Chiang Mai may not be the first honeymoon destination that comes to mind but in the past few years a number of darling boutique hotels have popped up that are surprisingly beautiful…and surprisingly expensive for a town where you can still find a guesthouse for $10-15 a night.

Perhaps not the most practical on your average vacation, but worth the splurge on your honeymoon? Definitely.

The Rose of the North is a romantic destination perfect for the couple who would prefer roaming a few back roads hand-in-hand over wasting the day away sipping cocktails. Chiang Mai has a laid-back vibe, but there’s always a quiet buzz of activity. If you’re in the mood to explore, you’ll find plenty to do, but the city’s sleepy pace doesn’t make you feel the least bit guilty if you’d rather just spend the day at the spa or make the most of your honeymoon suite.

Each of the properties below are all incredibly romantic, stylish and elegant but also have their own unique vibe (from a sleek urban boutique hotel to sprawling luxury resorts complete with their own rice fields) and a range of room rates. Read on to find the perfect Chiang Mai honeymoon hotel to fit your personality.

Click on the bold hotel names to be taken to where you can look up current rates and book rooms on Agoda, a hotel booking engine that is especially good for finding the lowest hotel rates in Asia. All prices below are based on what Agoda is currently listing as the starting rates in Thai baht but they always change so please just use them as a rough starting point. That said, while you may first find the lowest deals on Agoda, it’s often worth seeing if there are any discount or special packages when booking with boutique hotels directly.

Raya Heritage

Who it’s for: The understated, yet particular, couple that appreciates the little details and a natural atmosphere. 

If I were the one doing the honeymooning, I think this would currently be my top pick for a honeymoon hotel in Chiang Mai. Combining the best of Lanna heritage and modern minimalism, Raya Heritage is a serene riverside hotel just a hop and a skip north of the city center. Opened just last year, the property is so. well. done. Fresh feeling without feeling too new (I know, I’m picky). Massive suites, airy terraces and carefully curated details – from the local microbrews in the mini bars to hand-dyed indigo and ebony textiles everywhere, Raya Heritage is a unique mix on minimalist design, natural Thai aesthetics and quiet grandeur.

The food is bomb too. When you feel like exploring town, board a complimentary shuttle and be at the heart of the action in less than 15 minutes.

• Prices begin at ฿10,000 per night
• Address: 157, Moo 6, T. Donkaew, A. Mae Rim, Chiang Mai

Rachamankha

Who it’s for: The design-focused, architecture-loving couple who like secret hideaways.

The meticulously designed Rachamankha is one of Chiang Mai’s most unique hotels taking design cues from the region’s historical architecture, materials and aesthetic.  Hidden down a quiet soi in Chiang Mai’s Old City, Rachamankha is a great choice for first-time visitors to Chiang Mai who want to wander the city’s twisting alleys and discover the dozens of gorgeous temples nearby before returning to the seclusion of the Rachamankha to idle the rest of the day poolside or indulge a traditional Thai massage in an open-air pavilion. If you want to live the good life and discover Lanna culture during your Chiang Mai honeymoon, then this boutique hotel is for you.

• Prices begin at ฿4,500 per night
• Address: 6 Ratchamanka 9 Alley, T. Si Phum, A. Muang, Chiang Mai

The Inside House

Who it’s for: The couple that… Actually this just for the bride who wants to feel like a princess. 

There are no words for this new boutique hotel in the center of Chiang Mai’s Old City that opened last year. Even now just driving by my mouth starts to fall open… Imagine Taj Mahal-level majesty combined with Lanna (northern Thai) charm and you begin to capture the essence of the drop-dead-gorgeous Inside House. The all-white decor will make minimalists swoon but it’s the extravagant amenities and top-notch service that leave a lasting impression.

Choose from balcony, jacuzzi pool or sky pool suites. (Seriously, a private infinity pool with uninterrupted views of the city?!? No words.)

• Prices begin around ฿6,000 per night
• Address: 56 Samlarn Road, T. Phra Sing, A. Muang, Chiangmai

akyra Manor Chiang Mai

Who it’s for: The urban-loving couple that wants a more sleek and sexy hotel…complete with couple’s bathtub overlooking the city. 

Stylish and modern, akyra Manor Chiang Mai is the perfect honeymoon hotel for the trendy couple. Whether your idea of romance is a bottle of sparkling wine and a gorgeous sunset, a couple’s massage, or a private cooking class, their bespoke, all-inclusive service is sure to impress. While you may never want to leave your gorgeous surroundings, akyra Manor is a great jumping off point from which to explore. Located in the hip Nimmanhaemin neighborhood to the west of the city center, this 5-star boutique hotel is ideally situated. The neighborhood is highly walkable, and most of the city’s best bars, restaurants and boutiques are only steps away. While akyra Manor itself boasts one of the city’s best Italian eateries, as well as a top-notch rooftop bar, if you just pick a new direction each evening and walk for five or ten minutes, you’re sure to be in for a treat. The modern couple with hipster sensibilities with love spending their honeymoon at akyra Manor.

