also delightfully posh elevated hotel stay.

Why we love it: There’s no denying it, the natural hot spring water at their bath house onsen is the main draw, but the cooler temperatures up in Mon Jam are also a cozy vibe to enjoy with your cutie. As is pottering around in not much but pyjamas and yukata. Check out our full review by clicking here.

Time Out tip: Splash out and book the entirely private Onsen in the Garden. It comes at a fee but having the hot pools all to yourselves is intimate and next level lavish.

From approx B9,200 per night. 293 Moo 2, Pong Yang district, Mae Rim.

What is it? Probably the best 4-star bolthole in Chiang Mai, this hotel is pure comfort and charisma, right in the middle of the old city. Yet somehow, after sloping through the iconic bamboo corridor and emerging inside their huge, mega sabai courtyard, you forget you’re in the heart of town – it’s got rural estate space and pace. 

Why we love it: Popular with honeymooners, it’s hard to believe Tamarind Village isn’t a five star – the extremely dedicated staff pamper you from arrival to departure. We’re also fans of their commitment to sharing Lanna culture. The rustic design and local decor of hilltribe artisanal crafts and textiles adds to the countryside ambiance of this peaceful romantic stay.

Time Out tip: Join their free guided ‘village walk’ of the old city if you can bear to pry yourself away from your room. 

From B4900 per night. 50 Rachadamnoen Road, Old City.

What is it? As if staying in tree-house bungalows in the foothills of Doi Inthanon wasn’t romantic enough, this gorgeous riverside ecolodge includes breakfast with their rescued elephants as standard. That’s right, wake up and live your Northern Thailand dream. It’s out in leafy Mae Wang, an hour’s drive from the city centre so making a sweet weekend of it. Book one of their glamping style bungalows made from and kitted out with handmade bamboo furniture for one of those ‘best life’ trips.

Why we love it: Aside from the locale – which is stunning by the way – everything about this spot is about doing good. For yourself, and for others. Staff are all locally-hired and behind the scenes, Daughters Rising empowers women employees through safe work and education opportunities in abundance. It’s also one of the only truly ethical elephant experiences in Chiang Mai, Chai Lai Orchid hosts visiting elephants, providing income and care for elephants owned by local Karen families. This prevents elephants from being rented to harmful or abusive environments. Legends.

Time Out tip: Stay for a couple of nights and book one of the experiences with local Karen guides who take you out hiking or foraging.

From B1800 per night. 172 moo 5 Mae Sapok sub-district, Mae Wang.

What is it? An aesthete's delight, Art Mai? Gallery Hotel is jammed full of contemporary class, with zero whiff of stuffiness. It’s a gallery at heart, from the lobby to the artist signature rooms (each floor is designed by a different local artist), down to the palate pleasing seasonal cocktails by the in-house mixologist in the secret Surr bar. The vibes here are quirky, sexy and playful with a whole lot to do. We recommend opting for  a room on the third floor, where optical illusions are woven into the furnishings, light fittings and Corinthian columns, while a sumptuous bathtub sits in the corner of the room.

Why we love it: Aside from the eccentric, art installation hotel rooms, we’re all about the rooftop bar, Surr (short for Surrealism), hidden behind the grandfather clock. Arch open the door to reveal a lux lounge of velvets and mirror ball walls. It’s date night goals.

Time Out tip: Do your dining at the in-house Jarid Restaurant – each artist has added a signature dish to the menu, and the wine list is intoxicatingly good.

Price per night from approx B2800. 21 Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 3.

What is it? Romance comes in many forms, no judgement from us. And Chiang Mai’s finest love hotel (yes we’ve got them) Movement (aka The Time Movement) is the city’s top pay-by-the-hour situation – perfect for hook ups and hush hush flings. The 22 themed rooms suit anyone’s tastes; the Cowboy Room, Playboy Room or Crystal Room (which is adorned in mirrors) are understandably the most popular.

Why we love it: It’s budget friendly, impulsive and unapologetically kinky – particularly the Roman Room that’s a Gladiator homage, with an added metal bench… and stirrups. Are you not entertained? 

Time Out tip: It’s a discreet place and easy to pop in for an hour but should you want to stay longer, or all night, the rates get cheaper the lengthier your sesh.

From B250 per hour. 117/19 Liab Klong Song Nam Road, Jed Yot.