Last updated on January 11th, 2025
Chiang Rai got a lot to offer and it is best to spend at least one night discovering the city. Here are the best hotels and budget hostels for where to stay in Chiang Rai.
When traveling around Northern Thailand, Chiang Rai is one of the most popular places to visit. The place has some of the most beautiful temples in Thailand, unusual museums, and the giant Buddha statue in the countryside. It takes about 4 hours traveling journey from Chiang Mai, and most people will choose to take a guided day tour from Chiang Mai.
But I would really recommend staying at least one-night in Chiang Rai to fully explore this awesome place. Plus, there are many great accommodations, ranging from cheap backpacker dorms to more upmarket hotels, making it an appealing place to stay for a laid-back holiday.
If you are decided to spend your nights in Chiang Rai, I have listed the best budget and cheap accommodation for your options. Let’s jump right to it, here are my recommendations for where to stay in Chiang Rai.
Where To Stay in Chiang Rai
When looking for where to stay in Chiang Rai, you can find various accommodation types around the town. From luxury hotels to mid-range and budget hostels, all offer impeccable service to make sure you have a wonderful stay in the city. Here are some highly rated hotels and hostels in a good central location:
Best Luxury Hotels in Chiang Rai:
- The Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel: 5-star luxury hotel in the city with world-class service.
- MORA Boutique Hotel: Beautufully design boutique hotel at great location.
High-Mid Range:
- Nak Nakara Hotel: Most popular hotel in Chiang Rai with great location and amazing service.
- Le Patta Hotel: Stay here for comfortable stay with amazing facilities and amenities.
- Blue Lagoon Hotel: An amazing 3-star hotel with a modern open layout design.
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai on a budget:
Pro Tips: The accommodation price is very reasonable even those high-range hotels in Chiang Rai. Just make sure you book ahead to guarantee the best price, especially during festival season.
The Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel and Convention
Luxury: The Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel and Convention is the best option if you’re looking for 5-star luxury hotel in the city with world-class service. This accommodation is decorated in a modern Thai style! It has a great location with easy access to all the attractions in the city and it offers a great service for its price.
The property offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. The room is perfect and spacious, and the bed is extremely comfortable. The staff is incredibly accommodating, helpful, and friendly. Highly recommended if you are looking for where to stay in Chiang Rai.
MORA Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Are you on the search for a superb boutique hotel in Chiang Rai? This one’s for you!
MORA Boutique Hotel is a beautiful property with an incredible design very well thought out. It features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, free bikes, and a fitness center. The room is spacious and extremely clean.
Plus, the location is fantastic as it is the central location in town. It is literally 2 steps away from the Saturday Night Walking Street and has a wide selection of restaurants and bars nearby! I truly recommend it for the best stay in Chiang Rai with a great location!
Nak Nakara Hotel
High-Range: Nak Nakara Hotel is considered one of the most popular hotels in Chiang Rai for high-range choice. It is located in the town center and close to many restaurants and shopping. Just a short walk to the walking street market and it’s definitely the best choice if you’re looking for where to stay in Chiang Rai!
Plus, the property is decorated with modern Lanna style in vibrant colors. The rooms are extremely comfortable and spacious. The staff is really friendly, and helpful and makes sure you have a wonderful stay. Besides, this hotel also offers free bicycle rental, unlimited free bottled water, and fresh fruit every day! A great value hotel.
Le Patta Hotel
High-Range: Le Patta Hotel is another option for a comfortable stay in the city. It has some amazing facilities and amenities that will help you have a comfortable stay; plus, you will be a short walk from the city’s landmarks such as Old Bus Station, Clock Tower, and Night Bazaar! The room is spacious with a private balcony. The staff is super friendly and always willing to help.
Blue Lagoon Hotel
Mid-Range: Blue Lagoon Hotel is another wonderful choice in the city for a few-night stay. This nice 3-star hotel is amazing with a modern open layout design and beautiful pool area. Plus, the rooms are very nice and clean. The location of the hotel is central and perfect for the different excursions around the city. Everything is perfect.
Where To Stay in Chiang Rai On a Budget
If you’re traveling to Chiang Rai on a budget and looking for best simple accommodation and hostel, look no further! You will be surprised to find out that there are literally many amazing budget hotels in the city with cheap price. Below you can find the best ones we have selected for you:
Connect Hostel
Connect Hostel – This 2-star hotel is an amazing place with great service for the best budget stay in Chiang Rai. The property features accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, a shared lounge, a terrace, and some of its good facilities. The staff is super-duper friendly and nice! Choose from the private rooms and dormitory rooms, I’m pretty sure you will have a great stay here.
Baan Mai Kradan Hostel
Baan Mai Kradan Hostel has a great location, not very far from the city center within 10-minute walk. It features accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, and free Wi-Fi in all rooms. The staff is super friendly and the rooms are clean. Generally a calm chilled atmosphere, with plenty of places to sit and read or relax.
Spinomad hostel
Spinomad hostel – This cozy hostel is conveniently located within walking distance of the morning market, bus station, night bazaar, clock tower, and many more attractive temples. Plenty of food all around the place. The property is also very clean and the staff is extremely friendly to make you feel at home.
Overview: Best Stay in Chiang Rai
All in all, here is the best pick of hotels and hostels for your best stay in Chiang Rai. Hopefully you have already chosen a place to stay among all my lists above! I hope I haven’t made it too difficult for you to choose, as all the options are great and they offer an amazing service!
Lastly, if you need more travel inspiration to Thailand, here you can find all our articles about this wonderful place:
Travel to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai:
- Chiang Mai Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Chiang Mai Food Guide: Where and What To Eat
- Things To Do in Chiang Rai Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Where To Stay in Chiang Mai: Top 4 Best Areas
Travel to Bangkok:
- Bangkok Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog
- Day Trip to Ayutthaya Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Where To Stay in Bangkok: Best Areas and Hotels
- Bangkok Food Guide: Where and What To Eat in Bangkok
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