• Prices begin around ฿4,700 per night
• Address: 22/2 Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 9, T. Suthep, A. Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 50200

Four Seasons Chiang Mai

Who’s it for: The couple that likes recognized global names rather than (and a romp in rice fields…)

The Four Seasons name alone should tip you off to the elegance and attention to detail you’re in for, but the Four Seasons Chiang Mai is seriously gorgeous. While the above hotels are newer and more intimate, the Four Seasons is one of Chiang Mai’s grandest and most established luxury hotels. Even seasoned travelers will appreciate the harmonious way the tropical landscape, Northern Thai culture and luxury amenities all come together at this 5-star resort. While the architecture and landscaping are jaw-dropping, the three restaurants, luxury spa and signature service are also excellent in their own right. Basically, you won’t want to leave the resort, and I think when you’re on your honeymoon, that’s completely justified.  Located on the outskirts of the city, the Four Seasons Chiang Mai is the ideal honeymoon hotel for newlyweds looking to retreat from the world.

• Prices begin around ฿15,000 per night
• Address: 502 Moo 1, Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, A. Mae Rim, Chiang Mai

Anantara Chiang Mai

Who it’s for: The sophisticated couple who want to play it safe but still want some style. 

Even with newer, cooler hotels popping up, this property still remains one of my go-to favorites. Once the home of the first British Consulate in Chiang Mai, this sleek hotel commands a prime riverside location not far from the city’s infamously busy night market. From the tranquility of the Anantara Chiang Mai, however, you would think you were miles away from the city. The grassy lawn, tall trees, open walkways and elegant verandas make this riverside resort refreshing to stay in and fun to explore. Whether you’re relaxing at the onsite spa, dining at The Service 1921 concept restaurant, or enjoying high tea (highly recommended – the live four string quartet is a lovely touch!), there’s an attention to detail and sense of creativity at the Anantara that feels really special. (And if you don’t stay here, consider just going for a drink or meal!) If you’re looking for old world charm with modern amenities, then the Anantara Chiang Mai is your perfect honeymoon hotel.

• Prices begin around ฿12,000 per night
• Address: 123-123/1 Charoen Prathet Road, T. Chang Khlan, A. Muang, Chiang Mai

137 Pillars House

Who’s it for: The sophisticated couple who has even more money to spend. (This place is incredible.) 

Another heritage property, the 137 Pillars House was once the headquarters of the Borneo Trading Company. One of the first foreign-owned residences in Chiang Mai, this boutique hotel is located in the historic Wat Ket neighborhood and named for the 137 pillars that support the 125-year-old teakwood home at the heart of the property. Beautifully restored, the interiors are decorated with rich woods and sumptuous silks. (Sounds like a generic luxury hotel description – but it’s true!) Each suite at 137 Pillars House is individually designed while the onsite bar and restaurant pay special attention to local ingredients and highlight traditional flavors in creative, modern ways. If your definition of luxury is being surrounded by old, beautiful things and you think romance is all about the details, then this heritage boutique hotel is where you should spend your honeymoon in Chiang Mai. The neighborhood is also interesting and home to several cute cafes, riverside restaurants and handicraft boutiques.

• Prices begin around ฿17,000 per night
• Address: 2 Soi 1, Na Wat Gate Road. T. Wat Gate, A. Muang, Chiang Mai

The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai

Who it’s for: The couple that wants to shock everyone back at home that this is a real place. 

The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai is the most extra, over-the-top hotel in Chiang Mai. In a good way way…but also, like, whoah.

Naturally, it has everything you could ever want in a 5-star luxury resort, from gorgeous architecture and design, to a highly trained concierge and an award-winning spa that’s a destination of its own. Along with crazy architecture and sprawling grounds, there’s also a strong emphasis on wellness at The Dhara Dhevi, whether it’s starting the day with yoga or restoring your mind and body through Ayurvedic treatments at the Dheva Spa and Wellness Centre.

Special classes and events showcase the best of Thai and northern Thai culture, and five onsite restaurants also bring the world’s cuisine to you, featuring Thai, Chinese, French, Italian and international menus. If you want everything and more from your luxury all-inclusive resort, then spoil yourself and spend your honeymoon at The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai.

• Prices begin at ฿13,000 per night
• Address: 51/4 Moo 1, Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Road, T. Tasala, A. Muang, Chiang Mai

Chandra Residence

Who it’s for: The couple that always finds the best Air BnB.

Designed by an artist and architect couple, the Chandra Residence is a boutique pool villa just southwest of Chiang Mai’s city center. Designed around a central pool and surrounded by a tropical garden, Chandra Residence offers a private place to relax and unwind during your honeymoon. Here you can have everything you need brought to you, including a chef or massage therapist, or in minutes, a private car can deliver you to your Chiang Mai destination of choice, or whisk you off on a personalized sightseeing tour. A private paradise, Chandra Residence is perfect for the artsy couple looking for an intimate honeymoon hideaway.

• Prices begin around ฿23,000 per night
• Address: 443, Moo 12, T. Nhong Hwai, A. Hang Dong, Chiang Mai

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